Emlenton sits within the rolling Allegheny foothills of western Pennsylvania, where the elevation ranges from 870-1,100 feet above sea level. The climate features distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold winters, making May through October the prime camping season. Yurt camping near Emlenton offers waterfront options with several campgrounds positioned along Oil Creek and the Allegheny River, providing easy access to water recreation activities.
What to Do
Disc golf adventures: Rose Point Park has an arcade and more active pursuits nearby. "I stayed in a cabin with a few friends. It was a great area with a lot to do around it!" reports one visitor to Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping.
Kayaking and fishing: The Clarion River at Clear Creek State Park provides crystal-clear waters perfect for fishing and paddling. "The Clarion is a crystal clear, shallow, rock bottom river perfect for a cool off, fishing or kayaking," notes a camper. "There are two kayaking/tubing companies in Cook Forest to hire watercraft to float the river."
Hiking forest trails: The Gerard hiking trail runs through Oil Creek State Park, offering 36 miles of woodland paths. "Oil Creek - which is really a river - runs right down the middle of the park. It is a stocked creek and it's great for both trout and bass fishing," explains one visitor who enjoyed connecting to trails from the nearby campground.
What Campers Like
Waterfront sites: Two Mile Run County Park offers lakeside camping with varied terrain. "Couple beautiful walk in tent sites right on the water. Plenty of nice hiking trails. Great beach for kids," describes a camper at Two Mile Run County Park.
Wooded privacy: Breakneck Campground provides secluded camping experiences near McConnells Mill State Park. "We were lucky enough to be able to camp down by the stream. There are designated fireplaces. It is quite a walk up the hill to the campground amenities, but worth it to feel secluded," says one visitor who appreciated the Breakneck Campground setting.
Seasonal celebrations: Many campgrounds host special weekend events, particularly during fall. "Halloween weekends are a great time to visit!" recommends a camper at Rose Point Park. Another notes their Halloween experience included "Pumpkin Carving Contest, Voting On Pumpkins, Camp Store Sales, T-Shirts And Apparel, Dance Party."
What You Should Know
Site layouts vary significantly: At Clear Creek State Park Campground, "Most of the sites will require leveling blocks," advises one camper. Another notes that the best unpowered RV site is "site 40– private and waterfront" while the best powered RV site is "39– private and waterfront."
Limited connectivity: Cell service ranges from nonexistent to spotty across the region. "No phone reception at this one!" notes a camper at Clear Creek, while Tionesta reports "1-2 bars of Verizon coverage."
Weather considerations: Spring camping can be challenging. One camper at Tionesta reports: "It was early April, the snow had just fallen week before, and it got pretty cold during the night. Still, the hiking trails were in great condition!"
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Mercer-Grove City KOA offers kid-focused amenities. "They have too many amenities to list. Of note, the pool water was decently warm and they had an outdoor exercise area in addition to the playground," explains one family that visited.
Educational opportunities: Oil Creek State Park features historical displays about America's first oil industry. "It is the site of the world's first commercial oil well, and where the oil industry began in the United States around 1860," notes a camper.
Wildlife viewing: Several parks offer opportunities to spot native animals. "Some parts of the creek also have a lot of northern water snakes (we saw 4 near the Blood Farm day use area) which was cool to see," reports a visitor to Oil Creek Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Alternative routes: Pay attention to campground directions rather than GPS. "We came in from the west on US-6 to PA-66, and up PA-36. From I-80, take the exit for PA-36 then follow the signs to Tionesta," advises one RVer at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground.
Site selection matters: Research specific site numbers before booking. "We had sites #46 and 48 right above the creek surrounded by tall trees. Incredibly quiet," recommends an RVer at Tionesta who enjoyed these prime locations.
Utility placement: Check utility locations when choosing sites. "The utilities were about 3/4 the way to the back of the site so no problems with sewer, water, or electric cord lengths. The water pressure was okay at about 42 psi," notes an experienced RVer detailing their Tionesta stay.
