Bear Run Campground
Nice family campground
We love camping here. There are a few things to do, swim in the pool, mine for gem stones, they have an arcade and a playground. It’s in a wooded area near lake Arthur with a boat ramp down the Road.
127 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campers looking for spots near Meadville, Pennsylvania will find several good choices within driving distance. Cook Forest State Park Campground draws many hikers who come for the miles of trails winding through thick woods. Over at Pymatuning State Park Campground, you can set up camp close to the lake where swimming and boating are popular activities. Both places have the basics covered with tables for meals and bathroom facilities that make longer stays more comfortable. You won't need a special vehicle to reach either campground since the roads are in good shape all the way to the entrance. When you're not at your campsite, you can fish in nearby waters or walk trails with nice views. The weather around Meadville stays pretty mild in summer, making camping good from about May through September. Some people camp in winter too, but you'll need warm gear and proper equipment. Remember to pack enough food and supplies since stores aren't always close by. The Meadville area works well for both quiet campers and those who want to stay active during their trip.
"We love being near the water when camping and at Pymatuning most if not all sites have views of the beautiful lake and the Pennsylvania shoreline across the lake."
"We camped on the Ohio side of the lake but spent several hours on the Pennsylvania feeding the HUGE schools of carp at the spillway."
from $29 - $160 / night
Check Availability"Linesville camp ground is on the Pennsylvania and Ohio border."
"The Linesville Campground is a mid-sized state park campground with level, wooded sites, right on the Pymantuning Lake. A short walk to the marina which hires boats and sells snacks& fuel."
from $26 - $135 / night
Check Availability"We really enjoyed camping at Lake Pymatuning. We had site J522, which is tucked back in a quiet loop. We camped for the first time in our (new to us) pop-up camper."
"If the noise is not an issue, this run of tent sites are well spaced, and offer easy access to the facilities."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $175 / night
Check Availability"Camped here to be close to Conneaut Lake. Great grounds, beautiful ponds."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Camped in the back behind the pond in popup camper. Nice and quite back there and close to the bath house and wash station."
"Our trailer spot was tucked in the woods amongst tents. Nice and wooded. There was a nice playground with a bounce mat that our kids loved. Got busier on the weekends but has plenty to do."
"Couple beautiful walk in tent sites right on the water. Plenty of nice hiking trails. Great beach for kids."
"Located deep in a county park in the forested rolling hills of PA. Every site is huge and mostly private. Combination of paved main roads and gravel dirt camp loops."
"Jeffco Lakes Resort is an absolute gem! My recent stay there was a delightful experience from start to finish."
"Jeffco Lakes Resort is a haven for camping and fishing enthusiasts. With well-maintained campsites, picturesque surroundings, and abundant fish-filled lakes, it offers an unforgettable experience."
from $45 - $60 / night
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We love camping here. There are a few things to do, swim in the pool, mine for gem stones, they have an arcade and a playground. It’s in a wooded area near lake Arthur with a boat ramp down the Road.
Management if nice, view of sunset is amazing, has showers, electric, and laundry services. Not secluded, but it's almost like you are in a village, with everyone being close together
Mosquito Lake gets a bad rap because of its name. We had such a great time launching our kayak from our campsite! I’ve attached a highlighted map marked with the sights on or very close to the water to launch a kayak. Additional kayak launch sites available around the park if you can’t get one of these. It’s great campground if you have kids or a dog. Plenty of great playgrounds and a dog park/dog beach. The camp host was very nice and welcoming. The wash house has laundry and showers. Everything was clean.
Came tent camping here. Stayed on new duck loop, which from the looks of all the other sites, this one seemed more open, less R. V. Campers. Plenty of open spots even for the weekend. Place is clean, well kept, bathrooms are clean which is a plus. All the sites around have decent space between them. Close access to a lake. You can bring your boat
Easy after hours check in, wish the site was more wooded.
