Private campgrounds in the Kennerdell area provide RV sites within a mixed terrain of rolling hills and woodland areas typical of western Pennsylvania. Seasonal operation affects camping availability, with most parks closing from November through March when temperatures can drop below freezing. Cell service remains inconsistent throughout the region due to the rural location and varied elevation changes.
What to do
River activities: Access the Clarion River at Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. "Float the river, horseback riding, ice cream, and playgrounds," notes one visitor. Trails through old-growth forest feature clearly marked paths for hikers of all skill levels.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain swimming pools as alternatives to river activities. Rvino - Campers Paradise completed pool renovations in 2023, offering a refreshed swimming experience. "New for summer 2023 is a newly redone swimming pool," reports a regular camper who appreciates the ongoing improvements.
Playgrounds and recreation: Most campgrounds provide playground equipment, sports facilities, and organized activities. "The pool and playground are awesome for the kiddos," writes a visitor to RV Village Camping Resort. Seasonal events often include themed weekends, particularly during summer and fall months.
What campers like
Wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural setting at Rustic Acres where sites provide adequate spacing between camping units. "The RV sites are large and the spacing is not crowded. The camp ground was quiet and extremely peaceful," notes one visitor who appreciated the privacy.
Campground maintenance: Regular upkeep matters to campers seeking clean facilities. "The bathrooms are close to the tenting area," reports one tent camper who stayed at Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground. Another visitor highlighted that "They keep up on the gravel and leveling which is always appreciated."
Family-oriented activities: Scheduled events keep families engaged during their stays. "We absolutely love it here!! Family camping definitely at its best. We were thrilled to find they had a children's program on Saturday mornings," shared a visitor who enjoyed the organized children's activities at Rustic Acres.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Operating seasons vary by campground. Most facilities operate from April through October, closing during winter months. Cook Forest State Park Campground extends slightly longer, remaining open from "2nd Friday in April to 3rd Friday in December."
Site layouts: Campground designs vary significantly across the region. Some feature tightly packed sites while others offer more seclusion. At Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest, visitors consistently praise the layout and maintenance, with one camper noting it has "probably the cleanest shower house I have ever seen at a campground."
Reservation timing: Popular weekends require advance planning. For holiday weekends at Cook Forest, one regular visitor advises making reservations "8-9 months out for this particular weekend." Non-holiday weekends typically require less advance booking, though summer weekends fill quickly.
Tips for camping with families
Organized children's activities: Look for campgrounds with structured programs. Rustic Acres received positive feedback from families: "Our children enjoyed the Saturday kids program, crafts, snacks and games with other children," commented one parent who appreciated the supervised activities.
Swimming options: Pools provide safe alternatives to river swimming for families with young children. Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground offers "a small lake for swimming" that families particularly appreciate. A visitor mentioned, "Our family really enjoyed staying here, and our kids especially loved swimming and fishing in the lake."
Playground accessibility: Consider campsite proximity to play areas based on children's ages. At Goddard Park Vacationland Campground, "The pools are great and lots of events each night," notes a regular visitor. However, some campgrounds position playgrounds near busy common areas, which may affect noise levels at nearby sites.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: RVers report varied experiences with site grading across regional campgrounds. At Chestnut Ridge, "Our site was level. No issues with any of the hookups. We have a 38 ft trailer and had plenty of room," reported one RVer who found the sites accommodating for larger rigs.
Utility placement: Some campgrounds position hookups in unusual locations. "Some sites require over 50' of hose and multiple power cords to reach power box due to the great amount of trees," noted one RVer about Kalyumet Campground. RVers should pack extension cords and additional water hoses when visiting the area.
Access roads: Several campgrounds have narrow entrance roads requiring careful navigation. A visitor to Goddard Park Vacationland Campground observed that "paved roads" made navigation easier, though RVers should be prepared for traffic from golf carts which are popular among seasonal campers at many rv campgrounds near Kennerdell, Pennsylvania.
