Surrounded by the Allegheny National Forest, Kersey, Pennsylvania sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation in the heart of Pennsylvania's elk country. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F, while winter brings substantial snowfall averaging over 100 inches annually. The area's campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy, from densely wooded sites to open meadows where elk sightings are common during fall rutting season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At High Pines RV Park in Kane, campers can access the nearby Allegheny Reservoir for fishing. "The park is close to the Allegheny Reservoir and the Kinzua Bridge," notes Ryan P., who appreciated the proximity to water recreation.
Wildlife viewing: The Benezette area features dedicated elk viewing spots. At Riverview Campsites, you're perfectly positioned for elk watching. "No cell reception. Clean and very nice," reports Tyler R., highlighting the natural disconnect that allows for better wildlife experiences.
Hiking trails: The Allegheny National Forest offers extensive trail networks. "We started on some of the hike and wished we could stay longer. The area is peaceful and serene in the fall months," writes Matthew F. about Hicks Run campground, which connects to larger trail systems.
Swimming spots: Natural swimming areas provide cooling relief in summer. "There is a swimming hole in the small creek that's great! Kids loved it! Also the river is just down on 555 with a kayak launch," shares Amber W. about Hicks Run, pointing out multiple water recreation options.
What campers like
Family-friendly activities: Structured programs for kids make family camping enjoyable. At Rustic Acres, "we were thrilled to find they had a children's program on Saturday mornings. Our children had a ball making crafts, playing games, finding items on a scavenger hunt and of course snacks!" writes Misty L.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and common areas rank high with campers. "The campground is clean, the grass is kept cut, with no trash to be seen anywhere," notes Misty L. about Rustic Acres, emphasizing the pride taken in maintenance.
Helpful staff: Many campgrounds feature attentive owners who enhance the experience. "Very nice owners were able to get us in even though we didn't have a reservation," shares Ryan P. about High Pines RV Park, highlighting the accommodating service that makes last-minute camping possible.
Spacious sites: Room to spread out matters to campers. "We had a site in the full hookup back in section, they are very nice spacious sites," notes Ryan P. about High Pines RV Park. Similarly, at Riverview Campsites, Tyler R. mentions "Campsites were very large. Pulled our 23 ft and 32 ft campers sideways across the sites."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds in the region operate on limited schedules. Twin Lakes Recreation Area has experienced infrastructure challenges. "This campground used to be run by the forest service, but was closed several years ago... A local nonprofit group has since taken it over and they are slowly getting things fixed," explains Megan V.
Water considerations: Water availability varies significantly. "At the moment there is NO water here, however the dump station is operative," warns Dave G. about Twin Lakes Recreation Area. Similarly, Megan V. notes, "there were no amenities when we stayed - no bath houses, no toilets, no water to fill up our rig with, no sanitary dump station."
Cell coverage limitations: Digital connectivity is unreliable throughout the region. "No cell reception," reports Tyler R. about Riverview Campsites. At Hicks Run, Amber W. explains, "You're down in a hollow, so not the best reception."
Hookup placement: At some campgrounds, utility connections require planning. At Kalyumet Campground, "our only complaint would be the site we were in (11) and others next to it were quite far from the water and cable hookups. I ended up having to run 60ft of water hose and 50ft of cable," shares Ember M.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Swimming options keep kids entertained. At Kalyumet Campground, "It has a really nice pool and playground for the kids," according to Stephanie H. Similarly, at Rvino - Campers Paradise, Ashley S. notes, "The swimming pool is always cold but feels great on a nice hot day."
Kid-specific programming: Structured activities provide entertainment for children. "Our children enjoyed the Saturday kids program, crafts, snacks and games with other children," shares Misty L. about Rustic Acres. At Campers Paradise, Kemberly S. simply states, "There is a ton of things to do."
Playgrounds and recreation: On-site play areas offer convenient entertainment. "The playground is conveniently located," mentions Ashley S. about Campers Paradise. At Kalyumet, Tiffany V. adds, "The kids loved the arcade and the candy scavenger hunt."
Family-friendly atmosphere: The social environment matters for family camping. At Rustic Acres, Misty L. appreciates that "I can't remember when we were at a campground where everyone said hi and waved to each other."
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: RV site dimensions vary significantly across campgrounds. At Riverview Campsites, one camper notes, "Our site was just long enough for our 39' fifth wheel." Tyler R. elaborates on the spacious setup: "Campsites were very large. Pulled our 23 ft and 32 ft campers sideways across the sites."
Electric service variations: Amperage options differ between parks. High Pines RV Park offers varying electric options as Nick O. explains: "Our site only had 30a power. Most seem to be that way. Looks like some updates are on the way."
Weather planning: Temperature variations affect comfort in RVs. Nick O. advises about High Pines: "We will go back again but making sure it's not peak summer due to not having 50A," suggesting the limitations of 30-amp service during hot weather.
Accessibility for larger rigs: Some parks accommodate big rigs better than others. Dave B. notes about Rustic Acres: "This campground is easy access to I80, Less than 10 minutes," highlighting the convenience for those traveling with larger RVs who need accessible roads.
