Looking for the best Oil City tent camping? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Oil City, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Oil City, Pennsylvania's most popular destinations.
$8 / night
Primitive Camping Area; Permit required for more than one night stay.
🏞Allegheny Riverfront camping on a private island!
Private Island 5 minutes away from Tidioute, PA.
🏕Campsites
🌳Treehouse
🏞Cabin and whole island rental
🛶Kayak rentals & shuttle available
$55 - $400 / night
It's pretty dark here. There are no large cities anywhere around here.
My family moved here in 1957 and I purchased it from my father in 1975.
My wife is responsible for much of the landscaping and home improvements that have been done since 1990.
We are retired self-employed.
Perfect for families and friends who want to have a private, spacious camping area.
$22 - $75 / night
The backpacking shelter and tent sites can hold 4 people per site. A group can be no larger than 12 people and requires purchase of enough sites to accommodate your group. This shelter is an Adirondack style lean-to shelter with a stone fireplace.
Travel Alert: As of 10/21/2022 PennDOT will be closing Petroleum Center bridge by the park office due to sever structural damage. The bridge will be closed to all vehicle traffic but is open to bicycle, and foot traffic. This closure is expected to be in effect for the foreseeable future. For anyone traveling from the south to reach the Park Office, McCrea Farm/ski trails, Egbert pavilion and the southern delayed harvest area, you will need to follow detour signs in Rouseville directing you onto Rt. 227. If traveling from the north, you will need to follow detour signs directing you to Rt. 227 into the town of Plummer. Park directional signs are located along 227 in the town of Plummer.
In 1992 (Public Law 102-271) added 87 miles of the Allegheny River to the National Wild & Scenic River System classified as Recreational. The goal is to protect the existing outstanding and remarkable values and preserve a free-flowing condition for present and future generations. This designation applies to the following three sections: 7 miles from below Kinzua Dam to Route 6 bridge in Warren 48 miles from Buckaloons Campground to Alcorn Island (by Oil City), and 32 miles from south of Franklin to Emlenton. The corridor boundary runs along the plateau ridge on both sides and has extensive areas of privately owned lands with many homes and seasonal recreational residences along the shoreline. Public access is good generally from both sides and few hazards make this an ideal river for novice and family canoeing. Oak forests predominate along steep side slopes and there is wooded-riverine habitat in some of the floodplains. It contains the seven Allegheny Wilderness Islands often used by boaters for dispersed camping and fishing. The Allegheny Islands Wilderness contains seven islands stretched between Buckaloons and Tionesta along the Allegheny Wild and Scenic River. The islands are popular for dispersed camping, exploration, and viewing scenery and wildlife. They are mostly vegetated with fine riverine forests of sycamore, silver maple, shagbark hickory, and green ash. Dense grasses and other thick vegetation make access limited. There are no developed trails or other facilities on the islands. The Allegheny River is one of the primary tributaries to the Ohio River. It joins with the Monongahela River to form the Ohio River at the "Point" in Pittsburgh, PA. The Allegheny starts in Pennsylvania, near Cobb Hill, meanders into New York into Cattaraugus County, near Salamanca, before heading back into Pennsylvania northeast of Warren. The course of the river forms much of the northwestern boundary of the Allegheny National Forest before reaching Franklin where the river turns southeast. Within the borders of the Allegheny National Forest the river is fed by Kinzua Creek, Conewango Creek, Brokenstraw Creek, Tionesta Creek, Oil Creek and French Creek. The Clarion River joins the Allegheny near Kittanning.
This tent site sits in the woods on a hill just above the corner of French Creek (2022 PA River of the Year!) and a small tributary creek. It faces northwest over the valley providing amazing sunset views.
This location is on the high-side of the Union City Dam which is a dry bed, flood control dam. Which means during snow melt, or rainy streaks, the dam will fill up and flood the entire valley. However during dry spells, French Creek will appear as any other creek. At peak flooding, it will make its way all the way up the tributary valley, making a beautiful lake front campsite. Unfortunately, this only occurs a few weeks out of the year (typically early spring and occasionally during wet falls) and is fairly unpredictable (you can compare the high-water vs low-water views from the photos). Most of the summer you can still enjoy the view over both the tributary valley and French Creek valley. (DISCLAIMER: Once or twice a year during the wettest streaks, the water rises high enough to flood the driveway, making it impossible to drive up directly to the campsite. If this happens, you will be notified before so you can choose either to be refunded and not stay or you can park 100 yards up the road and hike into the campsite to enjoy the unique and rare lakefront views. Again, these are natural events that are infrequent and unpredictable, but also provide a truly spectacular setting.)
