Best Tent Camping near Waterford, PA

Searching for a tent camping spot near Waterford? Find the best information on tent camping near Waterford, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Waterford's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Waterford, PA (15)

    Camper-submitted photo from Big Oak Hill
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Oak Hill
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Oak Hill
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Oak Hill
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Oak Hill
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Oak Hill

    1. Big Oak Hill

    2 Reviews
    6 Photos
    7 Saves
    Clymer, New York

    This is a newly created campsite that has picturesque view of surrounding farmland and of Peek-n-Peak. Located conveniently off of Rt426 with a slight drive along a field to reach the destination. Private and out of the way. Plenty of wildlife (family of fox and usually mamma deer and her babies, can normally be seen doing what animals do. Close to Peek-n-Peak and Findley Lake and its many amenities.

    This is a little campsite on top of a hillside besides, you guessed it, a big oak. This is on a working hay farm, so depending on when you arrive you might be able to see hay being harvested. Again, this a new campsite so improvements will be made based on demand.

    To enter the property, you will use a field entrance right off Harrington Hill Road (coming from the west it will be on your left-hand side). We have the way marked for you with posts/markers so hopefully it will take you right there. Please be aware this is located on top of a hill (with a big oak, hence its name :)) and you will be going through an active hay field to reach it.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Firewood Available

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Compass campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Compass campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Compass campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Compass campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Compass campgrounds
    Camper-submitted photo from Compass campgrounds

    2. Compass campgrounds

    1 Review
    12 Photos
    8 Saves
    Ripley, New York

    Located on 50 acres of beautiful forest with lots of trails and wildlife. Only a couple miles from the shores of Lake Erie. This is wine country with wineries to the left and to the right. Many surrounding towns that will take you back in time. Fun day trips in the area: Presque Isle, Niagara Falls, Panama Rocks, Lilydale, casinos, Chautauqua Institute, Waldameer, Lucille Ball museum. Something for everyone!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Cabins

    $25 - $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Acres
    Camper-submitted photo from Shady Acres

    5. Shady Acres

    Be the first to review!
    5 Photos
    4 Saves
    Waterford, Pennsylvania

    TENT CAMPING ONLY

    *NO AMMENTIES*

    •Nearly 2 wooded acres, in Millvillage, PA.

    •Just minutes from Port Farms, Amish goods, and the beautiful French Creek. Quiet country setting right off the main road. Surrounded by unoccupied woods.

    •30 mins to Lake Erie.

    •20 mins to Canadotah Lake.

    •10 mins to Lake Leboeuf & French Creek river.

    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Firewood Available

    $50 - $100 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Private Island w/ Paddle Moor Co.
    Camper-submitted photo from Higby's Campground & Cottages
    Camper-submitted photo from Higby's Campground & Cottages
    Camper-submitted photo from Higby's Campground & Cottages
    Camper-submitted photo from Higby's Campground & Cottages
    Camper-submitted photo from Higby's Campground & Cottages
    Camper-submitted photo from Higby's Campground & Cottages

    7. Higby's Campground & Cottages

    Be the first to review!
    11 Photos
    7 Saves
    Union City, Pennsylvania

    Tent & RV camping & cottage & cabin rentals at Canadohta Lake with Higby's - Seasonal & Transit campsites. Check us out in Crawford County, PA. Higby's Campground and Cottage Rentals at Canadohta Lake, PA provides a place to stay for your summer vacation destination! Check out our website for additional information www.canadohtalakecamping.com We have office hours and can also be reached outside hours if needed. Late check-ins aren't a problem, just let us know! See you at camp! Call or email us today!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents

