Best Tent Camping near Marienville, PA

Dispersed tent campgrounds are readily available in the Allegheny National Forest surrounding Marienville, Pennsylvania. Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite and Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite offer free tent camping locations with multiple established sites along forest roads. These primitive tent campsites require no reservations and provide basic backcountry camping experiences approximately 10-15 miles from town centers.

Most tent campgrounds in the area feature dirt or gravel surfaces with minimal site preparation. Campers should bring all necessary water and supplies, as these primitive areas lack amenities like toilets, drinking water, or trash collection. Fire rings are typically present at established sites, and fires are permitted when no bans are in effect. Access roads are generally navigable with standard vehicles, though some side roads may require higher clearance. One camper noted that "it rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door," highlighting the sometimes muddy conditions, particularly in spring and after rainfall.

The dispersed tent sites provide genuine forest immersion with varying levels of privacy. Areas along Loleta Road offer relatively easy access while maintaining distance from busy roads. According to reviews, "There are multiple spots along the main forest road. Some you can drive your car in and tuck it back. Other spots you can't take your car at all." Tent campers appreciate the natural setting with established fire rings at most sites. Hiking opportunities abound nearby, including trails to Hector Falls, which is about a mile hike from some of the campsites. Winter camping is possible but challenging due to cold temperatures and potentially icy conditions. The forest environment provides abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, with visitors reporting firefly displays in summer months and occasional bear activity, suggesting proper food storage is essential at these tent campgrounds.

Best Tent Sites Near Marienville, Pennsylvania (15)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Marienville, PA

10 Photos of 15 Marienville Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Marienville, PA

448 Reviews of 15 Marienville Campgrounds


  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park

    Best Hike-In Camp in PA

    Wolfkiel is one of two hike-in areas along the Gerard Hiking Trail, in the Oil Creek State Park. Wolfkiel is made up of six(6) Ariondack Shelters and a tent camping area. The Adirondack shelters are perfectly positioned to be private from one another, each looks out over the forest. They are a raised timber platform with a slanted roof and stone chimney with fireplace. There are two shelves and several hooks on the wall. Each shelter has a picnic table. The platform is large enough to sleep 4 people in sleeping bags or set up a two person tent. 

    The tent section is cleared and grassy with communal firepit and picnic table. Lots of trees to enable hammock set up. There is a supply of firewood in a covered shed for a small donation and two(2) drop toilets. Water is available in the summer months. The shelters are approx. 15min walk to the creek& Miller Farm Bridge, which joins the Oil Creek State Park trail. It’s a stunning walk with lots of small swimming spots along the way. 

    The shelters are approx. 10min drive from Titusville, PA. The walk-in from the carpark is approx. 15min– slight downhill on the way in.

  • Britt B.
    Mar. 1, 2021

    Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park

    Winter Camping at Wolfkiel Shelters

    This was our second time to the Wolfkiel Shelters in Oil Creek State Park. Wolfkiel is one of two hike-in camping areas which consists of six(6) Ariondack Shelters and a tent camping area. The road in was snow covered but easily navigated. The Shelter carpark is small and was almost full the day we arrived. The track from the carpark to the campground is beautifully graded making it easy to pull a sled in with extra supplies. The walk in is less than a mile(~15min). The drop toilets were open, but probably wise to BYO toilet tissue. The shelters have hooks that allow you to hang a tarpaulin to help keep the heat in your shelter, although not necessary, especially if the nights are still. Snow did blow into our Shelter in the morning but was minimal. There is a self-serve timber stack which was fully stocked. A donation is requested. It’s wise to bring your own kindling, or an axe to cut some from the larger pieces. The shelter fireplaces have hooks for hanging pots and pans over the flames. Even in Winter, the shelters positioned so you do not look at other shelters. They are a raised timber platform with a slanted roof and stone chimney with fireplace. There are two shelves and several hooks on the wall. Each shelter has a picnic table. The platform is large enough to sleep 4 people in sleeping bags or set up a two person tent. These shelters are very peaceful in the winter and would highly recommend them if you are keen for some“winter camping” but not keen to sleep in a tent or be completely exposed. The shelters are approx.15min walk to the creek& Miller Farm Bridge, which joins the Oil Creek State Park trail. The shelters are approx. 10min drive from Titusville, PA

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2022

    Hearts Content Recreation Area

    Great quiet little campground

    Very nice quiet small wooded campground. No hookups, about 3-4 fresh water spigots, 1 dump station and dumpster. Water pressure was very low and took a while to fill tank. 26 various sized sites, some large with plenty of space for our 22 foot tow behind and truck + some for extra vehicles. Other smaller sites for tents or vans. Self serve ice $2 wood $10. Vault toilets. Fire rings and picnic table at each site. AT&T spotty 0-1 bars. Host camper. Quiet time 10pm-6am. 1 Xlarge site for groups.

