Are you planning a tent camping trip to Franklin? We've got you covered. Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Franklin, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Franklin, Pennsylvania's most popular destinations.
Primitive Camping Area; Permit required for more than one night stay.
$8 / night
It's pretty dark here. There are no large cities anywhere around here.
My family moved here in 1957 and I purchased it from my father in 1975.
My wife is responsible for much of the landscaping and home improvements that have been done since 1990.
We are retired self-employed.
Perfect for families and friends who want to have a private, spacious camping area.
$22 - $75 / night
🏞Allegheny Riverfront camping on a private island!
Private Island 5 minutes away from Tidioute, PA.
🏕Campsites
🌳Treehouse
🏞Cabin and whole island rental
🛶Kayak rentals & shuttle available
$55 - $400 / night
The backpacking shelter and tent sites can hold 4 people per site. A group can be no larger than 12 people and requires purchase of enough sites to accommodate your group. This shelter is an Adirondack style lean-to shelter with a stone fireplace.
Travel Alert: As of 10/21/2022 PennDOT will be closing Petroleum Center bridge by the park office due to sever structural damage. The bridge will be closed to all vehicle traffic but is open to bicycle, and foot traffic. This closure is expected to be in effect for the foreseeable future. For anyone traveling from the south to reach the Park Office, McCrea Farm/ski trails, Egbert pavilion and the southern delayed harvest area, you will need to follow detour signs in Rouseville directing you onto Rt. 227. If traveling from the north, you will need to follow detour signs directing you to Rt. 227 into the town of Plummer. Park directional signs are located along 227 in the town of Plummer.
In 1992 (Public Law 102-271) added 87 miles of the Allegheny River to the National Wild & Scenic River System classified as Recreational. The goal is to protect the existing outstanding and remarkable values and preserve a free-flowing condition for present and future generations. This designation applies to the following three sections: 7 miles from below Kinzua Dam to Route 6 bridge in Warren 48 miles from Buckaloons Campground to Alcorn Island (by Oil City), and 32 miles from south of Franklin to Emlenton. The corridor boundary runs along the plateau ridge on both sides and has extensive areas of privately owned lands with many homes and seasonal recreational residences along the shoreline. Public access is good generally from both sides and few hazards make this an ideal river for novice and family canoeing. Oak forests predominate along steep side slopes and there is wooded-riverine habitat in some of the floodplains. It contains the seven Allegheny Wilderness Islands often used by boaters for dispersed camping and fishing. The Allegheny Islands Wilderness contains seven islands stretched between Buckaloons and Tionesta along the Allegheny Wild and Scenic River. The islands are popular for dispersed camping, exploration, and viewing scenery and wildlife. They are mostly vegetated with fine riverine forests of sycamore, silver maple, shagbark hickory, and green ash. Dense grasses and other thick vegetation make access limited. There are no developed trails or other facilities on the islands. The Allegheny River is one of the primary tributaries to the Ohio River. It joins with the Monongahela River to form the Ohio River at the "Point" in Pittsburgh, PA. The Allegheny starts in Pennsylvania, near Cobb Hill, meanders into New York into Cattaraugus County, near Salamanca, before heading back into Pennsylvania northeast of Warren. The course of the river forms much of the northwestern boundary of the Allegheny National Forest before reaching Franklin where the river turns southeast. Within the borders of the Allegheny National Forest the river is fed by Kinzua Creek, Conewango Creek, Brokenstraw Creek, Tionesta Creek, Oil Creek and French Creek. The Clarion River joins the Allegheny near Kittanning.
Pioneer Trails Tree Farm has 35 acres of beautiful fir, spruce, and pine trees to explore. Pioneer Trails Tree Farm has been serving Ohio and Western Pennsylvania for over 30 years, the Perdulla family welcomes your family this camping season!
Reserve Your Space – Camping Season Opens May 1st. Primitive camping sites are available May 1st - October 31st for those wanting to escape the daily grind to get a bit of country peace and quiet.
$35 / night
This is a newly created campsite that has picturesque view of surrounding farmland and of Peek-n-Peak. Located conveniently off of Rt426 with a slight drive along a field to reach the destination. Private and out of the way. Plenty of wildlife (family of fox and usually mamma deer and her babies, can normally be seen doing what animals do. Close to Peek-n-Peak and Findley Lake and its many amenities.
