The best camping near Elk State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Elk State Park adventure.

Elk State Park: A Haven for Water Enthusiasts and Nature Lovers.  

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Community favorites near Elk State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Elk State Park

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Firefly Acres - Star Gazing Views

5 sites · Lodging, Tents93 acres · Olean, NY
Welcome to Firefly Aces where our land offers beautiful views of the valley and "Enchanted Mountains" by day and star filled skies at night. If you look long enough, you may even see some shooting stars. The property is 93 acres and offers well manicured hiking trails that can even be used for Mountain Biking enthusiasts. Wild animals such as deer, raccoons, fox, owls, hawks, humming birds, bald eagles and more have made the land their home. Fireflies tend to take over in the summer months, its a beautiful thing to see. It's the perfect place to get away and enjoy nature all while being close to restaurants and downtown Olean if needed. Enjoy cooking on our rustic fire pits or light a fire to just enjoy the crackling sounds and warmth at night. A safe place for kids to run around, enjoy family time and the simple pleasures Mother Nature has to offer. It's perfect for anyone who just wants to get away and immerse themselves in the country. We have 2 camp sites ready right now both come with a fire pit. One is more secluded which is campsite #2 and the one with the valley view is campsite #1. Showers are seasonal. The last day for shower use is Oct 15th. You’re more than welcome to bring your own portable shower hook up and use the shower house for privacy. We apologize for any inconvenience. Shower use ends Oct 15th. You’re more than welcome to bring your own portable shower hook up. You can use it inside our shower house for privacy. Apologies in advance for any inconvenience.
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$31.50
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97%
(38)

Abandoned School

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Tidioute, PA
Located on the legendary Route 666, this campsite offers a one-of-a-kind experience to camp or park your RV beside an abandoned schoolhouse. Whether you're a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or an outdoor adventurer, this unique location blends thrills with tranquility. What’s Included: Easy-to-access Campsites: Whether you're arriving by car or any size RV, you'll find convenient parking and tent-pitching spots. Free Firewood: Available on-site, or to pick from forest. Firepits: Some spots have firepits. If unoccupied, feel free to use them; otherwise, you're welcome to create your own. Historic Backdrop: Capture the eerie ambiance of the abandoned schoolhouse in your photos. Nearby Attractions: Allegheny National Park & National Forest: Discover miles of trails and stunning natural beauty. Allegheny Outfitters (0.7 miles): Rent kayaks and canoes for a water adventure. George's Little Store (0.6 miles): Grab essentials or use the restroom. Minister Creek Trail: A scenic and challenging hike for nature enthusiasts. Pithole Ghost Town: Explore the remnants of this abandoned oil boomtown. Tionesta Dam: Enjoy breathtaking views and various recreational activities. Hearts Content Old Growth Forest: Walk among ancient trees and savor the tranquility of untouched nature. Washington Park: Perfect for picnicking, hiking, and outdoor relaxation. Minsi Bridge State Park: Discover the natural beauty and historic significance of this park. Tidioute Overlook: Take in panoramic views of the Allegheny River and surrounding landscapes. Important Information: Private Property Signs: Ignore these upon entry as they are meant to deter non-campers. Restrooms: Outhouses are not available; however, George’s Little Store nearby has facilities (24/7 Porta Potty). Hallers General Store has very nice bathrooms, but is a bit farther out (9 Minutes). If you prefer the simplicity of nature over the frills of a cabin or hotel, this place is for you. If you love exploring abandoned places, this campsite is for you. Whether you need a spot for your RV, a place to pitch a tent, or just somewhere to make unforgettable memories, the Abandoned Schoolhouse awaits. Gather your s'mores supplies, ghost stories, dog, friends, or family, and get ready for a unique adventure.
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$18
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98%
(48)

