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Austin Dam Memorial Park

98%

· Potter, Pennsylvania

76 acres hosted by Austin Dam P.

4 RV/tent sites · 4 tent sites

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

Best in Pennsylvania: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

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!

Activities

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Cave

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Swimming hole

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98%

737 ratings · 297 reviews

Keith B.recommends

July 9, 2024

Saw Filer (Site 4)

It’s was secluded, private, and large. I enjoyed my stay.

Shanzeh A.recommends

July 8, 2024

Tree Sawyer (Site 1)

My partner and I loved our camp site. It was the perfect setting for our camper van, and the camp sites were far away enough from each other so there was ample privacy. We also appreciated that they came and left us a little note telling us how to get to the swimming hole (knowing that it was something we wanted to do but likely would not have service to receive their messages). We were able to go and take a dip to cool off after our hikes on the hot summer days. It is also very close to Coudersport which is definitely a magical place to visit for stargazing. Would definitely recommend staying here!

Sarah L.recommends

July 7, 2024

Mess Hall (Site 6)

Best Camping Spot

This place was magical. The site is private and huge. We used the mud oven to make corn bread and it worked fantastic. The stream is right by the site. We caught crawfish and fished. Swam by the dam. The port-a-potty was perfect and we bathed right in the stream. Perfect place to view the stars as well. So much nature; butterflies, dragonflies, even learned about wooly alpine aphids. We loved it and will return. So much room in one space for lots of people.

Amanda W.recommends

July 6, 2024

Log Scaler (Site 5)

Highly Recommend

I always enjoy staying here. It’s peaceful, the sites are large & private & my dog can enjoy herself off leash. Alvie is very kind & accommodating. It’s also amazing stargazing when the sky is clear, but unfortunately this last weekend I stayed was overcast & rainy. Still had a great time though & it was the perfect refresher I needed!

Brian N.recommends

July 6, 2024

Log Boomer (Site 7)

Streamside History

An amazing place - history, hiking, camping streamside in the Wilds of PA! Campsites are private, the camp host very friendly and accommodating. Very peaceful at night with just the stream burbling along next to my tent. Only disappointment was that I was looking forward to the Dark Sky and seeing so many more stars than at home, but it was cloudy every night! Oh well, if that's the worst part about the trip then I made out pretty well overall!

Andrew S.recommends

July 1, 2024

Bark Peelers (Site 2)

Tranquil camping on Freeman Run

Lovely 2 nights in Site #2! Great directions and communications with host. Site 2 is massive and right on Freeman run. Even though we had a lot of rain, the site drained well and we had no problems in/out with a Sprinter Van.

Location

Potter, Pennsylvania, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Susquehannock and Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee) First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking