158 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Wilcox, Pennsylvania ranges from free primitive dispersed sites to developed campgrounds with electric hookups, tent pads, and cabin accommodations. East Branch Campground sits near East Branch Clarion River Lake, offering tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with electric hookups and water access. Twin Lakes Recreation Area provides another camping destination with electrical service at select sites, though recent infrastructure challenges have affected water availability and some facilities.
Many campgrounds in the Allegheny region operate seasonally, with most open from spring through fall. Red Bridge Recreation Area typically operates from May through mid-December, while Twin Lakes remains accessible year-round though with varying amenities. "Currently issues with potable water; must bring your own," noted one visitor about East Branch Campground. The area's terrain presents accessibility challenges, with some campgrounds situated on hillsides requiring careful navigation. Cell service varies throughout the region, with stronger signals near Kane and more limited coverage in remote forest areas. Winter camping options become significantly restricted as most facilities close during colder months.
Campers consistently mention the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty surrounding Wilcox area campgrounds. Red Mill Pond offers primitive dispersed camping without facilities but provides good fishing opportunities and solitude. A visitor remarked that it offers "plenty of space for a van" with existing campfire rings, though the access road can be challenging with numerous potholes. High Pines RV Park receives praise for its spacious sites and friendly management, with full hookups available for RVs. Forest-based dispersed camping can be found along forestry roads, particularly around Sheffield and Ludlow, where free primitive campsites feature established fire rings but no services. Wildlife sightings, including black bears, are commonly reported throughout the region, requiring proper food storage and awareness while camping.
"For the most part, there isn’t a bad site (although we didn’t see any of the walk up sites, and I recommend not booking a site immediately next to the bathrooms since the ones without showers are more"
"There are paths leading down to the reservoir throughout the campground. The pit toilets and shower houses are well-located and very clean. There is firewood available for purchase on-site. "
from $20 - $130 / night
Check Availability"Twin Lakes is a beautiful spot, tucked away in a stream valley in the Allegheny National Forest. It's mainly locals who come here, since few outsiders know about it."
"Quiet are far from the highway."
"The park is close to the Allegheny Reservoir and the Kinzua Bridge. Very nice owners were able to get us in even though we didn’t have a reservation."
"The owners are super nice and accommodating and it’s near a lot of great attractions and mostly the natural beauty."
from $51 - $65 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $35 - $55 / night
Check Availability"It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door. Great hiking/biking. The spot next to the hiking trail has WiFi 70% of the time. I would give this a 5 star if it didn’t rain so much."
"Some you can drive your car in and tuck it back. Other spots you cant take your car at all. There are tons of logging roads that split off the main forest road."
"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"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 - $67 / night
Check Availability"Didn’t see any rangers or park staff drive through, quiet hours were not enforced and we had a loud neighbor. Close to some nice trails."
"Fun little playground nearby too! Also to note, we did not make reservations, but were able to drive through and pick open site we liked the most!"
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to hiking trails right from camp. Not a ton of distance between sites but everyone around us was quiet and chill."
"Whether you're staying at the campground itself or on the trail off the parking lot, you really can't get much better than this."
from $12 / night
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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.
GuideIf your coming here off of Rt. 666 the access gate is closed and has been for years. Continue to Crary Ave. Rt.6 in Sheffield and head East. About 6 miles ahead turn right onto Mill Ln., then Right on Curtis Rd., left onto Curtis Road extended, then turn right onto Forestry Rd. There are posted private property signs everywhere, just keep going as this is the only access to this area. I asked the locals and it is fine. Do not come here if you have a car or low riding vehicle. SUV, Jeeps, and trucks only. The access road is fine, but getting to campsite takes a higher frame vehicle. It is a perfect place for peaceful Boondocking. This area can accommodate 2 camp sights. Maybe 3.
The Allegheny National Forest region surrounding Wilcox sits at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,300 feet, creating varied terrain that impacts camping conditions throughout the year. Heavy annual rainfall averages 42 inches, contributing to lush forest growth but also affecting trail conditions. Campgrounds near Wilcox operate under different jurisdictional management, with facilities maintained by the US Forest Service, Army Corps of Engineers, and private operators.
Hiking to waterfalls: Access Hector Falls from forestry road dispersed sites, requiring a moderate 2-mile hike with some elevation change. "It's a nice little 2 mile hike. Some good exploring. Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me," notes a visitor at Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies away from light pollution create prime viewing conditions at Minister Creek Campground. "Perfect spot for star-gazing. So set the alarm for 2am and enjoy," recommends one visitor. The smallest ANF campground provides natural darkness benefits.
