Best Campgrounds near Ford City, PA

Camping areas around Ford City, Pennsylvania encompass a range of developed campgrounds and primitive sites within the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania. Crooked Creek Lake offers tent and RV camping with water access from Memorial Day through Labor Day, while Mountain Top Campground in nearby Tarentum provides year-round options including cabins. Silver Canoe Campground in Rural Valley features 100 sites with full hookups and accommodates tents, RVs, cabins, and glamping setups. Several state parks including Cook Forest State Park and Keystone State Park provide additional camping opportunities within driving distance of Ford City.

Seasonal considerations shape the camping experience in this region, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. Crooked Creek Lake's camping season runs strictly from Memorial Day to Labor Day, while others like Mountain Top Campground and Silver Canoe Campground remain open year-round. Most developed campgrounds in the area offer amenities such as drinking water, electric hookups, and shower facilities, though availability varies by location. Cell service can be limited in some areas, particularly in the more remote campgrounds. "We had 2 bars on Verizon," noted one camper at Tionesta Recreation Area, highlighting the variable connectivity throughout the region.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the area. Clear Creek State Park, though slightly farther from Ford City, earns praise for its location along the Clarion River. "The Clarion is a crystal clear, shallow, rock bottom river perfect for a cool off, fishing or kayaking," according to one review. Campgrounds with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails are common throughout the region. Several reviewers mention the importance of booking well in advance, especially for holiday weekends and summer months when campgrounds fill quickly. Noise levels vary by campground and timing, with some visitors noting peaceful experiences during weekdays and more activity on weekends. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas are available at several campgrounds, making the Ford City area suitable for various camping preferences.

Best Camping Sites Near Ford City, Pennsylvania (92)

    1. Crooked Creek Lake

    6 Reviews
    Ford Cliff, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 763-3161

    $15 - $35 / night

    "This is a small campground next to Crooked Creek Lake. The lake is manmade and maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. There is a small beach and picnic tables."

    "Nice small, quiet campground near Crooked Creek. Affordable as well. Love the lake, there is even a little beach for the family. Definitely worth a visit."

    2. Mountain Top Campground

    7 Reviews
    Russellton, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 224-1511

    $48 / night

    "What amazing views from this location! It actually does really sit at the mountain top and gives you pretty good views of the valleys and surrounding areas from any of the rim campsites."

    "Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond. Basic amenities."

    3. Silver Canoe Campground

    4 Reviews
    Indiana, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 783-6000

    $8 - $51 / night

    "Large sites, nice restrooms, big hall, pool, lake to canoe, boat & fish. They have a small cafe for breakfast and lunch. You can rent the hall for parties and weddings."

    "The camp store was a great asset for small items left behind, plus prices were great for ice and firewood. We will be back!"

    4. Smith Grove

    2 Reviews
    Cabot, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 285-3600

    $30 - $95 / night

    5. Mountain View Camps

    1 Review
    Kittanning, PA
    12 miles
    +1 (814) 952-1488

    $20 - $70 / night

    "Great place to stay close to hiking trails and fishing spots. Hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn."

    6. Wheel-in Campground

    1 Review
    Indiana, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 354-3693

    7. Keystone State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Latrobe, PA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 668-2939

    $18 - $70 / night

    "Camped in the Lakeside Loop. This State Park is so Clean! The campground gives you easy access to anything you want to do. Fish, swim, hike, bike, kayak. It can all be done."

    "This is our second time staying here - once in Electric site on Lakeside and this time non electric site on Hillside. Love this side of Hillside - quiet and shaded."

    8. Bear Ridge Campground & RV Resort

    1 Review
    Kittanning, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 822-6521

    9. Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins

    51 Reviews
    Cooksburg, PA
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 744-8407

    $20 - $67 / night

    "Look at the campground map before you book your site if being close to a bathroom is important; ours was across the campsite behind us but we had to step in a rock set in the stream to get to it without"

    "There is a pet trail through the woods that was really great to take our dog rather than walking around the campground."

    10. Milton Loop Campground

    2 Reviews
    Punxsutawney, PA
    19 miles
    Website

    "Pet friendly and close to a boat ramp, making fishing and kayaking easy."

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Recent Reviews near Ford City, PA

349 Reviews of 92 Ford City Campgrounds



Guide to Ford City

Camping near Ford City, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Ohiopyle State Park. One camper mentioned, "There is a lot of hiking nearby, most of which you need to drive to within the state park."
  • Rafting: If you're feeling adventurous, head to the river for some rafting. A visitor shared, "Stayed here one weekend and rafted down the Ohio Pyle river. Very convenient to the river and town."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Raccoon Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. One review noted, "The lake is lovely! The only downside is that the airport is pretty close so at times you can hear planes taking off."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Cook Forest State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The whole campground is mostly wooded with hardly a bad site."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and shower facilities. One camper at Laurel Hill State Park Campground remarked, "The bathrooms were cleaned daily, but could use some updating."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Prince Gallitzin State Park - Crooked Run Campground offer a playground and a private beach. A family shared, "This is a great campground. Private beach on the lake for campground guest use only as well as a playground."

What you should know:

  • Site Spacing: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Parker Dam State Park Campground noted, "This camp ground feels very crowded. There is a nice little lake area where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many areas have poor cell reception. One camper at Clear Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "None of the major carriers have service here, but I needed to ‘get away’ for the night so it was perfect."
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Keystone State Park Campground is open from the first Friday in April to the third Sunday in October.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A parent at Tomlinson Run State Park Campground said, "Much to do to occupy a few days. We hiked but there is also rental boats and kayaks."
  • Choose Shaded Sites: Opt for sites that provide shade to keep cool. A camper at Parker Dam State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site was nice and shaded."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. One visitor at Breakneck Campground shared, "I left grill and cooler out when I left and came back to it still there."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure to choose a level site for your RV. A reviewer at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground noted, "The electric sites are very close together."
  • Bring Extensions: Some campgrounds may require longer power cords. A camper at Laurel Hill State Park Campground advised, "You may want to have an extension for your power cable."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to local attractions. A visitor at Cook Forest State Park Campground mentioned, "The tall trees are amazing. It's so peaceful, friendly and quiet here."

Camping near Ford City, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ford City, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ford City, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 92 campgrounds and RV parks near Ford City, PA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ford City, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ford City, PA is Crooked Creek Lake with a 3.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ford City, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Ford City, PA.

What parks are near Ford City, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Ford City, PA that allow camping, notably Crooked Creek Lake and Tionesta Lake.