Best Tent Camping near Sandy Lake, PA

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Sandy Lake? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Sandy Lake campsites are perfect for tent campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Sandy Lake, PA (14)

    Camper-submitted photo from Quiet and Secluded
    Camper-submitted photo from Quiet and Secluded
    Camper-submitted photo from Quiet and Secluded
    Camper-submitted photo from Quiet and Secluded
    Camper-submitted photo from Quiet and Secluded
    Camper-submitted photo from Quiet and Secluded

    1. Quiet and Secluded

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    4 Saves
    Mercer, Pennsylvania

    It's pretty dark here. There are no large cities anywhere around here.

    My family moved here in 1957 and I purchased it from my father in 1975.

    My wife is responsible for much of the landscaping and home improvements that have been done since 1990.

    We are retired self-employed.

    Perfect for families and friends who want to have a private, spacious camping area.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $22 - $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Danner Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Danner Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Danner Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Danner Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Danner Primitive Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Danner Primitive Campground

    2. Danner Primitive Campground

    1 Review
    13 Photos
    21 Saves
    Kennerdell, Pennsylvania

    Primitive Camping Area; Permit required for more than one night stay.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground

    4. Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground

    2 Reviews
    25 Photos
    29 Saves
    Struthers, Ohio

    Pioneer Trails Tree Farm has 35 acres of beautiful fir, spruce, and pine trees to explore. Pioneer Trails Tree Farm has been serving Ohio and Western Pennsylvania for over 30 years, the Perdulla family welcomes your family this camping season!

    Reserve Your Space – Camping Season Opens May 1st. Primitive camping sites are available May 1st - October 31st for those wanting to escape the daily grind to get a bit of country peace and quiet.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
    Camper-submitted photo from French Creek Flood Plain Overlook

    5. French Creek Flood Plain Overlook

    1 Review
    7 Photos
    14 Saves
    Union City, Pennsylvania

    This tent site sits in the woods on a hill just above the corner of French Creek (2022 PA River of the Year!) and a small tributary creek. It faces northwest over the valley providing amazing sunset views.

    This location is on the high-side of the Union City Dam which is a dry bed, flood control dam. Which means during snow melt, or rainy streaks, the dam will fill up and flood the entire valley. However during dry spells, French Creek will appear as any other creek. At peak flooding, it will make its way all the way up the tributary valley, making a beautiful lake front campsite. Unfortunately, this only occurs a few weeks out of the year (typically early spring and occasionally during wet falls) and is fairly unpredictable (you can compare the high-water vs low-water views from the photos). Most of the summer you can still enjoy the view over both the tributary valley and French Creek valley. (DISCLAIMER: Once or twice a year during the wettest streaks, the water rises high enough to flood the driveway, making it impossible to drive up directly to the campsite. If this happens, you will be notified before so you can choose either to be refunded and not stay or you can park 100 yards up the road and hike into the campsite to enjoy the unique and rare lakefront views. Again, these are natural events that are infrequent and unpredictable, but also provide a truly spectacular setting.)

    Located at the end of a dead end dirt road, adjacent to 100's of acres of federal protected land, and within sight of agriculture fields, there is an abundance of wildlife. For over 20 years, an active eagles nest has been located 1 mile north providing amazing opportunities to see either adult or juvenile eagles flying over French Creek hunting for fish. Deer can be seen early morning and late evening in the fields, as well as frequently crossing both valleys. All types of waterfowl flock the lake when it's flooded. I've personally seen up to 1000 geese at one time.

    Beyond relaxing and wildlife watching, there are plenty of other activities to explore in the area. Access to many nature walking trails. The Union City Dam, less than 1.5 miles down the road, provides walking, biking, scenic driving, and picnic opportunities. Kayaks/canoes can be used to float the creek when dry or paddle up and down the reservoir lake when flooded. Centrally located between the 2 small towns of Union City and Waterford with gas stations, grocery stores, great local dinning options, and more. About a half an hour drive to Erie and Presque Isle State Park.

    Come enjoy this extremely unique stretch of French Creek and Pennsylvania woods!

