Best Campgrounds near Franklin, PA

The region around Franklin, Pennsylvania encompasses various mixed-use campgrounds with options for tent camping, RVs, cabins, and glamping. Two Mile Run County Park offers year-round access to water-based recreation on its 650-acre lake, while Kozy Rest Kampground provides more amenities with over 300 sites available from April through October. The area's campgrounds sit within the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, typically within a 30-mile radius of Franklin, providing access to both state parks and privately operated facilities. Multiple campgrounds feature fishing opportunities in nearby waterways, including Oil Creek and the Clarion River.

Campers should consider seasonal conditions when planning trips to Franklin area campgrounds. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer months when waterfront locations fill quickly. "We camped on the Ohio side of the lake but spent several hours on the Pennsylvania feeding the HUGE schools of carp at the spillway," noted one visitor, highlighting the region's popular water recreation opportunities. Snow and freezing temperatures limit winter camping options, though some year-round facilities remain accessible. Cell service varies throughout the region, with reviewers noting that T-Mobile coverage can be weak in some areas. Several campgrounds enforce alcohol prohibitions, as is common in Pennsylvania state parks, and campers should be aware of this restriction when planning their visits.

The camping experience near Franklin balances natural settings with developed amenities. Visitors frequently mention wildlife sightings as highlights, including bald eagles along the Clarion River and black bears in nearby forests. Tent sites with shade receive consistently positive feedback, with campers praising locations tucked under evergreens that provide natural privacy between sites. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "The sites are well-maintained, have a picnic table and fire ring with grill. There are a lot of cracks and crevices where bugs hide," indicating the rustic nature of some facilities despite regular maintenance. Campground options range from more remote primitive sites at Danner Campground to full-service RV parks with amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities for families.

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Best Camping Sites Near Franklin, Pennsylvania (124)

    1. Two Mile Run County Park

    5 Reviews
    Rouseville, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 676-6116

    "Couple beautiful walk in tent sites right on the water. Plenty of nice hiking trails. Great beach for kids."

    "The lake is nice for canoeing"

    2. Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest

    13 Reviews
    Boyers, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 735-2417

    3. Oil Creek Family Campground

    7 Reviews
    Titusville, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 827-1023

    "They have a large pool; a few llamas that the kids can feed and pet; a 27-hole disc golf course (recently expanded from 18 hole) primarily in the woods near and around the campground property; a small"

    "Its become our goto campground that's only an hour away from Erie."

    4. Goddard Park Vacationland Campground

    9 Reviews
    Petersburg, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 253-4645

    $35 - $175 / night

    5. Starr Farm

    1 Review
    Polk, PA
    6 miles
    +1 (412) 628-0118

    $50 / night

    "This campsite was close to an archery tournament for me. It is a huge campsite that is remote and peaceful. I will try to get this place again next year."

    6. Danner Primitive Campground

    1 Review
    Kennerdell, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 226-1901

    "The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge, but there are other trailheads throughout the tract also."

    7. Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins

    51 Reviews
    Cooksburg, PA
    32 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."

    8. Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

    11 Reviews
    Tionesta, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 755-3512

    $30 - $46 / night

    "So I’ll be honest: Sometimes I camp just so I can get close to flyfishing. This particular review has less to do with the specifics of the site (although this campground is great!)"

    "From I-80, take the exit for PA-36 then follow the signs to Tionesta and once you get near you'll see the Tionesta Recreation Area Signs."

    9. Mercer-Grove City KOA

    9 Reviews
    Mercer, PA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 748-3160

    "It’s close to the outlets and Keystone Safari. They have a fishing pond but I haven’t walked over and seen it. It’s across the street of the KOA so you could miss it if you don’t ask about it."

    "Close to where we live so it's an easy drive and a great start to the season to shake out anything that may not be working since bringing de-winterizing our camper."

    10. Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park

    2 Reviews
    Titusville, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 727-2757

    $8 / night

    "Wolfkiel is one of two hike-in areas along the Gerard Hiking Trail, in the Oil Creek State Park. Wolfkiel is made up of six(6) Ariondack Shelters and a tent camping area."

    "The walk in is less than a mile(~15min). The drop toilets were open, but probably wise to BYO toilet tissue."

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Recent Reviews near Franklin, PA

507 Reviews of 124 Franklin Campgrounds


  • Bettina A.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Bear Run Campground

    Options.

    This is an amazing campground with reasonable prices, an array of camping options to suit different camping needs as well as budget range. I am unsure if I just happen to have gotten lucky and decided to go camping during a special weekend, but it’s Labor Day weekend and I am loving that there is a calendar of events for campers to participate in if they choose to. Activities include wagon rides to the lake, talent show, karaoke…etc, as well as church! This was an unexpected gem as we are from Florida and were blessed enough to stumble upon the right person in a parking lot when my husband asked if they knew of any places that we could possibly camp at nearby and that gentleman told us about Moraine Park. Upon making our way out to here, we found Bear Run and have loved our experience so far. Love it!

  • Don H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Shenango Campground

    Great camping

    Great place to camp. Beautiful lake and wonderful people.

  • Dani T.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Clarion River Campground

    Possibly 5 Stars IF...

    This camp area could be 5 Stars if you get lucky. We got here very late, and almost all the sites were full... the one nice one that was available had food everywhere. Don't do this! There were chicken carcasses and popcorn, eggs, and a bag of food in a fire ring. Having seen racoons & other wildlife on the road in, obviously we couldn't tent there. We car c(r)amped at another site. M7(?). There was no place for a tent & no fire ring at that spot. The river view in the morning was nice though. Had we arrived earlier or gotten lucky, this area is probably an awesome camp spot! There's an information station along River Rd with a pit toilet house. On the billboard you'll find a map of the designated camp spots along both River Rd and Millstone. Take a picture of it. There's no reception here but that's how you know it's a nice area!

