Chapman State Park Campground and Minister Creek Campground provide rustic glamping close to Irvine, Pennsylvania. The campgrounds in the Allegheny National Forest region sit at elevations between 1,300-1,700 feet, making for cool summer evenings even when days reach the mid-80s. Winter camping can see temperatures drop below freezing with significant snowfall from December through March, creating distinct seasonal camping experiences throughout the year.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: At Minister Creek Campground, you can access multiple trail segments directly from your site. "Perfect spot for star-gazing. So set the alarm for 2am and enjoy," suggests Brannon M. The North Loop trail offers several options ranging from 2-7 miles depending on your chosen route.
Reservoir activities: Tracy Ridge Recreation Area offers access points to the Allegheny Reservoir. "This isn't next to the Allegheny River but you can hike to it from here. Nice simple site to enjoy nature," notes Justin S. The wilderness setting includes multiple hiking trails departing directly from the campground leading to fishing spots.
Explore the Kinzua area: Take a 20-30 minute drive from most campgrounds to visit the Kinzua Dam and Skywalk Bridge. "We drove through the loop and noticed nearly all of the sites were close together. We did not use the public facilities, so no opinion there. 1-2 bars of Verizon coverage," reports Tim J. from Tionesta Recreation Area.
What campers like
Rustic solitude: Campers appreciate the small size and wilderness feel of Minister Creek Campground. "Smallest PA campground. Less than 10 sites. Run-of-the-mill pit bathrooms. Nice creek with some shallow pools. Offers primitive camping and has a trail that runs above the site's," writes James N.
Waterfront access: Many sites at Dewdrop Recreation Area offer direct water access. "Camped 2x now in cove near water- many trees (almost too many!), launched yak 100' from camp right into cove," shares Rebecca E. The location makes it easy for kayakers and anglers to enjoy the water without traveling from their sites.
Well-maintained facilities: At Red Bridge Recreation Area, campers comment on the quality of facilities. "Current price is $10 a bundle. Ice is only $2 a bag. Closest grocery store is in Kane. There are hiking trails nearby," explains Christine J. The campground provides a central location for exploring the broader Allegheny region.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Most campgrounds in the region have spotty cell coverage. "We got 2 bars on Verizon. The site lengths vary in the CG and the lengths from the reservation site seemed to be fairly correct," notes MickandKarla W. about Tionesta Recreation Area.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in the area, requiring proper food storage. "Coming from out of state, even though I am an avid nature explorer, I had never thought twice about encountering bears, I even naively left granola bars in my hiking pack in my tent at night," admits Katie at Dewdrop Recreation Area, who later witnessed a mother bear and cubs walking through her campsite.
Limited groceries: Quaker Area at Allegany State Park is about 35 miles from Irvine but offers more amenities than most primitive sites. "Upon entering the park it was a 20 minute drive to our site. Our site was perfect wooded, gravel pad, water spigot across the street, bear proof box (a first for us)," reports Bobby C.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible water activities: Red Bridge Recreation Area offers family-friendly shoreline. "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," writes Scott M.
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of wildlife viewing opportunities. "We did not have a boat but having a boat launch on the beautiful lake could be handy. The spaces were generous. Our site had neighbors but there was enough woods between that you weren't bothered. We also had a tiny steam where the kids explores salamanders and toads," shares Jenn G. about her stay at Dewdrop.
Seasonal activities: Camp Chautauqua offers organized activities for children. "Fun, family friendly campground. We were in a tent on a electric/water site. Sites were a little small but we made it work with three families on three sites. Lots to do, fishing, swimming pool, petting zoo, hayrides and friendly staff," writes Candi G.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-hookup sites are limited in many campgrounds. "There are only 6 spots all first come first serve and very cheap! What a wonderful find! Right along the creek where native brook trout reside," notes Monika L. about Minister Creek, indicating the need to arrive early for limited sites.
Site selection: Consider site location carefully when booking. "Not bad at all for 20 bucks, spots with electricity cost more. Came on a week night without a reservation and was almost unable to get a spot," reports David B. about his experience at Red Bridge Recreation Area.
Level site considerations: Many sites in the region have uneven terrain. "The pull ins are a bit of a draw on levelness, but none are horribly unlevel. I was in the 'B1' and it's a bit larger than the others as it's on the corner," explains Tracy S. about Red Oak Campground, noting the importance of proper site selection for comfortable RV setup.
