Best Campgrounds near St. Marys, PA

The forested landscapes surrounding St. Marys, Pennsylvania provide diverse camping experiences within the Pennsylvania Wilds region. State parks and national forest lands dominate the area, with Parker Dam State Park Campground in Penfield offering developed sites with modern amenities approximately 20 miles southwest of St. Marys. The Allegheny National Forest extends north and east, featuring both established campgrounds like Red Bridge Recreation Area and dispersed options such as Red Mill Pond near Ridgway. Campers will find a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, rustic cabins, and yurts throughout the region, with many campgrounds situated along rivers and reservoirs for water recreation access.

Reservations are essential for most established campgrounds, particularly during the peak season from late spring through early fall. According to one visitor at Clear Creek State Park, "The sites are private, flat, surrounded by trees, and have plenty of space." Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many campgrounds having limited or no coverage. The camping season generally runs from April through December, though specific opening dates vary by location. Many campgrounds in the Allegheny National Forest close during winter months, while some state parks maintain year-round operations. Rainfall can be frequent in this part of Pennsylvania, with campers noting the need for proper rain gear even during summer months.

Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly those along the Clarion River. Campgrounds in the area typically feature clean bathhouses, with one reviewer noting that "Pennsylvania State Parks have them beat by a mile" when comparing to other states. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with elk sightings possible near Benezette and bald eagles frequently spotted along waterways. Fishing is exceptional throughout the region, with trout streams being particularly popular. Dark skies for stargazing are another highlight, with Cherry Springs State Park's internationally recognized Dark Sky Park located within driving distance of many campgrounds. Campers should be aware that alcohol is prohibited in Pennsylvania state parks, though this restriction doesn't apply to national forest campgrounds.

Best Camping Sites Near St. Marys, Pennsylvania (158)

    1. Parker Dam State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Mill Run, PA
    18 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."

    2. Clarion Heights

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

    $35 - $55 / night

    3. East Branch Campground — East Branch Clarion River Lake

    2 Reviews
    Wilcox, PA
    8 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. "

    4. Red Mill Pond

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

    5. Medix Run Camping Area — Moshannon State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Weedville, PA
    15 miles
    +1 (814) 765-0821

    $10 / night

    "Nice sit with fire pit, picnic table, and short walk to a beautiful creek so no need to bring water if you can filter it. Only 5-10 minutes away from Benezette and the PA elk herd."

    "Have your own little driveway to park your car right next to the site. Comes with a picnic table and fire pit. Need lots of rope for setting up tarps as trees are far apart."

    6. Hicks Run

    3 Reviews
    Emporium, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 486-3353

    $10 / night

    "Some sites are closer together than others, campers were parked next to us and had quite a large crowd. We started on some of the hike and wished we could stay longer."

    7. Twin Lakes Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Kane, PA
    16 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."

    8. Benezett country store campground

    1 Review
    Weedville, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 787-7456

    $30 - $40 / night

    9. Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins

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

    $20 - $75 / 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."

    10. Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    20 Reviews
    Ludlow, PA
    29 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. "

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Recent Reviews near St. Marys, PA

544 Reviews of 158 St. Marys Campgrounds



Guide to St. Marys

Camping near St. Marys, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly 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:

What campers like:

  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the lush surroundings at Black Moshannon State Park Campground. A review stated, "This entire park is beautiful! There are plenty of well-maintained, well-marked trails for all experience levels."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy Prince Gallitzin State Park - Crooked Run Campground. One camper shared, "This is a great campground. Private beach on the lake for campground guest use only as well as a playground."
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Lyman Run State Park Campground are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor remarked, "The site and facilities were very well kept and clean."

What you should know:

  • Site Proximity: Some campgrounds, like Parker Dam State Park Campground, have sites that are close together. A camper noted, "The individual camp sites are all right on top of each other."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many areas, including Black Moshannon State Park Campground, have poor cell reception. One review mentioned, "Verizon and AT&T cell service were basically non-existent."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers should be prepared for wildlife, especially at Allegany State Park - Quaker Area. A visitor shared, "We did have visits from wildlife, which was great; the bear boxes help protect the food."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of RV sites, especially at Parker Dam State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "Some of the sites in this campground are wooded and some are basically in an open field."
  • Bring Firewood: Some campgrounds do not sell firewood, so it's best to bring your own. A visitor at Red Bridge Recreation Area said, "No firewood available at the campground."
  • Plan for Limited Amenities: Be prepared for limited amenities at some sites, like Bald Eagle State Park Primitive Campsite. A reviewer noted, "The bathrooms are very bad though."

Camping near St. Marys, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there's something for every camper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near St. Marys, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, St. Marys, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 158 campgrounds and RV parks near St. Marys, PA and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near St. Marys, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. Marys, PA is Parker Dam State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near St. Marys, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near St. Marys, PA.

What parks are near St. Marys, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near St. Marys, PA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.