  • S
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground

    Great community

    When I first got here the 2 owners went above and beyond in so many ways. Unfortunately they didn’t have a 50 amp site available so the owner gave me 30 amp converter at no cost and also helped me hook up my gray water and black water connections. They keep the area pristine and welcome everyone as if they are family.

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins

    Great Getway

    This campground was great! Throughout the week in the summer it is pretty quiet. Very close to the fire tower and other things to see around it. The Knotty Pine bar and restaurant was right down the road and had great food and drink.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Wolfs Camping Resort

    Absolutely beautiful

    Super friendly staff, great location. stocked lake with catch and release fishing. Loved it.

    Stayed in May 2017

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Quiet and Secluded

    Lovely Stay at Quiet and Secluded

    Rolled up on the later side but was welcomed kindly by the owner Bill. Beautiful spot. Clean amenities!

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Clarion River Campground

    Beautiful if you can find a spot

    Busy spot. There are various large sized spots on both sides of the road. We were lucky to snag a spot on the side of the river-with our RV. We had direct River access! Quite road-We were able to walk. There were some people kayaking in the river. Dispersed spot-no cell service.

  • L
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Follys End Campground

    Great No Frills Camp!

    This place has an old time feel that me of good times past. The sites are generally spacious, and are gravel based. The driveway to the camp seemed to be recently paved. The owner is very friendly and is on site. Camp office was geared towards fishing but was very interesting. Bathrooms were clean and the grounds looked good. Was very quiet at night and generally even on the weekend. I have not seen prices this low before. Definitely will be back to try the trout fishing!

    Pet friendly, propane available, WiFi available near office, AT&T service good, Large stream runs along the property, and it was a nice hike up it!


Guide to Franklin

Camping near Franklin, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Cook Forest State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "If you're into hiking, there's lots to see here," highlighting the park's scenic routes.
  • Fishing: The Pymatuning State Park Campground is perfect for fishing enthusiasts. A visitor noted, "Beautiful lake on the Ohio/PA border," making it a great spot to cast a line.
  • Kayaking: At Linesville Campground — Pymatuning State Park, you can launch your kayak right from the campground. One reviewer said, "Great launch area from the campground to set out on your kayak or paddle board."

What campers like:

  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Campers at Bear Run Campground appreciate the welcoming vibe. One parent shared, "He absolutely loved it!!! Everyone was very nice & the heated pool & campstore are great."
  • Clean facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A camper at Jamestown Campground — Pymatuning State Park mentioned, "The wash houses scattered throughout are new and very clean."
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground. One reviewer said, "Sites were fairly level, no issues with power fluctuations."

What you should know:

  • Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds, like Cook Forest State Park Campground, are only open from May 25 to October 10. Plan your trip accordingly!
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Kalyumet Campground, have been noted as needing maintenance. A visitor remarked, "The entire place is in disrepair."
  • No alcohol allowed: If you're planning to stay at Shenango Campground, keep in mind that alcohol is not permitted. A camper noted, "Alcohol is not allowed in this campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly activities. At Kozy Rest Campground, one parent said, "Tons of activities to keep the kids busy all day!!"
  • Choose spacious sites: Opt for campgrounds with larger sites, like Breakneck Campground, where a camper mentioned, "Got a good spot down by the creek with a great view from the tent."
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have stores nearby, but it's good to bring your own food. A visitor at Bear Run Campground appreciated the camp store, saying, "There's a great little general store, in case you forget anything."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site lengths: Make sure your RV fits the site dimensions. A reviewer at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground noted, "The site was just long enough for our 39’ fifth wheel."
  • Look for full hookups: Campgrounds like Pymatuning State Park Campground offer full hookups, which many RVers prefer. One camper said, "Quite a few of the sites are lakefront and of those a number are full hook up."
  • Be aware of cell service: Some areas may have weak cell service. A visitor at Pymatuning State Park Campground mentioned, "The only slight downside for us is weak T-mobile cell service."

Camping around Franklin, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you want to hike, fish, or just relax, the campgrounds in this area are worth checking out!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any free camping spots near Franklin, Pennsylvania?

While true free camping is limited near Franklin, several affordable options exist. Tionesta Rec. Area Campground offers reasonably priced sites and provides excellent access to fly fishing opportunities in the surrounding wilderness areas. For those willing to forgo amenities, Wolfkiel Run Shelters in Oil Creek State Park provides more primitive camping experiences at minimal cost. Additionally, dispersed camping may be available in select areas of Allegheny National Forest with proper permits, though campers should always check current regulations with the Forest Service before planning their trip.

What amenities are available at Franklin, PA campgrounds?

Pymatuning State Park Campground offers lakeside sites with beautiful views, electric hookups, and excellent water recreation options. The park is popular with boaters and anglers, with efficient staff to assist campers. Shenango Campground features over 300 sites with both lakefront and wooded options, making it ideal for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Amenities across the region's campgrounds typically include clean restrooms, shower facilities, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and access to recreational trails. Many campgrounds offer electric sites and some have full RV hookups, while more primitive options are available for tent campers seeking a basic experience.

What are the best campgrounds near Franklin, PA?

The Franklin area offers excellent camping options. Clear Creek State Park Campground is highly recommended for both tent and RV camping, with beautiful sites along the Clarion River perfect for kayaking and nearby hiking trails. Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins is another top choice with good-sized sites featuring picnic tables and fire rings, plus pet-friendly areas and numerous hiking opportunities. Other notable options include Two Mile Run County Park and Oil Creek State Park, both offering scenic surroundings and outdoor recreation possibilities.