Beaver Creek State Park Campground offers rustic natural experiences with limited amenities and specific access restrictions. The campground operates on a well system with restricted water usage for both campers and horses. Sites throughout the main family camping area have varying terrain with 50 total sites including 6 electric options. Located about 45 miles southeast of Oakdale, Pennsylvania, the park connects to an extensive trail network making it popular for equestrian camping near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.
What to do
Fishing access points: Multiple spots along Beaver Creek provide good bass fishing opportunities. "Bass fishing is really fun because we caught a few nice ones!!" says Mike T. about Beaver Creek State Park.
Historic exploration: Visit the pioneer village located near the park office. "The best part about the area was the history that surrounds it. There is a pioneer village near the park office that offers some picnicking areas around it. It also has original buildings from the pioneer days (church, school, etc)," notes Shay D.
National trail exploration: The North Country National Scenic Trail runs through multiple parks in the region. "Direct access to the North Country National Scenic Trail and trails through main park," explains Tracy H. at Beaver Creek. Over at Moraine State Park, backpackers can access trail shelters: "The north country trail runs for over a dozen miles from end to end. This review is of the shelter sites, of which there is one, for backpacking along the trail," notes Matt R.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many sites offer plenty of room to spread out. At Jefferson Lake State Park, Kimberly mentions: "Our site was huge and right next to the water spigot." Kellie A. adds: "Some sites are small and very sloped. Others have lots of room to spread out."
Pine tree sections: Several campgrounds feature distinct camping areas with different tree coverage. At Beaver Creek, Aaron B. notes: "When you pull into Beaver Creek Family Campground you pretty much have two choices: either you go left into multiple Pine tree sites or right into two cabins and more RV friendly open sites."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers can find no-cost sites at Hidden Hollow Campground in Fernwood State Forest. "Very well kept, completely free 1st come campground just outside the very small town of Bloomingdale, OH. Pit toilets and no source of safe, clean water anymore," explains Joe W.
What you should know
Limited water access: Many campgrounds in the region have restricted water supplies. At Hidden Hollow, Emily S. notes: "There are vault toilets and each site has a fire ring, picnic table, garbage cans, and there are spots to dump waste water."
Site terrain considerations: Campsite slopes can be challenging for tent campers. At Jefferson Lake, Alex S. warns: "The majority of the campsites are also so hilly that you can't put a tent up on a flat spot. We ended up sliding downhill all night."
Road restrictions for RVs: Some parks have roads unsuitable for larger vehicles. At Beaver Creek, "There is a road in the park (Echo Dell Road) that RV's/Trailers can't go on so make sure you approach this campground from Leslie Road!" advises Bounding Around.
Gun range proximity: Certain campsites may experience noise from nearby shooting facilities. At Hidden Hollow, Jaysha L. shares: "Gun range 5 mins away or so. Bees are ridiculous. Harvest Spiders all over the place so be cautious."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request sites near play areas for children. At Beaver Creek, Matt H. shares: "We got a site near the playground, which my 3 year old enjoyed. The campground wasn't busy and we had a lot of privacy."
Wildlife listening opportunities: Kids enjoy natural soundscapes after dark. Matt H. continues: "The sky was dark enough to see far more stars than you'd see near any larger towns or cities. To cap it off, we laid in our tent dozing off to the sounds of owls and coyotes!"
Limited swimming options: Not all parks with water features allow swimming. "There is canoeing but no swimming," notes Mike T. about Beaver Creek State Park.
Creek exploration spots: Children enjoy shallow water areas for rock skipping and wading. At Jefferson Lake State Park, Theresa Tittle R. suggests: "Small lake for wading with the kiddos, fishing near the dam or skip rocks in the creek."
Tips from RVers
Water fill restrictions: Plan for limited water access when traveling with an RV. At Jefferson Lake, Eddie notes: "All water full up towers only have those spigots that are not threaded. Had to hold hose over spigot about 20 min to fill 35 gal."
Alternative water sources: Ask park staff about maintenance building spigots. Eddie continues: "We were later told by staff the maintenance building had a threaded spigot."
Cell service availability: Coverage varies by campground and carrier. At Jefferson Lake, Eddie reports: "AT&T 5g with 3 bars."
Limited electric sites: Reserve early for powered camping. Teri A. notes: "Only 5 big electric sites, no showers or potable water. As a result it was so peaceful!"
