Tent campsites near Transfer, Pennsylvania range from developed tent campgrounds to primitive hike-in options. Wolfkiel Run Shelters in Oil Creek State Park offers six Adirondack shelters and a tent camping area with communal fire pits and picnic tables. Danner Primitive Campground provides eight hike-in sites along the river, accessible via a 2-mile trail from the Kennerdell bridge trailhead. The West Woods, though located in Ohio, is within driving distance and features two walk-in tent sites in a natural setting.
Most tent campgrounds in the area require some planning for access. Wolfkiel Run Shelters features a well-graded trail making it approximately a 15-minute walk from the parking area to the campsites. Sites typically include fire rings with adjustable grates and picnic tables. Vault toilets are available at most locations, though campers should bring their own toilet paper. Water sources vary by campground—Danner has a spring that requires water treatment, while Wolfkiel provides water during summer months. Many sites operate on a reservation system, though some like Danner Primitive Campground work on a first-come, first-served basis with permits required for stays longer than one night.
The tent camping in this region offers a mix of accessibility and seclusion. The raised platforms at Wolfkiel Run Shelters provide protection from ground moisture, with each shelter positioned for privacy from neighboring sites. Walk-in tent sites at The West Woods feature raised tent pads that help keep campers dry even during rainfall. While some campgrounds like Danner feel remote, they may have cabins visible across the river. A visitor commented, "The shelters are very peaceful in the winter and would highly recommend them if you are keen for some winter camping but not keen to sleep in a tent or be completely exposed." Tent campers should note that noise can carry between sites, particularly at Headwaters Park, where a recent review noted that "your neighbors will make or break how well you sleep here."
"We're so happy to welcome this new property to our platform. Bill and Nancy offer a safe place to set up camp. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love! 💕"
Available next weekend
from $22 - $75 / night
"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."
from $35 / night
"This is a hike in or paddle in only campground. The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge, but there are other trailheads throughout the tract also."
"Had a nice stay at the Camp Site A tent site, which they label as their ADA Accessible site. Overall me and the kids had a really nice time hanging atbthe site and exploring around the lake."
"I camped at site J the tent pad was level and easy to drive stakes into. I didn't use the toilets so can't comment on the cleanliness there."
from $10 - $20 / night
"Tent pad is raised so even though it rained and the water streamed through the middle of camp, tent was fine."
"While this is a spot in a smaller park with a lot of day use, the site is a walk off of the trail, and situated slightly lower than trail level for privacy. Amazing sounds, smells, and relaxation."
"Wolfkiel is one of two hike-in areas along the Gerard Hiking Trail, in the Oil Creek State Park. Wolfkiel is made up of six(6) Ariondack Shelters and a tent camping area."
"Wolfkiel is one of two hike-in camping areas which consists of six(6) Ariondack Shelters and a tent camping area. The road in was snow covered but easily navigated."
from $8 / night
"Most of the trails are small, well-marked, accessible, and easily walkable for families."
RangerUnique place! Boondocking only. Really suited for smaller setups. My 30ft TT fit fine but was limited. Host was great. Partially shaded spot in the woods. Great trails. Ticks galore. Sadly had a very wet trip but was otherwise nice.
GuideThis place has so much to offer so I’m just going to list them : -Beautiful lakeside camping -clean, spacious and level spots -Boat launch -sandy beach -friendly camp host and park employees -basketball court, sand volleyball court, kids playground and nature center
GuideThis park is off the beaten path and filled mostly with Full Timers in beautiful landscaped sites. But room for overnighters like us. All sites have electric and water. The laundry is small, only 1 working washer, but it came in handy. The bathrooms have free showers but could use a deep cleaning. Big open field for the dog to play
GuideThis is more a campground for RVs then tents or even roof top tents. Place is clean and the sites 90% of them are in the open. Very little shade. Travis runs the place and very nice and accommodating. Fire wood is 20 dollars for a massive amount.
TravelerWe stayed in the fall for one night to visit Cuyahoga Valley Park (about 25 minutes away, as is a Costco). Many choices for short term sites. From the many permanent RVs and water slides in the pond, looks like it could be less quiet other times of year and a fun place for kids (we weren’t traveling with any). Staff nice and helpful but showers were old and dirty, probably in part to the high iron in the water (we didn’t hook up water).
GuideWe were passing through on a weeknight in mid September. Many open sites. Sites are paved and many are sloped. Most are shaded. Our site #41 was fairly level with electricity. Close to huge bathhouse with flush toilets, showers and laundry. High above the lake with views through the trees. Appeared there were many long term campers but just as good for our short overnight stay. Online registration. $45 for electric only site.
