Best Tent Camping near Rouseville, PA

Dispersed tent camping options flourish in the forested landscapes surrounding Rouseville, Pennsylvania, with the Allegheny National Forest providing multiple primitive tent setups. Wolfkiel Run Shelters in Oil Creek State Park offers Adirondack-style shelters with platforms large enough for tent setups, while Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite provides more rustic experiences approximately 25 miles east of Rouseville. The Danner Primitive Campground features eight designated tent campsites accessible only by hiking approximately two miles from the Kennerdell bridge trailhead.

Most tent campgrounds near Rouseville feature minimal amenities, with varying levels of facilities depending on whether sites are established or dispersed. Wolfkiel Run provides drop toilets, water in summer months, and sheltered firewood for a donation, while dispersed sites like Loleta Road typically lack any facilities. Fire rings are common at established sites, but campers should bring their own water and sanitation supplies to dispersed locations. Several campsites require permits, particularly for stays longer than one night, as is the case at Danner Primitive Campground. Forestry Road dispersed sites feature established fire rings but no other facilities.

Tent campers in the Rouseville area enjoy significant privacy, with many sites positioned to maximize seclusion. The Adirondack shelters at Wolfkiel Run are "perfectly positioned to be private from one another, each looks out over the forest," according to visitor reviews. For those seeking deeper wilderness immersion, the walk-in tent sites at Danner Campground offer level, cleared spaces with picnic tables and fire rings with adjustable cooking grates. Many sites feature proximity to water, with several campgrounds located near creeks or the Allegheny River. A visitor to Loleta Road noted, "Great little roadside campsite to get away," though they cautioned about potential mud issues during spring months and occasional visibility from nearby roads when trees are leafless.

Best Tent Sites Near Rouseville, Pennsylvania (19)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Rouseville, PA

510 Reviews of 19 Rouseville Campgrounds


  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park

    Best Hike-In Camp in PA

    Wolfkiel is one of two hike-in areas along the Gerard Hiking Trail, in the Oil Creek State Park. Wolfkiel is made up of six(6) Ariondack Shelters and a tent camping area. 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. There are two shelves and several hooks on the wall. Each shelter has a picnic table. The platform is large enough to sleep 4 people in sleeping bags or set up a two person tent. 

    The tent section is cleared and grassy with communal firepit and picnic table. Lots of trees to enable hammock set up. There is a supply of firewood in a covered shed for a small donation and two(2) drop toilets. Water is available in the summer months. The shelters are approx. 15min walk to the creek& Miller Farm Bridge, which joins the Oil Creek State Park trail. It’s a stunning walk with lots of small swimming spots along the way. 

    The shelters are approx. 10min drive from Titusville, PA. The walk-in from the carpark is approx. 15min– slight downhill on the way in.

  • Britt B.
    Mar. 1, 2021

    Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park

    Winter Camping at Wolfkiel Shelters

    This was our second time to the Wolfkiel Shelters in Oil Creek State Park. Wolfkiel is one of two hike-in camping areas which consists of six(6) Ariondack Shelters and a tent camping area. The road in was snow covered but easily navigated. The Shelter carpark is small and was almost full the day we arrived. The track from the carpark to the campground is beautifully graded making it easy to pull a sled in with extra supplies. The walk in is less than a mile(~15min). The drop toilets were open, but probably wise to BYO toilet tissue. The shelters have hooks that allow you to hang a tarpaulin to help keep the heat in your shelter, although not necessary, especially if the nights are still. Snow did blow into our Shelter in the morning but was minimal. There is a self-serve timber stack which was fully stocked. A donation is requested. It’s wise to bring your own kindling, or an axe to cut some from the larger pieces. The shelter fireplaces have hooks for hanging pots and pans over the flames. Even in Winter, the shelters positioned so you do not look at other shelters. They are a raised timber platform with a slanted roof and stone chimney with fireplace. There are two shelves and several hooks on the wall. Each shelter has a picnic table. The platform is large enough to sleep 4 people in sleeping bags or set up a two person tent. These shelters are very peaceful in the winter and would highly recommend them if you are keen for some“winter camping” but not keen to sleep in a tent or be completely exposed. The shelters are approx.15min walk to the creek& Miller Farm Bridge, which joins the Oil Creek State Park trail. The shelters are approx. 10min drive from Titusville, PA

  • Kathleen B.
    May. 25, 2021

    Breakneck Campground

    Nice little campground

    Our first visit to this campground and we actually found from using this website! We wanted a secluded site and close to Pittsburgh. 

    We arrived around 7pm and there was no check in, we drove around for a while trying to find a spot with a fire ring per some helpful campers. There are two really nice spots by the water which were taken, and we only saw one other in the woods (the other 2 were hidden by a large group of people).

    We ended up finding a flat spot with some tree cover what was far enough from our neighbors but about as close as a bigger campground. Would be good for larger groups. Ton of flat land for tents but saw some people with smaller campers. Firewood is $5 a bucket and clean and dry. Bring a table cloth for the tables. 