  • Bill  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2020

    Hearts Content Recreation Area

    Simple and serene

    Hearts Content is best described as a way station. The sites are nestled within a grove of immense pines. Some are large enough for large RV’s . There are no showers. Bathrooms are vault toilets. Two of the sites include Adirondack type shelters. A picnic table and fire ring are within each site. I used this site as a staging area to explore Allegheny National Forest for a week. Used a camp shower. The closest town is Warren, PA. Firewood is available at the camp host site. Across the road is an hiking area with picnic tables and the like.

  • Mary S.
    Sep. 24, 2018

    Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park

    This is a great vacation area.....spend a week!

    Did you know this is NY's largest state campground? We stopped here on a rainy night, but what we saw convinced me we need to return. I know this campground is a vacation destination for families in western NY.

    Cain Hollow is in the Quaker Run area which includes Quaker Lake. There is another campground in the Red House Area, and there are also lots of cabins. This is definitely a 4 seasons park - hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, snowmobiling, cross country skiing....

    I was able to take photos of a few sites the next morning. You can see that sites are private and you're definitely in the woods. There are food storage boxes at all campsites because you're in bear country.

  • Danielle S.
    Apr. 16, 2019

    Minister Creek Campground

    Small, rustic, gorgeous

    We stayed here July 2018 and found a quiet campsite by the creek. It had been quite rainy and some of the sites were wet and muddy, but for $12, I couldn't complain. While there is an outhouse, it is simply a couple of toilets (bring a lantern or wear a headlamp). Arrive early to get a prime spot, and take advantage of the hiking trails (a bug net for your head will help in the summer as the gnats and deer flies are distracting). Looking forward to staying again.

  • Bill  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2018

    Hearts Content Recreation Area

    Minimal offering for maximum relaxing

    This campground is within Allegheny National Forest near the town of Warren and Tidouette. The sites are few but spacious. Good for car camping, though I’m sure a smaller RVcould get by. Each site has a fire ring. Two sites have Adirondack type shelters. The night sky is promising but light pollution from Warren inhibits a truly awesome night sky. There is a vault toilet. No showers. No water either. Bring what you need! The closest town is about 30 minutes away. Lots of critter life. My dogs loved it here. We spent all days exploring the nearby trails and creeks. Price was cheap. No frills but a quiet respite for sure.

  • D
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Kelly Pines Campground

    Off the grid, lots to explore!

    This equestrian campground also has 2 non-equestrian sites, one which is reservable. There is no potable water but there is a river and a non-potable pump. There is a permanent toilet usually stocked with TP. Carry out all garbage. No electrical hookups.

    Traditional camp sites have space for multiple tents and 2 cars. Each has a picnic table and a fire pit with moveable cooking surface. We’ve never had an issue with bears or other wildlife where food and trash are concerned but we store in the cars at night to be safe. The area is usually damp so don’t count in being able to find much dry wood - we stop before driving in for wood.

    Trails galore! Mushrooms everywhere! Quiet and no cellular to distract.

  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Clear Creek State Park Campground

    Pennsylvania Favorite!

    A Pennsylvania favorite, Clear Creek State Park is a beautifully maintained, scenic park, right on the Clarion River in the Clear Creek State Park. The Park offers movies on an outdoor screen, regular nature talks and walks and has an onsite museum. The park has tent sites, RV sites and cabins. Clear Creek runs through the campground and is a perfect spot for a BBQ or Picnic. It also has a designated swimming beach with sand. There are multiple hiking trails leaving the campground. There is a general store just 5min from the park, plus multiple private firewood options on the road in. The park also sells firewood bundles. The Clarion is a crystal clear, shallow, rock bottom river perfect for a cool off, fishing or kayaking. There are two kayaking/tubing companies in Cook Forest to hire watercraft to float the river. Both floats don’t go as high as Clear Creek State Park so you won’t float past the campground, with the longest being 9 miles. The facilities are always clean, with large shower areas and always fully stocked with tissue. All sites have fire rings with adjustable grills. The best un-powered RV site is site 40– private and waterfront. The best powered-RV site is 39– private and waterfront. There are also two very private tent sites that are waterfront(classified as Kayak In tent sites) numbered CR-001& CR-002. Both waterfront, shaded with fire rings. Excellent tent sites! Note you can only book them for 1 night at a time. No phone reception at this one! They welcome furry friends at selected sites!


