- Camping with Swimming
The best camping in Potter County with swimming
99% (624) • 148 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Potter County
Austin Dam Memorial Park
1. Austin Dam Memorial Park
98%
(804)
PA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$20
/ night
Stargazing Field at Olga Farm
2. Stargazing Field at Olga Farm
99%
(360)
Coudersport, PA · 5 sites
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.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$63
/ night
Lyman Run State Park
3. Lyman Run State Park
100%
(3)
State park in Pennsylvania · 35 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Lyman Run State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Patterson State Park
4. Patterson State Park
100%
(1)
State park in Pennsylvania · 1 site
Discover Patterson State Park's natural splendor and outdoor activities.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Ole Bull State Park
5. Ole Bull State Park
State park in Pennsylvania · 78 sites
Discover Ole Bull State Park's lush landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Sizerville State Park
6. Sizerville State Park
State park in Pennsylvania · 23 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Sizerville State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
99% (624) • 148 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Potter County
Austin Dam Memorial Park
1. Austin Dam Memorial Park
98%
(804)
PA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$20
/ night
Stargazing Field at Olga Farm
2. Stargazing Field at Olga Farm
99%
(360)
Coudersport, PA · 5 sites
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.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$63
/ night
Lyman Run State Park
3. Lyman Run State Park
100%
(3)
State park in Pennsylvania · 35 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Lyman Run State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Patterson State Park
4. Patterson State Park
100%
(1)
State park in Pennsylvania · 1 site
Discover Patterson State Park's natural splendor and outdoor activities.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Ole Bull State Park
5. Ole Bull State Park
State park in Pennsylvania · 78 sites
Discover Ole Bull State Park's lush landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
Sizerville State Park
6. Sizerville State Park
State park in Pennsylvania · 23 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Sizerville State Park.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
t
tommy
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Been there a couple times and this spot never disappoints! Great hosts, beautiful camping area, perfect for stargazing or just to have a relaxing few days in a serene environment. I couldn’t rave enough about this place!! 10/10 always!!
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A
Amber
October 2025
Tent
With pets
Great spot! Directions that were sent were perfect. Sites were clearly marked, which was really appreciated since we pulled in at night in the rain. Firewood was delivered to our site and under a tarp (again, super appreciated) We had a great stay. Secluded, we didn’t have to speak to anyone the whole 2 days we were there. Stars were beautiful at night. Also, had decent cell service, which I was surprised by. No frills, just nature.
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J
Jon
October 2025
Tent
Group trip
Did some drive-up tent camping here with some friends in October and had a great time! We had site 8 which was nice and secluded with a wonderful view of the autumn colors. Easy access to hikes to the old paper mill and Austin Dam right from our campsite. Porta-potty was right nearby and sparkly clean. And we had full cell service too (T-Mobile).
See moreQ
Queeny Elizabeth
October 2025
Tent
With pets
This is probably my 5th or 6th stay here and our experience has and still is amazing! Alvie was great and very helpful. He told us about the events going on at the park and what to watch out for in terms of wildlife and also gave us great suggestions on where to hike. Camp site was very clean and well maintained. My group and I would definitely be returning again in the near future!
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J
Justin
October 2025
Tent
Fantastic place to camp. Unfortunately weather wasn't perfect so we didn't get to see the stars, but there is always next time! If you stay here make sure to check out the town of Coudersport
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A
Adam
October 2025
Tent
Nice quiet setting. Very rustic. Would have been good night sky view if it wasn’t cloudy
See moreM
Malachi
October 2025
Tent
We loved tent camping at John & Olga’s farm!! John was super friendly and knowledgeable about astronomy, and he told us the perfect time to get up to see the best stars. The site was private and the compost toilet was no more than 30 steps from our tent. We even had a cat friend come visit us several times throughout our stay! We will definitely be back!
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Sally
October 2025
21 ft travel trailer
With pets
We had a great trip to Austin dam. We had beautiful weather and a great rv site right on the edge of the creek. Will definitely go back!
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H
Hope
September 2025
Tent
Great place you can hear a little traffic but you can’t see it. There was no one else camping when we stayed so it was pretty secluded. A little pricey for just some back woods land that’s the only downfall I’d say it’s worth like 12 dollars
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D
Dani
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
This is literally our favorite place to camp, if I didn't have a home, I could live the rest of my life right there. The land is meticulously kept with so many hiking trails to explore. The dam Ruins and paper mill are fascinating with much information posted about the history. The bathroom is well kept and stocked as well as the wood and ice for purchase. The privacy and size of the site is truly a bargain. The stars out there are comparable to the views at cherry springs. We had a lovely reconnection with nature over the weekend and I thank the hosts for keeping places exactly like this existing! We'll definitely be back again soon.