Located at the end of a dead end dirt road, adjacent to 100's of acres of federal protected land, and within sight of agriculture fields, there is an abundance of wildlife. For over 20 years, an active eagles nest has been located 1 mile north providing amazing opportunities to see either adult or juvenile eagles flying over French Creek hunting for fish. Deer can be seen early morning and late evening in the fields, as well as frequently crossing both valleys. All types of waterfowl flock the lake when it's flooded. I've personally seen up to 1000 geese at one time.
Beyond relaxing and wildlife watching, there are plenty of other activities to explore in the area. Access to many nature walking trails. The Union City Dam, less than 1.5 miles down the road, provides walking, biking, scenic driving, and picnic opportunities. Kayaks/canoes can be used to float the creek when dry or paddle up and down the reservoir lake when flooded. Centrally located between the 2 small towns of Union City and Waterford with gas stations, grocery stores, great local dinning options, and more. About a half an hour drive to Erie and Presque Isle State Park.
Come enjoy this extremely unique stretch of French Creek and Pennsylvania woods!
DISCLAIMER: There is an active gravel pit to the North of the campsite. During weekdays from about 7 AM-5 PM, you will likely hear and possibly see some activity from the gravel pit.
$40 - $45 / night
Scout
Cooks forest is absolutely gorgeous. I look forward to returning as there are a lot of hiking opportunities we missed. We stayed in the pet friendly area, which was nice. There is a pet trail through the woods that was really great to take our dog rather than walking around the campground. Our site was right next to a drinking water spigot and a path to the bath house. The sites near ours were in a wooded area, which felt more private than many of the other sites we saw. There was a fore pit and a picnic table. Our fire pit was behind where the camper was parked, which also felt more private. There is no alcohol permitted in PA state parks, so alcohol is prohibited in the campground as well. It was a great spot, and we look forward to returning.
Scout
Red Bridge is stunning and wonderfully maintained! Every time they drove by, site hosts would pull over and chat with you! I love watching movies and TV shows on my favorite app, Baixar Freecine Apk, and there were plenty of clean bathhouses with plenty of hot water.
TravelerThe Red Bridge Recreation Area, located within the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania, is a picturesque destination that offers a wide range of outdoor activities. Nestled along the Allegheny River, this area features beautiful scenic views, picnic spots, and access to hiking trails. For more information if anyone want to know about baixar freecine visit here https://baixarfreecine.com/
Scout
This is my first time dispersed camping and the spot is nice for a first go. Was able to drive in which I why I chose this area. Currently finish up the night and once the fire dies down I’ll head to bed. As some one has mentioned the only real downside is the road near by, but the traffic is at a minimum.
Scout
Beautiful place. Host was very accommodating. Great time.
Scout
I came up for an event at the farm show grounds(yes the event you’re thinking of). I made a reservation and paid in full the day after it was announced 6 days beforehand. I got a call the day before Friday stating that I wasn’t able to check in until 1PM and the latest was 8PM. I asked if I could park there before the event and deal with it later. The owner reluctantly agreed, however said that my vehicle would be towed if I came after 8. He also stated that I couldn’t check in early or wait a little. Gates closed at 1; and was over at 8 and couldn’t leave the parking lot until 10. Needless to say I just drove home 3 hours instead. Mind you the“campground” is a quarter mile from the farm show grounds. I honestly just wanted somewhere to rest my eyes for a couple of hours in my car before I left early on the morning. I understand that places like this have policies, however this was probably the largest congregation of people Butler and the Farm Show has ever hosted. There was 10s of thousands of people in town and as a bonus the rounds were closed to due construction. If you lean even a little right, caveat emptor. The guy knew exactly what was doing. This will be the most expensive$35 this guy ever stole.
ScoutRed Bridge is beautiful and VERY WELL KEPT!! Site hosts were always driving around and would stop to talk with you! Numerous bathhouses were clean, and lots of hot water.
Guide
Any worker over the age of 20 was super rude and they did NOT Re-Book Our Reservation For Next Year The Website sates that it is now being managed by a company called Oasis Marianas. There Are Signs Falling Apart And They Pool Was Water Orange! The Arcade was completely broken the showers were tiny and the entire place is in disrepair. The Gate was taken off the Opener And thrown into the weeds DISAPPOINTING And This Place was NOT CHEAP And Was Super RunDown.
