Pet friendly camping near Weedville, Pennsylvania offers terrain that ranges from mountainous forest to riverside locations in the Pennsylvania Wilds region, situated at elevations between 1,600-2,000 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing, while summer evenings remain cool even after warm days. Most campgrounds in this region feature gravel or dirt pads rather than paved sites.
What to do
Elk viewing excursions: Cook Forest State Park is approximately 45 minutes from Weedville, providing a secondary location to observe Pennsylvania's elk population. "Beautiful park with huge pine trees. 235 sites, many with electric. Most seem pretty level and big rig friendly. Good ATT & Verizon cell service. Nice trails and friendly campground hosts," notes a visitor to Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins.
Swimming in natural areas: Parker Dam State Park offers swimming options beyond the main beach. "The lake has good trout fishing and the beach area offers a nice place for a relaxing summer retreat. Several picnic shelters are for rent if your looking for a place to have your reunion or annual company picnic," reports a camper at Parker Dam State Park Campground.
Creek exploration: Many campgrounds feature small waterways perfect for cooling off and wildlife observation. At Hicks Run, a visitor explains, "There is a swimming hole in the small creek that's great! Kids loved it! Also the river is just down on 555 with a kayak launch. An elk viewing plot is just across from the kayak launch site/parking lot."
What campers like
Spacious camping spots: Campers appreciate the generous site dimensions at many locations. At Riverview Campsites, a reviewer shared, "Campsites were very large. Pulled our 23 ft and 32 ft campers sideways across the sites. No cell reception. Clean and very nice."
Secluded primitive options: Medix Run Camping Area — Moshannon State Forest provides a more rustic experience with basic amenities. "This is a free site with no amenities but in a beautiful area. You need to contact the forestry district for availability and to reserve. Nice sit with fire pit, picnic table, and short walk to a beautiful creek," explains one camper.
Wildlife encounters: The chance to observe animals from your campsite draws many visitors. One camper at Parker Dam reported, "We loved it here!! Very spacious site with full hook up. #76 Next to camp host who were terrific. Deer came up to campsite every morning."
What you should know
Variable cell reception: Connectivity varies drastically between campgrounds. At Simon B. Elliott State Park Campground, a camper noted, "On the plus side, strong AT&T and T-Mobile cell signals," while Riverview Campsites has "No cell reception."
Limited facilities at some sites: Not all campgrounds provide full amenities. A Hicks Run visitor explained, "Limited sites. Vaulted toilets. There is a swimming hole in the small creek that's great! Kids loved it! No water. We filled up at Parker dam state park."
Reservation requirements: Many locations require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "Sites reserved and it was booked solid for early trout season. I imagine same in the fall for elk viewing," reports a camper about Hicks Run.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds provide dedicated play areas. At Woodland Campground, a visitor mentioned, "They have canoes available to explore the lake and a large play area for the kids. The sights are spacious and can accommodate large rigs."
Cat-friendly options: Beyond dog-friendly camping, some locations accommodate feline companions. A Medix Run camper shared, "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 (I stayed at #7) even though they were all full."
Weather preparation: The region experiences temperature fluctuations, particularly in spring and fall. A Cook Forest visitor advised, "Went there off-season which I recommend everyone do. In the Fall. Beautiful colored folage. Woke up to find I was surrounded by a huge herd of deer."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: DuBois / Treasure Lake KOA offers amenities but has some limitations. "RV spots had zero trees/shade. Verizon service horrible and WIFI did not work where we were - we walked up pool and it worked great there," reports one RVer.
Big rig accessibility: Various campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles with different levels of convenience. At Treasure Lake KOA, a visitor noted, "This KOA is way back in the woods. Love it. Rock sites mostly level. Most sites are huge. Some sites have concrete patio which I do recommend."
Hookup variations: Electric-only sites are common in state parks while private campgrounds may offer more options. A Simon B. Elliott State Park camper advised, "A dingy place. The ground was swampy the only dry places are the gravel pads in the sites. I wouldn't tent camp here."
