The best family-friendly campgrounds near Bear Lake, Pennsylvania

Looking for a camping adventure near Bear Lake, Pennsylvania? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 240 options available, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your family-friendly getaway. Explore top campsites like Austin Dam Memorial Park (221 reviews), River Hills Above the Allegheny (177 reviews), and Stargazing Field at Olga Farm (135 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like toilets, pet-friendly spaces, and campfires. Indulge in thrilling activities such as whitewater paddling, boating, and hiking. With an average price per night of $30 and options as low as $16, camping near Bear Lake, Pennsylvania has never been more accessible and exciting!

99% (435)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking for a camping adventure near Bear Lake, Pennsylvania? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 240 options available, you're sure to find the perfect campsite for your family-friendly getaway. Explore top campsites like Austin Dam Memorial Park (221 reviews), River Hills Above the Allegheny (177 reviews), and Stargazing Field at Olga Farm (135 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like toilets, pet-friendly spaces, and campfires. Indulge in thrilling activities such as whitewater paddling, boating, and hiking. With an average price per night of $30 and options as low as $16, camping near Bear Lake, Pennsylvania has never been more accessible and exciting!

99% (435)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Steelhead Run Recreation Area

99%

(170)

24mi from Bear Lake · 2 sites · RVs · Westfield, NY

When arriving at Steelhead Run you are greeted by the sounds of Lake Erie. It is a short walk to beautiful Lake Erie and Chautauqua Creek. There are two camp sites adjacent from one another. One is labeled the east side and the other is labeled the west side. They are about 100 feet apart from one another. It is ideal for friends and/or family who would like camp as a group. The sites cannot accommodate boat trailers. Our location offers an array of experiences from walks along the beach, wildlife viewing, relaxing to the view of incredible sunsets and so much more. Cocktails, food, and public boat launching can be found in town just half a mile up the road. A quick drive inland, the historic town of Westfield provides weekend farmers markets in the summer months, wineries, eateries, and antique shopping.

2. French Creek Farms

96%

(14)

45mi from Bear Lake · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Utica, PA

French Creek Farms is a 50+ acre farm nestled along the banks of French Creek in Venango County Pennsylvania. We have creekside sites as well as some field side sites with water access. You can kayak and canoe on French Creek or just bring some floats if you don't want to paddle. There is a short walking trail on the grounds that leads through our Christmas tree farm. You can also fish from the banks or in a small pond on the property. There are some state and county parks within driving range such as Two-mile run County Park and Lake Wilhelm State Park.

3. Zoar Valley Forest Retreat

98%

(382)

44mi from Bear Lake · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Cattaraugus, NY

🌿Private forested land along the ledge of Zoar Valley. Large, spacious campsite areas, that are great for groups. A rare location that is secluded and quiet, away from people and traffic. For those that want to feel isolated and immersed in nature and the forest or watch for wildlife! Includes seven acres to primitive camp on or bring an RV/camper in (10ft clearance at gate). Each site has a picnic table, and brick fire pit. 🔒Locked gate at each site entrance from road for privacy and security, with adequate privacy and space between the two sites. Site 1 is closer to the road. Site 2 is deeper in the woods. Camping deck, pergola party shelter and brick oven located at Site 2. ♻️ Take out what you take in, leave no trace. 🌙 Porta potty toilet on site maintained regularly, shared between sites May-October 🌳The campsite borders state forest to hike freely and is about 1000ft until the top edge of the valley with beautiful vantage points of the valley. Also, within 15 minutes to Valentine Flats (main creek access point) Dogs welcome, and can be off-leash!

4. Eriegrove

99%

(79)

40mi from Bear Lake · 2 sites · Tents · Forestville, NY

This campsite is a haven for groups seeking a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature. It's the only campsite available on 140 acres of forested land, offering a serene atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. But, what makes this campsite stand out is how dog-friendly it is. If you're looking to take your furry friends along on the adventure, this is the perfect place for you. The site has plenty of place for them to run and even water to play in. The forested property also includes a 3/4 mile section of the old Erie Railroad, providing a unique opportunity to explore the area's natural beauty and history. Take a stroll along the level railroad bed, and you'll be surrounded by the rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds. This campsite offers a fantastic opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. And, if you have furry friends, they can be part of the fun too. A 150 square bunker is on-site just in case in rains. It has lights and the wifi works inside too. 10 minutes drive away from the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation with tax-free gas and smokeshops. Check the current weather conditions with our live streaming nature camera located about 1/4 mile upstream from the campsite. https://www.youtube.com/@Eriegrove

5. R Little Homestead

100%

(15)

13mi from Bear Lake · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · Corry, PA

Learn more about this land: We are a working organic homestead with chickens, 2 cows, a calf, ducks, 2 cats, and a mini donkey. We have 40 wooded acres for tent camping and a large spot for RV parking with a potable water hook-up. We also have an outhouse and a pavilion with 2 picnic tables. We are centrally located 30 minutes from the Allegheny National Forest, Lake Erie, PA wine Country, and Peak and Peek resort in Findley Lake, NY.

6. Starr Farm

100%

(45)

49mi from Bear Lake · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Polk, PA

Learn more about this land:500 acres Heavily forested hardwood stand with lots of wildlife and activities in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Many trails for hiking, biking. Peaceful solitude.

Stories from the community

C

Chuck

3 weeks ago

22 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Steelhead Run Recreation Area

Returning campers!! We love it here. We can’t wait to be back again in the spring!! 😁

E

Emily

3 weeks ago

30 ft toy hauler

3 nights at Steelhead Run Recreation Area

This was our second visit and we’ve already booked again for next year! We love being so close to both the lake and the river — it’s the perfect spot to relax. Plus, it’s just a short drive to several great wineries!

