Best Campgrounds near Ridgway, PA

Ridgway is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Ridgway, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Ridgway, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

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Clarion Heights

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Best Camping Sites Near Ridgway, Pennsylvania (143)

    1. Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins

    51 Reviews
    Cooksburg, PA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 744-8407

    $20 - $67 / night

    "Look at the campground map before you book your site if being close to a bathroom is important; ours was across the campsite behind us but we had to step in a rock set in the stream to get to it without"

    "There is a pet trail through the woods that was really great to take our dog rather than walking around the campground."

    2. Clear Creek State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Clarington, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 752-2368

    $22 - $57 / night

    "A must do when camping in Pennsylvania. The Clarian river is great for kayaking . Multiple trails off of park."

    "There are kayak rentals nearby also. The Clarion River is full of wildlife including bald eagles hunting the river and an occasional black bear nearby."

    3. Red Mill Pond

    4 Reviews
    Ridgway, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 927-6628

    4. Parker Dam State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Mill Run, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 765-0630

    $20 - $80 / night

    "There’s a little lake there, and a stream and some trails but in general it’s all pretty uninspiring."

    "These two sites are shaded, surrounded by trees and pretty much private to the rest of the "Modern" campground."

    5. Clarion Heights

    2 Reviews
    Ridgway, PA
    4 miles
    +1 (814) 335-6918

    $35 - $55 / night

    6. Twin Lakes Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Kane, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 368-4158

    "Twin Lakes is a beautiful spot, tucked away in a stream valley in the Allegheny National Forest. It's mainly locals who come here, since few outsiders know about it."

    "Quiet are far from the highway."

    7. Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    Marienville, PA
    19 miles

    "Great little roadside campsite to get away. We spent the night during a tropical storm and got the pleasure of hearing the rain on the tent out in this peaceful spot!"

    "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."

    8. Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    21 Reviews
    Ludlow, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 368-4158

    $20 - $130 / night

    "For the most part, there isn’t a bad site (although we didn’t see any of the walk up sites, and I recommend not booking a site immediately next to the bathrooms since the ones without showers are more"

    "There are paths leading down to the reservoir throughout the campground. The pit toilets and shower houses are well-located and very clean. There is firewood available for purchase on-site. "

    9. East Branch Campground — East Branch Clarion River Lake

    2 Reviews
    Wilcox, PA
    12 miles
    +1 (814) 965-2065

    $15 - $55 / night

    "Loved how remote this location was, but be prepared to be a billy goat when trekking to the restroom no matter your site location. "

    10. Rvino - Campers Paradise

    9 Reviews
    Clarington, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 752-2393

    $40 - $245 / night

    "This campground is just far enough away from home that it feels worlds away while still being convenient for forgotten items."

    "The store front has anything you can think of, and the playground is conveniently located. The swimming pool is always cold but feels great on a nice hot day"

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Recent Reviews near Ridgway, PA

526 Reviews of 143 Ridgway Campgrounds


  • Daniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Curwensville Lake Campground

    Amazing

    Having PTSD and serious anxiety. This spot allows you to relax without to much concern,dogs welcome ,boating and swimming was awesome for around this area. Camping is great especially at night with boats on the water.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    Not bad for 20 bucks

    Not bad at all for 20 bucks , spots with electricity cost more. Came on a week night without a reservation and was almost unable to get a spot , host was nice though! Quiet area

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Don’t recommend

    Apple Maps brings you way far away, follow the pin and it will bring you. Way too grown in as of August . Didn’t end up staying here. May be a good spot in the fall once the grass dies. Secluded spot though

  • Dani T.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Clarion River Campground

    Possibly 5 Stars IF...

    This camp area could be 5 Stars if you get lucky. We got here very late, and almost all the sites were full... the one nice one that was available had food everywhere. Don't do this! There were chicken carcasses and popcorn, eggs, and a bag of food in a fire ring. Having seen racoons & other wildlife on the road in, obviously we couldn't tent there. We car c(r)amped at another site. M7(?). There was no place for a tent & no fire ring at that spot. The river view in the morning was nice though. Had we arrived earlier or gotten lucky, this area is probably an awesome camp spot! There's an information station along River Rd with a pit toilet house. On the billboard you'll find a map of the designated camp spots along both River Rd and Millstone. Take a picture of it. There's no reception here but that's how you know it's a nice area!

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins

    Great Getway

    This campground was great! Throughout the week in the summer it is pretty quiet. Very close to the fire tower and other things to see around it. The Knotty Pine bar and restaurant was right down the road and had great food and drink.

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Wolfs Camping Resort

    Absolutely beautiful

    Super friendly staff, great location. stocked lake with catch and release fishing. Loved it.

