183 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The North Bend region of Pennsylvania features several state park campgrounds within Pennsylvania's "PA Wilds" area, offering a variety of camping experiences. Kettle Creek State Park provides two distinct camping areas—Lower and Upper campgrounds—with creekside sites and reservoir views. Other nearby options include Hyner Run State Park Campground, Ole Bull State Park Campground, and Cherry Springs State Park, collectively providing tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and some glamping facilities. Most campgrounds in this area are surrounded by dense forests and situated along waterways, with many sites featuring electric hookups and basic amenities.
Campgrounds in the North Bend area typically operate seasonally, with most open from mid-April through mid-December. Sites with electric hookups are available at all nearby state parks, though water hookups and full-service sites are limited. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. Road access can be challenging for larger RVs, with Upper Campground at Kettle Creek limiting RV size due to narrow turning areas. Cell service varies throughout the region, with several areas having limited or no connectivity. "One major let down is that random people walk through all of the sites along the creek. It is frustrating because all of the fire pits are right along the creek which means you constantly have people in your site."
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly sites along Kettle Creek. The region's campgrounds provide excellent access to outdoor activities including fishing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Several visitors mentioned encountering elk, deer, bald eagles, and occasionally timber rattlesnakes. Campers particularly value the secluded, quiet atmosphere of the more remote sites. As one visitor noted about Kettle Creek State Park, "The upper campground has a rustic feel, beautiful views and is a great location for wildlife encounters." Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities, with several reviews specifically mentioning well-maintained shower houses and bathrooms. For stargazing enthusiasts, the proximity to Cherry Springs State Park, a designated Dark Sky preserve, offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities within a short drive of several campgrounds.
"There are nice trails all around and it is a worthwhile stop."
"Nice picnic areas and some trails. Worth the drive."
from $20 - $29 / night
Check Availability"Electric sites are available with water access to fill tanks but no water hookups. "
"Ole Bull State Park and the Surrounding  Susquehannock State Forest are breathtaking and certainly live up Potter County’s nickname of Gods Country."
from $20 - $43 / night
Check Availability"Each campsite had a fire pit and a picnic table and most had trees behind them. We stayed in a drive up site that was close to the restrooms and had a clear field near us to look up and stargaze."
"A little off the beaten path, but definitely a good find away from that light pollution and with other like minded souls!"
from $16 / night
Check Availability"The lower campground is nicely situated right next to the creek, perfect for fishing. I will say some of the sites a very tight if you have a large camper. The bathhouse was very clean and modern."
"No water on sites but bibs near by to fill campers & jugs. Cindy in Admin VERY helpful."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"Electric only but water fill up is in convenient locations. Dump station is provided. Well maintained and clean. So many outdoor activities abound."
"Very nice PA State Park Campground. 30/50A pedestals, but water is available only at scattered nearby potable hydrants to fill tanks."
from $20 - $48 / night
Check Availability"The upper campground has a rustic feel, beautiful views and is a great location for wildlife encounters."
"It would be nice if the DCNR added some walk/hike-in sites, or even Adirondack shelters along the long-distance Donut Hole Trail that cuts through the park south of the dam.)"
from $18 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Step inside to view elk bear birds and other wildlife! Learn about the building of the dam and the early days of the CCC camps."
"There are a few nice scenic trails that go to the lake and through the woods. Some are kid bike friendly. The nature center is great! Kid friendly and fun!"
from $22 - $29 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to camp ground. The check in process was just to drive to the site and set up which was different but very easy. The sites are private on the sides with some green space to play on."
"If you are not the camping type you can stay at the Nature Inn and enjoy the beautiful lodge in an amazing location! Definitely tops on our list of state parks in Pennsylvania!"
from $22 - $62 / night
Check Availability"The site itself was fairly uneven and rocky so we had to always use caution when walking around the site but it added to the rugged experience."
"The rustic section was located around a large loop with each site ranging in a few feet from the car-friendly loop to about the 50 foot walk where our site was located."
from $16 - $18 / night
Check Availability"It is my escape away from technology and my time to be one with nature."
"Absolutely beautiful well kept campground situated between Pine Creek and the rail trail! Great facilities...there's even glamping tents!"
from $30 - $100 / night
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TravelerThey have 30 amp sites. No water but there is a dump station. Bring your Starlink there is no cell signal. Bathrooms are decent. Good Stargazing(head to nearby Cherry Springs). This is one of the most “out of the way” places in the eastern US. Not quite boon docking but close. There is a guy on the corner that sells firewood. Download maps to get in and out. Listen for the Elk. Watch for Bears.
TravelerLeonard Harrison State Park sits directly on the ridge of the Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Great hiking trails 800 feet down into the gorge where there is a flat rail trail of 65 miles for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The campsites are roomy and set far apart. There are only about 30 sites and just 8 of them or so have electric. Bathrooms and showers are conveniently located and very clean. No cell service whatsoever, so bring your board games and cards.