A

Amy

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Steelhead Run Recreation Area

Love this site, love the easy access to the lake. Not as remote as I thought it was going to be but didn't want to leave and we def will be back for sure

Beth

October 2025

34 ft Class B

3 nights at Steelhead Run Recreation Area

Steelhead is a very private campsite with only 2 sites. It’s an active Maple syrup area and the trees are Beautiful especially this past weekend. Located between a river and the lake. So relaxing and peaceful. We will definitely be back. Thank for such a perfect getaway!!!

J

October 2025

35 ft fifth wheel

Weekend Trip to Steelhead Run Recreation Area

Fantastic site with all amenities described! The site is spacious, the setting is beautiful, and all of the amenities are in good working order.

B

Ben

October 2025

22 ft campervan

With kids

Weekend Trip to R Little Homestead

Amazing host! We arrived late and Richard waited up to show us to our site and had a fire going for us. Site was private and spacious. Farm fresh eggs were top notch. Kids loved seeing the farm animals on the property. Don’t hesitate to book!

T

Tricia

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to French Creek Farms

Beautiful campsite along French Creek. Kayaked, biked and paddleboarded.

L

Lauren

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to French Creek Farms

This was our second time tent camping at Mary's Meadow. It feels like a secret little spot in the middle of nowhere. It's quiet (almost too quiet!) and extremely private. You have your own porta potty and enough space for multiple tents. It's also extremely close to town where there's a convenient little store/bar that is great for a creekside refreshment. We also spent time at the Erie National wildlife reserve which was only about 25 minutes away. We absolutely love it here and will be back!

Caroline

October 2025

8 ft pop-up camper

2 nights at Steelhead Run Recreation Area

Perfectly clean and well-appointed improved camp site in a beautiful location. The photos make it appear more private/remote than it is. Think of it as more of a residential spot. There is a trail along tha creak behind the site and people are often walking by. Houses are also close and just across from the sites.. But the creek and lake access are so close, it’s worth having less privacy and a little more noise. (You can hear the freeway in the distance and cars on the nearby road.) We were lucky that there was no one in the spot next to us during our visit so that was nice.

D

Debbie

September 2025

21 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Steelhead Run Recreation Area

Such a great campsite! Had an awesome time—highly recommend 👌🔥⛺️

H

Hollie

September 2025

15 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Zoar Valley Forest Retreat

We had a great weekend camping at Nathan’s property! Nicely secluded and well kept site. Porta potty was definitely a bonus and super clean! Would recommend to anyone looking for an awesome camp site!

C

Carolyn

September 2025

20 ft pop-up camper

3 nights at Steelhead Run Recreation Area

Steelhead Run is an amazing campsite! My husband and our friends had a wonderful weekend camping. The directions were perfect, very easy to follow. The paths to Lake Erie are either across the street or right off the site. We enjoyed walking the beach, watching the sunsets and collecting rocks and driftwood. We absolutely loved staying here and would love to come back. Thank you for sharing this beautiful place!!

H

Hayley

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Starr Farm

Site was secluded, quiet and easy to get to. We enjoyed our time camping and would love to come back.

E

Elizabeth

September 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at Steelhead Run Recreation Area

What a beautiful spot! Hookups were super easy to use and campsite was clean. My dogs loved to swim in the creek and Lake Erie. Highly recommend!

E

Elizabeth

September 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

7 nights at Steelhead Run Recreation Area

What a beautiful, peaceful spot! The whole family loved it!

A

Amanda

September 2025

25 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Starr Farm

Beautiful land. We had a great weekend. Everything was easy to navigate. We loved all fo the trails, feeding the horses was a hit with the kids. They’re beautiful. We camped in our pop up camper and the field is nice and flat for easy set up. Our dogs love running free here. Can’t wait to come back one day. Thank you!

K

Kathryn

September 2025

26 ft Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Steelhead Run Recreation Area

It was a great site. East site. Both are great. They face each other but they like 40 feet away. Full hookup is always nice. It was a minute walk to Lake Erie. It’s really rocky so I suggest shoes. The sunset was beautiful. Sun rises through the trees on the other side. There is a well groomed walking path along the Chautauqua River on the other side of our site. It meets with the lake. Walked the beach back to our access area. One home, close by, made a cool rock castle. Very pretty. It was quiet and secluded. But town is only a couple miles from here. There are plenty of eateries. We went to the farmers market in Moore park to get corn and tomatoes. Also cool artisans there. Especially the wood carving. They had baked goods. Mostly fried food. You can hear the train. It must go fairly fast because they blow the horn. Super close to I 90. So very convenient. You do need a self contained rig. No public restroom/ shower. Will definitely be going back. We really enjoyed our stay.

Alison

September 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Steelhead Run Recreation Area

The west site was perfect for us in our 25' motor home. Close to the beach. We were able to ride our bikes into the town of Westfield. There was plenty to do there including a farmers market and brewery! The only downfall was the sites, West and East, are a little close together. But, that was not a problem for us.

T

Theresa

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Starr Farm

We enjoyed our time on the farm. The horses were beautiful to watch and the view from the campsite was great. There was a picnic table and a fire pit. We had a lot of privacy, which we appreciated.

S

Steve

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Zoar Valley Forest Retreat

Beautiful piece of forest! We explored a little but mostly enjoyed the peace and quiet. The on site firewood and port a potty were nice to have. Well maintained site with tons of seating and tables. We will be back for sure!