    Portapot close by but full bath rooms and showers by main lodge. Lots of tent platforms that overlooked into the woods which would be fun, for a smaller 4 person tent though. 

    As another reviewer stated, there was a super loud group Friday night but Saturday was very peaceful and quiet and we met the owner who checked us in and apologized for the loud group and said he was still getting the campground ready for the season. The price is the same for either spots. 

    Short walk down cheeseman road to trail entrances to McConnells Mills State Park. Short drive to hells hallow or the covered bridge. 

    Overall we had a great time and will be back!

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2022

    Hearts Content Recreation Area

    Great quiet little campground

    Very nice quiet small wooded campground. No hookups, about 3-4 fresh water spigots, 1 dump station and dumpster. Water pressure was very low and took a while to fill tank. 26 various sized sites, some large with plenty of space for our 22 foot tow behind and truck + some for extra vehicles. Other smaller sites for tents or vans. Self serve ice $2 wood $10. Vault toilets. Fire rings and picnic table at each site. AT&T spotty 0-1 bars. Host camper. Quiet time 10pm-6am. 1 Xlarge site for groups.

  • d
    Jul. 24, 2018

    Jamestown Campground — Pymatuning State Park

    great spot for direct kayak/canoe put in.

    We stayed in site 218. this spot is in the smaller ( less crowded) part of Jamestown campground in Pymatuning SP. it is right on the water and has an easy access area for shore fishing and entering a kayak or canoe or some other water device. the site sits on a little bay and the otherside (more crowded) of the campground is across the water. the water is a little murky/ grassy but still good entry area. the campsite was spacious for a pa state park. the site is between the lake and the road. sites 212-222 look to be on the water with boat access, but 218 has the easiest entry. 220’s picnic Bench and fire pit sit next to the water with great views, but there is little shade. 218 had a great shady spot were you can hang 3 hammocks. there is no electricity at these sites and pretty much tent only. lots of tent space. the fire ring was decent but we moved it as it was right underneath a burnt tree. 218 was ADA accessible with a nice picnic table. restrooms were fairly close. clean... outdated, but clean.

  • Bill  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2020

    Hearts Content Recreation Area

    Simple and serene

    Hearts Content is best described as a way station. The sites are nestled within a grove of immense pines. Some are large enough for large RV’s . There are no showers. Bathrooms are vault toilets. Two of the sites include Adirondack type shelters. A picnic table and fire ring are within each site. I used this site as a staging area to explore Allegheny National Forest for a week. Used a camp shower. The closest town is Warren, PA. Firewood is available at the camp host site. Across the road is an hiking area with picnic tables and the like.

  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Breakneck Campground

    Perfect Spot to Explore McConnell's Mill

    Breakneck is a private campground on the edge of the McConnell’s Mill State Park. They offer RV sites, tent camping and cabins. The tent camping is either grassy, flat sites or on an elevated timber platform overlooking a gorge. They also offer walk-in tent sites down by the creek which are beautiful. 

    We were lucky enough to be able to to camp down by the stream. There are designated fireplaces. It is quite a walk up the hill to the campground amenities, but worth it to feel secluded down by the creek. From our campsite we walked along the creek into McConnells Mill State Park and joined the covered bridge trail. Approx. 30min walk along the creek down into McConnells Mill State Park. 

    The campground sells firewood and has great amenities. Note: there is no phone reception at the tent sites by the creek. They welcome fury friends!

  • Bill  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2018

    Hearts Content Recreation Area

    Minimal offering for maximum relaxing

    This campground is within Allegheny National Forest near the town of Warren and Tidouette. The sites are few but spacious. Good for car camping, though I’m sure a smaller RVcould get by. Each site has a fire ring. Two sites have Adirondack type shelters. The night sky is promising but light pollution from Warren inhibits a truly awesome night sky. There is a vault toilet. No showers. No water either. Bring what you need! The closest town is about 30 minutes away. Lots of critter life. My dogs loved it here. We spent all days exploring the nearby trails and creeks. Price was cheap. No frills but a quiet respite for sure.

  • Danielle S.
    Apr. 16, 2019

    Minister Creek Campground

    Small, rustic, gorgeous

    We stayed here July 2018 and found a quiet campsite by the creek. It had been quite rainy and some of the sites were wet and muddy, but for $12, I couldn't complain. While there is an outhouse, it is simply a couple of toilets (bring a lantern or wear a headlamp). Arrive early to get a prime spot, and take advantage of the hiking trails (a bug net for your head will help in the summer as the gnats and deer flies are distracting). Looking forward to staying again.


Guide to Rouseville

Primitive camping opportunities abound in the forests around Rouseville, Pennsylvania, a region marked by the Allegheny Plateau's rolling hills and hardwood forests. Winter temperatures typically drop to the teens, while summer brings high humidity and temperatures in the 70s-80s°F. Most tent camping near Rouseville offers varying levels of seclusion on public lands within a 30-mile radius of town.

