Campsites near Reno, PA consist of both rustic, back-country options and developed facilities with amenities. Located in the northwestern Pennsylvania woodlands, the region features elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,400 feet across rolling terrain. The camping season typically runs April through October, with some sites closing earlier in fall due to rough access roads and limited winter maintenance.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Oil Creek Family Campground features a 27-hole disc golf course primarily in wooded areas. "Recently expanded from 18 hole... near and around the campground property," notes one reviewer who appreciated the course layout during a weekend stay.
Mountain biking opportunities: Two Mile Run County Park offers trails suitable for mountain biking events. "We came here for a mountain bike race and enjoyed riding the trails!" mentions a visitor who stayed in the wooded camping area.
Train rides and historic demonstrations: The region preserves its oil industry heritage with seasonal displays. At Oil Creek State Park, "once a year that they have oil machinery demonstrations. Very interesting. You can also take a train ride through the park," explains a camper who discovered the park's educational offerings.
Winter camping options: Several sites remain open for cold-weather enthusiasts. "We have stayed at the park for Christmas Eve the past two years. Had the Adirondack shelters to ourselves each year," reports one winter camper at Oil Creek State Park, noting the "very quiet and no light pollution from a town or city, providing great moonlit nights."
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campgrounds in the region offer secluded spots with natural screening. "When staying at two mile you will find the sites are separated by trees and offer you your own little private area," shares a camper from Two Mile Run County Park, highlighting the affordability and natural setting.
Riverside camping locations: Tionesta Recreation Area Campground provides sites along Tionesta Creek. "We had sites #46 and 48 right above the creek surrounded by tall trees. Incredibly quiet," notes one reviewer who appreciated the full hookup sites with quality amenities, adding that the sites feature "big picnic tables and fire rings with multi-tiered grate."
Adirondack shelter options: Wolfkiel Run Shelters provides an alternative to tent camping with raised platforms and fireplaces. "The Adirondack shelters are perfectly positioned to be private from one another, each looks out over the forest. They are a raised timber platform with a slanted roof and stone chimney with fireplace," explains a visitor who found the 15-minute walk-in access manageable.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Quality infrastructure stands out to campers in the region. "The sites in this area are well-maintained and LARGE, with plenty of room for a pop-up or multiple tents plus one or two vehicles, plus lots of room around the fire ring," comments a camper at Oil Creek Family Campground.
What you should know
Limited primitive sites require hiking: Danner Primitive Campground offers remote camping but requires effort to reach. "This is a hike in or paddle in only campground. The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge," reports a visitor who noted that "each [site] with a new picnic table and nice fire rings with adjustable grates."
Cell service varies by carrier: Coverage can be spotty in the more remote sites. "We got 2 bars on Verizon," reports one camper at Tionesta Recreation Area, providing useful information for those needing connectivity during their stay.
Winter water access limited: Cold weather camping requires additional preparation. "The drop toilets were open, but probably wise to BYO toilet tissue," advises a winter visitor to Wolfkiel Run Shelters, adding that while firewood was available, "it's wise to bring your own kindling, or an axe to cut some from the larger pieces."
Access roads can be challenging: Some campgrounds have entry roads that require careful navigation. "From I-80, take the exit for PA-36 then follow the signs to Tionesta and once you get near you'll see the Tionesta Recreation Area Signs. There are signs to the boat launch area so pay attention and follow the camping signs," explains a Tionesta Recreation Area camper who noted the importance of following proper directional signs.
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational programming: Some parks offer structured activities for children. "We were thrilled to find they had a children's program on Saturday mornings. Our children had a ball making crafts, playing games, finding items on a scavenger hunt and of course snacks!" reports a family that visited Rustic Acres.
Beach areas for kids: Water access points designed for families enhance the camping experience. "Great beach for kids," notes a visitor to Two Mile Run County Park who also appreciated the "plenty of nice hiking trails" available from the camping area.
Halloween themed weekends: Seasonal events create memorable experiences for families. "It was Halloween themed weekend and the extent of planning they do for the patrons was outstanding," shares a camper at Goddard Park Vacationland Campground who stayed in one of the teepee accommodations.
Scout for playground access: Some campgrounds feature play equipment for younger campers. According to a Tionesta Recreation Area visitor, "The campground had a playground that was at the entrance and the creek was nearby," providing entertainment options beyond the camping sites themselves.
Tips from RVers
Site length information reliability: For larger rigs, confirming actual site dimensions is important. At Tionesta Recreation Area, a camper with a 39' fifth-wheel noted, "The site was just long enough for our 39' fifth wheel and we had to park our F450 diagonally in front," adding that "the site lengths vary in the CG and the lengths from the reservation site seemed to be fairly correct."
Utility placement varies: Hookup locations can affect setup. "The utilities were about 3/4 the way to the back of the site so no problems with sewer, water, or electric cord lengths," reports an RVer at Tionesta Recreation Area who appreciated the functional layout.
Water pressure considerations: Supply systems vary between campgrounds. "The water pressure was okay at about 42 psi," notes a camper at Tionesta Recreation Area, providing specific information useful for those with water pressure regulators.
Back-in challenges at certain sites: Some locations require maneuvering skills. "After watching a 40' 5th wheel struggle to back into site 113, we decided this site is not a good choice for rigs over 35 feet or for someone with below-average backing abilities," warns a camper at Tionesta Recreation Area, explaining that "the pad angles at 90 degrees, there's a ditch across the road from the site making it difficult to swing the tow vehicle, and there are trees to avoid."
