The best camping in Maurice K. Goddard State Park, PA

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Discover the natural splendor of Maurice K. Goddard State Park.  

The best camping in Maurice K. Goddard State Park, PA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Hog Wild Farm

4. Hog Wild Farm

98%
(22)
16mi from Maurice K. Goddard State Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Polk, PA
YOU MUST CALL BEFORE BOOKING WILL BE APPROVED. 814-673-8460 not text or message -call please. Thank You. We are Marty and Deborah. Welcome to our 40 hidden acres of paradise where we are surrounded by wildlife and raise much of our food including beef, pork, chickens and a productive garden. We have multiple campsites here from wooded to open field or by the pond so come and pick one that suits you best. We are adjacent to the Kennerdell Tract Of Clear Creek State Forest which has miles of hiking and biking trails as well as the Allegheny River which provides fishing, boating, kayak/ canoeing opportunities. There is also The Allegheny River Trail which provides miles of paved bike trails. What we offer: We are not a campground and do not offer multi-night stays We are vandwellers when we are traveling. As such we understand the problems associated with finding a spot to overnight. We offer just that, a safe, quiet stop over for the night. That being said, if you need an extra day feel free to ask, we often say yes. We enjoy our quiet country life and request limited use of generators, Thank You
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$10
 / night
Nederlandia

6. Nederlandia

100%
(21)
18mi from Maurice K. Goddard State Park · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · Meadville, PA
Nederlandia is the name of the overall parcel of land in which the main center camp, Camp Snot Otter (see our other listing under this name) is located. Nederlandia has 4 designated campsites or campers can create new campsites with direction from the owner. We provide the basic flat set up for tents and a fire pit. The land is an elongated forested strip between deep woods and a wide open field so it is very appealing to a variety of wildlife. The land has trails, wetlands, small creeks, beautiful trees, and plenty of shade on the hot Summer days while having access to a wide open field for stargazing at night. There is a nice central camp with a makeshift nature center, a large fire pit, cooking supplies and often live music.. Nearby attractions include the Erie National Wildlife Refuge, The French Creek Conservancy, Allegheny College, Woodcock Creek Nature Center, the Tamarack Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Conneaut Lake, Hiking, horseback riding and kayaking within 10 minutes, and the super fun Venango General Store nearby. Kayaking packages are available for a 12 mile day trip. The camp is also close to a grocery store, a hardware store, an ice cream shop, and a couple rural restaurants. Campers may be allowed to gather their own dry deadfall for firewood, but good oak and cherry cooking wood will be available to purchase at center camp. With a bit of guidance from the staff, some campers may be permitted to blaze their own inroads into the woods and create their own camp legacy. Center camp is the central hub for everything you need. We have an information board with maps, current updates and info on goings on. We also have menus for pizza and local restaurants that will actually deliver to the land.. We always have coffee going in the morning and a luxury setting for a truly natural morning constitution (as long as you help to escort your creation to a staff appointed generally fertilizer deficient disposal designation). Also available for purchase or to barter for at center camp include water, toiletries,, batteries, tools for rent, and some basic cooking ingredients. Ask and we shall try our best to hook you up. Nederlandia is in the very formation stage of a potential small scale absurd culture festival with roots in Burning Man and The Electric Forest. Campers are encouraged to participate, to create spaces, and leave only works of natural art that may be aesthetically pleasing, but also beneficial to wildlife, at their sites. Wild things in wild places can happen here and many new friends can be made in the process. There is always a core staff person on site, and often a crew of hicks, skids, jocks, spiritual guides, (no degens), and musicians there every day from May to October to provide sharing, transportation, information and other basic necessities and entertainments. In the Winter, we have a very cozy cabin with a fireplace, wood stove, kitchen and generator for extra heat and light. Nederlandia is committed to wildlife conservation and education. Some of the proceeds from hosting campsites will go towards local conservation initiatives. Campers here can learn about local natural history and be immersed in the wildlife around them. We have incredible frog choruses going throughout the Spring and Summer. Our species count on the land is now somewhere in the 300s including an informal trapping study of insects last year that yielded a great number of cool bugs, but surprisingly few mosquitos. The one thing people have always said about camping here is that the mosquitos are not bad at all. We have a pond with turtles and frogs, tons of salamanders and harmless snakes. We've seen porcupine, mink, flying squirrels, and we still have a decent bat population around here. Birdwatching is a constant new surprise. There is almost always one or more dogs present here, of course. But I must also disclose, there are definitely signs of Sasquatch migrating through the back bush. Fun is our campsite concept and if we have our druthers, we can start to do themed parties around major dates and holidays, especially a grand Halloween party! We have already planted all the pumpkins for this year. Looking forward to hanging out with you guys!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$60
 / night
River Hill Retreat

