The region surrounding Franklin, Pennsylvania offers diverse camping options within western Pennsylvania's rolling hills. Most Franklin area campgrounds feature tree-lined sites at elevations between 1,100-1,400 feet, with summer temperatures averaging 80°F during peak camping season. The area typically receives significant rainfall during summer months, making waterproof gear essential for tent campers.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: The 27-hole course at Oil Creek Family Campground provides a challenging woodland experience. "We had a blast on the disc golf course, fishing in the pond, and playing ping pong," notes a visitor who enjoyed the recently expanded course that winds through the wooded property.
Floating the creeks: Access to Oil Creek provides excellent water recreation opportunities with gentle currents suitable for beginners. "It is a stocked creek and it's great for both trout and bass fishing. Some parts of the creek also have a lot of northern water snakes which was cool to see," reports one camper about the waterways near Oil Creek.
Adirondack shelter camping: Unique overnight options exist for hikers seeking a wilderness experience without full tent exposure. "The Adirondack shelters are perfectly positioned to be private from one another, each looks out over the forest. They are a raised timber platform with a slanted roof and stone chimney with fireplace," explains a visitor to Wolfkiel Run Shelters in Oil Creek State Park.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Campers appreciate the privacy and shade at Two Mile Run County Park, where natural buffers create secluded camping spots. "Shen staying at two mile you will find the sites are separated by trees and offer you your own little private area. The prices are good and you truly are in nature," notes one reviewer.
Primitive riverside camping: For those seeking a more rugged experience, Danner Primitive Campground offers paddle-in or hike-in access. "This is a hike in or paddle in only campground. The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge. The sites are level and clear, each with a new picnic table and nice fire rings with adjustable grates," explains a visitor.
Winter camping options: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, some locations remain accessible year-round. "We have stayed at the park for Christmas Eve the past two years. Had the Adirondack shelters to ourselves each year. Firewood is available but you have to donate some cash, split it and haul it to your shelter," reports a winter visitor at Oil Creek State Park.
What you should know
Bridge access limitations: Some campgrounds have restricted entry points for larger vehicles. "We were contacted by campground about an alternate route. My daughter called and learned it was regarding a small bridge that would accommodate our 31' RV, so we went that route," notes a visitor to Mercer-Grove City KOA.
Variable shower facilities: Bathroom quality differs significantly between campgrounds in the region. "The center bathhouse located adjacent to the pavilion with 2 shower stalls and an additional toilet per gender has unfortunately fallen into somewhat disrepair over the last decade. The up side is that there is always hot water," comments a frequent visitor to Cook Forest State Park.
Cash requirements: Many smaller campgrounds operate primarily with cash. At some facilities, amenities like firewood require on-site cash payments. Even dump station usage for non-guests may require cash payment, as one visitor noted: "They permit non guests to utilize the dump site at a small fee $20 during non peak times."
Tips for camping with families
Water-based activities: Families with children appreciate accessible swimming areas during summer months. "Couple beautiful walk in tent sites right on the water. Plenty of nice hiking trails. Great beach for kids," mentions a camper at Two Mile Run County Park regarding the lake facilities.
Entertainment options: Family-oriented campgrounds often provide scheduled activities. "Plenty of activities for the kids, awesome lasertag course. Best shower house I've seen," reports a visitor to Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest, highlighting the organized recreation opportunities.
Maze and playground access: Some campgrounds feature unique amenities that keep children entertained. "They have a great playground, a maze, a catch and release pond. Lots of things to do to keep the kids, or in our case the grandkids occupied," notes a visitor to Oil Creek Family Campground about their distinctive features.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: RVers should research specific site dimensions before booking. "We stayed in site C6 one of the reservable sites. Every site has plenty of room. And most if not all of the full hookups are pull throughs," advises a visitor at Two Mile Run County Park.
Road conditions awareness: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain features. "Only reason for not 5 stars is the 3 dirt speed bumps with no signs. You hit them pulling a camper and it was horrible," cautions a camper at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground about access road conditions.
Utility placement considerations: The location of hookups can create challenges for some RV configurations. "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 a Tionesta camper regarding the practical layout of camping sites near Franklin, Pennsylvania.