Clear Creek Cook Forest Campsite

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Sigel, PA
This is your spot. Your own private campground on 5 acres of forest canopy that we unofficially call "Fern Gully", this site is literally adjacent to scenic Clear Creek State Park (1211 acres) and pristine "old-growth" Clear Creek State Forest (16229 acres). Accessible by RVs of any size. Tent campers welcome! Don't have an RV?? Check out RVshare.com to discover loads of options! A driveway leads to a large, flat landing where RVs can set up. Electric (50 and 20 amp) + pressurized water hook-up at sites. UPDATE: we recently added a second site for "friends/family"(full hook-ups) at the other end of the parking pad for those wishing to camp with guests. Fire pit on location. Firewood can be found on the property, but always smart to bring some. The road in can be rough, just go slow. We are working with the state to fix it. Do it your way! Come relax and unwind or get out and get active. Enjoy the serenity and solitude that nature provides at this quiet hideaway for peace and tranquility. POINTS of INTEREST: -Clear Creek State Park swimming area is minutes away, right down the road! -Only a few miles to Clarion River (2019 River of the Year) launch access! You can bring your boat and do some fishing, or rent canoes/kayaks/tubes and float away the day. -25+ miles of hiking trails within walking distance from camp. -Beartown Rocks is within hiking distance or a short drive. -The Seneca Point Overlook/Firetower is a must-see -For those looking for a leisure walk or cyclists, Rails-to-Trails paved trail is a unique experience, stop and see our friends at Lost In The Wilds brewery for a cold refreshment. -10 miles to North Country Trailhead. -10 miles to Cook Forest State Park (8500 acres), known as a National Natural Landmark for some of America's finest virgin white pine and hemlock timber stands. Cook Forest State Park was rated one of America's top 50 state parks by National Geographic Traveler magazine and was chosen by the Pennsylvania DCNR and its Bureau of Parks as one of "25 Must-See Pennsylvania State Parks". -10 miles to Allegheny National Forest. State Game Lands nearby. -Farmer's Inn restaurant has that rustic country flair, great food and a "zoo" that all ages can appreciate. -A local meat market, drive-in movie theatre and RV sales/service a short drive on Route 36 toward Brookville. *Check Out the following websites for some great, detailed information on the surrounding area: **AIRBNB - check out my "Guidebook" there and booking fees are LESS $$!!!** DCNR PAWILDS VISITPAGO
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$38
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95%
(188)

Neal Homestead Camp Sites

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Brookville, PA
Camp is on 50 acres with a pink marked trail to Red Bank Creek on the western border and back up through a hemlock forest along south border. A small stream runs through the property and forms a rocky delta in Red Bank Creek. All camp sites are on the eastern border and close to the main road to access property. Hike, enjoy the sound of the stream tickling through property, stargaze, or rest, watch nature's critters, read or just relax in a hammock. No hunting on property but fishing permitted along "river" aka Red Bank Creek. Please keep fires in firepit and noise levels low. Set up to be most natural, minimal mowing, and sites meant to be more private. We let you know if you have others on property. No running water or flush toilets on sites unless in your self-contained camper. A compost loo provided. Lots of kindling can be easily gathered for a fire. Consider ordering some ahead of time if it has been raining though. There is a tarp and a wheelbarrow to collect logs and kindling and move to your site.
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$18
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99%
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Stargazing Field at Olga Farm

5 sites · Tents133 acres · Coudersport, PA
Olga Farm is a working organic vegetable farm with a Stargazing Field for primitive camping & it also offers a number of glamping options. Please contact us if you're interested in glamping at Olga Farm. The Stargazing Field at Olga Farm is perfect for camping, breathtaking sunrises, peaceful meditation, & you guessed it...stargazing in some of the darkest skies in the northeastern United States. It's adjacent to a working organic vegetable farm. Olga Farm is 4.4 miles from the charming town of Coudersport & its shops & eateries, including Olga Gallery, Cafe, & Bistro which is only 5.9 miles away. There's a great swimming hole less than 5.5 miles away. Cherry Springs State Park, a stargazing Mecca is 21 miles away. Olga Farm is a great base to explore the Pennsylvania Wilds. We are 36 miles from the Kinzua Skywalk & 46 miles from Leonard Harrison State Park, one of our favorite places to view the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. We're only 14 miles from the Austin Dam Ruins & 37 miles from Rock City Park just over the border in New York State.
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$40.50
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Triple Dream Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents99 acres · Smethport, PA
Hipcamp hosts since 2017 on a 99 acre farm, we are located approximately 2 hours south from either Erie, PA or Buffalo, NY, 3 hours north of Pittsburgh, PA and just west of Potter County, PA, our Open Pasture Campsite offers the peace, privacy and relaxation to campers looking to be out in the PA Wilds on our 99 acre family horse farm. Our Boondocking Site offers a inexpensive, safe and quiet alternative for those looking to stay 1 - 2 nights with a self-contained RV. OPEN PASTURE SITE: A row of trees, underbrush, small forest area and bridge over a creek separates your open pasture campsite from the main area of the farm, further providing a semi-private separation and an unbelievable clear angle of the southern night sky. Our camping site affords you the opportunity to play with your children, guests and pets without disturbing other campers or vice versa. The open pasture campsite is perfect for outdoor games, hiking and dog walks up the trails or just relaxing and decompressing from your hectic schedule to reconnect with family and friends. BOONDOCKING: This option affords you a inexpensive place to park your self-contained RV to relax on our farm. Please know that parking for your RV will be dependent on weather, time of the year, farm activities and safety. Before booking, please communicate your arrival dates and needs so we can accommodate them. OUR FARM: We are a recognized 501(c)(3) for the rescue, daily care of equines and related activities and community outreach. We are close to the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk with breathtaking views and beautiful year-round hiking, the Kinzua Dam for boating and other water activities abundant outdoor activities at the nearby Allegheny National Forest will insure that you will have plenty to do during your stay! We are 30 minutes from Bradford, PA, home of the Zippo/Case Museum and Flag Ship Store and Penn-Brad Oil Museum. Lumber Museum, Rock City Park and hidden gems of small town Americana such as Smethport, Coudersport, Wellsboro, Kane PA as well as Olean, NY are well worth the short drive. These towns boast various festivals all year long for your enjoyment as well. Scenic views can be had at Rim Rock, various trails in the Allegany National Forest and all along U.S. Route 6 - a popular drive! The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is a short 2 hour drive for additional hiking and other outdoor activities along with wondrous views and activities. * Although you will not hear traffic, horns or sirens, please remember that nature can be loud during the night (crickets, frogs, sometimes coyote in the distance or even our sometimes resident Screech Owl) as well as our roosters, ducks or horses calling to each other.
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$25
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(16)