This is a little campsite on top of a hillside besides, you guessed it, a big oak. This is on a working hay farm, so depending on when you arrive you might be able to see hay being harvested. Again, this a new campsite so improvements will be made based on demand.
To enter the property, you will use a field entrance right off Harrington Hill Road (coming from the west it will be on your left-hand side). We have the way marked for you with posts/markers so hopefully it will take you right there. Please be aware this is located on top of a hill (with a big oak, hence its name :)) and you will be going through an active hay field to reach it.
$20 / night
Scout
Cooks forest is absolutely gorgeous. I look forward to returning as there are a lot of hiking opportunities we missed. We stayed in the pet friendly area, which was nice. There is a pet trail through the woods that was really great to take our dog rather than walking around the campground. Our site was right next to a drinking water spigot and a path to the bath house. The sites near ours were in a wooded area, which felt more private than many of the other sites we saw. There was a fore pit and a picnic table. Our fire pit was behind where the camper was parked, which also felt more private. There is no alcohol permitted in PA state parks, so alcohol is prohibited in the campground as well. It was a great spot, and we look forward to returning.
Scout
This is my first time dispersed camping and the spot is nice for a first go. Was able to drive in which I why I chose this area. Currently finish up the night and once the fire dies down I’ll head to bed. As some one has mentioned the only real downside is the road near by, but the traffic is at a minimum.
Scout
Beautiful place. Host was very accommodating. Great time.
Scout
I came up for an event at the farm show grounds(yes the event you’re thinking of). I made a reservation and paid in full the day after it was announced 6 days beforehand. I got a call the day before Friday stating that I wasn’t able to check in until 1PM and the latest was 8PM. I asked if I could park there before the event and deal with it later. The owner reluctantly agreed, however said that my vehicle would be towed if I came after 8. He also stated that I couldn’t check in early or wait a little. Gates closed at 1; and was over at 8 and couldn’t leave the parking lot until 10. Needless to say I just drove home 3 hours instead. Mind you the“campground” is a quarter mile from the farm show grounds. I honestly just wanted somewhere to rest my eyes for a couple of hours in my car before I left early on the morning. I understand that places like this have policies, however this was probably the largest congregation of people Butler and the Farm Show has ever hosted. There was 10s of thousands of people in town and as a bonus the rounds were closed to due construction. If you lean even a little right, caveat emptor. The guy knew exactly what was doing. This will be the most expensive$35 this guy ever stole.
Traveler
I'm bicycle touring across the United States. First time user of dyrt. My first camping location and review. Camping in a tree farm has been cool!
I called the number listed and left a message. See the friendly manager walking the farm. He says they no longer offer the camping service due to low guest attendence. Since I've got no place else to camp, I offer to pay for the spot. Weather was a factor. So he let me stay.
Clean bathroom. Office to charge electronics and a campsite with firepit was great. Nice and quiet here also.
I do hope more people find a use for this location. The camping service needs to return. 🚲
If not, come here during the holiday season and purchase a tree! 🌲
Thank you!
Guide
Any worker over the age of 20 was super rude and they did NOT Re-Book Our Reservation For Next Year The Website sates that it is now being managed by a company called Oasis Marianas. There Are Signs Falling Apart And They Pool Was Water Orange! The Arcade was completely broken the showers were tiny and the entire place is in disrepair. The Gate was taken off the Opener And thrown into the weeds DISAPPOINTING And This Place was NOT CHEAP And Was Super RunDown.
Scout
Fun little campground with friendly staff and wide open spaces. Clean bathrooms, great pool, fun little game room. The playground got 2 thumbs up from a 4 and 6 year old. There was a movie night every night. Close to stores (15 mins). The KOA is close to Presque isle and the amusement park, which is a fantastic place for kids. Sites were a good size and comfortable to be around.
Scout
Happy to as soon as I get to stay
Scout
Great staff great place.
Scout
Campground is closed. Roads are a minefield! Park by the dam is nice and so are the trails across from the dam. Trails by the campground are very nice, once you get through the mine field to them.
