Spanning over 500,000 acres in northwestern Pennsylvania, Allegheny National Forest offers hardwood forests, scenic rivers, and year-round recreation. Key attractions include the Allegheny Reservoir for boating and fishing, Kinzua Bridge State Park with its Skywalk, and the Clarion River for kayaking and hiking.
The forest features over 600 miles of trails, developed campgrounds like Loleta and Red Bridge, and dispersed camping areas. RV rentals are available through RVshare in nearby towns such as Warren, Bradford, and Kane. Camping in Allegheny National Forest offers a mix of developed and dispersed options to suit every preference.
Camping in Allegheny National Forest
If you are interested in Allegheny National Forest RV camping, it has around 11 RV-friendly campgrounds or camping areas .
Paid Campgrounds
Private Campgrounds Near Allegheny National Forest
Before planning your trip to the forest, check the top campgrounds in Pennsylvania. You can find campgrounds near Allegheny National Forest in cities like Bradford, Roulette, and Kane. Ensure a smooth camping experience by locating nearby dump stations with RVshare.
Budget-Friendly Campgrounds
Campgrounds by Lakes/Rivers for Water Activities
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Raccoon Creek State Park
The Raccoon Creek State Park modern campground is a large campground with RV sites that offer electric and water outlets, and there are five centrally located washhouses. Visitors who stay at the campground have access to all the recreational activities inside Raccoon Creek State Park, which is a 7,572-acre park with a 100-acre lake. It is one of the largest state parks in Pennsylvania, and it features facilities that were built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and a Wildflower Reserve preserve, which is a 314-acre preserve with a varied assortment of native wildflowers. Raccoon Lake has catfish, walleye, bluegill, yellow perch, muskellunge, crappie, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, and hunting is allowed in season. Visitors can hike, bike, and ride horses.
Number of sites: 172, of which 8 are ADA-accessible
Rates: Call for rates
Type of hookup: Full hook-ups
Amps: 20, 30 and 50
Wi-Fi: No
Pool/Hot tub: No
Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed in loops C and F
Showers: Yes
Laundry: No
Other amenities: ADA-accessible beach, bathhouse on the lake, concession store, hiking trails, boat rentals, playground, dump station
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Letchworth State Park
Letchworth State Park is located near Buffalo and is often called the Grand Canyon of the East. It is one of the most scenic parks in the eastern U.S. and features three waterfalls formed on the Genesee River. Visitors can hike on more than 60 miles of trails, which include a number of multi-use trails for biking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. During the winter, you can also snow tube, ski cross-country, and snowmobile. The restored Glen Iris Inn offers lodging and dining options.
Number of sites: 270 back-in sites
Rates: 30-amp $24, 50-amp $26, additional $4 on weekends
Type of hookup: Full hook-ups
Amps: 30 and 50
Wi-Fi: No
Pool: Yes
Pet-friendly: Pets are allowed in loops 100, 200 and 700 on a leash, and a rabies shot certification is required.
Showers: Yes
Laundry: Yes
Other amenities: Firewood at the concession store, sports fields, trout pond, nature center, museum
Allegheny National Forest Hiking Trails
Explore the diverse hiking trails in Allegheny National Forest, ranging from easy walks to challenging treks.
Easy Hikes for Beginners
Challenging Trails
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Beehunter: Red House Lake Area Trail
The Beehunter: Red House Lake Area Trail is a loop trail located near Salamanca. It runs alongside a lake for most of the path and is fairly muddy in certain sections. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Length: 4.2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Blacksnake Mountain Trail
Blacksnake Mountain Trail is a loop trail located near Salamanca that features beautiful wildflowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is an old logging trail, and the first part is a steep incline. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on leash.
Length: Blacksnake Mountain Trai
Intensity: Easy
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Christian Hollow Loop
Christian Hollow Loop is a loop trail near Salamanca that is popular in both the summer and winter. In the summer, it is most often used for hiking, running and biking. In the winter, people often ski cross-country on the trail. There is a lean-to on the trail.
Length: 3.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Three Sisters Trail
Three Sisters Trail is a loop trail located near Steamburg that begins with a fairly steep climb for the first mile. There is a bridge over a creek and then another climb with a medium ascent. There are often wildflowers in bloom along the brooks.
Length: 2.4 miles
Intensity: Moderate
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Bearpaw Trail
Bearpaw Trail is a loop trail located near Salamanca and features a stone tower about halfway on the trail. Many hikers recommend beginning the hike on the east end of the trail near the cabins as this will alleviate hiking up a steep hill for the last part of the hike. The trail is especially popular in the winter for snowshoeing.
Length: 1.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
Activities in Allegheny National Forest
Here are some of the interesting things to do in Allegheny National Forest.
Hiking: Explore over 200 miles of trails in Allegheny National Forest, from short hikes like Rimrock and Hearts Content to longer routes like Morrison Trail and the 96-mile North Country National Scenic Trail.
