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Established Camping

Minister Creek Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Minister Creek Campground, near Sheffield, Pennsylvania, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the distractions of modern life. With a handful of sites right by the creek, it’s perfect for tent camping or RVs, though you won’t find any electric hookups here.

The campground is known for its peaceful atmosphere and easy access to hiking trails. Visitors have raved about the beautiful scenery and the tranquility of the area, with one camper noting, “There are lots of beautiful sites on the creek.” Facilities include vault toilets and drinking water, which are essential for a comfortable stay.

If you’re up for some adventure, the surrounding Allegheny National Forest offers plenty of trails to explore, and the creek is a great spot for fishing. Just be aware that cell service is pretty much non-existent, so it’s a great chance to unplug and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re planning a family trip or a solo retreat, Minister Creek Campground provides a welcoming escape into nature.

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Location

Minister Creek Campground is located in Pennsylvania

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

41.621389 N
79.154444 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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    AT&T
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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

15 Reviews

Reviewed Nov. 9, 2023

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.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Nick B., November 9, 2023
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Nick B., November 9, 2023
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Nick B., November 9, 2023
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2023

Beautiful, peaceful

Established campground on north side has six sites with picnic tables and fire rings and costs $12/night. You can park and camp for free across the street but I’m not sure you’d want to sleep in your car/camper in the parking lot. There are a number of sites on the side of the road within 2-3 miles in either direction if you want to sleep in your van etc. I parked on the free side and set up a tent about 100 yards in. Lots of beautiful sites on the creek. I walked to the paid side for water and vault toilet. Arrived on a Friday in August and had no trouble grabbing a prime site.

Absolutely no cell signal. Drive about 7-10 miles in either direction to pick up a signal. Or hike to the Outlook for a very faint signal. Warren, PA is a really nice little town about 30 minutes drive and I went there for a meal and a brewery visit

Sitefree walk in
Month of VisitAugust
  • rocks on minister valley trail. southern edge of the north loop not far from the overlook
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  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Dan C., August 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Dan C., August 21, 2023
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2023

Great family site

Go every year for a father son backing trip for Memorial Day. There is a water tap and vaulted toilets. The best parts are just behind the main camping area. There is plenty of great dispersed sites passed the main camp ground.

Sitedispersed site about half mile passed the main sites
Month of VisitMay
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Ian B., August 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Ian B., August 21, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Mar. 28, 2022

Minister Creek / Allegheny National Forest

Cute little campground with a handful of drive up sites and many hike-in sites scattered along the beautiful Minister Creek in the Allegheny National Forest. There were so many gorgeous hike-in sites it was hard to choose! The scenic overlook hike is pretty easy and there’s a lot of boulders to explore in the national forest. A lovely little weekend get away. Trails are dog friendly, too!

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Shelby P., March 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Shelby P., March 28, 2022
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Shelby P., March 28, 2022
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Sep. 21, 2021

Perfect

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. Beautiful trails, accessible water from the river, sites on trail are plenty, and far between, to provide plenty of solitude. On the campground, I believe there are only 6 sites, you don't need to worry about over-crowding. They also provide a vault toilet which is always a welcome feature. Even if you're staying on trail, you can cross the street into the campground to use the vault toilet, as it isn't too far(depending how deep into the trail you are).

The campground itself can fill up quite easily, but if you head onto the trail, I see nearly zero possible situation in which you couldn't find a campsite! There is plenty of room. I can't wait to go back.

SiteSite on trail
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Skooma M., September 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Skooma M., September 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Skooma M., September 21, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 21, 2021

The Perfect Spot

We have a camper, but wanted to take the kids tent camping for a change, and this was the perfect place. It’s first come first serve, but we lucked out with a huge spot, shady, right beside the gorgeous creek, and also the closest to the toilet (which did occasionally send a slight scent our way, but not really a big deal). No running water or electricity, but that’s what we were looking for. We had a big tent (10x14) and 2 vehicles, with plenty of room to spare.

Site6
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2020

Great Backpacking Camping

I'm not reviewing the campground at the Minister Creek trailhead. I'm reviewing the camping options available to backpackers along the North Loop of the Minister Creek Trail.

Here are my notes from our recent trip:

When we went there in August of 2020 and backpacked the North Loop of the Minister Creek Trail, we camped at the (unbridged) stream crossing just downtrail (if hiking the loop counterclockwise) of the first intersection with the North Country National Scenic Trail, which is sort-of at 2 o'clock on the loop. It was neither our first choice, ideal, nor terrible. There weren't many flat places for a tent. There was no fire ring. It was not a "durable" surface. But it was raining, it was getting late, and it's all we could find. 