Guide to Marienville

Dispersed tent camping near Marienville, Pennsylvania offers rugged backcountry experiences within the Allegheny National Forest at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,100 feet. The region receives approximately 50 inches of precipitation annually, making waterproof gear essential year-round. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly during spring and fall transitions when temperatures fluctuate widely.

What to do

Waterfall hiking: Hector Falls trail provides a moderate 2-mile hike from Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite with rock formations at the base. "It's about 3/4 a mile hike into the woods. The falls are really cool to look at, and has some cool rock formations. Be careful the cliffs are about a 20 ft straight drop," notes reviewer Bob J.

Winter camping adventures: Cold-weather campers can access several sites year-round, though preparation is crucial. "It was freezing, quite literally, with nights in the low teens. The melting and refreezing had made the roads and surrounding trails a little slippery so I would be cautious if traveling alone," reports Ian B. about winter camping at Forestry Road.

Wildlife observation: The forest supports diverse wildlife including black bears. "There's black bears that live in the several caves in the area... Definitely be sure to pack up all food and trash at night. The bears are skittish, but they will find you if there's food in your camp!" warns Mystic S.

What campers like

Forest road access: The network of logging and forest roads provides multiple entry points for tent camping Marienville, Pennsylvania. "All the roads in the forest are drivable gravel with many pull of spots for camping!" says Scott K. about Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite.

Secluded camping spots: Many campers value the privacy found at established dispersed sites. "I believe there are several dispersed spots along this road. This one was close enough to the road to feel safe but far enough away to have privacy," notes Caitlin about Loleta Road.

Natural atmosphere: The genuine forest experience attracts campers seeking rustic conditions. "Living in a van looking for spots to stay this wasn't a bad one at all, good bit off the road, couple trails," mentions brent about his experience at Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite.

What you should know

Seasonal muddy conditions: Spring thaws and rain events create challenging ground conditions. "We stayed here in March, so there weren't leaves back on the trees yet which meant we could see the road. It was also extremely muddy. Not bad on the main track in and out but swampy everywhere else," reports Anne W. about Danner Primitive Campground.

Navigation challenges: Some forest roads require careful navigation and timing. "Apple Maps brings you way far away, follow the pin and it will bring you. Way too grown in as of August. Didn't end up staying here. May be a good spot in the fall once the grass dies," advises David B. about finding Forestry Road Dispersed.

Cell service limitations: Coverage varies widely throughout the area. "There is spotty cell service through the forest, usually you can walk around for a couple minutes and find some. I managed to get an average of 3-4 bars of 5g every day," shares Mystic S.

Tips for camping with families

Shelter alternatives: Families seeking more structure than tent camping can utilize adirondack shelters. "The platform is large enough to sleep 4 people in sleeping bags or set up a two person tent," notes Britt B. about Wolfkiel Run Shelters in nearby Oil Creek State Park.

Insect preparation: Ticks and other insects are common in warmer months. "Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me," advises Ian B. after camping with his children at Forestry Road Dispersed.

Weather preparedness: Rain gear and extra clothing are essential for family comfort. "We spent the night during a tropical storm and got the pleasure of hearing the rain on the tent out in this peaceful spot!" shares Brittney W. about camping during wet conditions.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Most dispersed camping near Marienville accommodates smaller rigs only. "I have a 25 foot travel trailer. I found numerous spots on SF-160. It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door," suggests Mark M. about camping at Bova Cottages in the broader region.

Supply planning: RV campers should stock up before heading to remote sites. "Howe's ace hardware is about 10 miles away with a dollar general across the street," notes Mark M., highlighting available resupply options.

Seasonal accessibility: Road conditions affect larger vehicle access, particularly during winter and spring thaw. "The road in was snow covered but easily navigated. The Shelter carpark is small and was almost full the day we arrived," advises Britt B. about winter camping conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Marienville, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Marienville, PA is Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Marienville, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Marienville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.