Allegheny National Forest manages Kiasutha as one of its primary lakeside campgrounds, set along the Allegheny Reservoir in northwestern Pennsylvania. The campground runs from late May through early September, with sites ranging across wooded and open terrain close to the water. A mix of primitive and RV-equipped sites gives it flexibility, and full hookups including electric, water, and sewer make it one of the more developed options among campgrounds near Allegheny National Forest.
Site spacing is one of the campground's consistent strengths. Trees between sites provide a degree of separation even where the layout is denser, and several waterfront sites sit close enough to the reservoir to make water access straightforward. A large beach area supports swimming, and a boat launch and dock serve anglers and paddlers. Trails connect multiple points in the campground to the lakeshore. The RV section uses gravel roads with some rutting from water runoff, while the primitive section has paved roads and parking pads. A note from reviewers worth knowing: some electrical boxes in the RV section have reportedly had wiring issues, so it's worth confirming hookup availability when reserving.
"Sites are well spaced and most have plenty of trees in between," notes Sam H., who also flagged that the campground host's site was the loudest in the loop during a week-long stay. Quiet hours enforcement has come up in multiple reviews as inconsistent. Bathrooms are described as outdated but functional and generally clean, without paper towels or hand dryers. Reservations are available, though walk-in sites have been found on arrival. Red Bridge Campground, less than a mile southeast along the reservoir, is a nearby alternative for campers who want a different configuration on the same water.
Description
Overview
Kiasutha Campground sits on the Kinzua Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir in northwest Pennsylvania, offering countless water activities.
Recreation
Visitors enjoy the large, grassy beach for swimming and relaxing. A boat ramp and dock allow visitors to enjoy the vast lake for boating, and a paved trail leads to an accessible fishing pier. Campsites offer a variety of views and conditions, from shaded forest to views of the reservoir, primitive walk-in camping or RV camping with electric hook-up. Some sites are back-in and some are pull-through for easier access.
Facilities
There are about 98 reservable family campsites, each containing a picnic table, fire ring and tent pad. The loop roads are paved. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, hot showers, a dump station and amphitheater. The beach and picnic area have a capacity of 900 people. The grounds also include parking facilities and a bathhouse. Firewood, ice, interpretive services and 24-hour campground attendants are offered at the site.
Natural Features
The Allegheny National Forest covers nearly half a million acres and is populated primarily with black cherry, maple and other hardwoods. The Kinzua Dam, built in 1965, impounds the Allegheny River to form the 25-mile-long Allegheny Reservoir. Since Kinzua Creek flowed into the Allegheny RIver, a part of it is also impounded, creating the Kinzua Arm. It is a little narrower than the main Allegheny Reservoir, allowing for a little more intimate connection between water and shore, and is not as subject to weather as the more open main reservoir. This campground sits on forested hills off the Longhouse Scenic Byway, a 29-mile loop that circles the Kinzua Creek Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (814) 363-9090.
Nearby Attractions
The Kinzua Dam and Bridge are within driving distance.
Charges & Cancellations
Cancellations and changes must be made through Recreation.gov
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsKiasutha is located in Pennsylvania near Ludlow
Directions
From Kane, Pennsylvania, take State Highway 321 north for 10 miles, then turn onto Longhouse Scenic Drive and continue for a mile to the campground. From Warren, Pennsylvania, take State Highway 59 east for 13 miles, then turn south on Longhouse Scenic Drive and continue for 10 miles.
Coordinates
41.785 N
78.9025 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 42 min from Erie, PA
- 1 hr 46 min from Buffalo, NY
- 2 hrs 2 min from State College, PA
- 2 hrs 12 min from Altoona, PA