Nice campground and almost every site is level. Presque aisle is a little too far away to visit by bicycle or E bike.
The staff here was excellent. We got a spot near the entrance that had the doggy play pen. It was a well built structure. I felt good about my dogs being in it. The campground is wonderful. So peaceful and pretty. As and added plus for anybody a fan of the band The Cars, Ben Orr’s grave is not far.
Nice campground! They hold lots of random activities for kids like tie dying, tractor ride, etc. We stayed in spot 24, which is very spacious, but I did not like the fact that it’s right next to the road where cars are speeding by. I do not think this spot in particular would be good if you have small children
This is a nice campground. Well maintained, good shower and laundry facilities very clean. Lots of things to do and see nearby. There's Erie museum of maritime l , along with the tall ship Niagara , which was used in the war of 1812. Couple small lighthouses to tour. All sites have both 50 and 30 amp power, all sites have water, however, there is no sewer system or full hookups here. There is a easily accessible dump site. The RV park is located with a good Marina and boat launch. There's a lot of space between the campers. All the sites are level , and most of them are paved. They're wide enough to park most vehicles next to your camper, and in several cases, included people with good sized boats parked with their RV for easy launch and go . If you don't mind , their not having sewer hookup is at the site, This is one of the best campsites so far on our trip.
Campsites near Meadville, Pennsylvania provide access to several northwestern Pennsylvania lakes and rivers. Located in Crawford County at around 1,400 feet elevation, the area features a mix of woodlands and wetlands with multiple reservoir lakes created in the 1930s. Summer temperatures average 70-80°F during the day and fall into the 50s at night, while spring and fall camping requires extra layers for temperature swings of 30-40 degrees in a single day.
Fishing at Pymatuning Lake: The spillway area at Linesville Campground — Pymatuning State Park offers a unique wildlife experience. "We took our bikes out of the grounds and through town a little to the Pymatuning Spillway trail. The trail head was a bit of a challenge to find. We entered behind the church in town," writes Joni P., who discovered this local attraction just a short ride from camp.
Birdwatching opportunities: The marshlands around Meadville host diverse bird species. "We have seen the most beautiful sunsets here that you won't see anywhere else. There is an eagles nest on one of the islands. If you take your boat or rent one at the marina you can go out on the lake and you will see eagles for sure!!" reports AnnaMarie S. about her experiences at Pymatuning.
Biking trails: Several campgrounds offer access to regional trails. At Jamestown Campground — Pymatuning State Park, Leah L. recommends: "Bringing our bikes was a blast as we were able to bike down to the beach for swimming and we took our bikes to Meadville to do the Ernst bike trail (recommended - a paved, flat, easy 6.3 mile cycling trail through the woods and along the river)."
Well-maintained facilities: Many campers appreciate the clean bathhouses available at most campgrounds. At Erie KOA, Kelly F. notes that "Showers were excellent and very clean. The park was very well maintained," while also mentioning that "On site pizza is very convenient and they deliver to your site."
Lake views and access: Waterfront sites provide convenient boat access at several parks. Patience W. recommends: "If you are looking to stay at a small state park campground and bring your boat near your site or launch your canoe and paddle board look no further. We loved our stay site 208 (electric only) it was big and near the water."
Family-friendly activities: Beyond hiking and swimming, many campgrounds offer recreational amenities. Jennifer L. from Pymatuning State Park Campground shares, "If you have younger kids, this site is for you. The playground is right there as is the beach. We didn't look at section 1, but already decided next time, we will go to section 3 as that seemed more shaded and no playground."
Site variations within campgrounds: Campground loops differ significantly in shade, privacy, and amenities. Casey S. explains: "We went on a holiday weekend and so the campground was PACKED and a little too close for my liking, but for a holiday understandable. We stayed on the pet end and got a spot near the lake. But also this meant people were walking through our site to go walk to the water."
