1 / 8

French Creek Flood Plain Overlook

100%
·
· Union City, Erie, Pennsylvania
36 acres hosted by David C.
1 tent site
Avatar
David is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Primitive camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
This tent site sits in the woods on a hill just above the corner of French Creek (2022 PA River of the Year!) and a small tributary creek. It faces northwest over the valley providing amazing sunset views. This location is on the high-side of the Union City Dam which is a dry bed, flood control dam. Which means during snow melt, or rainy streaks, the dam will fill up and flood the entire valley. However during dry spells, French Creek will appear as any other creek. At peak flooding, it will make its way all the way up the tributary valley, making a beautiful lake front campsite. Unfortunately, this only occurs a few weeks out of the year (typically early spring and occasionally during wet falls) and is fairly unpredictable (you can compare the high-water vs low-water views from the photos). Most of the summer you can still enjoy the view over both the tributary valley and French Creek valley. (DISCLAIMER: Once or twice a year during the wettest streaks, the water rises high enough to flood the driveway, making it impossible to drive up directly to the campsite. If this happens, you will be notified before so you can choose either to be refunded and not stay or you can park 100 yards up the road and hike into the campsite to enjoy the unique and rare lakefront views. Again, these are natural events that are infrequent and unpredictable, but also provide a truly spectacular setting.) Located at the end of a dead end dirt road, adjacent to 100's of acres of federal protected land, and within sight of agriculture fields, there is an abundance of wildlife. For over 20 years, an active eagles 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, as well as frequently crossing both valleys. All types of waterfowl flock the lake when it's flooded. I've personally seen up to 1000 geese at one time. Beyond relaxing and wildlife watching, there are plenty of other activities to explore in the area. Access to many nature walking trails. The Union City Dam, less than 1.5 miles down the road, provides walking, biking, scenic driving, and picnic opportunities. Kayaks/canoes can be used to float the creek when dry or paddle up and down the reservoir lake when flooded. Centrally located between the 2 small towns of Union City and Waterford with gas stations, grocery stores, great local dinning options, and more. About a half an hour drive to Erie and Presque Isle State Park. Come enjoy this extremely unique stretch of French Creek and Pennsylvania woods! 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.This tent site sits in the woods on a hill just above the corner of French Creek and a small tributary creek. It faces northwest over the valley providing amazing sunset views. This location is on the highside of the Union City Dam which is a dry bed, flood control dam. Which means during snow melt, or rainy streaks, the dam will fill up and flood the entire valley. However during dry spells, French Creek will appear as any other creek. At peak flooding, it will make its way all the way up the tributary valley, making a beautiful lake front campsite (as shown in some photos). Unfortunately, this only occurs a few weeks out of the year (typically early spring and occasionally during wet falls) and is fairly unpredictable. Most of the summer you can still enjoy the view over both the tributary valley and French Creek valley. (Disclaimer: Once or twice a year during the wettest streaks, the water rises high enough to flood the driveway, making it impossible to drive up directly to the campsite. If this happens, you will be notified before so you can choose either to be refunded and not stay or you can park 100 yards up the road and hike into the campsite to enjoy the unique and rare lakefront views. Again, these are natural events that are infrequent and unpredictable, but also provide a truly spectacular setting.) Located at the end of a dead end dirt road, adjacent to 100's of acres of federal protected land, and within sight of agriculture fields, there is an abundance of wildlife. For over 20 years, an active eagles 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, as well as frequently crossing both valleys. All types of waterfowl flock the lake when it's flooded. I've personally seen up to 1000 geese at one time. Beyond relaxing and wildlife watching, there are plenty of other activities to explore in the area. Access to many nature walking trails. The Union City Dam, less than 1.5 miles down the road, provides walking, biking, scenic driving, and picnic opportunities. Kayaks/canoes can be used to float the creek when dry or paddle up and down the reservoir lake when flooded. Centrally located between the 2 small towns of Union City and Waterford with gas stations, grocery stores, great local dinning options, and more. About a half an hour drive to Erie and Presque Isle State Park. Come enjoy this extremely unique stretch of French Creek and Pennsylvania woods
Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Paddling
Select a site
Filter by
Loading sites...
100%
7 ratings · 7 reviews
Avatar
Mike W.recommends
December 27, 2023
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
A nice little spot in the woods
Nice little spot tucked away. Flat areas for pitching a tent or parking our tiny popup. I would say the turn in to the spot might be difficult for any trailers longer than a Coleman popup, due to turn and incline, but we were fine. Went to sleep to the sound of geese, which was fine with us!
Avatar
Erin C.recommends
October 29, 2023
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
Easy to find and very peaceful ! We were able to drive right up to the site.
Avatar
Matthew S.recommends
October 28, 2023
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
Cozy little spot
Great site. Beautiful view by night. Will hear gravel trucks during the day, but very clear and clean spot with plenty of options for tent set up. Host Dave was very responsive when getting to the site as well, we took the wrong entrance and he guided us to the spot right away!
Avatar
Sonja Z.recommends
October 2, 2023
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
Hidden Gem!
David’s campsite was perfect! Quiet, secluded, and just what we needed for our stay! His directions and instructions were very easy to follow and despite our booking being last minute, everything was great and very accommodating, especially with communication!
Avatar
Ryan P.recommends
August 24, 2023
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
Nice little spot. The gravel pit isn’t too loud and after 5pm it was very quiet and peaceful.
Avatar
James M.recommends
July 9, 2023
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
Great communication, quiet spot, everything was as advertised. Would stay here again 🙂
Location
Union City, Erie, Pennsylvania, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Erie, Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), and Mississauga First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Avatar
Hosted by David C.Joined in May 2022
Things to do nearby
More camping spots nearby
Campers also viewed...

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.