    DISCLAIMER: There is an active gravel pit to the North of the campsite. During weekdays from about 7 AM-5 PM, you will likely hear and possibly see some activity from the gravel pit.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Firewood Available

    $40 - $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Mountain View Camps

    6. Mountain View Camps

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    2 Saves
    Kittanning, Pennsylvania

    Short on time? Don't feel like spending half of your free time setting up camp? 32 foot Winnebago already set up and leveled so you can go straight to exploring the area. Come enjoy camping, hiking, hunting, boating, fishing, swimming and much more at this site nestled amongst game lands #287 and the Allegheny river. 2000 acres of game land to explore, half mile from the Erie to Pittsburgh bike trails. Stay for hunting season or launch your boat onto the Allegheny river. 1 mile from Ben Franklin Range.

    * New addition On-demand hot water heater

    *Now for sale RV starting at $19,500 come stay and see if you want to leave with it.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    • Firewood Available

    $20 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Private Island w/ Paddle Moor Co.
    • No image available

      8. Cow Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park

      Be the first to review!
      1 Save
      Rouseville, Pennsylvania

      This shelter is an Adirondack style lean-to shelter with a stone fireplace.

      The backpacking shelter and tent sites can hold 4 people per site. A group can be no larger than 12 people and requires purchase of enough sites to accommodate your group.

      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Cabins
      • Picnic Table
      • Toilets
      • No image available
        • No image available
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        Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

        Recent Tent Reviews in Sandy Lake

        422 Reviews of 14 Sandy Lake Campgrounds


        • Nicole L.
          Camper-submitted photo from Cook Forest State Park Campground
          Nov. 1, 2024

          Cook Forest State Park Campground

          Beautiful

          Cooks forest is absolutely gorgeous. I look forward to returning as there are a lot of hiking opportunities we missed. We stayed in the pet friendly area, which was nice. There is a pet trail through the woods that was really great to take our dog rather than walking around the campground. Our site was right next to a drinking water spigot and a path to the bath house. The sites near ours were in a wooded area, which felt more private than many of the other sites we saw. There was a fore pit and a picnic table. Our fire pit was behind where the camper was parked, which also felt more private. There is no alcohol permitted in PA state parks, so alcohol is prohibited in the campground as well. It was a great spot, and we look forward to returning.

        • Clinton C.
          Camper-submitted photo from Buttercup Woodlands Campground
          Oct. 7, 2024

          Buttercup Woodlands Campground

          Caveat Emptor

          I came up for an event at the farm show grounds(yes the event you’re thinking of). I made a reservation and paid in full the day after it was announced 6 days beforehand. I got a call the day before Friday stating that I wasn’t able to check in until 1PM and the latest was 8PM. I asked if I could park there before the event and deal with it later. The owner reluctantly agreed, however said that my vehicle would be towed if I came after 8. He also stated that I couldn’t check in early or wait a little. Gates closed at 1; and was over at 8 and couldn’t leave the parking lot until 10. Needless to say I just drove home 3 hours instead. Mind you the“campground” is a quarter mile from the farm show grounds. I honestly just wanted somewhere to rest my eyes for a couple of hours in my car before I left early on the morning. I understand that places like this have policies, however this was probably the largest congregation of people Butler and the Farm Show has ever hosted. There was 10s of thousands of people in town and as a bonus the rounds were closed to due construction. If you lean even a little right, caveat emptor. The guy knew exactly what was doing. This will be the most expensive$35 this guy ever stole.

        • F
          Camper-submitted photo from Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground
          Sep. 8, 2024

          Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground

          Perfect setting at the tree farm. 9/7/24

          I'm bicycle touring across the United States. First time user of dyrt. My first camping location and review. Camping in a tree farm has been cool!

          I called the number listed and left a message. See the friendly manager walking the farm. He says they no longer offer the camping service due to low guest attendence. Since I've got no place else to camp, I offer to pay for the spot. Weather was a factor. So he let me stay.

          Clean bathroom. Office to charge electronics and a campsite with firepit was great. Nice and quiet here also.

          I do hope more people find a use for this location. The camping service needs to return. 🚲

          If not, come here during the holiday season and purchase a tree! 🌲

          Thank you!

        • Owen I.
          Camper-submitted photo from Kalyumet Campground
          Sep. 7, 2024

          Kalyumet Campground

          Terrible, Run Down, Abandoned And Un Secure! GATE WAS BROKEN

          Any worker over the age of 20 was super rude and they did NOT Re-Book Our Reservation For Next Year The Website sates that it is now being managed by a company called Oasis Marianas. There Are Signs Falling Apart And They Pool Was Water Orange! The Arcade was completely broken the showers were tiny and the entire place is in disrepair. The Gate was taken off the Opener And thrown into the weeds DISAPPOINTING And This Place was NOT CHEAP And Was Super RunDown.