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D
Daniel
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Excellent spot. Plenty of open space! We had room for two massive tents, a 13' canopy, two large hammocks, and two cars with so much room to spare. The amount of wood we were provided was absolutely bonkers - I paid for two bundles per day and we EASILY had enough for two additional days if we wanted. Also, literally the CLEANEST Portopotty we have ever used. 10/10 camping experience
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S
Spencer
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
Very large and private site bordering a creek. Stars were very visible from this location. Would 100% recommend.
See moreE
Emily
September 2025
Tent
Group trip
John and Olga are phenomenal hosts and have amazing and well maintained land! This was our 5th trip and will be back again next year. Each year the space looks just as wonderful as last. This year there was a pop up star tour with telescopes and all. It was a wonderful addition to our trip. Pack accordingly for cold weather and enjoy the positive vibes and good company.
See you next year! ❤️
See moreK
Kevin
September 2025
Tent
Great campsites and fantastic views. John was extremely helpful and kind throughout the whole trip. Will be recommending this to my friends and will be coming back.
See moreJ
Jaclyn
September 2025
Tent
The was our 2nd time here and it was still amazing! John was very helpful and friendly! Will definitely Come back again!
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J
Jennifer
September 2025
Tent
Wonderful experience, private unique wooded and/or field sites, with still easy access to water and facilities. Great hardwood firewood! There is some road noise, but wasn't too loud or distracting after dark. Make sure you enter the park entrance via the main road/highway, instead of the ATV back entrance Google maps tried to take us down, and be sure to visit the historical broken dam and welcome center. It's the central location for water, firewood, gift shop, and hiking map.
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H
Heidi
August 2025
18 ft travel trailer
A very peaceful and quiet couple of days near an historic site. Lots of walking and exploring. Comfortable and well maintained. We will be back as soon as we can !
See moreA
Amanda
August 2025
Tent
We’ve stayed at Olgas a few times now, and each time is awesome. It’s perfect for stargazing. Also, the compost toilets are a nice plus- much better than a porta potty. This is our go-to spot for stargazing.
See moreP
Peter & Brianna
August 2025
Tent
As much as I love our state parks here in Pennsylvania, I've got to say, Austin Dam was glorious. Our site (1) was within VAGUE eyesight of our single neighbor's at site 2 (as in, their campfire was a distant dot between the trees) with no one else around whatsoever. There was so much space that you get to "choose your setup" with more than one fire ring, cooking setup, several picnic tables, benches, and a beautiful little creek running right behind the site. Drinking water, firewood, ice, Wi-Fi, charging was available at the visitor center even after closing for the night (self-service), but keep in mind it's a good 5-7 minute drive down a dirt road to get there from site 1. We arrived after dark, and while the setup was a bit confusing, the instructions sent from the host Alvy were top notch and we got setup and settled in good time. We paid to have firewood delivered to our site in advance, and it was more than we could burn in a night, stacked neatly with a tarp covering it waiting for us.
The next morning we went back to the visitor center to get some information and meet Alvy (he was SO nice and enthusiastic) before we left. So glad we stayed here! We've been gushing to all our camping friends already.
The ONLY, and I mean ONLY bummer is that the toilets are portapotties. They were clean, and I certainly can't expect them to dump a bunch of money into actual plumbed bathrooms, but that's just something to keep in mind. All in all, amazing stay and we WILL be back!
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Andrew
August 2025
Tent
Was FAR beyond any expectations I had about staying on the farm!! Olga and John met us upon arrival, we chatted for several minutes, purchased wood and John escorted us to our site. The site was very secluded, we had our own outhouse, which was clean, well built and safe. The few other campers we saw were very respectful of the property and other campers.
John later showed us the bath house, again, clean, well built and PLENTY of hot water! We walked the property and inspected some of canvas tents that have been erected on the farm and WOW, are they cozy! Wasn’t expecting that! Love the vibe, love their respect for the Earth and loved them! Both are truly wonderful, hardworking people that have opened their property for others to share. Great experience and would love to come back!
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