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The Pennsylvania Wilds region surrounding Kersey features a range of campground options within proximity to natural attractions like the Clarion River and Allegheny National Forest. Parker Dam State Park Campground, located about 11 miles west of Kersey, accommodates tent campers, RV users, and those seeking cabin rentals with both electric and non-electric sites available. Other established facilities in the area include Medix Run Camping Area in Moshannon State Forest and Cook Forest State Park, both offering varied camping experiences. For those seeking more primitive experiences, Red Mill Pond near Ridgway provides free dispersed camping with minimal amenities.
Seasonal operation varies substantially throughout the region, with most developed campgrounds open from April through mid-December. Temperatures in higher elevations remain cool even in summer, and spring rainfall can affect access to some sites. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during peak season, particularly for holiday weekends when campgrounds reach capacity. Many campgrounds maintain limited or no cell service, contributing to their remote appeal but requiring additional planning. Electric hookups and shower facilities are available at several campgrounds, though amenities decrease at more remote locations. One camper noted, "Clear Creek State Park is on the scenic Clarion River and offers tent camping, some sites are paddle in only, RV sites, small and larger rustic cabins, and even a couple of yurts."
Public lands in the area receive consistently high ratings for their recreational opportunities. The Clarion River appears frequently in visitor reviews as a highlight for kayaking, fishing, and wildlife viewing, with campers reporting bald eagle sightings. Several state parks provide access to well-maintained hiking trails, many connecting to the broader trail networks throughout the Pennsylvania Wilds. Sites with river frontage or lake access tend to book quickly during summer months. Visitors frequently mention the region's clean facilities and helpful camp hosts as contributing factors to positive experiences. Proximity to natural features like Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park adds appeal for stargazers seeking clear night skies. The area's relative remoteness provides a genuine wilderness experience while remaining accessible from nearby population centers.
"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."
from $20 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"It is very close to I80, however, there is a 5 mile drive thru a housing development where the 25 MPH speed limit is enforced by an overly zealous security guard."
"Dog run is ok and have to walk a good was to the trash bin depending on campsite. Will be back. Some sites have concrete patio which I do recommend."
from $35 - $55 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability"A must do when camping in Pennsylvania. The Clarian river is great for kayaking . Multiple trails off of park."
"There are kayak rentals nearby also. The Clarion River is full of wildlife including bald eagles hunting the river and an occasional black bear nearby."
from $22 - $63 / night
Check Availability"We rolled through the area later than ideal and Dale welcomed us as a walk-in. Waited up for us and showed us a spot - it was perfect. Beautiful view and easy to get in and out."
from $30 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Loved how remote this location was, but be prepared to be a billy goat when trekking to the restroom no matter your site location. "
from $15 - $55 / night
Check Availability
ScoutVery nice and well kept. great campground for families with kids. has a playground, heated pool. they also had rock painting activities. the store is cute- they also have a little shop in there.
Restrooms/showers are super clean!
TravelerThey have 30 amp sites. No water but there is a dump station. Bring your Starlink there is no cell signal. Bathrooms are decent. Good Stargazing(head to nearby Cherry Springs). This is one of the most “out of the way” places in the eastern US. Not quite boon docking but close. There is a guy on the corner that sells firewood. Download maps to get in and out. Listen for the Elk. Watch for Bears.
ScoutClean campground, water, electric. Saw a turkey upon arrival and a deer and multiple black squirrels when departing. Nice little store with arcade, snacks and pizza they will deliver to your site on Fridays! Heated pool and pretty nice bathrooms
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.
GuideThe campground was decent enough, but I would probably skip it next time and stay in the state forest instead. The campsites are not especially private and while they are not directly on top of each other, you are definitely aware of nearby campers. That said, it is a great location for stargazing and the pit toilets are convenient if you prefer at least some amenities.
The biggest downside was the lack of firewood. None was available on site and there was little opportunity to gather any from the surrounding woods. After one night, I felt like I had gotten the experience. For my money, I would rather camp nearby in Susquehannock State Forest where you can find far more private and secluded spots for less cost. You give up amenities like toilets, but if privacy and a quieter camping experience matter more, the state forest feels like the better option while still keeping you close enough to enjoy the dark skies near Cherry Springs State Park.
One nearby spot that is absolutely worth the short drive is the Water Tank Vista overlook. The view alone makes the trip worthwhile, especially around sunset or on a clear day. If you are camping in the area, it is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem and adds a lot to the overall experience.
Camping options near Kersey, Pennsylvania sit at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet in the Allegheny Plateau region, creating cooler nights even during summer months. The area receives significant rainfall in spring with annual precipitation averaging 43 inches. Campgrounds within the Moshannon and Allegheny National Forests offer primitive to full-service facilities across a variety of terrains.
