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French Creek Flood Plain Overlook

100%
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· Union City, Erie, Pennsylvania
36 acres hosted by David C.
1 tent site
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Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
David is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
This tent site sits in the woods on a hill just above the corner of French Creek (2022 PA River of the Year!) and a small tributary creek. It faces northwest over the valley providing amazing sunset views. This location is on the high-side of the Union City Dam which is a dry bed, flood control dam. Which means during snow melt, or rainy streaks, the dam will fill up and flood the entire valley. However during dry spells, French Creek will appear as any other creek. At peak flooding, it will make its way all the way up the tributary valley, making a beautiful lake front campsite. Unfortunately, this only occurs a few weeks out of the year (typically early spring and occasionally during wet falls) and is fairly unpredictable (you can compare the high-water vs low-water views from the photos). Most of the summer you can still enjoy the view over both the tributary valley and French Creek valley. (DISCLAIMER: Once or twice a year during the wettest streaks, the water rises high enough to flood the driveway, making it impossible to drive up directly to the campsite. If this happens, you will be notified before so you can choose either to be refunded and not stay or you can park 100 yards up the road and hike into the campsite to enjoy the unique and rare lakefront views. Again, these are natural events that are infrequent and unpredictable, but also provide a truly spectacular setting.) Located at the end of a dead end dirt road, adjacent to 100's of acres of federal protected land, and within sight of agriculture fields, there is an abundance of wildlife. For over 20 years, an active eagles nest has been located 1 mile north providing amazing opportunities to see either adult or juvenile eagles flying over French Creek hunting for fish. Deer can be seen early morning and late evening in the fields, as well as frequently crossing both valleys. All types of waterfowl flock the lake when it's flooded. I've personally seen up to 1000 geese at one time. Beyond relaxing and wildlife watching, there are plenty of other activities to explore in the area. Access to many nature walking trails. The Union City Dam, less than 1.5 miles down the road, provides walking, biking, scenic driving, and picnic opportunities. Kayaks/canoes can be used to float the creek when dry or paddle up and down the reservoir lake when flooded. Centrally located between the 2 small towns of Union City and Waterford with gas stations, grocery stores, great local dinning options, and more. About a half an hour drive to Erie and Presque Isle State Park. Come enjoy this extremely unique stretch of French Creek and Pennsylvania woods! DISCLAIMER: There is an active gravel pit to the North of the campsite. During weekdays from about 7 AM-5 PM, you will likely hear and possibly see some activity from the gravel pit.This tent site sits in the woods on a hill just above the corner of French Creek and a small tributary creek. It faces northwest over the valley providing amazing sunset views. This location is on the highside of the Union City Dam which is a dry bed, flood control dam. Which means during snow melt, or rainy streaks, the dam will fill up and flood the entire valley. However during dry spells, French Creek will appear as any other creek. At peak flooding, it will make its way all the way up the tributary valley, making a beautiful lake front campsite (as shown in some photos). Unfortunately, this only occurs a few weeks out of the year (typically early spring and occasionally during wet falls) and is fairly unpredictable. Most of the summer you can still enjoy the view over both the tributary valley and French Creek valley. (Disclaimer: Once or twice a year during the wettest streaks, the water rises high enough to flood the driveway, making it impossible to drive up directly to the campsite. If this happens, you will be notified before so you can choose either to be refunded and not stay or you can park 100 yards up the road and hike into the campsite to enjoy the unique and rare lakefront views. Again, these are natural events that are infrequent and unpredictable, but also provide a truly spectacular setting.) Located at the end of a dead end dirt road, adjacent to 100's of acres of federal protected land, and within sight of agriculture fields, there is an abundance of wildlife. For over 20 years, an active eagles nest has been located 1 mile north providing amazing opportunities to see either adult or juvenile eagles flying over French Creek hunting for fish. Deer can be seen early morning and late evening in the fields, as well as frequently crossing both valleys. All types of waterfowl flock the lake when it's flooded. I've personally seen up to 1000 geese at one time. Beyond relaxing and wildlife watching, there are plenty of other activities to explore in the area. Access to many nature walking trails. The Union City Dam, less than 1.5 miles down the road, provides walking, biking, scenic driving, and picnic opportunities. Kayaks/canoes can be used to float the creek when dry or paddle up and down the reservoir lake when flooded. Centrally located between the 2 small towns of Union City and Waterford with gas stations, grocery stores, great local dinning options, and more. About a half an hour drive to Erie and Presque Isle State Park. Come enjoy this extremely unique stretch of French Creek and Pennsylvania woods
Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Paddling
100%
19 ratings · 16 reviews
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Paul K.recommends
September 15, 2024
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
Awesome site! Enjoyed every minute of it. Great views, quiet, private. Can’t wait to get back with my other half..
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Alex L.recommends
August 12, 2024
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
Private site with a a great view.
Nice private site with a good view. If staying during the week, expect some gravel trucks heading down the road. Site is very private and pretty.
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Frank H.recommends
July 29, 2024
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
Great spot all by itself. I would highly recommend this spot.
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Nathan Z.recommends
July 14, 2024
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
This was a great campsite! Nice and remote feel. Beautiful view outwards of the campsite. Felt private. Would book again!
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Jenn R.recommends
July 14, 2024
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
The campsite was beautiful! It was nice that no one else was around and we were left to have fun and do our thing.
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Prin W.recommends
June 9, 2024
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
10/10 would camp on David’s land again! He was very responsive and patient with all the questions I had. The land was well maintained, private, and quite spacious. Wood was conveniently available for purchase on site which was a plus .Absolutely worth booking with him!
Location
Union City, Erie, Pennsylvania, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Erie, Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), and Mississauga First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by David C.

Joined in May 2022
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