Kane, Pennsylvania provides access to multiple camping options within the Allegheny National Forest, where visitors can find both established campgrounds and dispersed camping areas. Red Bridge Recreation Area features tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups, and cabin accommodations along the Allegheny Reservoir, approximately 10 miles northwest of Kane. Other notable camping locations include Kiasutha Recreation Area, which offers waterfront sites directly in Kane, and Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, which provides free primitive camping opportunities about 7 miles southwest of town. High Pines RV Park adds private camping options with 149 sites including glamping accommodations.
The camping season in the Kane area typically runs from May through December, with most developed campgrounds like Red Bridge operating from mid-May to mid-December. Many campgrounds require advance reservations during summer months, particularly for holiday weekends when sites fill quickly. Winter camping is limited primarily to dispersed sites and Twin Lakes Recreation Area, which remains open year-round. The terrain throughout the region consists of rolling forested hills with rocky ground that can challenge tent setup. Cell reception varies considerably across the region, with stronger signals at developed campgrounds closer to Kane. A camper noted that "The ground is quite rocky though, so bring plenty of heavy duty tent steaks."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with several campers highlighting the Allegheny Reservoir and Clarion River access points. Sites at Red Bridge Recreation Area offer privacy with "spacious sites with all different types of typography - large boulders, slopes, flats all with grass and dirt." The area provides numerous recreational opportunities including kayaking, fishing, and hiking along the Clarion River and throughout Allegheny National Forest. Wildlife sightings are common, with black bears occasionally visiting campgrounds. Tent campers appreciate the secluded sites in upper campground loops, while RV campers tend to prefer waterfront locations with hookups. Despite occasional muddy conditions after rain, the clean facilities and natural setting make this region a popular destination for both weekend trips and extended stays.
$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. "
"It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door. Great hiking/biking. The spot next to the hiking trail has WiFi 70% of the time. I would give this a 5 star if it didn’t rain so much."
"Some you can drive your car in and tuck it back. Other spots you cant take your car at all. There are tons of logging roads that split off the main forest road."
$20 - $40 / night
"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."
"Fun little playground nearby too! Also to note, we did not make reservations, but were able to drive through and pick open site we liked the most!"
"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."
$12 / night
"While the surrounding area is somewhat remote there can be times when the sites are pretty full with luxury boat campers. If you are looking for peace and quiet stay away in July."
$51 - $65 / night
"The park is close to the Allegheny Reservoir and the Kinzua Bridge. Very nice owners were able to get us in even though we didn’t have a reservation."
"The owners are super nice and accommodating and it’s near a lot of great attractions and mostly the natural beauty."
$20 - $100 / night
"The site was spacious and was not close to other campers giving a feeling of secludedness and alone time in nature! Could easily walk to a nearby trail and down to the lake front!"
"Some sites had large high sided fire rings which take away from the fireside relaxation of a shorter camp chair. "
$12 / night
"Easy access to hiking trails right from camp. Not a ton of distance between sites but everyone around us was quiet and chill."
"Whether you're staying at the campground itself or on the trail off the parking lot, you really can't get much better than this."
"We spent a week there, nice campground. 2 sides border the Alleghany National Forest. Only 7 miles from Kinzua Wolfe marina. Great surroundings. Clean bathrooms, just a nice camp."
"Nice cabins ....little bit noisy but nice setting and close to things to do!"
TravelerA great place to spend some time. Very quiet plenty of hiking trails, the river is great for kayaking. Lots of big hemlock trees. Definitely will return in the fall.
RangerWhat a gorgeous area. Camp site has a path down to Medix Run (which seems quite clean) with a perfect spot to set out camp chairs and watch the water. Beautiful sounds of birds and spring wildflowers all over the site. Sites are well spaced. The road is surprisingly busy day and night, which did take away from the experience. Unfortunately that issue was dwarfed by other behavior.
Imagine you're sitting by the water on your campsite at 6pm, and a man is suddenly standing next to you. On your dispersed, state forest camp site. With a path only accessible by walking through the site. He tells you a beaver dam used to be here and goes into the water to fish. Weird things happen, but THREE different fishermen at different times used our campsite as their fishing base. Not the area next to it, the campsite. Even parked down the driveway next to our car.
Maybe you're not bothered by this. Maybe it's because you've read this and now had the chance to consider the possibility. However, I'd be willing to bet you'd rather not be surprised. Especially when there are no amenities and as a woman, you need to get partially undressed just to take a leak in the morning.