    $40 - $50 / night

    • No image available

      8. Allegheny Wild and Scenic River

      1 Review
      9 Saves
      Irvine, Pennsylvania

      In 1992 (Public Law 102-271) added 87 miles of the Allegheny River to the National Wild & Scenic River System classified as Recreational. The goal is to protect the existing outstanding and remarkable values and preserve a free-flowing condition for present and future generations. This designation applies to the following three sections: 7 miles from below Kinzua Dam to Route 6 bridge in Warren 48 miles from Buckaloons Campground to Alcorn Island (by Oil City), and 32 miles from south of Franklin to Emlenton. The corridor boundary runs along the plateau ridge on both sides and has extensive areas of privately owned lands with many homes and seasonal recreational residences along the shoreline. Public access is good generally from both sides and few hazards make this an ideal river for novice and family canoeing. Oak forests predominate along steep side slopes and there is wooded-riverine habitat in some of the floodplains. It contains the seven Allegheny Wilderness Islands often used by boaters for dispersed camping and fishing. The Allegheny Islands Wilderness contains seven islands stretched between Buckaloons and Tionesta along the Allegheny Wild and Scenic River. The islands are popular for dispersed camping, exploration, and viewing scenery and wildlife. They are mostly vegetated with fine riverine forests of sycamore, silver maple, shagbark hickory, and green ash. Dense grasses and other thick vegetation make access limited. There are no developed trails or other facilities on the islands. The Allegheny River is one of the primary tributaries to the Ohio River. It joins with the Monongahela River to form the Ohio River at the "Point" in Pittsburgh, PA. The Allegheny starts in Pennsylvania, near Cobb Hill, meanders into New York into Cattaraugus County, near Salamanca, before heading back into Pennsylvania northeast of Warren. The course of the river forms much of the northwestern boundary of the Allegheny National Forest before reaching Franklin where the river turns southeast. Within the borders of the Allegheny National Forest the river is fed by Kinzua Creek, Conewango Creek, Brokenstraw Creek, Tionesta Creek, Oil Creek and French Creek. The Clarion River joins the Allegheny near Kittanning.

      • Tents
      • No image available

        9. Hidden Valley Camping Area

        1 Review
        3 Saves
        Frewsburg, New York
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Tents
        • Picnic Table
        • WiFi
        Camper-submitted photo from Danner Primitive Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Danner Primitive Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Danner Primitive Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Danner Primitive Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Danner Primitive Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Danner Primitive Campground

        10. Danner Primitive Campground

        1 Review
        13 Photos
        21 Saves
        Kennerdell, Pennsylvania

        Primitive Camping Area; Permit required for more than one night stay.

        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Tents
        • Equestrian
        • Drinking Water
        • Toilets
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      Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in Waterford

      313 Reviews of 15 Waterford Campgrounds


      • JThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake
        Oct. 13, 2024

        Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake

        Nice Huge CG

        Nice huge CG with mostly long term residents. Gravel roads and relatively level gravel sites. Good FHUs. A lot of amenities for things to do. Laundry facilities were clean with good machines. We would stay here again.

      • HThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lake Erie State Park Campground
        Oct. 7, 2024

        Lake Erie State Park Campground

        Nice stop on way to Niagara Falls

        Beautiful State Park with friendly staff and campers. Windy, clean bathrooms w showers, flat sites. Sites on lake are not open - but sites across have good views as well. Lots more than just the campground

      • jThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Lampe Marina Campground
        Sep. 11, 2024

        Lampe Marina Campground

        Sunsets and Sunrises

        We came for a quick visit and enjoyed a beautiful sunset and sunrise. Large spaces and easy access to the pier (ramps available for all to enjoy ) We would love to return and enjoy a much longer stay. FYI -several dump stations so no waiting!

      • afshar Y.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Erie KOA
        Sep. 3, 2024

        Erie KOA

        Fun time for a family

        Fun little campground with friendly staff and wide open spaces. Clean bathrooms, great pool, fun little game room. The playground got 2 thumbs up from a 4 and 6 year old. There was a movie night every night. Close to stores (15 mins). The KOA is close to Presque isle and the amusement park, which is a fantastic place for kids. Sites were a good size and comfortable to be around.

      • Cynthia K.
        Camper-submitted photo from Chautauqua Lake KOA
        Aug. 28, 2024

        Chautauqua Lake KOA

        One Nighter

           Although this is a KOA Holiday, we used it as a KOA Journey on our way to the Catskills. Not too far from the Interstate & there was no highway noise at the campground. 

          We arrived right at 5pm, which is when they close up, but Victoria went above & beyond & took us right to our site. Good thing, since we were at the back of a confusing layout.

