45 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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."
Available next weekend
from $20 - $80 / 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."
from $10 / night
"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
"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 $24 - $109 / night
"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."
Available next weekend
from $26 - $94 / night
"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
"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
ScoutThis is our second time staying here. Each time in October. We love it. Unlike most RV resorts this place is small and wooded. Has free Wi-Fi, clean bathrooms and an awesome community hub room for work from home or playing games. The weekends are busy but during the week it’s so quiet and peaceful. Close to so many attractions and parks that are part of the PA Wilds. Would definitely recommend.
Scoutbeautiful site and campground ground. peaceful. quite. and the showers were excellent!
GuideVery large CG. I car camped at site 066 (with electric) in mid-October and CG was 3/4 empty. Nice location on Glendale Lake with a beach and boat activities (for warmer months). Showers had no hot water but facilities were nice. Very little separation between sites. Nearby hunters discharging guns into evening hours.
RangerThere were even pit toilets nearby, which is an absolute luxury when finding hidden gems like this one. Clearly marked free sites with fire pits. As a female solo traveler, I think it’s worth noting that I felt safe here. The gravel road has light traffic and the other sites are in “yelling distance” but not close enough where you feel like you have to find a super hidden spot to pee. If that makes sense.
RangerI booked this site via Harvest Hosts. They only accommodate boondocking for self-contained rigs. With that in mind, it was a pleasant stay. Quiet, friendly host, big rig friendly, dog friendly, and a little tasting room. We also got to meet the livestock.
TravelerWe had difficulty finding our original site so stopped here. Decent road access from the pavement, wide open campsite with a picnic table and fire pit. Good views of the night sky.
TravelerWe wasted a couple of hours looking for the site. The directions sent us in circles. Finally just grabbed a random spot for the night.
ScoutChose this campground as a quick overnight before boondocking up into NY. Wish we’d planned for a longer stay. Very nice campground. It is huge, but we were passing through off season so we had it more or less to ourselves.
The bathhouse was very clean. Laundry facilities as well.
Will definitely try to stay here again!
GuideHere is a polished version of your campground review that improves grammar, clarity, and flow while keeping your observations and friendly tone: We stayed at Site #2 over Labor Day weekend for three nights and had a wonderful experience. The campsite is spacious and features a large open area with picnic tables and plenty of room for kids to run and play. Each campsite is surrounded by trees, which provides a nice sense of privacy. Even though there are approximately 25 campsites in the campground, it was very quiet and peaceful. There are several pit toilets located throughout the campground, all of which were very clean and well maintained. The campground also has four water spigots; however, during our stay they were not functioning due to storm-related issues. The camp hosts were very friendly and helpful, and firewood was available for purchase on-site. Surprisingly, there were not many bugs, especially considering the heavy rains before our arrival and during our first night. Several beautiful hiking trails can be accessed directly from the campground. Some sections were wet and muddy, with a few fallen trees from recent storms, but the trails were still enjoyable. For hiking enthusiasts, the Ministry Creek Trail, located about 16 minutes away, is a must-see and absolutely worth the visit. Overall, this is a quiet, scenic campground with excellent privacy, friendly hosts, and great access to hiking. We would definitely stay here again.
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 155 campgrounds and RV parks near Kersey, PA and 9 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 9 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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