Fishing native species: Brook trout fishing in Minister Creek offers challenging angling in shallow waters. "Home to some of the scrappiest brook trout I have fished for," reports one visitor. The creek's cold mountain water supports this native fish population year-round.
Swimming in mountain lakes: The swimming beach at Kiasutha provides designated water access during summer months. "Large beach area for swimming," notes a camper, though water temperatures remain cool even during July and August.
Secluded camping spots: Red Bridge Recreation Area offers private sites separated by natural vegetation. "The sites are private, flat, surrounded by trees, and have plenty of space. The ground is quite rocky though, so bring plenty of heavy duty tent steaks," advises one camper who appreciated the layout.
Budget-friendly options: Affordable camping rates make multiple-day stays reasonable. "Not bad at all for 20 bucks, spots with electricity cost more," reports a Red Bridge visitor, noting the value compared to privately-operated campgrounds in the region.
Fishing accessibility: Multiple camping areas offer direct water access for fishing without requiring boat transportation. "We had a great spot right by the water. There are walk up spots and way more drive up to car camping spots," notes a visitor about Red Bridge's proximity to fishing opportunities.
Trail connectivity: Many campsites connect directly to trail systems for hiking or mountain biking without requiring vehicle transport. "Great loop trail ranging from a few miles to 7 miles depending on the loop, starts right behind the campground!" explains a Minister Creek camper about the convenient trail access.
Water supply limitations: Several campgrounds currently experience potable water issues requiring self-sufficiency. At East Branch Campground, visitors note: "Currently issues with potable water; must bring your own," a critical planning factor for overnight stays.
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature significant elevation changes within their boundaries. "Be prepared to be a billy goat when trekking to the restroom no matter your site location," warns an East Branch Campground visitor, highlighting accessibility considerations.
First-come availability: Some smaller campgrounds operate without reservations, requiring early arrival. "Only 6 spots all first come first serve and very cheap!" states a Minister Creek visitor about the limited availability.
Road condition variations: Access roads to dispersed sites often require careful driving. "The road in was bumpy with a lot of pot holes," reports a visitor to Red Mill Pond, indicating the need for vehicles with adequate clearance.
Wildlife education: Black bear activity requires proper food storage and preparation. "There's black bears that live in the several caves in the area... The bears are skittish, but they will find you if there's food in you camp!!" warns a visitor at Forestry Road Dispersed, emphasizing the importance of wildlife safety education for children.
Playground amenities: Twin Lakes Recreation Area offers family-friendly features despite ongoing infrastructure improvements. "There are 50 campsites, which 23 have 20 and 30 amp electrical service. At the moment there is NO water here, however the dump station is operative," explains a long-time visitor familiar with the facilities.
Swimming options: Designated swimming areas provide safer water recreation for children. "Whether you're staying at the campground itself or on the trail off the parking lot, you really can't get much better than this," notes a Twin Lakes visitor about the recreation facilities.
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations require adaptable clothing and gear. "It was freezing, quite literally, with nights in the low teens. The melting and refreezing had made the roads and surrounding trails a little slippery," reports a winter visitor to dispersed sites, highlighting seasonal planning needs.
Site selection priorities: High Pines RV Park offers level, accessible sites with full hookups. "We had a site in the full hookup back in section, they are very nice spacious sites," reports one RVer about the layout that accommodates larger vehicles.
Power limitations: Amperage restrictions affect air conditioning usage during summer. "Our site only had 30a power. Most seem to be that way. Looks like some updates are on the way. We will go back again but making sure it's not peak summer due to not having 50A," advises a camper about electrical planning.
Road clearance requirements: Navigating forest roads demands vehicles with adequate ground clearance. "I have a 25 foot travel trailer. I found numerous spots on SF-160. It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door," recommends an experienced RVer familiar with the forest service roads.
Seasonal planning: Consider timing for comfort in smaller RVs with limited climate control. "Just pulled in here last minute feeling tired and I was able to get a perfect spot in a lovely field all to myself. I don't really care about hook ups but there's full hook ups here," notes a High Pines visitor appreciating the flexible accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Wilcox, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Wilcox, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 158 campgrounds and RV parks near Wilcox, PA and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Wilcox, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wilcox, PA is Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest with a 4.7-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Wilcox, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Wilcox, PA.
What parks are near Wilcox, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Wilcox, PA that allow camping, notably Allegheny National Forest and Tionesta Lake.
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