8. River Hill Retreat

99%
(34)
20mi from Maurice K. Goddard State Park · 3 sites · Tents · Kennerdell, PA
16 acres of woods right along the bend of the Allegheny River at Kennerdell, PA are yours to enjoy! We have the best of both worlds- a secluded spot for campfires, hammocks, and hiking, or head down to the river to hang out by the water or kayak! Walk across the bridge to check out great trails in Clear Creek State Forest or drive a few miles Emlenton, Foxburg or Franklin for breweries, wineries, and bike trails. Our favorites: Emlenton- 12 miles: Emlenton Brewhaus, Blue Collar Tavern, Little IT Deli, Allegheny River Bike Trail access Foxburg-16 miles: Foxburg Pizza, Foxburg Wine Cellars, Allegheny Grille, Allegheny River Bike Trail access Franklin- 19 miles: Trails to Ales Brewery,Vino and Vibes, Allegheny River Bike Trail access Pick up the Allegheny River Bike Trail at the end of South Tunnel Rd, about 2 miles down from our location. Sites down at the river are on the flood plain. Setups here are not permanent due to uncertain river heights. Forest sites are uphill. River is accessible with a half mile walk/drive down our drive or via hill stairs. Cell phone service is weak to nonexistent in much of the property, so be prepared to go offline and relax!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
Tiny Home on the Hill

10. Tiny Home on the Hill

98%
(86)
22mi from Maurice K. Goddard State Park · 4 sites · Lodging · Harrisville, PA
Learn more about this land: The TINY HOME features: • 240 square feet plus sleeping for five. We have one queen sized and two single beds in the loft area. We have a comfortable single daybed on the first floor. We provide towels, comforters and pillows. We ask that Campers bring their own sheets or sleeping bags. House features a small kitchen and a full bathroom with a shower. We recommend short showers due to small hot water tanks. • Electric fireplace, and a split unit provides air conditioning and heat. • Refrigerator and electric stove. • Large wooden covered front porch.   The SITE also features: • Wooded trails • Three fire pits with plentiful free firewood • 250 square foot pavilion with picnic table.   • Trails thru woods plus large lawn area OTHER: We now accept pets. We charge $15.00 per pet per night. Pets must stay on the first floor. • Recommend good tires, or 4 wheel drive to get up driveway, deflating tires may be necessary in bad weather. • No Smoking Inside
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$84
 / night
Rainbow over the barn

15. Bending Oak Permaculture Farm

100%
(21)
31mi from Maurice K. Goddard State Park · 20 sites · Tents, Lodging · Youngstown, OH
Bending Oak Farm is an educational farm on 25 formerly clear cut acres. We are committed to our mission creating a more sustainable world by showing people what is possible. Through classes, workshops, school tours, community programs and hands-on experiences, we look to demonstrate attainable practices to better the lives of all people. We invite you to come and experience how you can create a more sustainable life for you, your family, friends and your community. To ensure an environment that is family friendly and mitigate the risk of injury Bending Oak does not permit alcoholic beverages or recreational drugs at the farm. Guests who stay in one of our permaculture cabins are participating in a permaculture design process where the goal is to create a system of abundance. During your stay, you will be challenged to think differently about how you go about meeting your daily needs. By design, you will encounter limits to the typical expectations of your living space, which grants you the opportunity to think deeply about what really is important to you and join us in exploring effective possibilities in meeting these expectations. After all, necessity is the mother of invention. This is our first study of building a sustainable living environment. We started with a blank slate, a new system designed with the permaculture principles in mind and the intention of ultimately creating a living space with the creature comforts we have all grown accustomed to. Eventually we will be building the next round of accommodations (principal: Small & Slow Solutions). When staying in one of our cabins, you are participating in this process by sharing with us your experience (principal: Observe & Interact), letting us know what you have discovered you can and can not live without, and possible solutions to efficiently address those needs and wants (principal: Apply Self Regulation & Accept Feedback).  We look forward to your stay with us and your participation in creating abundance in this living space!
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$30
 / night
Presidential Primitive Getaway

