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Austin Dam Memorial Park

98%

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· Potter, Pennsylvania

76 acres hosted by Austin Dam P.

4 RV/tent sites · 4 tent sites

Family-friendly

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

Best in Pennsylvania: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Staff verified

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

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!

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Cave

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Swimming hole

98%

749 ratings · 305 reviews

Ruth M.recommends

September 22, 2024

Log Train (Site 8)

The site was beautiful in the woods. Lots to explore right from the site. The ruins of the dam were amazing and really easy to walk around. Also great place for stargazing.

Kasey E.recommends

September 13, 2024

Log Train (Site 8)

Tremendous Host

We absolutely loved everything about camping at the Austin Dam and hope to return every year! Alvy was a tremendous host, especially being a volunteer! He had many recommendations, wonderful knowledge of the area and its history, and answered all of our questions. We had everything we needed at the campsite, plenty of space and privacy, and the wood we purchased prior to arrival was more than enough for us! Alvy was very accommodating when we booked an extra night since we got in later than we were expecting the first night. Swimming at one of the spots Alvy recommended was our favorite part (aside from getting engaged while we were there!) even though the water was probably around 50°! We hope to see the memorial and the campsites stay up and running!

Elissa S.recommends

September 6, 2024

Mess Hall (Site 6)

Will Be Back!

We had a great time at this camp! The site is huge with tons of space for families to spend out. The creek was fabulous to wade in. The main road above the valley was louder than we expected but it wasn't terrible. The portapotty near our site was spotless. Highly recommend!

John J.recommends

August 19, 2024

Log Driver (Site 3)

Excellent park and site! Hosts were very kind and welcoming.

Alex A.recommends

August 4, 2024

Saw Filer (Site 4)

Great campsite. Access to amenities. Surrounded by nature and history. Would recommend!

Janie C.recommends

August 3, 2024

Log Driver (Site 3)

Beautiful site right on a creek. Host was so nice, stopped by to check on us, firewood delivery was so convenient! Unfortunately for us, there was a festival going on at the Dam that day/night that we were unaware of, so there was a lot of traffic on the gravel road right next to our site. The traffic really took away from the peaceful tranquility that we were looking for. That being said, we will definitely be back, but will check to make sure nothing is going on at the Dam next time!

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