        • afshar Y.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Erie KOA
          Sep. 3, 2024

          Erie KOA

          Fun time for a family

          Fun little campground with friendly staff and wide open spaces. Clean bathrooms, great pool, fun little game room. The playground got 2 thumbs up from a 4 and 6 year old. There was a movie night every night. Close to stores (15 mins). The KOA is close to Presque isle and the amusement park, which is a fantastic place for kids. Sites were a good size and comfortable to be around.

        • Owen I.
          Camper-submitted photo from Wolfs Camping Resort
          Aug. 13, 2024

          Wolfs Camping Resort

          Yet Another Perfect Trip To Wolf's!

          Wolf's Camping Resort Is The Perfect Campground For Family's To Stay At With Its large Swimming Pool And It's Large Game room It is prefect for kids young and old! It has a large store with helpful employees and it sits on a large plot of land that includes a small mini golf corse and a full sized 18 hole golf course with many activities and themed weekends that you can find on their Facebook it is the perfect place to come!

        • Michele S.
          Camper-submitted photo from Bear Run Campground
          Jul. 5, 2024

          Bear Run Campground

          Can’t wait to go back

          I took my 7yo son last year for his first time camping. He absolutely loved it!!! Everyone was very nice & the heated pool & campstore are great. He especially enjoyed the “rock mining”. He keeps wanting to go back to get the motherload bag to mine!

        • CThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Tionesta Rec. Area Campground
          Jul. 1, 2024

          Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

          Tionesta Recreation Campground

          Nice campground with full hook ups. Close to a large recreational lake with hiking trails and a boat launch. Sites were fairly level no issues with power fluctuations and sewer worked great!

        • T
          Camper-submitted photo from Gaslight Campgrounds
          Jun. 30, 2024

          Gaslight Campgrounds

          Clean, well-maintained, and quiet with friendly owner

          We stayed here for a week in June 2024 in our 42-foot fifth wheel. Overall the campground is clean and well-maintained. The owner is friendly and helpful. Amenities include a heated, in-ground pool, a recreation center, a pavilion, and swing sets. 

          The current owners have had the campground since ~2014 and have made many repairs and improvements. Water, electric, and sewage lines have been replaced or upgraded in the past few years. We had stable electric and good water.

          Unfortunately no WiFi is available, but there was a good AT&T cell phone signal.

        • Robert L.
          Camper-submitted photo from MillBrook Resort
          Jun. 23, 2024

          MillBrook Resort

          Pretty nice

          We stayed here with our Coast to Coast membership, so it was good for that price. The main restroom/shower house is attached to the office. There are 5 restrooms with flush toilet and hand sanitizer scattered around the park. Most all of the sites are back in. We stayed at a site that shares a pole with water and electric hookups with 3 others. The first time I connected to the internet at our site, it connected right away with good quality. For about 30 seconds. I never got internet at our site again. It is good in the game room by the office, but there isn't anywhere with air conditioning to sit. AT&T has one bar of signal. Many problems getting internet with that. We did enjoy the indoor pool. Until it became crowded with kids. So, we went to the swimming pond. It was quite nice. We took out a paddle boat. They offer paddle boats, canoes, and rowboat to use for free. The one we had wouldn't steer. We went in circles to the right in the middle of the lake for 45 minutes before we got it back to the dock. I think it needs more trees.

        • DThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Starr Farm
          Jun. 20, 2024

          Starr Farm

          Very relaxing place

          This campsite was close to an archery tournament for me. It is a huge campsite that is remote and peaceful. I will try to get this place again next year.

        • K
          Camper-submitted photo from Indian Brave Campground
          May. 29, 2024

          Indian Brave Campground

          Our Happy Place

          We live in Oregon and our son and family live in Zelienople. We have stayed here in 2019, 2021, 2023 and now 2024. The owners and staff are wonderful, right on top of things. We enjoy spending time with our son and his family in Zeli and Harmony as well as the other Villages around. Highly recommend IBCG to everyone (until we can't get a spot!)

