Tent and RV camping near Polk, Pennsylvania offers access to northwestern Pennsylvania's forests, rivers, and lakes. The region sits within the Allegheny Plateau with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,400 feet, creating cool summer nights even when days are warm. Winter camping options are limited with most campgrounds operating from April through October, though some shelter camping remains available year-round.
What to do
Water activities on Tionesta Creek: At Tionesta Rec. Area Campground, visitors enjoy direct creek access. "Beautiful level sites, spaced nicely apart, full hook ups, with big picnic tables and fire rings with multi-tiered grate. We had sites #46 and 48 right above the creek surrounded by tall trees," notes Lauren R. The creek provides swimming opportunities for children and pets.
Hiking trails through old-growth forest: The region contains extensive trail networks beyond the 36-mile Gerard trail. "Pennsylvania is home to some of the best wilderness trout streams that you're ever going to find. The area is just plain beautiful! If you like hiking, fishing, and getting it to enjoy some of the pristine wilderness of the Allegheny National Forest, this campground is your gateway to its natural beauty," explains Brannon M. from Tionesta Rec. Area.
Disc golf courses: Oil Creek Family Campground features a recently expanded 27-hole disc golf course. According to Lydia G., "My family stayed over Memorial Day weekend. It was so much fun. They have a lot of activities. My favorite was the disc golf. Their course is really nice!" The course weaves through wooded areas around the campground property.
What campers like
Secluded creek-side tent sites: Breakneck Campground offers walk-in tent sites along a stream. "We loved our stay! We definitely lucked out with one of the best campsites; we were right next to the creek, it was super spacious and super private," says Taylor S. These primitive sites provide a more immersive experience while still being accessible.
Spacious, private campsites: Many campgrounds in the area prioritize site privacy. At Two Mile Run County Park, "Shen staying at two mile you will find the sites are separated by trees and offer you your own little private area. The prices are good and you truly are in nature," according to John S. This creates natural barriers between camping neighbors.
Clean facilities: Multiple reviewers note exceptional cleanliness at facilities near Polk. "Level, wooded sites and clean bathrooms. No area to wash dishes. Lots of space for each sites and trees for shade," mentions Kelly F. about Mercer-Grove City KOA. Bathhouses and restrooms typically include hot showers and are regularly maintained throughout the camping season.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most luxury glamping near Polk, Pennsylvania operates with restricted schedules. "We stayed in site C6 one of the reservable sites. Every site has plenty of room. Campground overall is quiet. And most if not all of the full hookups are pull throughs. But seems many of the tent sites are on grades," reports Joanie B. about Two Mile Run County Park, highlighting the importance of site selection.
Variable cell service: Coverage can be spotty in forested areas. "There is a central dressing room with towel hooks and 4-5 showers connected to the central dressing room. This was not a problem when I took a shower, as I was the only one using the area, but could be problematic if it was full," notes Leah L. about Jamestown Campground at Pymatuning State Park.
Quiet hour enforcement varies: Some campgrounds strictly enforce quiet hours while others are more relaxed. "We did not explore much of the campground here, seemed huge with lots of sites, we basically had a whole area of sites to ourselves, and it was a very wooded area. Some lots were large, some were not. Very nice if you are looking for a no frills, quiet place to stay," shares Robyn S. about Two Mile Run County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Halloween-themed weekends: Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping offers special Halloween events. "Halloween weekends are a great time to visit!" says Terra B. These events typically include pumpkin carving contests, costume parades, trick-or-treating between campsites, and themed decorations.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "Very well maintained campground with lots of amenities, esp for kids (pool, playground). Generous sized sites, not too close together," notes Gypsy G. about Mercer-Grove City KOA, highlighting the importance of recreational options for children.
Pet restrictions: Some areas limit where pets can go. "I didn't like that pets are not allowed in the non-pet area as that was where the playground and swimming beach was. Made it difficult to swim and play as a family since you can't leave dogs alone at the campsite," explains Jeani B. from Jamestown Campground at Pymatuning State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement challenges: At Kalyumet Campground, hookups can be inconveniently located. "We plan to return but our only complaint would be the site we were in (11) and others next to it were quite far from the water and cable hookups. I ended up having to run 60ft of water hose and 50ft of cable in order to get a connection," says Ember M. Bring extra-length hoses and cables.
Bridge clearance concerns: Some access roads have limited clearance. "We were contacted by campground about an alternate route. My daughter called and learned it was regarding a small bridge that would accommodate our 31' RV, so we went that route," explains Joan about Mercer-Grove City KOA. Call ahead if driving larger rigs.
Level site availability: Many campsites require leveling equipment. "Site 11 is very nice. It was quiet, peaceful, and just great. Only reason for not 5 stars is the 3 dirt speed bumps with no signs. You hit them pulling a camper and it was horrible," warns Jason J. from Tionesta Recreation Campground. Pack leveling blocks and stabilizers.