RangerWhat a gorgeous area. Camp site has a path down to Medix Run (which seems quite clean) with a perfect spot to set out camp chairs and watch the water. Beautiful sounds of birds and spring wildflowers all over the site. Sites are well spaced. The road is surprisingly busy day and night, which did take away from the experience. Unfortunately that issue was dwarfed by other behavior.
Imagine you're sitting by the water on your campsite at 6pm, and a man is suddenly standing next to you. On your dispersed, state forest camp site. With a path only accessible by walking through the site. He tells you a beaver dam used to be here and goes into the water to fish. Weird things happen, but THREE different fishermen at different times used our campsite as their fishing base. Not the area next to it, the campsite. Even parked down the driveway next to our car.
Maybe you're not bothered by this. Maybe it's because you've read this and now had the chance to consider the possibility. However, I'd be willing to bet you'd rather not be surprised. Especially when there are no amenities and as a woman, you need to get partially undressed just to take a leak in the morning.
This is unacceptable behavior. There were other unoccupied campsites, turn offs and places to stop and fish. In all my life camping, no one has ever done this sort of thing. You stay off campsites when other people are there, unless you need help or want to pass on information.
If one person had done this, I wouldn't be writing such a cranky review but three instances warrants a warning for other campers. Good luck, folks.
GuideThe campground was decent enough, but I would probably skip it next time and stay in the state forest instead. The campsites are not especially private and while they are not directly on top of each other, you are definitely aware of nearby campers. That said, it is a great location for stargazing and the pit toilets are convenient if you prefer at least some amenities.
The biggest downside was the lack of firewood. None was available on site and there was little opportunity to gather any from the surrounding woods. After one night, I felt like I had gotten the experience. For my money, I would rather camp nearby in Susquehannock State Forest where you can find far more private and secluded spots for less cost. You give up amenities like toilets, but if privacy and a quieter camping experience matter more, the state forest feels like the better option while still keeping you close enough to enjoy the dark skies near Cherry Springs State Park.
One nearby spot that is absolutely worth the short drive is the Water Tank Vista overlook. The view alone makes the trip worthwhile, especially around sunset or on a clear day. If you are camping in the area, it is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem and adds a lot to the overall experience.
GuideThe campsite is located about three miles down from Cherry Springs State Park and Campground, just off the road. It is visible from the road, so if complete privacy is important to you, keep that in mind. That said, the setting itself is beautiful, especially the drive in through the tall pine forests which immediately gave the area a peaceful feel.
The site has two good level tent spots and one semi level spot, all within view of where you park, which made unloading and setup easy. It took me roughly an hour to get camp fully set up. One thing to know going in: there is absolutely no cell service at least with T mobile, which can either be a huge positive or a dealbreaker depending on what you’re looking for.
One of the best features of the site is a nice trail leading back to a creek that you can hear flowing from camp. I spent some time walking along it and tossed a fishing line in a few times. The current was moving pretty fast and I did not see signs of fish during my visit, but it was still a relaxing place to explore.
Firewood was a mixed bag. There are plenty of fallen trees around, but much of it was surrounded by poison ivy, so gathering wood took a little caution. Bugs were present enough that I ended up using a head net in the evening, especially after dark.
For stargazing, the location was solid. I stayed up late and managed to catch three shooting stars. I brought a telescope but the angle of the sky from my setup made it harder to use than expected. If astronomy is your main goal, you may still want to head up to Cherry Springs proper for the best viewing experience.
Overall, this is a peaceful, simple campsite with good access to nature and a quiet atmosphere. Best suited for people who are okay disconnecting completely, enjoy creekside wandering and do not mind a more rustic experience. I would camp here again, especially for a quick getaway near Cherry Springs.
GuideThis is a full service RV campground with nightly and seasonal stays. I was tent camping and, unlike most RV campgrounds, the dedicated tent area was very nice and right on the river. There’s a camp store, laundromat, showers and many different boats available for rent right in the campground. Very well run place and everything looked well kept.
The sites face a small mountain wall with the river at the base so very scenic. The river is fairly fast running so boating and swimming are for older kids/adults in this area or put in someplace calmer.
For those riding the MABDR, this is only 5 mins off the trail and a good place to relax before the final 70 miles through the PA Grand Canyon.
GuideSite SS007 sits roughly two miles off pavement along a fairly rough access road. A standard Ford Explorer handled the drive without trouble, though bringing a trailer would likely only be practical if it is set up for overlanding conditions.
The location offers excellent views of the Susquehanna River and exceptionally clear night skies with strong stargazing opportunities. There was no existing fire ring on site, so we built one using nearby stones. The site does not include a picnic table or other amenities, making it a primative experience.
Cell service was limited but usable, averaging about one bar with AT&T and two bars with T-Mobile.
Overall, it is a quiet, scenic roadside site best suited for campers comfortable with minimal facilities and no other people around.
