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Austin Dam Memorial Park

98%

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· Potter, Pennsylvania

76 acres hosted by Austin Dam P.

103 RV/tent sites · 4 tent sites

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Best in Pennsylvania: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

Just outside the quaint town of Austin sits a vivid reminder of one of Pennsylvania's worst disasters – the Austin Flood. In 1909, the dam was constructed on Freeman Run to power the Bayless Papermill downstream. Many wondered if the dam was safe. On September 30, 1911, Austin found out. Poor construction, coupled with torrential rain, resulted in the dam's collapse. Nearly 400 million gallons of water were released, destroying everything for 8 miles. At least 78 people perished in the tragedy. It was the second worst flood disaster in Pennsylvania's history and sixth worst dam failure in U.S. history. The tragedy sparked new legislation to improve dam safety, and the Austin Dam was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The ruins of the dam still stand, surrounded by a 76-acre park, as a tribute to the lives lost in the Austin Flood. Don't miss one of Potter County's best kept secrets!

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98%

722 ratings · 288 reviews

Roger M.recommends

June 19, 2024

Mess Hall (Site 6)

This was the best Hicamp we have stayed at so far. T site was very nice and huge. The history of the place was a huge plus. We loved the small town and would be back tomorrow if it were just closer. This is a definite stop for anyone going close to it.

Lindsey P.recommends

June 10, 2024

Tree Sawyer (Site 1)

This was our third year staying at this site. We love it!

Christopher G M.recommends

June 9, 2024

Log Driver (Site 3)

Fantastic Private camping - Austin

Spent last night camping at Site No.3 at the Austin Dam Memorial Park Campground. The place was FANTASTIC. We didnt need half the stuff we brought. The fire pit had a cooking area complete with grills, etc. The site was well maintained and everything mowed, including the hiking trail down to the dam area. There were benches along the creek and other camping areas. The bathrooms were clean and stocked. We had the place to ourselves once the graduation party at the vistor center ended. Only 1 other site (Site 2) has campers and we saw them on a hike and they were over 1/2 mile away on the other side of the creek. Couldnt hear anything but the sound of Freeman Run (creek). We checked out the other sites while there and will definitely be going back. Only 1 hour or so from our house.

Matt S.recommends

June 2, 2024

Log Train (Site 8)

The site was great! Nicely dispersed and very relaxing.

Rebecca W.recommends

June 2, 2024

Log Driver (Site 3)

The site was very private and relaxing being right beside the creek. It was a very well maintained park also. Loved the history and being able to explore the ruins.

Zach B.recommends

May 30, 2024

Log Train (Site 8)

Always lovely

The land surrounding the camp sites is absolutely gorgeous. The camp sites are spacious and well laid out. We come up every year and it's always so fantastic.

Location

Potter, Pennsylvania, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Susquehannock and Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee) First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Austin Dam P.Joined in March 2019

Response rate: 50%Response time: Within 12 hours

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