96 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $48 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $8 - $51 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $30 - $95 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $18 - $79 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Pet friendly and close to a boat ramp, making fishing and kayaking easy."
TravelerNice campground! They hold lots of random activities for kids like tie dying, tractor ride, etc. We stayed in spot 24, which is very spacious, but I did not like the fact that it’s right next to the road where cars are speeding by. I do not think this spot in particular would be good if you have small children
GuideStayed one night while visiting friends. The campground was nice but could use some updating. It was definitely geared more towards families with small children. The showers were interesting. In the men’s they had a pull cord and a button in the women’s. Hot water was more of a mild suggestion rather than an actual thing you got. Luke warm was a generous way of describing it. Not a bad campground if you have a reason to be in the area for a night, but I would recommend it for long stayed unless your camper is very self contained.
TravelerVery neat and clean and organized
TravelerI’m really impressed with this campground. Everything is very well maintained—clean, tidy, and organized. The staff and other campers are friendly, and there’s a welcoming atmosphere overall. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, a great pool, and the sites are spacious and comfortable. They even have what I’d consider professional-grade cornhole boards that look like they’re made from concrete or a similar solid material—really well built and a nice touch. It’s been a very enjoyable and relaxing place to stay.
GuideThis campground's foliage is interesting, I saw fernes growing and trees that looked older than me. I also noticed the campground has some history shown by the rust of the firepits. There is Billy's Pizza and general store which sells firewood if you go a little further down the road that maps takes you and take the second left instead of taking the first left. I think the campground also sells firewood on site. You can order Billy's Pizza and I saw them deliver to the campsites, which is amazing, havent seen that before. I'm a light sleeper and could hear truck engine braking sounds echo through the forest from the nearby highway, so the proximity to the road ruins the feeling of seclusion and the quiet. There's a restroom with a large sink outside which is nice.
ScoutClean campground, water, electric. Saw a turkey upon arrival and a deer and multiple black squirrels when departing. Nice little store with arcade, snacks and pizza they will deliver to your site on Fridays! Heated pool and pretty nice bathrooms
TravelerA great place to spend some time. Very quiet plenty of hiking trails, the river is great for kayaking. Lots of big hemlock trees. Definitely will return in the fall.
GuideKibbes campground is a old family business located on an island on the Allegheny River. Great spot for fisherman!!!! Park roads are tore up and very muddy. Bathrooms aren't the cleanest and run down. Shower house doesnt work. But they do have a nice indoor recreation room with darts, slot machines, pool tables, and nice seating. While it wouldn't be my pick of destinations, I am glad I found it. It has a old school charm and the owners are super nice!
TravelerWe arrived mid week for Memorial Day camping. No hookups obviously but beautiful large site with room for probably up to 30’ RV. The sites are WAY further apart than you think they are. Like spread more than 10 miles.
Camping options near Ford City, Pennsylvania range across the rolling hills of Armstrong County where the Allegheny River meets the forested terrain of western Pennsylvania. The region sits at approximately 800-1,000 feet elevation with typical humidity levels reaching 70-80% in summer months. Many campsites experience temperature swings of 20-30 degrees between day and night, particularly in spring and fall camping seasons.
Fishing and kayaking access: Crooked Creek Lake provides opportunities for anglers and paddlers with easy water entry points. "The lake is great for kayaking or small boats. We fish and kayak the creek opposite the lake," notes Jennifer P. at Crooked Creek Lake.
Disc golf course: The recreation area at Crooked Creek Lake features a disc golf course along with other outdoor activities. "The area is beautiful. Nice beach, boat ramps, disc golf, corn hole at campground with kid playground," reports Keith from Crooked Creek Lake.
Mountain biking trails: Several campgrounds provide access to nearby biking paths. "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," says richard C. about Mountain View Camps.
Scenic overlooks: The elevated terrain provides valley views from certain campgrounds. "I luckily got a spot on looking over a very dense tree-d valley with a beautiful sunset. Sites 41-48 are the best view at sunset," shares john H. from Mountain Top Campground.