Guide
Wolf's Camping Resort Is The Perfect Campground For Family's To Stay At With Its large Swimming Pool And It's Large Game room It is prefect for kids young and old! It has a large store with helpful employees and it sits on a large plot of land that includes a small mini golf corse and a full sized 18 hole golf course with many activities and themed weekends that you can find on their Facebook it is the perfect place to come!
Guidenice little hideaway , it is however right across from where people have made a make shift shooting rang, which I thought to bea bonus.
Traveler
I took my 7yo son last year for his first time camping. He absolutely loved it!!! Everyone was very nice & the heated pool & campstore are great. He especially enjoyed the “rock mining”. He keeps wanting to go back to get the motherload bag to mine!
Scout
Nice campground with full hook ups. Close to a large recreational lake with hiking trails and a boat launch. Sites were fairly level no issues with power fluctuations and sewer worked great!
ScoutWe stayed here for a week in June 2024 in our 42-foot fifth wheel. Overall the campground is clean and well-maintained. The owner is friendly and helpful. Amenities include a heated, in-ground pool, a recreation center, a pavilion, and swing sets.
The current owners have had the campground since ~2014 and have made many repairs and improvements. Water, electric, and sewage lines have been replaced or upgraded in the past few years. We had stable electric and good water.
Unfortunately no WiFi is available, but there was a good AT&T cell phone signal.
Scout
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.
Scout
The Tuttle Campground was enjoyable. It is a well maintained park with big spacious spots.
Traveler
First time staying at Clear Creek State Park and had a spot just below where the Creek empties into the River. We were able to turn the RV so the door/awning faced the River. We saw a two different Merganser mamas with young, a green heron fishing, and a bald eagle go up the River. We were right across from the showerhouse but noise was minimal. Our dog had the riverbank to explore on her camp leash of course. Hiking above the campground was very nice and we did an easy loop of almost 6 miles. Mountain Laurels were in bloom. Very clean park. Showerhouse was well-kept. Bringing the kayaks next time.
Traveler
Quiet park. Some road noise from campsite J100 but US route 322 is lightly traveled. Typical tent site with fire ring and picnic table. Across street from bath house with shower and toilet which was clean.
Guide
We live in Oregon and our son and family live in Zelienople. We have stayed here in 2019, 2021, 2023 and now 2024. The owners and staff are wonderful, right on top of things. We enjoy spending time with our son and his family in Zeli and Harmony as well as the other Villages around. Highly recommend IBCG to everyone (until we can't get a spot!)
Ranger
We've stayed here twice, and both times have been great. The only downside for us is that we're full-time and this is close to "home." We don't really use the amenities, so we can't validate having to pay for anyone to visit us only at our rv. We understand the policy as camp hosts ourselves. People abuse areas and will bring 30 people to a place like this. It is beautifully set up with a small lake for swimming, playgrounds, pavillions, games, events, music etc. Level gravel sites with really great grassy areas. We stayed memorial weekend and it was quiet by 9 every night. They do a great job keeping the park looking beautiful. Reasonable rates.
Scout
Hidden gem! Love the seclusion of this campground. Very clean restrooms. Fantastic lake for kayaking, fishing, swimming, etc. Currently, our favorite local escape destination!
ScoutWe will definitely be back. The sites are very level, so setup is a breeze. There's plenty of spots to go fishing and hang out by the lake, plus different things to do in the area.
Guide
Just stayed the weekend very big and private sites. Very few people so easy to show up and pick a site. Bathrooms were kept very clean for pit toilet. Water spigot throughout camp no elec
ScoutThis campground was perfect for what we needed to accomplish! As first time travel trailer owners, they helped us accomplish our first trip away! Upon calling to book a site, we mentioned this was our first trip, they made the utmost effort to accommodate us with all of our needs. They escorted us to our campsite (which was larger than most) and made sure we had plenty of help getting backed in and set up! The front office and store was tiny but had a few essentials in case you forgot or didn’t have things. The site was quiet and even though you were close to your neighbors it didn’t feel like it to us! The atmosphere seemed friendly among the other campers and they were all willing to lend a helping hand where needed. They definitely made our first trip a huge success!
Scout
Was a relaxing 4 days at a tent site. Would absolutely recommend this campground!
ScoutWe love staying here when we visit family in Butler it’s a quiet family run park . It is very affordable and bathrooms are clean
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Franklin, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Franklin, PA is Danner Primitive Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near Franklin, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