This is unacceptable behavior. There were other unoccupied campsites, turn offs and places to stop and fish. In all my life camping, no one has ever done this sort of thing. You stay off campsites when other people are there, unless you need help or want to pass on information.
If one person had done this, I wouldn't be writing such a cranky review but three instances warrants a warning for other campers. Good luck, folks.
GuideKibbes campground is a old family business located on an island on the Allegheny River. Great spot for fisherman!!!! Park roads are tore up and very muddy. Bathrooms aren't the cleanest and run down. Shower house doesnt work. But they do have a nice indoor recreation room with darts, slot machines, pool tables, and nice seating. While it wouldn't be my pick of destinations, I am glad I found it. It has a old school charm and the owners are super nice!
TravelerWe arrived mid week for Memorial Day camping. No hookups obviously but beautiful large site with room for probably up to 30’ RV. The sites are WAY further apart than you think they are. Like spread more than 10 miles.
GuideMedium sized campground. All the sites are large and private ish. Not a bad or uneven site anywhere. Showers and bathrooms are clean. Ice and firewood available at the host. Easy access to the shoreline for fishing or boating. Their are 2 trading posts 1.6 miles outside the campground going towards Kane, PA. They are well stocked and have everything you forgot plus live bait.
GuideIf your coming here off of Rt. 666 the access gate is closed and has been for years. Continue to Crary Ave. Rt.6 in Sheffield and head East. About 6 miles ahead turn right onto Mill Ln., then Right on Curtis Rd., left onto Curtis Road extended, then turn right onto Forestry Rd. There are posted private property signs everywhere, just keep going as this is the only access to this area. I asked the locals and it is fine. Do not come here if you have a car or low riding vehicle. SUV, Jeeps, and trucks only. The access road is fine, but getting to campsite takes a higher frame vehicle. It is a perfect place for peaceful Boondocking. This area can accommodate 2 camp sights. Maybe 3.
GuideThe campsite is located about three miles down from Cherry Springs State Park and Campground, just off the road. It is visible from the road, so if complete privacy is important to you, keep that in mind. That said, the setting itself is beautiful, especially the drive in through the tall pine forests which immediately gave the area a peaceful feel.
The site has two good level tent spots and one semi level spot, all within view of where you park, which made unloading and setup easy. It took me roughly an hour to get camp fully set up. One thing to know going in: there is absolutely no cell service at least with T mobile, which can either be a huge positive or a dealbreaker depending on what you’re looking for.
One of the best features of the site is a nice trail leading back to a creek that you can hear flowing from camp. I spent some time walking along it and tossed a fishing line in a few times. The current was moving pretty fast and I did not see signs of fish during my visit, but it was still a relaxing place to explore.
Firewood was a mixed bag. There are plenty of fallen trees around, but much of it was surrounded by poison ivy, so gathering wood took a little caution. Bugs were present enough that I ended up using a head net in the evening, especially after dark.
For stargazing, the location was solid. I stayed up late and managed to catch three shooting stars. I brought a telescope but the angle of the sky from my setup made it harder to use than expected. If astronomy is your main goal, you may still want to head up to Cherry Springs proper for the best viewing experience.
Overall, this is a peaceful, simple campsite with good access to nature and a quiet atmosphere. Best suited for people who are okay disconnecting completely, enjoy creekside wandering and do not mind a more rustic experience. I would camp here again, especially for a quick getaway near Cherry Springs.
TravelerM9, short RVsM6 under 25’ or less big drop off. M8 tents only, M7 parking spot filled with gravel (for maintenance?), M6 short RVs under 22’ with tent area behind, M5 gravel again, M3 & M4 are together with one side good for RVs and a tent site that is a significant hike through the woods. M2 tents only, M1 good size for RV but it’s shaped like a T so you need to maneuver it in.
TravelerShort term area was basically an open field with a few trees. Restrooms were large but plumbing has a lot to be desired. Friendly staff, quiet and lots of amenities to include a snack shop with panini’s, pizza, tacos and more. Super good WiFi
The Allegheny National Forest surrounding Kane, Pennsylvania features rolling wooded terrain with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,300 feet. Winter camping options remain limited, with Twin Lakes Recreation Area being one of the few year-round destinations. Summer nights typically cool to the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s, creating comfortable camping conditions with moderate humidity compared to other Pennsylvania regions.
Hiking to Hector Falls: Located near Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, the falls require a relatively short hike. "It's about 3/4 a mile hike into 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 Bob J., who visited the dispersed camping area.