River Island Cabin & Campsites

8 sites · Lodging, Tents46 acres · PA
Located on Fuellhart Island, Tidioute, Pennsylvania Allegheny River, Allegheny National Forest, PA Wilds Perfect for kayaking, camping, fishing, tubing - all types of river trips! Go Primitive and book secluded campsites (there is a Treehouse and Canvas Bell Tent options!) Rent the cabin and island privately for your group 46 acres of Private Island on the scenic Allegheny River. PA Wilds, Gameland Access, Allegheny National Forest. We provide: HAMMOCK AND TENT CAMPSITES (view listings) CABIN AND ISLAND RENTALS (Call it a glorified cabin in the woods!) - fully equipped! - non-motorized boat rentals (Angler single kayaks and canoe) - Fishing pole and gear rentals - Tent/Hammocks - Cold Weather Sleeping Bags This is a secluded private island on the Allegheny River. It has been a family property for years and many people have created great memories here. It is great for solo campers wanting a peaceful space, kayakers on river trips, family groups (magic for kids and dogs!) *Tent camping, outdoor shower, fishing, kayaking, groomed trail paths from end to end, fully equipped kitchen, outdoor cooking, firepits, outdoor and indoor seating. Dog friendly! Supreme sunsets and starry nights! Everyone always ends up staying another day if they can get away with it! Arrive by car to our parking area where we will boat you and your gear over to the island campsite. There will be 1 round trip in the motorized john boat per group. Guests are permitted to use the aluminum canoe with lifejackets only to ferry items. PADDLE IN! KAYAKERS/CANOES/MULTI-DAY RIVER TRIP PADDLERS! Arrive by kayak or canoe off the river while you are on a paddle trip. Singles, small groups and large groups. Campsites are PERFECT for Scouts trips, team building trips with kayak rental options. Cabin rentals are great for couples, families, friends, reunions, fishing trips, large groups trips and more! Wildlife photographers must see location!
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$55
 / night
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(1)

Rustic Acres - Elevated RV Camping

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents24 acres · Shippenville, PA
Modern amenities in a rustic setting. Your glamping tent offers the perfect combination of luxury and outdoor adventure, allowing you to experience the great outdoors in style and comfort. Your tent is situated in a serene location, providing a tranquil escape with breathtaking views. Each tent is fully equipped with modern amenities, including comfortable beds, a mini fridge, a coffee maker, WIFI, electricity, water, and a cozy fireplace. Outside, a secluded yard offers a picnic table, furnished deck, and a fire ring with a cooking grill, perfect for outdoor meals and gatherings. A beautifully renovated bath house is just a short walk away, providing modern and clean facilities for your convenience. Our property also features nature trails, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of your surroundings. For those who need to catch up on work or simply want a change of scenery, The Hub offers a modern workspace with complimentary beverages and crafting stations. Rustic Acres Luxury Glamping Tents were designed for those seeking an elevated camping experience. Whether you are looking for a romantic retreat or a family adventure, our glamping tents provide the perfect escape. This tent is part of a campground, giving you access to our hospitality and park amenities. For the adventure seekers, you have easy access to biking / hiking right from the park. You can even hike / bike to a brewery! Plus nearby is shopping and dining, fishing, paddling, antiquing, wineries, additional breweries, and many hidden gems throughout Clarion County!
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$49
 / night

The best camping near Elk State Park guide

Overview

About

Elk State Park beckons adventurers with its vast 3,192-acre landscape, crowned by the expansive East Branch Lake. Here, unlimited horsepower boating thrills meet serene fishing spots, offering a diverse range of water activities. While the park does not feature campgrounds, its day-use areas provide a perfect backdrop for picnicking amid the rugged mountains of northern Pennsylvania.

When to go

The best time to visit Elk State Park is during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall, when the park's full splendor is on display. Winter can be harsh, with limited access and activities due to snow and ice.

Know before you go

  • Elk State Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with day use areas closing at dusk.
  • While swimming is not permitted in the lake, a pool is available at nearby Bendigo State Park.
  • The park is ADA accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy its natural beauty.
  • In case of an emergency, dial 911 and notify park staff immediately.
  • For any updates on park conditions or closures, contact the Kinzua Bridge State Park office.

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