Tent campsites near New Wilmington, Pennsylvania sit at approximately 1,150 feet above sea level in the Allegheny Plateau region. The area experiences all four seasons distinctly, with summer camping conditions typically ranging between 55-85°F. Several campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October due to the colder winter climate, while others maintain year-round availability.
What to do
Winter camping options: Wolfkiel Run Shelters in Oil Creek State Park offers year-round access with Adirondack-style shelters. As one camper noted, "The road in was snow covered but easily navigated. 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)."
Fishing access: Tent sites at Mountain View Camps provide proximity to local fishing spots. A reviewer mentioned, "Great place to stay close to hiking trails and fishing spots. Hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn."
Paddling opportunities: Danner Primitive Campground offers sites specifically designed for paddlers. "There are 8 sites spread out along the edge of the river... A few of the sites had stairs to the water for paddler access." The location is ideal for river trips, as sites are "meant more to be a stop along a paddling or hiking trip than a destination camping trip."
Horseback riding: Headwaters Park features equestrian trails among its recreation options. A camper reported the location is "Best for relaxation, chill kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and shorter walks."
What campers like
Stone fireplaces: The Adirondack shelters at Wolfkiel Run Shelters offer built-in stone fireplaces with practical features. One camper observed, "The shelter fireplaces have hooks for hanging pots and pans over the flames."
Privacy between sites: Campsite spacing receives positive mentions. "The Adirondack shelters are perfectly positioned to be private from one another, each looks out over the forest," reported one visitor to Wolfkiel Run.
Lakefront views: Certain sites at Headwaters Park offer premium water views. "Campsite G is the one. It is an open lean to with a stone fireplace facing the inside of the three sided wooden structure," notes one camper, while another confirmed, "I agree with the other reviewer that Site G is the one with the best view in this campground."
Firewood access: Several campgrounds provide firewood on-site. At Wolfkiel Run, "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."
What you should know
Reservation procedures: Some campgrounds have specific booking timelines. One camper at Headwaters Park noted, "I booked over the phone since a change of plans meant it was within the 7-day window where they lock out online reservations. Left a message at the reservation number and received a prompt and helpful call back."
Site limitations: Some campgrounds have reduced services. A visitor to Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground stated, "I called the number listed and left a message. See the friendly manager walking the farm. He says they no longer offer the camping service due to low guest attendence."
Permit requirements: Danner Primitive Campground requires permits for extended stays. "This is meant more to be a stop along a paddling or hiking trip than a destination camping trip - you must get a permit to stay more than one night. They are first come first serve."
Water considerations: Water sources vary by location and season. At Wolfkiel Run, "Water is available in the summer months," while Danner offers "a spring for water which says to boil before drinking."
Tips for camping with families
Tree farm experience: Quiet and Secluded provides a different environment for family camping. A guest commented, "It was a wonderful experience. Beautiful place. Host was very accommodating. Great time."
Kid-friendly entertainment: Natural settings provide unique experiences for children. At Pioneer Trails Tree Farm, one camper observed, "The trees were quite the entertaining experience for the kids."
Sound carries between sites: Noise management is important at some locations. A camper at Headwaters Park noted, "The noise carries from other sites so, your neighbors will make or break how well you sleep here."
Toilet accessibility: Consider bathroom location when selecting a site with children. A visitor to Pioneer Trails mentioned, "Only wish toilet access was a little closer for the women."
Tips from RVers
Walk-in tent options: For RVers wanting a tent experience, several campgrounds offer walk-in sites. At Danner Primitive Campground, "The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge, but there are other trailheads throughout the tract also."
Limited electrical hookups: Most tent-focused campgrounds near New Wilmington have minimal RV amenities. Mountain View Camps is one of the few offering electrical hookups alongside tent camping options.
Accessibility considerations: Some sites have mixed terrain challenges. At Danner, a reviewer noted wheelchair-friendly picnic tables but questioned overall accessibility: "That's nice if the case, I'm just not sure as there's no pavement or gravel down at the sites so I imagine it could be difficult to access."