16. Presidential Primitive Getaway

95%
(20)
32mi from Maurice K. Goddard State Park · 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 😊
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$35
 / night
River Hills Above the Allegheny

17. River Hills Above the Allegheny

100%
(525)
35mi from Maurice K. Goddard State Park · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Parker, PA
Located just outside of Parker, PA and 25 minutes from I-80, our campsite is very accessible, yet still very remote. With 4 campsites on 75 acres, guests have ample privacy and space, with the freedom to roam this posted property that has no homes on it. Perched high above the Allegheny there are several spots to take in the wonderful views. There is also a waterfall with a 3’ deep pool below it. Great for splashing with kids or dogs, guests love exploring the creek bottom and making new discoveries. The more curious guests sometimes find the ruins of the original homestead, chimney and spring house that sit upstream. The property is teeming with wildlife. Birds and tree frogs will be the soundtrack of your visit, and often deer will be seen nosing along the outskirts of your site in the mornings and evenings. Turkey, bald eagles and even bear are occasionally spotted, so be prepared to secure your food and trash at night. For those coming to disconnect, you have found the right place. But if cell service is needed, you will have enough to get texts out and depending what site you booked, calls and internet as well. For those who seek an electrical outlet AND and EV charger, we have a site for you! We also have a site with a large canvas tent already set up for your convenience. Within a 15 minute drive of your campsite you can find The North Country Trail, Rails to Trails Trailheads and Boat Launches on the Allegheny River, Groceries, dining and beer. Note: Guests wanting The River Ridge site should book their weekends far in advance, or plan a trip during weekdays!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$34
 / night
This is camp site #1. It is gravel and level surrounded by mowed grass. The camper is not for rent; it is set up for demonstration purpose

18. Chappel Hill Tree Farm

99%
(172)
36mi from Maurice K. Goddard State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Grand Valley, PA
This 140-acre property is an old farmstead last farmed in the 1950's. It lies in the Allegheny Plateau region of NW Pennsylvania and is mostly hardwood forest today. It is surrounded by thousands of acres of private forestland and is very secluded. Our goal is to provide a private and secluded yet accessible camping experience where you will see more deer than people. AANR/TNS friendly. There is excellent Verizon and T-Mobile service. The skies are dark at night and the sounds of nature will surround you. Campsite 1 is near where the farmhouse and barn once stood. The site is shaded by large, old maples that once shaded the farmhouse. Old fields surround the farmstead, but the woods are a short walk away.  It is the most popular campsite with an outhouse, fire ring and picnic table available. Campsite 2 is on the other side of the property. There is a fire ring but no picnic table.  Both sites easily accommodate anything from tents to RV's. Each site has a separate, gated, gravel road access. These are the only 2 campsites on the property and they are far enough apart (1/4 mile) to avoid any contact should both sites be occupied. There is a 2-mile loop hiking trail on the property that traverses a variety of habitats which are home to many animals and birds. The trail is well maintained and mowed. The terrain is flat to gentle slopes. The 1/2-mile Narnia Loop trail weaves through a young spruce forest like a maze. It is so cool, literally, even on the hottest days. The Allegheny River is about 10 miles away, near Tidioute, PA, and has excellent paddling and fishing. Titusville, PA is about 15 miles away and is home to Oil Creek State Park which has great trout fishing, an excellent paved bike/hike trail, and Drake Well Museum site of the first oil well ever drilled. Finally, you will be on the doorstep to the Allegheny National Forest with all the outdoor recreation it has to offer. We hope you enjoy the peace and quiet of nature on our property as much as we have. If you are curious about more details of the history and management of the property, please ask your host, Dave Trimpey, and he will be glad to share his knowledge of the land.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$21
 / night
Map showing location from 50 mile paved bike trail

