The best star host campgrounds near Bear Lake, Pennsylvania

Looking to go camping near Bear Lake, Pennsylvania? Hipcamp has you covered with over 760 options in the area. Whether you're pitching a tent or bringing your RV, you'll find the perfect campsite for your adventure. Enjoy the great outdoors at top-rated campsites like Austin Dam Memorial Park (221 reviews), Burnhead Grazings (96 reviews), or Under Ōne Sun (72 reviews). Prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average price of $35. Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, toilets, and pet-friendly options. And if you're into paddling, whitewater paddling, or swimming, you're in luck! Get ready for a camping experience like no other.

99% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to go camping near Bear Lake, Pennsylvania? Hipcamp has you covered with over 760 options in the area. Whether you're pitching a tent or bringing your RV, you'll find the perfect campsite for your adventure. Enjoy the great outdoors at top-rated campsites like Austin Dam Memorial Park (221 reviews), Burnhead Grazings (96 reviews), or Under Ōne Sun (72 reviews). Prices start as low as $10 per night, with an average price of $35. Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, toilets, and pet-friendly options. And if you're into paddling, whitewater paddling, or swimming, you're in luck! Get ready for a camping experience like no other.

99% (1.4K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

97%

(43)

21mi from Bear Lake · 1 site · Tent · Union City, PA

This stand-alone secluded campsite sits in the woods above an extremely unique stretch of French Creek (2022 PA River of the Year!) Facing northwest over the valley, it offers stunning sunset views. The Union City Dam floods the valley during wet periods making a beautiful (though temporary) lakefront campsite before slowly draining away. 100s of acres of protected land create a wildlife haven. Centrally located between 2 small towns with many local attractions. Union City Dam: Situated on the high-side of the Union City Dam, a dry-bed flood control dam. During snowmelt or rainy spells, the dam fills and floods the entire valley. During dry spells, French Creek appears as any other creek. At full flood, it becomes a breathtaking lake front campsite. Unfortunately, these natural events only occur a few weeks out of the year and are fairly unpredictable, but provide a truly spectacular setting (compare the high-water vs low-water views in the photos). Wildlife: At the end of a dead-end dirt road, adjacent to 100's of acres of federal protected land, and within sight of a number of agriculture fields, there is an abundance of wildlife. For over 20 years, an active eagle’s 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, and frequently crossing the valley. All types of waterfowl flock the reservoir lake when flooded. I've personally witnessed up to 1000 geese and 100’s of wild swans at once. Local Attractions: The small towns of Union City and Waterford have gas stations, grocery stores, great local dining options, and more. The Union City Dam, less than 1.5 miles down the road, provides walking, biking, scenic driving, and picnic opportunities. 40-min drive to Presque Isle State Park, one of the only free state parks left in the US. 15-min drive to Port Farms a farm-themed amusement park for the kids and Poverty Knob Brewery for the adults. 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. Security cameras may be in use at the driveway entrance.

2. Lake Lucy RV Park

100%

(14)

42mi from Bear Lake · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Tionesta, PA

Founded in 1955 as a campground, amusement park and pay to fish lake, lake lucy has a rich history of having families spending time together. After the death of lake lucys founder Raymond Mealy in 2007 the amusements and train were all removed as well as the zoo. The Steinman family purchased the property in 2017 and began remodeling the pavilion and putting in water and sewer lines to be able to use the campground and pavilion again. It has been a place for the Steinman and Mealy families and friends to enjoy for the last few years and we felt it was time to once again welcome the public to enjoy our property! We currently have 11 sites with full hookups (water, sewer, electric(50/30/20amp). The campground water will be turned off November 10th due to freezing temperatures. We will still have electric and sewage hookups available. Learn more about this land: Campers can fish, bike, swim at lake lucy. They will have access to both ponds. Top pond has bass and have caught bass over 20 inches with the largest being 23 inches and over 8 pounds. Both ponds have bass, crappie, perch, bluegill, and carp. We are within a few miles of a dollar store if any supplies are needed, a gas station is at the end of the road and we are only a few minutes from cook forest as well as the tionesta reservoir. Water is available on site for campers and campers can use the bath house. In the bath house there is 1 full bathroom with a shower and the other bathroom is just a half bath. Quiet and peaceful, come relax and enjoy time with your family at lake Lucy!   we are also conveniently located close to the bike trail near clarion as well as the bike trails in cook forest and oil creek state park. If you like to ride your e bike or mountain bike we are centrally located for a great biking trip! GPS coordinates are N 41.39433. W-79.38976

3. 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.