Mountain Biking: Allegheny National Forest features diverse trails for all skill levels, including the Trails at Jakes Rocks, Willow Creek Trail, and Rocky Gap Trail. Many trails are shared with ATVs, hikers, and cross-country skiers.
Snowmobiling: When sufficient snowfall occurs, Allegheny National Forest offers groomed snowmobile trails. Trails like Bradford Snowmobile Trailhead and Marienville Snowmobile Trailhead are popular areas.
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing:Enjoy trails like Brush Hollow, Buzzard Swamp, and Tracy Ridge, which offer miles of ungroomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing options.
Fishing:Enjoy fishing in the 12,000-acre Allegheny Reservoir and over 500 miles of streams. Anglers can catch bass, walleye, pike, and trout, with both stocked and wild trout in cold-water streams. A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required.
OHV Riding:Ride over 100 miles of OHV trails for all skill levels, from easy rides like Timberline Trail to challenging routes like Rocky Gap's south loop. Riders need a daily or annual permit, and motorized travel is limited to designated trails.
Boating: Enjoy motorized boating at the Allegheny and Tionestareservoirss and paddle on the waters of the Allegheny and Clarion rivers.
Wildlife Watching:Spot deer, bald eagles, and wild turkeys in areas like Kinzua Bridge State Park and Buckaloons Recreation Area. Look for bald eagles, ospreys, hawks, and colorful songbirds like warblers, finches, and chickadees.
Stargazing: The Allegheny’s low light pollution makes it perfect for stargazing, especially around the new moon at Willow Bay and Twin Lakes Recreation Area. Bring a star chart and spot constellations, or check NASA's Sky Events Calendar for meteor showers and celestial events.
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Fishing
You will find some of the best warm-water fishing in northwestern Pennsylvania for species such as smallmouth bass, white bass, channel catfish, bullhead catfish, walleye, northern pike, muskellunge, yellow perch and crappie. Some streams are stocked with brown, rainbow and brook trout, and some have naturally occurring brook trout.
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Geocaching
Geocaching is allowed in most areas of the Allegheny National Forest, with certain rules and restrictions. It is not permitted in the Tionesta Scenic and Research Natural Areas, Hickory Creek, and Allegheny Islands Wilderness, Hearts Content Scenic Area, and all developed recreation sites.
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Stargazing
As with any large wilderness area, there are plenty of opportunities for watching the night sky with minimal light pollution.
How to get to Allegheny National Forest
Address: 4 Farm Colony Drive, Warren, PA 16365
Fee: Entry fee (per day) $5.0
Fee: Entry fee (annual pass) $55.0
Fee: Entry fee (annual pass, ages 62+) $20.0
Fee: Entry fee (lifetime pass, ages 62+) $80.0
Reaching the Allegheny National Forest is easy, with various options by car or air.
By Car
From Pittsburgh, PA: Located about 93 miles away, it takes approximately one hour and 48 minutes via PA-28 N to reach Allegheny National Forest. Take I-579 N to PA-28 N, continue to PA-899 N in Barnett Township, and follow signs to Blue Ridge Rd/T360.
From Buffalo, NY:Allegheny National Forest is about 84 miles away from Buffalo, NY. It takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes via I-190 S and US-219 S.
By Air
Seasonal Closures
Some trails and campgrounds may be closed during winter or due to extreme weather events. Check the current restrictions on the forest's official website before you make your plans.
Fees and Alerts
Before your visit, be aware of these important fees and regulations to plan your trip effectively.
Fees and Permits: General forest access is free. Campgrounds near Allegheny National Forest and day-use areas may charge fees. Permits are requiredfor wood collection, group camping, and special events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Allegheny National Forest
Is there a fee to get into Allegheny National Forest?
No, there is no fee to get into Allegheny National Forest. However, there may be fees or permits required for certain day-use areas, for using OHV trails, and for other recreational activities.
Is Allegheny National Forest open all year round?
Yes, Allegheny National Forest is open year-round. In summer, you can go hiking, mountain biking, or paddling on rivers and reservoirs in the forest. In winter, you can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or try other winter activities.
Does Allegheny National Forest offer free camping sites?
Yes, Allegheny National Forest offers free camping sites. Dispersed camping is allowed in many areas of the forest. Dispersed campsites have no amenities, except possibly a fire ring. Campers will need to bring everything they need, including water, and must leave no trace when they pack up camp.
Is there a limit to how long you can camp in Allegheny National Forest?
Yes, there is a limit to how long you can camp in Allegheny National Forest. Campers are allowed to stay for up to 14 days. At that point, they must move off of forest system lands.
What is the best time to visit Allegheny National Forest?
The best time to visit Allegheny National Forest is in summer. The weather is warm enough for visitors to hike, fish, swim, or paddle in the forest lakes. Most areas of the forest are accessible in summer as well.
