Campgrounds near Kittanning, Pennsylvania vary significantly in terrain, with elevations ranging from 800-1,200 feet in the surrounding region. Local campsites experience four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically reaching 80-85°F, while spring and fall bring moderate 50-70°F conditions. Most campgrounds in this Western Pennsylvania region sit along waterways including the Allegheny River and smaller tributaries that define the local landscape.
What to do
Kayaking the Clarion River: Cook Forest State Park Campground offers direct access to the Clarion River with gentle waters suitable for beginners. "The river is slow and serene, perfect for families," notes a camper who enjoyed floating these waters.
Fishing at local lakes: Crooked Creek Lake provides multiple fishing spots with both lake and creek access. As one visitor explains, "We fish and kayak the creek opposite the lake," which offers a different experience than the main waterway.
Hiking forest trails: Mountain View Camps sits near multiple hiking trails with unique wildlife viewing opportunities. A reviewer highlights you can "explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn" during your explorations.
Visit local Amish communities: Silver Canoe Campground provides easy access to nearby Amish areas. "Short drive to Smicksburg to shop. You may hear the horse drawn buggies of the Amish who keep their boats here," according to one camper who enjoyed the cultural experience.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Mountain Top Campground receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "This place is very clean and well maintained. The family is always out making improvements, talking with the campers, and putting on events," reports one long-term camper.
Private wooded sites: Several campgrounds offer secluded camping spots with natural buffers. At Keystone State Park, "There are some very secluded sites" in the hillside section that provide more privacy than lakeside options.
Pet-friendly policies: Many appreciate that certain campgrounds welcome dogs without breed restrictions. As one Silver Canoe visitor notes, "The main reason we started going there is because they are dog friendly and they don't hold breed restrictions against bully breeds."
Affordable options: Smith Grove stands out for budget-conscious campers. "It is very affordable and bathrooms are clean," reports one regular visitor who stays when visiting family in nearby Butler.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Availability varies significantly throughout the year. While Crooked Creek Lake operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Milton Loop has a longer season from "April 1 to October 15."
Water supply limitations: During peak periods, some campgrounds experience infrastructure challenges. "Every holiday by Saturday afternoon you have no water.and electricity always goes out," cautions one visitor about certain facilities during busy weekends.
Site variations within campgrounds: Keystone State Park has two distinctly different camping areas. "There are 2 campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The lakeside one is a glorified trailer park and is packed during the summer with no privacy."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. At Mountain Top Campground, "The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest route in. If you are Overlanding like us just follow the map."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming beaches for children: Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins offers designated swimming areas. "There was hiking trails and actually went tubing my first time here," reports one visitor who enjoyed water activities.
Site selection for tent camping: At Silver Canoe Campground, "The sites were all level and were well-shaded," according to a parent who camped with their 9-year-old, making setup easier for families with children.
Campground amenities: Crooked Creek Lake provides recreational facilities beyond water activities. "Nice beach, boat ramps, disc golf, corn hole at campground with kid playground," shares one visitor who appreciated the diverse options for different age groups.
Hard water warning: Milton Loop requires simple preparation for extended stays. "I recommend a RV water filter because the hard water will stain your bathroom if the stay is extended," advises a camper who regularly visits with children.
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Wheel-in Campground provides dump stations for waste management, but some sites like Crooked Creek Lake require specific navigation. "Pull out and make a left and it's about 500' down road on left by pavilion. Pull into the second drive to be on the correct side."
Electric hookups: Mountain Top Campground offers both standard and premium sites with utilities. "There are some lots with power and water, some with just water and some without either," allowing for selection based on your specific RV needs.
Grey water disposal options: Some campgrounds offer solutions for extended stays without full hookups. At Mountain Top, "the grey water hookup is a long hose that has an adapter which hooks up to your black and grey tank outlet and it runs down the hillside of the mountain into the grassy area."
Site levelness considerations: Finding level sites can be challenging at some locations. "Our site was flat," notes a visitor to Mountain Top, while others recommend calling ahead to request specific spots suitable for larger rigs.