4. Presidential Primitive Getaway

95%

(20)

41mi from Bear Lake · 1 site · Tent, RV · Tionesta, PA

Looking for a place to just relax and enjoy nature or are you wanting somewhere to camp that has access to superior public hunting? This property is 140 acres of private wooded land (no hunting permitted on our property). Surrounded by approx 8000 acres of public hunting land. Endless hunting and fishing in native trout streams all within hiking distance. 3 miles from the Allegheny River. 5 miles from a public golf course. Short commute to local bike trails and grocery stores. Site could also accommodate horse back riding with miles of wilderness to explore. Some hiking trails on property for exploring, but feel free to explore wherever you soul leads you. Wildlife galore. Deer, bear, turkeys, raccoons, and plenty of bird species to observe. Parking available for several vehicles. Site could accommodate for up to 2 RVS. Tent campers also welcome. Pets are allowed but please be considerate and clean up after them. Thank you 😊

5. Walsh Family Farm

100%

(14)

16mi from Bear Lake · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Mayville, NY

Located on the Walsh Family Farm property, this camping area is set up for tent or RV camping. The location is a secluded, sectioned area of a field, with woods on two sides, close to the Chautauqua Rails for Trails entrance. There is fire wood for sale, a communal picnic table and fire pit on site. Located within walking, biking, or a short driving distance are the Chautauqua Rails for Trails, the Chautauqua Gorge, and the Westside Overland Trail. Additional courtesy camping items available at little cost upon request. Farm fresh eggs, seasonal vegetables, and farm raised meat available at farm stand. The entrance to the property is on Summerdale Road. From Lyons Road, turn right on to Summerdale Road. Drive past the first house on the right hand side. Just a little further down the road you will see a Harvest Host sign and a blue double field gate. Please park in the location indicated via text messaging confirmation.

Stories from the community

D

Dennis

November 2025

Tent

1 night at Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

Wonderful place, very kind host, simple place to stay.

Brittania

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Presidential Primitive Getaway

My second trip to this lovely site! Very private and relaxing.

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!

L

Laura

October 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

We loved our night on David’s land. The view was true to expectations and we experienced a lovely sunset while building a fire and making dinner. The site is very private and tranquil in the evening, and while the gravel pit excavators begin to work early during the week, their activity was a good distance away from our site and didn’t bother us at all.

Terrence

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

It was so nice we visited twice. This was our second time at this site. David is a great host and the site is secluded and scenic.

C

Claire

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

This campsite was fantastic! Incredible view, very quiet and peaceful, and the firewood and trash removal amenities are really convenient. We went on a weekend, so the gravel pit work site wasn't even active. Will definitely return!

M

Mark

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

This site was everything it promised to be. Very secluded, very relaxing, and with a beautiful view.

M

Miles

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Walsh Family Farm

Chill vibes with some nice ambient horse sounds. They accepted my request to camp late at night which I appreciated as I was on a roadtrip and needed a place to crash.

Alexander

September 2025

18 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Walsh Family Farm

Simple spot for a peaceful night! A quiet patch down a quiet road.

Brittania

September 2025

16 ft car

With pets

Weekend Trip to Presidential Primitive Getaway

Very private peaceful site. Enjoyed the quiet and song birds. Will definitely book again.

D

Damian

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

I liked this overall, the gravel pit is very active, but the views in the morning and evening more than made up for it in my opinion. The gravel pit road road can be a little ruff getting up, but for me it just added to the adventure. Make sure you bring a tarp or blind for your toilet area.

K

Keith

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Presidential Primitive Getaway

I loved camping out on his land was quiet and very peaceful will definitely be coming again

D

Dwight

August 2025

Tent

2 nights at Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

It’s a very beautiful spot, even saw a deer walk up in the overlook 😃

A

Austin

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to French Creek Farms

It's a great spot! Very Secluded and close to the water

J

Joanna

July 2025

30 ft Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lake Lucy RV Park

We loved camping here with our motor home and 2 doxies. It was very quiet. The accommodations are super. Definitely would recommend this campground.

Alex

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

The secluded spot charmed the hell out of my dog and I. Very few people/vehicles passed by until the weekday. Trees in the area offered great shade from the sun and the view was perfect. The wood lockers were a great touch and very convenient if more was needed. Would definitely recommend and come again eventually!

Miranda

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Walsh Family Farm

We had a beautiful night here. It's exactly as described.

D

Dave

June 2025

23 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Lake Lucy RV Park

Very nice grounds at Lake Lucy RV Park. Not a ‘Chuck E Cheese’ type of atmosphere!

Alicia

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Secluded Overlook Solo Campsite

David's campsite exceeded our expectations in tranquil views and a peaceful oasis that's not too far from home. Came during June when the dam was filled up so we had an incredible view of the water. All the lightening bug activity was a mesmerizing show every night. Walked to the Union City dam up the street one day, another day we went to Presque Isle. Lots of trees perfect for setting up a hammock. Saw a turkey, lots of deer, frogs, heard coyote at night. Lots of stargazing. Great campsite! Thanks for hosting us, David!