Best Campgrounds near Wilcox, PA

The Allegheny National Forest surrounds Wilcox, Pennsylvania, providing extensive camping options ranging from rustic dispersed sites to developed campgrounds with modern amenities. 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 established 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.

Best Camping Sites Near Wilcox, Pennsylvania (151)

    1. Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    21 Reviews
    Ludlow, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 368-4158

    $20 - $130 / night

    "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. "

    2. Twin Lakes Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    4 Reviews
    Kane, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 368-4158

    "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."

    3. Red Mill Pond

    4 Reviews
    Ridgway, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 927-6628

    4. High Pines RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Mount Jewett, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 778-5336

    $51 - $65 / night

    "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."

    5. Clarion Heights

    2 Reviews
    Ridgway, PA
    6 miles
    +1 (814) 335-6918

    $35 - $55 / night

    6. Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Ludlow, PA
    17 miles

    "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."

    7. East Branch Campground — East Branch Clarion River Lake

    2 Reviews
    Wilcox, PA
    5 miles
    +1 (814) 965-2065

    $15 - $55 / 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. "

    8. Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins

    51 Reviews
    Cooksburg, PA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 744-8407

    $20 - $67 / 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."

    9. Kiasutha

    8 Reviews
    Ludlow, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 368-4158

    $20 - $40 / night

    "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!"

    10. Minister Creek Campground

    15 Reviews
    Sheffield, PA
    24 miles
    Website

    $12 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Wilcox, PA

519 Reviews of 151 Wilcox Campgrounds


  • Casey L.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Cain hollow campground

    Nice Campground

    Lots of sites but doesn’t feel too crowded or busy. Bathrooms are clean. Nice views of the surrounding hills from some sites.

  • Brian B.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park

    So many memories…

    We returned to the same campsite for 10 years while our kids were growing up. They loved all of the hikes, they loved all other places, from thunder rocks to bear caves trail.

    You can go to this camp at any point in time, after Labor Day you can even get firewood delivered to your door. The box wood stoves inside to keep things thirsty, warm, even on a snowy day.

  • James S.
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Willow Bay Recreation Area

    Beautiful campground

    Went the week of April 23 2024 and had the place just about to my self. Was peaceful and quiet. Both camp hosts were super nice and friendly folks I'd definitely recommend Willow bay to anyone. No cell service with AT&T or Verizon.

  • Dana M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Lyman Run State Park Campground

    Quiet, Quaint and Clean!

    We love the lower loop! We were there on a Monday night and there were 4 sites occupied on our loop. Great stars. Clean bathrooms!

  • Chelsea B.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Cain hollow campground

    Come in Autumn!

    Absolutely beautiful camping loop. There are many others but Cain Hollow is completely open and on the side of a hill so beautiful views of the changing colors. Also good for Starlink users. Clean bathrooms. Beautiful paved greenway. Easy and hard trails available. Restaurant, general stores, laundry, bike rentals… this park is awesome. Absolutely zero Verizon service though. Heads up!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Redbank Valley Municipal Park

    Mid September No one around

    We came here after finding this campsite on the dirt app. When we arrived, there was no one around. There are no rules or payment stations. There are a lot of RVs that seem to be set up in a permanent location. We camped on a field and haven’t seen anyone. There are bathrooms and showers and they are open. It looks like this is the site of the fairgrounds and maybe it is a hopping place in the summer? I will update this review if anyone comes by.

  • Daniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Curwensville Lake Campground

    Amazing

    Having PTSD and serious anxiety. This spot allows you to relax without to much concern,dogs welcome ,boating and swimming was awesome for around this area. Camping is great especially at night with boats on the water.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    Not bad for 20 bucks

    Not bad at all for 20 bucks , spots with electricity cost more. Came on a week night without a reservation and was almost unable to get a spot , host was nice though! Quiet area

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Don’t recommend

    Apple Maps brings you way far away, follow the pin and it will bring you. Way too grown in as of August . Didn’t end up staying here. May be a good spot in the fall once the grass dies. Secluded spot though


Guide to Wilcox

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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.

What you should know

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.

Tips for camping with families

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.

Tips from RVers

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 151 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 21 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.