Dispersed camping options near Irvine, Pennsylvania include numerous pull-off sites along forestry roads in the Allegheny National Forest. Elevations in this region range from 1,200 to 2,300 feet, with forest roads that can become rutted after heavy rainfall. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day and drop to 50-60°F at night.
What to do
Paddle the reservoir: Morrison Campground provides direct water access for kayaking and canoeing on the Allegheny Reservoir. "The water is very beautiful to swim especially at night when the moon is bright," notes one camper at Morrison Campground.
Visit Hector Falls: Located approximately one mile from Forest Road dispersed camping areas, this waterfall features a 20-foot drop. "There is a really cool place called Hector Falls. The trailhead is about a mile down the road from this spot. It's about 3/4 a mile hike into the woods," explains a camper at Forestry Road Dispersed.
Night sky viewing: Hearts Content Recreation Area offers good stargazing opportunities. "The night sky is promising but light pollution from Warren inhibits a truly awesome night sky," reports a camper, while another recommends: "Quick Tip: Perfect spot for star-gazing. So set the alarm for 2am and enjoy."
What campers like
Private sites: Red Bridge Recreation Area offers sites with natural separation. "This is a beautiful campground. You have to go through the national park website to make reservations, so I feel like that's what keeps it quiet maybe," says a visitor to Red Bridge Recreation Area.
Spacious camping areas: Minister Creek Campground provides a small but well-designed camping experience. "The smallest of all of the campgrounds in the Allegheny national Forest, this little slice of heaven is just perfect! With only six campsites, it's definitely 'first come, first served.' The sites are well proportioned (not right on top of each other)," reports a visitor to Minister Creek Campground.
Clean facilities: Chapman State Park maintains high cleanliness standards throughout the park. "This park is well kept and very very clean. Attracts the friendliest people," notes a camper who adds that the site was "Secluded and beautiful. We had the whole side of the upper loop to ourselves!"
What you should know
Limited internet access: Cell service varies greatly between campgrounds. At Dewdrop Recreation Area, "There is no cell service so you really get to be away from all the hustle for a weekend," while at Hearts Content Recreation Area, one camper reported "One bar of usable Verizon 4G LTE and T-Mobile 4G LTE suitable for slow web browsing and e-mail, but little else."
Wildlife encounters: Bear sightings occur regularly in certain areas. "AND I now will not do that, luckily no bears came for a nighttime snack, but a mom and two cubs ran directly through our camp while having breakfast one morning. Only 10 foot away when the mom stopped to size up our threat level," recounts a camper at Dewdrop.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require advanced booking during peak season. "We moved here after a night on the other side of the reservoir. This side doesn't have the family hustle and bustle, but instead it has some more open spaces so stars can be seen easier and a little quieter clientele."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Quaker Area at Allegany State Park offers family-friendly amenities. "We enjoyed the hiking trails and the beach with a new modern beach house. There were lots of nature programs put on by the park," shares a visitor to Quaker Area — Allegany State Park.
Kid-friendly sites: Many camping spots accommodate children with space to play. "It was great for the kids because they were able to find instant friends and ride their bikes around," explains a camper at Quaker Area, while another notes the park includes "a nice big playground."
Beginner-friendly options: Some campgrounds specifically work well for children new to camping. "Good for young kids and new campers," says one visitor about Hearts Content, while another camper at Minister Creek reports: "Took my oldest so, 7 years old, on his first backpacking trip. It was hard for him but persevered."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Some campgrounds can accommodate substantial RVs. At Buckaloons Recreation Area, campers note "electric sites for surprisingly large rvs and trailers, mostly wired, shaded, and private," making it suitable for larger vehicles.
RV-friendly amenities: Electric hookups and dump stations are available at select sites. "I struggled to find a place open during Covid-19 (May 2020) so again, super happy. My toddler is 3 and everything is very family friendly. There is a lower and upper loop. Make sure you check Recreation.gov to make sure the site you are booking has what you need," advises a Buckaloons camper.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at certain camping sites near Irvine. "Electric was 30A and our site was not level, but we were able to find the right spot," reports a Buckaloons visitor, while another at Forestry Road notes, "I have a 25 foot travel trailer. I found numerous spots on SF-160."