         There are sites in this section that have a partial view of the lake, but they looked like seasonal sites. All the sites looked well cared for. We had a pull through on Chestnut Drive.  Y1

        If you have kids, most of the activities they would be interested in are at the front entrance. If you don't have a golf cart, you may have to drive to the front for the pool, mini golf, basketball court & jumping pillow. 

        It doesn't look like they have many cabins. 

         There's another playground in the back that was getting used. There was supposed to be a splash pad, but I didn't see an evidence of that. 

        The bathroom/shower house are duel toilet/showers. Not my favorite, but we didn't have any trouble getting in. 

        We used the back exit on our way out, which was convenient. At least we didn't have to go back to the front entrance!

         BTW, Victoria is a treasure! She's friendly & goes above& beyond for customer service. We really appreciated the time she took with us.

      • Ed F.
        Camper-submitted photo from Lampe Marina Campground
        Aug. 9, 2024

        Lampe Marina Campground

        I AM EXCITED

        GOING LAST WEEK OF SEPTEMBER LOOKING TO GET SOME FISH FROM SHORE. HOPING FOR THE BEST! 5 STARS ON LOOKS ALONE.

      • Fred R.
        Camper-submitted photo from Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake
        Jul. 13, 2024

        Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake

        Back again 2024 July 4

        Again it is a nice large place with activities all day for all ages. Pool was great due to temps being in the 90s. Not all sites are full hookup and 50 Amp. The street lights suck as they fully illuminated our sites. Fireworks were OK.

      • Rose S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest
        Jul. 7, 2024

        Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest

        fine site, messy

        The site was fine, fire pit, primitive spot so no services. We arrived late at night so couldn’t see so well but stopped in a clearing on the road toward the coordinates.

        Kind of a gross site, the previous people who stayed at our site were messy and left litter, but it served its purpose as a free place to sleep along a longer trip.

      • CThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Tionesta Rec. Area Campground
        Jul. 1, 2024

        Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

        Tionesta Recreation Campground

        Nice campground with full hook ups. Close to a large recreational lake with hiking trails and a boat launch. Sites were fairly level no issues with power fluctuations and sewer worked great!

      • Robert L.
        Camper-submitted photo from MillBrook Resort
        Jun. 23, 2024

        MillBrook Resort

        Pretty nice

        We stayed here with our Coast to Coast membership, so it was good for that price. The main restroom/shower house is attached to the office. There are 5 restrooms with flush toilet and hand sanitizer scattered around the park. Most all of the sites are back in. We stayed at a site that shares a pole with water and electric hookups with 3 others. The first time I connected to the internet at our site, it connected right away with good quality. For about 30 seconds. I never got internet at our site again. It is good in the game room by the office, but there isn't anywhere with air conditioning to sit. AT&T has one bar of signal. Many problems getting internet with that. We did enjoy the indoor pool. Until it became crowded with kids. So, we went to the swimming pond. It was quite nice. We took out a paddle boat. They offer paddle boats, canoes, and rowboat to use for free. The one we had wouldn't steer. We went in circles to the right in the middle of the lake for 45 minutes before we got it back to the dock. I think it needs more trees.

      • DThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Starr Farm
        Jun. 20, 2024

        Starr Farm

        Very relaxing place

        This campsite was close to an archery tournament for me. It is a huge campsite that is remote and peaceful. I will try to get this place again next year.

      • C F.
        Camper-submitted photo from Chapman State Park Campground
        May. 28, 2024

        Chapman State Park Campground

        LOVE THIS PLACE!

        Hidden gem!  Love the seclusion of this campground.  Very clean restrooms.  Fantastic lake for kayaking, fishing, swimming, etc.  Currently, our favorite local escape destination!