Limited shower privacy: Some campground shower facilities lack private changing areas. Leah L. mentions: "The showers do not have a changing area within the shower unit or an area to store your towel/clothes within the shower unit. There is a central dressing room with towel hooks and 4-5 showers connected to the central dressing room."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the region. At Jeffco Lakes Campground, Wyndie G. cautions: "There's also train tracks close by that blare the horn at all hours and for a longer duration than normal," providing insight into noise factors that might affect your stay.
Choose sites near playgrounds: For families with younger children, site selection matters. Jennifer L. advises: "If you have younger kids, this site is for you. The playground is right there as is the beach," referring to section 2 at Pymatuning State Park Campground.
Consider pet policies and beach access: Not all campground sections allow pets near recreation areas. Jeani B. warns: "I didn't like that pets are not allowed in the non-pet area as that was where the playground and swimming beach was. Made it difficult to swim and play as a family since you can't leave dogs alone at the campsite."
Seek out kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer structured recreation for different age groups. At Goddard Park Vacationland Campground, Suzan R. notes: "It was Halloween themed weekend and the extent of planning they do for the patrons was outstanding," highlighting special event weekends that can enhance a family camping trip.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites in the region require leveling equipment. Leah L. explains: "The site was not level, but we were able to get the tent trailer level without too much effort," showing that preparation is key even for smaller camping units.
Utilities placement issues: At some campgrounds, RV sites may have utilities in unexpected locations. One camper at Goddard Park Vacationland shares: "They show us on the map our full hookup. We get there and learn from other campers that we have to pull through but backwards all utilities are on the wrong side. Even our fire ring and picnic table was on the wrong side."
Off-season considerations: Weather patterns affect RV camping comfort. Mary S. advises: "We tent camped here in early June. GPS had a hard time as there are so many locations referred to as 'Pymatuning State Park.' Campsite was fine other than trying to find room to put our big tent. The showers were great--roomy and well maintained."
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available near Meadville, PA?
Meadville is surrounded by several excellent camping options. Pymatuning State Park offers multiple campgrounds including Linesville and Jamestown locations, with both electric and non-electric sites plus RV hookups. Woodcock Creek Lake Park & Campground near Saegertown provides basic facilities with toilet access. Other nearby options include Shenango Recreation Area and Oil Creek State Park. Most campgrounds in the region offer beautiful lakeside views and outdoor recreation opportunities including fishing, hiking, and boating.
How do Meadville campgrounds compare in reviews and ratings?
Pymatuning State Park Campground consistently receives excellent reviews (5/5) for its beautiful lake views, efficient staff, and the unique carp feeding experience at the spillway. Shenango Campground earns solid ratings (4/5) for its spacious lakeside sites and boating opportunities, though some sites require leveling. Mosquito Lake State Park is highly rated for its waterfront sites and spacious camping areas. Village Green Campground has mixed reviews, with RV campers generally more satisfied than tent campers. Overall, lakeside campgrounds with water recreation access tend to receive the highest ratings in the Meadville region.
Where can I rent an RV in Meadville, Pennsylvania?
While there aren't dedicated RV rental companies directly in Meadville, several options exist in the region. Look for RV rentals in nearby Erie (about 40 minutes away), where you'll find both national rental companies and peer-to-peer RV sharing services. After securing a rental, consider staying at Sara's Campground, which offers excellent RV accommodations with amenities like firewood delivery and nearby dining options. Jamestown Campground at Pymatuning State Park is another good option for RVs, with many campers reporting positive experiences even with pop-up campers and trailers.
Is there a KOA campground in Meadville, PA?
There is no KOA campground directly in Meadville. The closest KOA to Meadville is the Erie KOA near McKean, approximately 30-35 miles north of Meadville. This KOA offers boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access with reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. For those wanting similar amenities to KOA closer to Meadville, consider Pineview Camplands near Linesville or Goddard Park Vacationland Campground, both offering full-service amenities for family camping.
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