Level, shaded tent sites: Many campgrounds offer flat camping areas with tree coverage. "My 9 year old and myself got a tent site with electric for two nights and had a great time. The sites were all level and were well-shaded," writes Rae H. about Silver Canoe Campground.
Peaceful environment: Campers frequently mention the quiet atmosphere at many Ford City area campgrounds. "We love staying here when we visit family in Butler it's a quiet family run park. It is very affordable and bathrooms are clean," notes Deborah P. about Smith Grove.
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. "We stayed at site 43 in the Hillside Loop because we brought our 2 large dogs. Site was very private and relatively flat," explains Kevin E. from Keystone State Park Campground.
Water quality considerations: Water systems at some campgrounds may require filtering. "I recommend a RV water filter because the hard water will stain your bathroom if the stay is extended," advises Amber N. from Milton Loop Campground.
Limited cell coverage: Mobile service can be inconsistent throughout the region. "Good ATT & Verizon cell service," reports Gary P. from Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins, though service quality varies by location and carrier.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have navigation issues for larger vehicles. "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in," warns Corey L. about Mountain Top Campground.
Dog-friendly options: Several campgrounds welcome pets with specific accommodations. "The main reason we started going there is because they are dog friendly and they don't hold breed restrictions against bully breeds. This place is literally a diamond find for us," shares Indy A. from Silver Canoe Campground.
Educational opportunities: Some campgrounds offer learning activities for children. "Each Memorial Saturday, a meet and greet is recreated with an American historical figure. Good fun for all," mentions a reviewer from Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins.
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There is a small beach and picnic tables. The lake is manmade and maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers," notes Jennifer P. about Crooked Creek Lake.
Dump station locations: RVers should note varying dump station arrangements. "Dump station is out the exit by ranger building. Pull out and make a left and its about 500' down road on left by pavilion. Pull into the second drive to be on the correct side," advises Keith from Crooked Creek Lake.
Electric service options: Power connections vary across campgrounds. "30 + 50amp services" are available at Mountain Top Campground according to James B., while other locations may offer more limited options.
Grey water disposal: Some campgrounds have unique systems for handling grey water. "Since they sit atop the mountain, the grey water hookup is a long hose that has an adapter which hooks up to your black and grey tank outlet and it runs down the hillside of the mountain into the grassy area," explains Dave from Mountain Top Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What outdoor activities are available while camping in Ford City?
The Ford City area offers diverse outdoor activities for campers. At Clear Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy kayaking on the Clarion River, hiking on multiple trails, and biking. The region is excellent for fishing enthusiasts, with Tionesta Rec. Area Campground providing access to some of Pennsylvania's best wilderness flyfishing. Many campgrounds feature playground facilities for families. The area also connects to scenic trails like the Great Allegheny Passage for cycling adventures. Local breweries offer relaxation after outdoor activities. Winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on many of the same trails when weather permits.
Are there any campgrounds with water access in Ford City?
Yes, several campgrounds near Ford City offer excellent water access. Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run provides free camping directly along the Great Allegheny Passage Trail with access to water resources. For Allegheny River access, Bear Ridge Campground & RV Resort near Templeton offers convenient facilities. At Clear Creek State Park, some tent sites are paddle-in only, providing a unique camping experience right on the scenic Clarion River. The river is perfect for kayaking and fishing. Many campgrounds in the area feature freshwater access points for swimming, boating, and fishing, with some offering drinking water hookups as well.
What are the best camping spots near Ford City, PA?
Several excellent camping options surround Ford City. Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins offers good-sized sites with picnic tables and fire rings with grills, plus pet-friendly areas with dedicated dog trails. The park features abundant hiking opportunities in a gorgeous forest setting. Breakneck Campground provides secluded sites relatively close to Pittsburgh, making it convenient for weekend getaways. For RV campers, Bush Recreation Area offers electric hookups and spacious sites with playground access. Crooked Creek Lake is another option with various access points including boat-in sites.
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