Scout
Fun little campground with friendly staff and wide open spaces. Clean bathrooms, great pool, fun little game room. The playground got 2 thumbs up from a 4 and 6 year old. There was a movie night every night. Close to stores (15 mins). The KOA is close to Presque isle and the amusement park, which is a fantastic place for kids. Sites were a good size and comfortable to be around.
Scout
Happy to as soon as I get to stay
Scout
Great staff great place.
Scout
I have a 25-foot travel trailer and found several suitable spots on SF-160. Since it rains frequently here, keep your slip-on shoes handy near the door. This area offers great hiking and biking opportunities. The campsite next to the hiking trail has WiFi about 70% of the time. Experience duck life right now!
GuideIf you don’t mind roughing it a bit, it’s really quite nice. Sites are first come first serve and there is a bit of day traffic to get to Hector Falls. Which is a nice little 2 mile hike. Some good exploring. Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me.
Scout
Campground is closed. Roads are a minefield! Park by the dam is nice and so are the trails across from the dam. Trails by the campground are very nice, once you get through the mine field to them.
Guide
Wolf's Camping Resort Is The Perfect Campground For Family's To Stay At With Its large Swimming Pool And It's Large Game room It is prefect for kids young and old! It has a large store with helpful employees and it sits on a large plot of land that includes a small mini golf corse and a full sized 18 hole golf course with many activities and themed weekends that you can find on their Facebook it is the perfect place to come!
RangerMany disbursed spots along the river over several miles. Size od camping spots ranges from large open fields with fire pits to spots on the shoulder of the road
We came in on a Saturday and found one of the road side sites open. Not much traffic and very friendly people in the area.
The river was basically brown like pudding the only signs of life were insects. While a very beautiful area, the river was king of yucky looking.
Guidenice little hideaway , it is however right across from where people have made a make shift shooting rang, which I thought to bea bonus.
Traveler
Like the other review, this site has a lot of litter. Clearly people are camping here at times but there are posted signs that say Day Use Only. It was quiet and dark.
TravelerThe site was fine, fire pit, primitive spot so no services. We arrived late at night so couldn’t see so well but stopped in a clearing on the road toward the coordinates.
Kind of a gross site, the previous people who stayed at our site were messy and left litter, but it served its purpose as a free place to sleep along a longer trip.
Traveler
I took my 7yo son last year for his first time camping. He absolutely loved it!!! Everyone was very nice & the heated pool & campstore are great. He especially enjoyed the “rock mining”. He keeps wanting to go back to get the motherload bag to mine!
Scout
Nice campground with full hook ups. Close to a large recreational lake with hiking trails and a boat launch. Sites were fairly level no issues with power fluctuations and sewer worked great!
Scout$20/night basic site has a picnic table and fire ring. Each loop has. Pit potty on it. Shower facility in the park, very very hot water. Quiet, friendly people. Dog friendly. Bear area..,take note. Some sites have water access.
ScoutWe stayed here for a week in June 2024 in our 42-foot fifth wheel. Overall the campground is clean and well-maintained. The owner is friendly and helpful. Amenities include a heated, in-ground pool, a recreation center, a pavilion, and swing sets.
The current owners have had the campground since ~2014 and have made many repairs and improvements. Water, electric, and sewage lines have been replaced or upgraded in the past few years. We had stable electric and good water.
Unfortunately no WiFi is available, but there was a good AT&T cell phone signal.
Scout
This campsite was close to an archery tournament for me. It is a huge campsite that is remote and peaceful. I will try to get this place again next year.
Scout
The Tuttle Campground was enjoyable. It is a well maintained park with big spacious spots.
Traveler
First time staying at Clear Creek State Park and had a spot just below where the Creek empties into the River. We were able to turn the RV so the door/awning faced the River. We saw a two different Merganser mamas with young, a green heron fishing, and a bald eagle go up the River. We were right across from the showerhouse but noise was minimal. Our dog had the riverbank to explore on her camp leash of course. Hiking above the campground was very nice and we did an easy loop of almost 6 miles. Mountain Laurels were in bloom. Very clean park. Showerhouse was well-kept. Bringing the kayaks next time.
Traveler
Quiet park. Some road noise from campsite J100 but US route 322 is lightly traveled. Typical tent site with fire ring and picnic table. Across street from bath house with shower and toilet which was clean.
Tent camping near Oil City, Pennsylvania, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, outdoor enthusiasts can find the perfect spot to set up their tents and explore the beautiful surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Oil City, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Oil City, PA is Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Oil City, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Oil City, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