What to do

Waterfall exploration: Hector Falls sits approximately a mile from the Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite trailhead, requiring a 3/4-mile hike through the woods. "The falls are really cool to look at, and has some cool rock formations. Be careful the cliffs are about a 20 ft straight drop," notes camper Bob J. at Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite.

Island camping: For a unique overnight adventure, camp on an island in the Allegheny River. "The island has cleared trails to get to the campsite which seem to be maintained very well and on a regular basis," reports Jessica Z. about her experience at Private Island w/ Paddle Moor Co..

Winter camping: Cold-weather camping provides a different perspective of the forests near Rouseville. "Super peaceful. It was freezing, quite literally, with nights in the low teens. The melting and refreezing had made the roads and surrounding trails a little slippery," warns Ian B. about winter conditions at Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite.

Wildlife observation: Black bears inhabit the region's forests and caves. "I was meditating in my car one evening and a bear stood up and pushed against my window. Definitely be sure to pack up all food and trash at night. The bears are skittish, but they will find you if there's food in your camp," cautions Mystic S.

What campers like

Secluded sites: The Danner Primitive Campground offers seclusion despite being accessible. "There are 8 sites spread out along the edge of the river, some being closer together than others. They are level and clear, each with a new picnic table and nice fire rings with adjustable grates," describes Casey L. at Danner Primitive Campground.

Firefly viewing: Natural light shows occur during summer evenings. "When it was dark (pitch black) you could see all the fireflies. To be honest that was like a show in itself and made it also worth every penny of how beautiful it was," shares Jessica Z. about nighttime on Private Island.

Winter views: Off-season camping offers different landscape perspectives. "The road in was snow covered but easily navigated. The Shelter carpark is small and was almost full the day we arrived. The track from the carpark to the campground is beautifully graded making it easy to pull a sled in with extra supplies," explains Britt B. about winter visits to Wolfkiel Run Shelters.

Cell service access: Despite the remote feeling, communication remains possible in many areas. "There is spotty cell service through the forest, usually you can walk around for a couple minutes and find some. I managed to get an average of 3-4 bars of 5g every day," notes Mystic S.

What you should know

Weather preparedness: Spring camping requires appropriate gear due to mud and rain. "We stayed here in March, so there weren't leaves back on the trees yet which meant we could see the road (and the road could see us). Not a huge deal, just not very private. It was also extremely muddy," warns Anne W. about Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite.

Black bear safety: Food storage protocols are essential when tent camping near Rouseville. "The bears are skittish, but they will find you if there's food in your camp," emphasizes Mystic S. about Forestry Road wildlife encounters.

Winter access challenges: Snow and ice make some sites challenging to access. "The melting and refreezing had made the roads and surrounding trails a little slippery so I would be cautious if traveling alone," advises Ian B.

Seasonal differences: Site privacy varies significantly by season. "When we went, the grass was growing tall, we only stayed for a night. And it was a lil muddy," reports Excelsior X. about summer conditions at Loleta Road, while Anne W. notes about early spring: "there weren't leaves back on the trees yet which meant we could see the road."

Tips for camping with families

Wheelchair accessibility: Some sites offer accessible features. "The first 2 sites had wheelchair friendly picnic tables, so I'm not sure if you can arrange to be able to drive back for that situation or what other reason they would put them there. That's nice if the case," observes Casey L. about Danner Primitive Campground.

Property owner camping options: Privately owned campsites provide an alternative to public lands. "Rolled up on the later side but was welcomed kindly by the owner Bill. Beautiful spot. Clean amenities!" shares Clyde A. about his stay at Quiet and Secluded.

Hammock camping potential: Trees at certain sites accommodate alternative sleeping arrangements. "The tent section is cleared and grassy with communal firepit and picnic table. Lots of trees to enable hammock set up," notes Britt B. about Wolfkiel Run Shelters.

Emergency services accessibility: Despite remote locations, assistance remains available. "My car battery died while I was out there, the company that helped me jump start found me with no problems, they do it a lot," reports Mystic S.

Tips from RVers

Trailer length limitations: Forest roads accommodate smaller trailers at specific sites. "I have a 25 foot travel trailer. I found numerous spots on SF-160. It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door," advises Mark M. about Allegheny Wild and Scenic River access points.

RV supply locations: Limited shopping exists in surrounding towns. "Howe's ace hardware is about 10 miles away with a dollar general across the street," notes Mark M.

Road conditions: Weather impacts forest road quality for trailers and RVs. "Since it rains frequently here, keep your slip-on shoes handy near the door," suggests Eliezera M. about forestry roads, highlighting the muddy conditions that frequently develop.

Roadside pullouts: Many forest roads offer impromptu camping options. "There are multiple spots along the main forest road. Some you can drive your car in and tuck it back," explains Bob J. about Forestry Road access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Rouseville, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rouseville, 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 Rouseville, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Rouseville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.