Chapman State Park Campground provides rustic tent and RV camping options 16 miles from Sheffield, Pennsylvania. Located in Warren County at 1,300 feet elevation, the park features a 68-acre lake surrounded by evergreen forest with temperatures typically 5-10°F cooler than surrounding areas. The campground's upper loop borders nature trails with walk-in tent sites offering greater seclusion than the main camping area.
What to do
Fly fishing opportunities: Minister Creek Campground in Sheffield offers creek-side locations for anglers. "Awesome tiny campground! Only 6 spots all first come first serve and very cheap! What a wonderful find! Right along the creek where native brook trout reside. Great fly fishing in the area," explains one visitor.
Hiking access: Tracy Ridge Recreation Area provides numerous trail options directly from campsites. "There are about 15 hiking trail segments accessible from this campground, so great base for hiking. This campground has a rustic feeling and is not as groomed as others nearby," notes a camper who stayed in August.
Water recreation: Red Bridge Recreation Area offers reservoir access for boating. "The campground is rather hilly overall and I'm not sure it's best for kids unless they're really into fishing. But it is settled right on the Allegheny Reservoir, so if you bring you kayaks you can launch right from the campground," shares one visitor.
What campers like
Rustic seclusion: Red Oak Campground provides a peaceful wooded setting. "I wanted to have a solo get away with the new travel trailer, and this place was exactly what I was looking for. I booked a site during the off season, so I had the entire area to myself," reports one camper who visited in the off-season.
Private waterfront sites: At Dewdrop Recreation Area, several sites offer direct water access. "The site was huge, could fit our camper, truck and 3 more cars if we needed it. We had a nice walk down to the lake itself and we were able to launch our kayaks right from the site," explains a camper from June.
Evening quiet: Many campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. "Was impressed by the quiet campers. Folks were very friendly, but nighttime was silent. Lots of space for long walks, and there are trailheads right at the campground if you want to get to explore," notes a visitor to Clear Creek State Park.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Chapman State Park operates from mid-April through mid-December while Minister Creek Campground is open April through December, subject to weather conditions.
Cell service limitations: Most camping areas have limited connectivity. "None of the major carriers have service here, but I needed to 'get away' for the night so it was perfect," mentions a Clear Creek State Park camper.
Permit requirements: Quaker Area at Allegany State Park requires camping permits. "It's a big park with lots of hiking and history to explore. There are 10 or so places to camp, from lean-tos to RV camping," reports one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: High Pines RV Park provides family-friendly amenities. "They have a nice layout with pretty spacious lots. There's no pool but they do have a game room that offers free games for the kids along with a playground and basketball court," shares a visitor from October.
Swimming beaches: Clear Creek State Park offers swimming options for children. "It also has a designated swimming beach with sand. There are multiple hiking trails leaving the campground," notes a regular visitor.
Wildlife awareness: Be prepared for potential wildlife encounters. "Saw my FIRST bear here, will never forget this place," reports one camper staying at Red Oak Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Tracy Ridge Recreation Area offers primitive camping without electric hookups. "This is a wilderness area campground. The sites a beautiful, but there are little to no amenities. The only water was from a hand pump at the far end of the loop, near the pit toilets," notes one tent camper.
Leveling requirements: Clear Creek sites often require equipment adjustments. "Its a nice place, great creek and woods. Most of the spots will require leveling blocks," advises an RV camper.
Seasonal camping options: For those seeking glamping near Sheffield, Pennsylvania, several campgrounds offer seasonal sites. "This area is unique. It's near a small industrial town on the banks of the Alleghany River, where you can find basic dining and stores for convenience," mentions a camper describing the region around Red Oak Campground.