LegendWe’ve stayed here several times over the years and it’s always a pleasant experience. Lots of seasonal campers, but most are only in residence on the weekends. During the week we have the place to ourselves. Clean facilities, the standard picnic table and fire ring. Incredible sunsets, lake breeze and nothing but the crashing of the waves to lull you into a peaceful nights rest.
ScoutSpent three nights there in August Mid-week. Was pretty quiet but was clean and nicely taken care of. No mosquitos or bugs at night. Nice walking paths. Pool, hot tub, outdoor showers all very nice.
TravelerIt was off season but we needed a place to sleep. Fortunately there was no freeway or train nearby. Commuters were busy by early at 6 am. Office was closed so we found our info and pulled into our assigned site. Manager showed up soon after to question me on if I was competent enough pull out my rig and the length of my dogs leash. The campground was half empty and no one nearby.
Tent camping in Transfer, Pennsylvania offers primitive and hike-in experiences with varied terrain and seasonal considerations. Located near the Allegheny River watershed, the region features a mix of hardwood forests, stream valleys, and rolling hills with elevations ranging from 850 to 1,200 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer months typically see daytime highs in the 70s-80s°F.
Fishing opportunities: Quiet and Secluded campground provides access to nearby fishing spots. "Beautiful place. Host was very accommodating. Great time," notes camper Tom J. about his experience at the Quiet and Secluded property.
Trail exploration: Multiple interconnected trails surround many campgrounds in the area. "Great small park with a hiking trail that takes about an hour or hour and a half, it has a waterfall, small tiny cave, bridges and stairs. Really well maintained paths, tiny gravel for less mud," writes Kayla S. about the trails at The West Woods.
Bird watching: The region hosts diverse bird species year-round. "TONS OF BIRDS you will hear them all day long and see all sorts of different kinds. Really pretty and relaxing scenery overall," reports Zachary A. about his experience camping at The West Woods.
Private sites: Many campsites offer seclusion from neighboring campers. "While this is a spot in a smaller park with a lot of day use, the site is a walk off of the trail, and situated slightly lower than trail level for privacy. Amazing sounds, smells, and relaxation," says Rebecca G. about her stay at The West Woods.
Riverside camping: Several campgrounds feature access to water features. At Danner Primitive Campground, "There are 8 sites spread out along the edge of the river, some being closer together than others. They are level and clear, each with a new picnic table and nice fire rings with adjustable grates. A few of the sites had stairs to the water for paddler access," according to Casey L.
Winter shelter options: Some campgrounds offer alternatives to tent camping during colder months. At Wolfkiel Run Shelters, "The drop toilets were open, but probably wise to BYO toilet tissue. The shelters have hooks that allow you to hang a tarpaulin to help keep the heat in your shelter, although not necessary, especially if the nights are still," notes Britt B.
Parking logistics: Many sites require walking from designated parking areas. At The West Woods, "Site is about a quarter mile from the parking lot so pack light, bring a wagon, and/or be ready for a work out," advises Zachary A.
Water treatment needs: Bring water filtration equipment when camping at Danner Primitive Campground. "There is a spring for water which says to boil before drinking," warns Casey L. after visiting the site.
Reservation requirements: Different campgrounds have varying reservation systems. At Big Creek Park, "there are two rent sites (A and B), two lean-to sites (C and D), plus a tree house. Really cool structures that are available to rent through the website," explains Brannon M.
Pack for varied terrain: Plan for uneven ground when tent camping near Transfer with children. "The track from the carpark to the campground is beautifully graded making it easy to pull a sled in with extra supplies. The walk in is less than a mile(~15min)," notes Britt B. about the family-friendly access at Wolfkiel Run Shelters.
Consider noise factors: Sound carries between sites at some campgrounds. At Headwaters Park, "The noise carries from other sites so, your neighbors will make or break how well you sleep here," warns Katherine T.
Seek out accessible fishing spots: Some campgrounds offer easy fishing access for children. "There are a few ponds on the property, complete with fishing docs, that are stocked with bluegill and small man fish," notes Brannon M. about Big Creek Park.
Limited RV amenities: Most tent camping areas near Transfer lack full RV hookups. At Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground, a bicycle tourist noted, "Clean bathroom. Office to charge electronics and a campsite with firepit was great. Nice and quiet here also," indicating the basic amenities available even at more primitive sites.
Seasonal access considerations: Many campgrounds have limited seasonal availability or weather-dependent conditions. "I camped at site J the tent pad was level and easy to drive stakes into," reports Katherine T. about Headwaters Park, highlighting the importance of finding suitable ground for setting up tents and RVs.
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