Elk viewing excursions: Parker Dam State Park Campground provides a convenient base for wildlife spotting. "During the eight months the timber rattler is a common site along the roads and in the trails. Keep your eyes open and respect them. Quehanna wilds with lots of history and hiking boarders the park," notes Travis S. Elk sightings are most common at dawn and dusk near food plots.
Paddle sports on East Branch Lake: The East Branch Campground offers water access for canoes and kayaks. "Nice lake if you bring any kind of boat or canoe," says Tee J. The lake features 1,370 acres of water surface with several quiet coves perfect for wildlife viewing. No rentals available on-site.
Disc golf course: Clear Creek State Park Campground maintains a challenging course through wooded terrain. "Clear Creek State Park is an amazing little gem right outside of Cook Forest. Most of the campsites are right on the water, beautiful bridges, a great disc golf course, and moderate-to-light hiking trails," writes Caitlyn H. The course is free to use with equipment available for rent at the park office during summer months.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacious layout at Medix Run Camping Area. "Great tent site with lots of room. 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," reports Zack B. Each site includes its own parking area and buffer zone of natural vegetation.
Wildlife encounters: Campers consistently mention animal sightings as a highlight. "My 3 year old cat and I had a wonderful time staying here. It was incredibly quiet, no cell service, and I couldn't hear any of the neighboring campsites even though they were all full," notes kallan at Medix Run. Several campers report deer visiting sites in early morning hours.
Dark night skies: The lack of light pollution creates excellent stargazing conditions. "Nice sites with great hookups. Not a lot of trees in the middle, a LONG way off the road and not a lot of stuff to do without driving pretty far," says Tara B. about DuBois/Treasure Lake KOA. The remote location contributes to exceptional night sky viewing with minimal artificial light interference.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds in the area have spotty or no connectivity. "No AT&T signal," reports Joshua C. at Benezett country store campground. Verizon typically offers the most reliable coverage, though still limited in valleys and dense forest areas.
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Some campgrounds offer basic amenities only. "Set on a hillside overlooking a valley, it is a pretty setting, but no working toilets or shower. No WiFi, no pool, no pond or river, nothing for kids," explains Paul Y. about Clearview Campground. Always check ahead for current facility status.
Reservations essential: Most established campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "We needed a place to spend the night with our 30 ft RV. Dale met us there and was very hospitable and directed us to the perfect site," says Kenneth K. about Clearview Campground. Holiday weekends often book 6-9 months in advance at state parks.
Limited potable water: Not all sites provide drinking water. "Currently issues with potable water; must bring your own," warns C F. about East Branch Campground. Carrying extra water containers is advisable even when staying at developed campgrounds.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas. "Love it here! This is a great State Park. The campground has added many full hookup sites and there are also cabins available also. The lake has good trout fishing and the beach area offers a nice place for a relaxing summer retreat," shares J K. about Parker Dam State Park Campground. Most swimming areas are unguarded and have seasonal availability.
Playground access: Some campgrounds maintain play structures for children. "There's so much to do here--hiking, swimming, rafting, biking, disc golf, etc. There's also a really nice playground and a great little beach at the entrance of the campground," writes Laura C. about Clear Creek State Park. Playground equipment typically accommodates children ages 5-12.
Nature programs: Educational activities can enhance family camping trips. "The Park offers movies on an outdoor screen, regular nature talks and walks and has an onsite museum," explains Britt B. about Clear Creek State Park. Programs typically run weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day with advance registration recommended.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "Its a nice place, great creek and woods. Most of the spots will require leveling blocks," advises Isaac R. about Clear Creek State Park. Bringing extra leveling equipment is recommended, especially for larger rigs.
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds have difficult entry roads. "Very clean restrooms. No signage to sites if you aren't familiar with the campground. Terrible 'slow bumps' in/out of campground... a little excessive," reports C F. about East Branch Campground. RVs over 30 feet may struggle with access to more remote campgrounds.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in the region. "Real nice park that can get pretty busy on weekends. We arrived on a Thursday and, in advance, reserved one of the few remaining sites. Electric only at our site," reports Gary P. about Cook Forest State Park Campground. Many campgrounds offer electric but lack water and sewer connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Kersey, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Kersey, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 151 campgrounds and RV parks near Kersey, PA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Kersey, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kersey, PA is Parker Dam State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 17 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kersey, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Kersey, PA.
What parks are near Kersey, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Kersey, PA that allow camping, notably Allegheny National Forest and Tionesta Lake.
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