        • Clean Slate D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground
          May. 29, 2024

          Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground

          Great spot for families and quiet

          We've stayed here twice, and both times have been great. The only downside for us is that we're full-time and this is close to "home." We don't really use the amenities, so we can't validate having to pay for anyone to visit us only at our rv. We understand the policy as camp hosts ourselves. People abuse areas and will bring 30 people to a place like this. It is beautifully set up with a small lake for swimming, playgrounds, pavillions, games, events, music etc. Level gravel sites with really great grassy areas. We stayed memorial weekend and it was quiet by 9 every night. They do a great job keeping the park looking beautiful. Reasonable rates.

        • D
          Camper-submitted photo from Ridge Ranch Campground
          May. 20, 2024

          Ridge Ranch Campground

          Bathhouse in poor shape

          It was a nice location to the turnpike but the bathrooms are so out of date. We have a small TT and use the bathhouse frequently. The stall doors hit your knees and the well water stinks…couldn’t wash my hand in the sink. Only one shower stall in the one of 2 bathroom locations. It was nice to see an area designated for dog swimming area. The office closed at 6 PM so no late arrivals. Nice pond but it was a little murky.

        • J
          Camper-submitted photo from Hearts Content Recreation Area
          May. 12, 2024

          Hearts Content Recreation Area

          Peace and quiet

          Just stayed the weekend very big and private sites. Very few people so easy to show up and pick a site. Bathrooms were kept very clean for pit toilet. Water spigot throughout camp no elec

        • jThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Indian Brave Campground
          May. 12, 2024

          Indian Brave Campground

          Perfect little campground

          This campground was perfect for what we needed to accomplish! As first time travel trailer owners, they helped us accomplish our first trip away! Upon calling to book a site, we mentioned this was our first trip, they made the utmost effort to accommodate us with all of our needs. They escorted us to our campsite (which was larger than most) and made sure we had plenty of help getting backed in and set up! The front office and store was tiny but had a few essentials in case you forgot or didn’t have things. The site was quiet and even though you were close to your neighbors it didn’t feel like it to us! The atmosphere seemed friendly among the other campers and they were all willing to lend a helping hand where needed. They definitely made our first trip a huge success!

        • D
          Camper-submitted photo from Smith Grove
          May. 4, 2024

          Smith Grove

          Quit oark

          We love staying here when we visit family in Butler it’s a quiet family run park . It is very affordable and bathrooms are clean

        • Owen I.
          Camper-submitted photo from Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping
          May. 2, 2024

          Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping

          Perfect Campground, Yet Again We Stayed For Their Halloween Weekend

          Everything Was Perfect

          The Day before they Called us to make sure that we were still coming and to confirm the reservation and offered us a FREE site upgrade! it is the little thing that count and  we said yes! It was one of their deluxe patio sites ,super nice patio with concrete pad and Nice Picnic Table! Site was Super Large And Was Perfect For A larger rig! Our Rig is only about 34 feet long but still perfect. 

          Halloween Events

          • Pumpking Carving Contest
          • Voting On Pumpkins (Carved)
          • Campstore Sales
          • T-Shirts And Apparel (Halloween Versions)
          • Dance Party
        • Bryan S.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Follys End Campground
          Apr. 10, 2024

          Follys End Campground

          Nice spot

          Sites aren't on top of each other. Best sites are along the river and store has lots of fishing supplies. Wifi was too weak at my tent site and Verizon service was mostly unavailable. The site has a tire rim fire pit and picnic table with electric and water. Gravel pad where I parked was nearly level. Bathroom was cleaned the day I used shower and hot water was good. Prices for the site was $31/night and this was early season. I'm in a pickup with rooftop tent.


        Guide to Sandy Lake

        Discover the charm of tent camping near Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania, where nature meets comfort in a variety of well-reviewed campgrounds.

        Tips for tent camping near Sandy Lake

        • For a peaceful retreat, consider staying at Quiet and Secluded, which offers a tranquil environment and accommodating hosts.
        • If you're looking for a primitive experience, Danner Primitive Campground provides a hike-in option with beautiful river views and essential amenities like vault toilets.
        • Be prepared for a unique camping experience at Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park, where you can enjoy hike-in access and cozy Adirondack shelters.

        Tent campers should check out Cow Run Shelters

        Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $25

        Frequently Asked Questions

        • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sandy Lake, PA?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sandy Lake, PA is Quiet and Secluded with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find tent camping near Sandy Lake, PA?

          TheDyrt.com has all 14 tent camping locations near Sandy Lake, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.