Fly fishing for brook trout: Minister Creek Campground offers access to native brook trout. "Several of the sites back up to minister Creek. Home to some of the scrappiest brook trout I have fished for," shares Brannon M. The stream provides excellent fishing opportunities directly from camp.
Winter activities: For those seeking cold-weather adventures, Twin Lakes stays open year-round. "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 so I would be cautious if traveling alone," explains Ian B. about winter car camping in the area.
Privacy between sites: Red Bridge Recreation Area receives praise for its site layout. "This is a beautiful campground. The sites are very spacious and mostly divided with brush," notes Kevin C., who adds that "The restrooms with showers were beautiful and the whole place was well kept."
Dark night skies for stargazing: The Minister Creek area offers exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. "Perfect spot for star-gazing. So set the alarm for 2am and enjoy," suggests Brannon M. about the campground's prime viewing conditions.
Old-growth forests: Many campers appreciate the mature trees throughout the camping areas. "Very nice campground with some huge old trees. Large sites, good privacy between, mostly full out partial shade. Trees for hammocks," writes Gary G. about his experience at Red Bridge Recreation Area.
Bears are active: Multiple campgrounds report bear activity. "There's black bears that live in the several caves in the area. 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," warns Mystic S. from Forestry Road Dispersed.
Rocky terrain challenges: Tent campers should prepare for difficult ground conditions. Many sites have rocky soil that makes tent setup difficult without proper equipment.
Cell service varies widely: Reception depends heavily on location. At High Pines RV Park, one camper noted, "I managed to get an average of 3-4 bars of 5g every day" while Chapman State Park offers "zero cell reception" according to another reviewer.
Consider Chapman for amenities: Chapman State Park Campground offers family-friendly facilities. "Very nice quiet family camp ground featuring tent, camper full hook ups. On sight dump station. Fishing boating, hiking family fun all around. Weather appropriate heated/cooled indoor real bathrooms and shower rooms," shares Michelle E.
Look for sites with playground access: Some campgrounds feature play areas for children. Katie notes about Dewdrop Recreation Area: "Fun little playground nearby too!" This provides entertainment options beyond hiking and water activities.
Check swimming conditions: Water access varies seasonally. "The beach is awesome and the facilities were good," reports Scott M. about Kiasutha Recreation Area, though water levels fluctuate throughout the season.
Call ahead about electrical service: Some campgrounds advertise hookups that may not be functional. "There are several RV sites that have the electrical boxes installed but supposedly never had the wires ran and so power is not available yet," warns Sam H. about Kiasutha Recreation Area.
Secure level sites early: At High Pines RV Park, RV sites are in demand. "We had a site in the full hookup back in section, they are very nice spacious sites," notes Ryan P., who adds, "The owners are super nice and accommodating and it's near a lot of great attractions."
Watch for road conditions: Access roads can deteriorate after weather events. "The ruts from water flow need filled back in," observes Sam H. about the gravel roads in Kiasutha's RV section, a common condition throughout the region after heavy rains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available near Kane, PA?
The Kane area offers several excellent camping options. Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest is a favorite spot with spacious sites featuring various terrains including boulders, slopes, and flat areas. For a unique experience, Double Rainbow Farm provides a magical setting with friendly farm animals, swimming in a pond, and easy access to hiking in the National Forest. Other nearby options include High Pines RV Park, Kiasutha Recreation Area, and Clear Creek State Park, all offering different amenities and experiences for campers in the Kane region.
Are there RV-friendly sites in Kane?
Yes, Kane has several RV-friendly camping options. Clear Creek State Park Campground offers RV sites, though it's worth noting that their non-power sites may not be level enough for larger rigs. High Pines RV Park is particularly big-rig friendly with drive-in access, reservable sites, water, and toilets. Some campgrounds in the region offer full hookups, though these are limited and tend to fill quickly during peak season. If you're planning an RV trip to Kane, it's advisable to make reservations well in advance, especially during summer months.
What amenities does Foote Rest Campground in Kane offer?
While specific information about Foote Rest Campground isn't available in the reviews, nearby campgrounds like Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins and Austin Campground can give you an idea of typical amenities in the Kane area. These campgrounds generally offer picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and bathroom facilities. Austin Campground features clean bathrooms with running water and showers, and is situated between mountains next to a creek. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about Foote Rest Campground's specific amenities, it's best to contact them directly or check their official website.
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