There were tons of great pre-made campsites as the trail approached and crossed the stream from the northernmost point (what I would call 12 o'clock on the loop) and headed south until the trail leaves the stream and heads south-west. We also saw a few pre-made campsites as we started our trip (at about 4 o'clock on the loop). You could pretty easily hike in and make camp right away, then do most of the 6 mile hike on the second day.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 21, 2020

Beautiful (sigh)... :-)

The smallest of all of the campgrounds in the Allegheny national Forest, this little slice of heaven is just perfect! With only six campsites, it’s definitely “first come, first served.” The sites are well proportioned (not right on top of each other), and perfectly situated at the base of the trailhead.

Several of the sites back up to minister Creek. Home to some of the scrappiest brook trout I have fished for. Such a great place to get away!

Quick Tip: Perfect spot for star-gazing. So set the alarm for 2am and enjoy :)

  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Brannon M., June 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Brannon M., June 21, 2020
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Brannon M., June 21, 2020
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jul. 31, 2019

Good things come in small packages!

It’s small, primative, but worth the stop. Did a quick stopover here as we were traveling through. So peaceful and beautiful. Would highly recommend it for sure!

Reviewed Jun. 29, 2019

More than expected

Smallest PA campground. Less than 10 sites. Run-of-the-mill pit bathrooms. Nice creek with some shallow pools. Offers primitive camping and has a trail that runs above the site's. Fun little road trip spur to run the route 666.

Reviewed May. 31, 2019

Perfection!

Awesome tiny campground! Only 6 spots all first come first serve and very cheap! What a wonderful find! Right along the creek where native brook trout reside. Great fly fishing in the area and the hiking is beautiful! Great loop trail ranging from a few miles to 7 miles depending on the loop, starts right behind the campground! Highly recommend this campground if you can get a spot!

  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Monika L., May 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Monika L., May 31, 2019
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Monika L., May 31, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Apr. 16, 2019

Small, rustic, gorgeous

We stayed here July 2018 and found a quiet campsite by the creek. It had been quite rainy and some of the sites were wet and muddy, but for $12, I couldn't complain. While there is an outhouse, it is simply a couple of toilets (bring a lantern or wear a headlamp). Arrive early to get a prime spot, and take advantage of the hiking trails (a bug net for your head will help in the summer as the gnats and deer flies are distracting). Looking forward to staying again.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Danielle S., April 16, 2019
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Danielle S., April 16, 2019
  • Review photo of Minister Creek Campground by Danielle S., April 16, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2016

State park area near Minister Creek

Great hiking location. Sites are sparse and set up in pull offs all over the area. Maps of sites available at the Rangers lodge. Limited facilities. Great for backpacking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Minister Creek Campground?

Minister Creek Campground offers basic, primitive amenities perfect for those seeking a more rustic camping experience. The campground features pit toilets/vault bathrooms and access to drinking water from a tap. Each of the six established sites comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Facilities are limited by design, making this an ideal spot for campers who prefer a more natural setting without modern conveniences. The campground costs $12 per night for the established sites, which is quite affordable compared to more developed campgrounds.

What do Minister Creek Campground sites look like?

Minister Creek Campground features six well-proportioned, established sites that don't feel cramped or crowded. Sites are situated at the base of trails and many are shaded, offering natural protection from the sun. The prime spots are located right beside the gorgeous creek, providing beautiful water views and soothing sounds. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. The terrain can get wet and muddy after rain, so proper preparation is important. Beyond the main campground, there are also numerous dispersed sites available in the surrounding area for a more secluded experience.

Are there hiking trails near Minister Creek Campground?

Minister Creek Campground offers excellent hiking opportunities directly from the campsite. The Minister Creek Trail features variable loop options ranging from a few miles to 7 miles depending on your chosen route. The North Loop is popular with backpackers and offers numerous primitive camping spots along the trail. A scenic overlook hike is relatively easy and accessible, featuring impressive boulder formations to explore. The trails follow the beautiful Minister Creek, providing stunning natural scenery throughout your hike. The trailhead is conveniently located near the campground, making it easy to start your adventures right from your site.

Where is Minister Creek Campground located and how do I get there?

Minister Creek Campground is nestled in the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania. It's the smallest campground in the forest, located along Minister Creek. The campground sits at the base of scenic trails with a trailhead parking area nearby. To access the campground, visitors can take Route 666, which makes for an interesting road trip. The established campground is on the north side of the area, with free dispersed camping options available across the street and along roads within 2-3 miles. As this is a small, first-come-first-served campground, arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.