    Stayed in May 2017

  • Casey L.
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Kiasutha

    Wooded sites

    Our campsite was waterfront and beautiful, but the majority were just a wooded setting. They all seemed decently spaced apart, or at least felt that way because they had trees between. Driveways had old pavement, some were not very level but wouldn’t be a problem if you can level. Our site didn’t have a good spot for a tent but some had grassy areas. Bathrooms were outdated but mostly clean, no paper towels or hand dryers. Didn’t see any rangers or park staff drive through, quiet hours were not enforced and we had a loud neighbor. Close to some nice trails.

  • Ryan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 11, 2025

    Riverhurst Park Campground

    Quiet and shaded

    Really nice park. Spacious lots. Multiple places to access the Allegheny river (all waterfront areas were booked for our visit). QR codes labeling different trees on the property. Coming from Arizona this was a nice feature and something I’d never seen at another park.


Guide to Ridgway

Camping near Ridgway, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area. Campers at Cook Forest State Park Campground rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer saying, "If you're into hiking, there's lots to see here."
  • Stargazing: For those who love the night sky, Cherry Springs State Park Campground is a must-visit. A camper shared, "The skies opened up and the stars came out. It was truly breathtaking."
  • Fishing and Kayaking: The Clear Creek State Park Campground is perfect for water activities. One visitor noted, "We were able to turn the RV so the door/awning faced the River."

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the stunning scenery. A review for Lyman Run State Park Campground highlights, "From the beautiful lake to the stunning views of the vistas, you are always feeling at peace."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Black Moshannon State Park Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. A camper mentioned, "The bathhouse was pristine, and the shower was clean with plentiful hot water."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Parker Dam State Park Campground are great for families. One reviewer said, "It's a great spot if you're traveling with the kids."

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A camper at Parker Dam State Park Campground noted, "The individual camp sites are all right on top of each other."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many areas, like Black Moshannon State Park Campground, have poor cell reception. One visitor stated, "Cell service is extremely limited to non-existent."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots like Clear Creek State Park Campground can fill up quickly. A camper advised, "It is often challenging to reserve a site unless done far in advance."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Activities: Campgrounds like Quaker Area — Allegany State Park offer plenty of activities. A family-friendly reviewer said, "This campground literally has something for everyone."
  • Check for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One camper at Parker Dam State Park Campground mentioned, "There is a nice little lake area where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards."
  • Plan for Quiet Time: Choose sites that are a bit more secluded. A visitor at Minister Creek Campground noted, "There are plenty of great dispersed sites past the main campground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level enough for RVs. A reviewer at Clear Creek State Park Campground warned, "If you have an RV/travel trailer, do NOT recommend the non-power sites."
  • Bring Your Own Firewood: Many campgrounds do not sell firewood. A camper at Red Bridge Recreation Area mentioned, "No firewood available in the camp, but nearby locations where you can buy it are posted."
  • Plan for Limited Services: Be prepared for limited amenities at some sites. A visitor at Minister Creek Campground noted, "There is a water tap and vaulted toilets."

Camping near Ridgway, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to unwind or a place to explore, you’ll find it in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Ridgway Mills Campground located?

Ridgway Mills Campground is located in the scenic Pennsylvania Wilds region near Ridgway. The area is situated between two mountains in Elk County, with the campground positioned to provide easy access to both the Allegheny National Forest and Elk State Forest. Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest is a highly-rated campground in this vicinity with well-maintained sites. The region is known for its proximity to the Clarion River, making it ideal for water activities like kayaking and fishing. The campground's location also serves as an excellent base for exploring the Pennsylvania Elk Range, with opportunities for wildlife viewing, especially during the fall bugling season.

What are the reservation requirements for camping in Ridgway?

Reservation requirements for Ridgway area campgrounds vary by location. Most public campgrounds like Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins require reservations, especially during peak seasons (late spring through early fall). Reservations can typically be made up to 11 months in advance through the Pennsylvania state park reservation system. Austin Campground, a private facility in the area, accepts both reservations and walk-ins when space is available. For many campgrounds, holiday weekends and summer months fill quickly, so early booking is recommended. Some locations offer both reservable sites and first-come, first-served options. Always check specific campground policies, as reservation windows, deposit requirements, and cancellation policies vary by location.

What amenities are available at Ridgway campgrounds?

Campgrounds in the Ridgway area offer diverse amenities for all camping styles. Clear Creek State Park Campground provides tent and RV sites, rustic cabins, yurts, and clean restroom/shower facilities. The park sits along the Clarion River with paddle-in sites available. For a more secluded experience, Upper Campground — Kettle Creek State Park offers electric hookups at select RV sites, pit toilets, a scullery area, and access to showers at the lower campground. Many area campgrounds include picnic tables, fire rings with cooking grills, access to hiking trails, and water activities. Some locations provide canoe rentals, playgrounds for children, and pet-friendly accommodations with dedicated pet trails.