TravelerIve camped at Black Moshannon State Park many times both in a tent and our camper. The Park has tent only, electric and full hookup sites. It is well cared for and clean. The bathhouses are nice and well maintained. The Park itself offers a lot to do with fishing. Hiking, the beach, kayak rentals, etc. I've never had a bad time at Black Moshannon and will keep coming back.
TravelerWe camped for the first time here in June 2025 for a few nights. The lower campground is nicely situated right next to the creek, perfect for fishing. I will say some of the sites a very tight if you have a large camper. The bathhouse was very clean and modern. The state park itself is okay. Not one of my favorites.
North Bend camping is characterized by dense forests at elevations between 700-900 feet with multiple waterways cutting through valleys. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F while night temperatures can drop below 50°F even in summer months. Sites along creeks remain in high demand, often requiring reservations months in advance for weekend stays.
Kayaking access points: Most campgrounds offer direct water access to creeks or reservoirs. At Ole Bull State Park Campground, sites along Kettle Creek provide easy launch points. "We set up camp at a site along Kettle Creek, and we saw half a dozen campers walking back to their sites with trout caught within walking distance," notes Andrew C.
Stargazing opportunities: The region sits near Pennsylvania's Dark Sky preserve. Cherry Springs State Park Campground offers optimal viewing conditions on clear nights. "We camped in a drive up site that was close to the restrooms and had a clear field near us to look up and stargaze," reports Taylor K. Even if you stay elsewhere, the night skies are worth a special trip.
Wildlife viewing locations: Several park observation areas provide chances to spot native species. "The park staff was knowledgeable and super friendly. Tracy answered my sister's 500 plant identification questions with cheerful patience. Will definitely be back. And we saw a bear!" writes J K. about their experience at Sinnemahoning State Park.
Secluded tent sites: Many campers prefer the more isolated sites for privacy. At the Upper Campground of Kettle Creek, one reviewer found their perfect spot: "When a loud, disrespectful family set up nearby that first night for a long weekend, we spoke with the camp host (helpful, amenable Jim), who suggested we ask about site 71, the most removed of all the sites."
Creekside camping: Sites along water consistently receive top ratings. "We stayed at site 8 which is creekside. It was a large, beautiful site and the sound of the burbling water lulled us to sleep every night," writes Danielle S. about Hyner Run State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain modern bathhouses. At Lyman Run State Park, the facilities receive particular praise: "Bathrooms are newer with a nice, new system for 'composting' I guess. No odor at all. And nice and clean," notes Peggy S.
Road access limitations: Many sites have restrictions for larger vehicles. The primitive camping areas offer better seclusion but challenging access. "It's a bit of a drive to Primitive Campground on not so good road, but worth it, I think," notes Rebecca E. about Bald Eagle State Park Primitive Camping Area.
Wildlife safety considerations: Campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters, including potentially dangerous species. "The only downside to the area is the quantity of timber rattle snakes that we encountered, one at our site and one in the woods nearby. Something to keep in mind if you have pets or small children," warns one visitor to Hyner Run.
Connectivity issues: Cell service is limited or non-existent throughout much of the region. "There is zero cell service/WiFi at the park, or for at least 5-10 miles from it," notes a Sinnemahoning State Park visitor. Some campers see this as a benefit, with a Lyman Run visitor commenting, "No cell service, so you really get to get away from everything."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play equipment within walking distance of campsites. "The playground was right next to our site which is great if you have kids. It is right next to the water and the site has electric," mentions a reviewer at Lower Campground of Kettle Creek State Park.
Educational opportunities: Sinnemahoning State Park Campground offers excellent learning activities. "Adults and Children alike will love the park office / Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park. Learn about this buildings green construction (LEED)geo thermal heat, rain water harvesting system, recycled materials and more!" recommends Paula L.
Biking loops: Kids enjoy the safer cycling options within campground perimeters. "My kids love riding their bikes here. There are a few nice scenic trails that go to the lake and through the woods. Some are kid bike friendly," shares Amber N. about Sinnemahoning State Park.
Site selection guidance: RVers should check site dimensions and terrain before booking. "Long campers up to that size should use south loop of lower campground. Large reservoir lake part of park 3 mi up from lower campground for more fishing/kayaking/electric trolling motors," advises an experienced camper at Lower Campground — Kettle Creek State Park.
Hookup availability: Electric sites are common, but water and sewer connections are limited. "30/50A pedestals, but water is available only at scattered nearby potable hydrants to fill tanks. One is available right at the campground entrance adjacent to the dump station," explains Joel D. about Little Pine State Park facilities.
Turning radius challenges: Several campgrounds have difficult access for larger rigs. "40 ft max campers due to space/turning constraints. Not for class A rigs," notes a visitor about Lower Campground at Kettle Creek, emphasizing the importance of checking site specifications before arrival.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near North Bend, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, North Bend, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 183 campgrounds and RV parks near North Bend, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near North Bend, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near North Bend, PA is Hyner Run State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 5 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near North Bend, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near North Bend, PA.
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