      • J
        Camper-submitted photo from Hearts Content Recreation Area
        May. 12, 2024

        Hearts Content Recreation Area

        Peace and quiet

        Just stayed the weekend very big and private sites. Very few people so easy to show up and pick a site. Bathrooms were kept very clean for pit toilet. Water spigot throughout camp no elec

      • Bryan S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Follys End Campground
        Apr. 10, 2024

        Follys End Campground

        Nice spot

        Sites aren't on top of each other. Best sites are along the river and store has lots of fishing supplies. Wifi was too weak at my tent site and Verizon service was mostly unavailable. The site has a tire rim fire pit and picnic table with electric and water. Gravel pad where I parked was nearly level. Bathroom was cleaned the day I used shower and hot water was good. Prices for the site was $31/night and this was early season. I'm in a pickup with rooftop tent.

      • Matt S.
        Camper-submitted photo from Sparrow Pond Family Campground
        Apr. 10, 2024

        Sparrow Pond Family Campground

        Great campground near Lake Erie

        We stayed at Sparrow Pond Family Campground for a special long-weekend to view the Total Solar Eclipse. Their normal season doesn’t open until later in April, but they opened for 5-days for people like us who wanted a good spot for the eclipse. Since the normal season hadn’t yet opened, not all amenities/facilities were open but they put on a lot of activities to make the stay fun. 

        THINGS I LIKED: 

        • Easy access to Lake Erie and Presque Isle State Park 

        • Clean and well-maintained property with lots of activities 

        • All of the RVs appeared well-maintained without trashy-looking seasonal sites 

        • Nice campground with friendly camping neighbors 

        • Friendly and responsive staff interactions 

        THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

        • The site was nice and in a great location with a view of the pond, but wasn’t level 

        WOULD WE COME BACK? 

        Absolutely, this is a nice place with plenty of things to see and do in the area 

        HOW I CAME UP WITH MY STAR RATING:

        ★★★★★ everything was perfect with no room for improvement

        ★★★★ this is a great place with one or more minor flaws

        ★★★ average in all ways— not great, not horrible

        ★★ major issues or poorly maintained, we wouldn’t likely come back

        ★ a terrible place in my opinion and I’d never return

      • t
        Camper-submitted photo from Big Oak Hill
        Jan. 25, 2024

        Big Oak Hill

        Wonderful hill

        It is a newly created campsite that is located on top of a hill with a big oak tree. The campsite is accessible by drive-in, but you may need a 4-wheel drive vehicle if there has been rain. I really like geometry dash scratch because it's interesting. The host is super-responsive and helpful. I really like this hill. The landscapes are wonderful. Hope that I will have a chance to return to it in the future.

      • NThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Minister Creek Campground
        Nov. 9, 2023

        Minister Creek Campground

        Great spot with a mix of established spots and dispersed sites

        This is a great spot! We went mid October and it was packed, we got one of the last dispersed spots while all the established spots were taken by mid afternoon on Friday. Easy access to hiking trails right from camp. Not a ton of distance between sites but everyone around us was quiet and chill.

      • Ashley F.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Snug Harbor Retreat
        Oct. 12, 2023

        Snug Harbor Retreat

        New Listing

        Ashley here with The Dyrt - we're happy to welcome this listing to our site. Check them out and come back to leave a review.


      Drive Time


      Guide to Waterford

      Discover the beauty of tent camping near Waterford, Pennsylvania, where nature meets adventure in a variety of scenic locations.

      Tips for Tent Camping Near Waterford

      • For a unique experience, consider staying at Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park, which offers hike-in access and well-maintained shelters surrounded by stunning forest views.
      • If you're looking for a family-friendly spot, Higby's Campground & Cottages provides ample amenities, including swimming options right on the water for those hot summer days.
      • For a peaceful retreat, Shady Acres is a quiet country setting close to French Creek, perfect for those who enjoy a serene camping experience.

      Local Activities for Tent Campers

      Campground Features to Enhance Your Stay

      • Big Oak Hill offers a drive-in campsite with a beautiful backdrop of a big oak tree, making it a picturesque spot for tent camping.
      • At Crystal Springs Campground, you can enjoy a range of amenities, including access to clean drinking water and picnic areas, perfect for family gatherings.
      • For those seeking a more rustic experience, Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest allows for a primitive camping experience amidst nature, though be prepared for a lack of facilities.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Waterford, PA?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waterford, PA is Big Oak Hill with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Waterford, PA?

        TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Waterford, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.