Camping near Mill Run, Pennsylvania occurs across a broad range of elevations, from valley floors around 1,200 feet to ridge tops reaching 2,500 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasons with winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing, while summer daytime averages range from 75-85°F. Camping options span multiple state forests and parks with varying levels of accessibility and cellular connectivity depending on terrain.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at Elk Country: Sites near Benezette provide prime elk viewing opportunities, particularly during September and October rutting season. "We stayed in site 6. It was a very small site and had no established spot to put our tent so we actually had to encroach on site 7... The park is small with not much in regard to activities/amenitites but nice for just a laidback/relaxed camping trip," noted a visitor at Simon B. Elliott State Park Campground.
Creek swimming and kayaking: Several campgrounds offer access to smaller waterways perfect for cooling off. "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. An elk viewing plot is just across from the kayak launch site/parking lot," reported a camper at Hicks Run.
Forest hiking and relaxation: The region's wooded terrain provides numerous trail options. "Throughout the week in the summer it is pretty quiet. Very close to the fire tower and other things to see around it. The Knotty Pine bar and restaurant was right down the road and had great food and drink," shared a visitor to Cook Forest State Park.
What campers like
Spacious sites with natural features: Many campgrounds offer ample room between sites. "Campsites were very large. Pulled our 23 ft and 32 ft campers sideways across the sites. No cell reception. Clean and very nice," noted a camper at Riverview Campsites.
Fishing opportunities: Local waterways provide various fishing options throughout the camping season. "We have a group of about 20 friends who take over the back 'cul de sac' of the campground (section 180s) each year. In spite of a completely booked holiday weekend the campground is spread out, secluded and quiet. Our sites are hugged by tall evergreens and level ground," shared a visitor to Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins.
Lake access and water recreation: Several sites feature lakes with rental equipment. "They have canoes available to explore the lake and a large play area for the kids. The sights are spacious and can accommodate large rigs. There are back-in and pull-thru sites with FHU 30/50 amp," reported a camper at Woodland Campground.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Many popular campgrounds require planning far ahead, especially for summer weekends. "Small, quiet campground with quite a few flat places to take a stroll. The sites are decently sized for the size of the campground itself, and there is a bathroom at the campground and pit toilets across the street at the picnic area. There are no showers," noted a visitor to Simon B. Elliott State Park.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers can find no-cost sites. "This is a free site with no amenities but in a beautiful area. You need to contact the forestry district for availability and to reserve. Nice sit with fire pit, picnic table, and short walk to a beautiful creek so no need to bring water if you can filter it," shared a camper at Medix Run Camping Area.
Weather considerations: Fall offers excellent camping with cooler temperatures and fewer insects. "Went there off-season which I recommend everyone do. In the Fall. Beautiful colored folage. Woke up to find I was surrounded by a huge herd of deer," reported a visitor to Cook Forest State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Locations with dedicated swimming areas rank highly with families. "The tent sites were open and close together so there wouldn't be much privacy during the busy season. We went in the beginning of May so luckily, we mostly had the vicinity to ourselves. There wasn't an established tent pad but it was pretty level," noted a camper at DuBois / Treasure Lake KOA.
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "Grew up going here. Day trips or weekend getaways-it was always a nice time. Love hopping the rocks at the spillway, hiking, looking for crayfish, and swimming in the dam. They have pavilions to have picnics, every lot that we pitched a tent was always nice," shared a visitor to Parker Dam State Park.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many campgrounds offer ranger programs during summer months. "Small campground just inside of the PA Wilds. Quiet low tea office campground. Swimming and fishing a short walk from the grounds. Scenic Elk drive just north with high probability of spotting the majestic animal," reported a camper at Parker Dam State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Electrical service variations: RV sites offer different amperage options depending on location. "RV spots had zero trees/shade. Verizon service horrible and WIFI did not work where we were - we walked up pool and it worked great there," noted a camper at DuBois Treasure Lake KOA.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for leveling. "Large campground right off route 80. The campground was well-taken care of and service was good. Pool looked nice but didn't open until 11 so we didn't get a swim," shared an RVer at DuBois Treasure Lake KOA.
Off-season availability: Several campgrounds extend their seasons into late fall. "We stayed at site #76 Next to camp host who were terrific. Deer came up to campsite every morning. Came to do some elk viewing. About 30-40 min drive to Benezette," reported a camper at Parker Dam State Park.