19. Hickory Shores Farm

100%
(44)
37mi from Maurice K. Goddard State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Rome, OH
In 1955 when my family bought our 180-acre farm, there were Shagbark Hickory trees lining both shores of a rock-filled stream. Years later a 550-acre lake was created from damming our stream and Hickory shores became the wildlife- filled headwaters. Bald Eagles, fox, river otters, ospreys, beaver, and deer are frequent visitors to our farm along with other water birds and wildlife. Recreational opportunities are plentiful including fishing, paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking. The 50 mile Western Reserve Greenway paved bike trail is 1 1/2 miles away on country roads and other adjoining roads create unlimited quiet country rides and walks. In 2023 we have added a 3/4 mile wooded trail along the shores of Rock Creek with lookouts and 27 numbered stops. These stops are described in our Hickory Shores interpretive guide available at the trailhead. Additional hiking trails continue upstream and connect two seasonal waterfalls on the property. Benches along the way provide quiet spots to rest or picnic. Spectacular sunsets, a quiet country paved road and Amish buggies await your visit. We are in Ashtabula County, home to 32 wineries and 19 covered bridges including the shortest and longest in the U.S. The second weekend in October brings the Covered Bridge Festival in nearby Jefferson, Ohio. We are conveniently located south of Lake Erie and 16 miles east of Pymatuning Reservoir for additional recreational opportunities. We currently offer 2 campsites, and both are conveniently located near a cottage style bathroom which features a flush toilet and shower. The electric site provides a 30 amps connection and a hook-up to water if desired. Each site has a campfire ring with outdoor chairs. A redwood picnic table is located at each site. An outdoor utility sink is also provided for dishwashing and can be found outside the bathhouse. Abundant firewood is available for $5.00 a wheelbarrow. (Honor system). If you are bringing dogs, please be aware that Sunny the inside/outside cat may greet you (he loves to say hello). For his safety and the safety of your pet, please keep dogs leashed. Please NO SMOKING allowed on farm or in bathroom.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
Scenic View

20. Scenic View

96%
(38)
37mi from Maurice K. Goddard State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Albion, PA
Learn more about this land: Camping in a quiet private location on 97 acres with a view of rolling fields and woods in Pennsylvania approximately a mile from the Ohio line, perfect for scenic RV and Tent Camping. Additionally, there are trails throughout the wooded property that can be used for hiking or mountain biking. A great opportunity to unwind, relax, and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. If you choose to venture off of the property, nearby is fishing in Conneaut Creek, kayaking, Lake Erie Presque Isle, Waldameer Park (a small theme and water park), Splash Lagoon (an indoor water park), breweries, and numerous wineries. Our property has dirt roadways the rain and snow season occurs October to April and may impact your camping experience. Please be mindful of this when booking during these months.
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$35
 / night

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The best camping in Maurice K. Goddard State Park, PA guide

Overview

About

Maurice K. Goddard State Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of activities set against the backdrop of the expansive Lake Wilhelm. Visitors can indulge in fishing, boating, and wildlife watching, or traverse the scenic trails for hiking and biking. As the seasons change, the park transforms, providing a picturesque setting for sledding, cross-country skiing, and ice skating.

When to go

The park welcomes visitors year-round, with each season offering its unique charm. Summer months are ideal for boating and fishing, while the vibrant hues of fall create a stunning landscape for hiking. Winter snows invite cross-country skiing and ice fishing. To avoid crowds, consider a weekday visit or the tranquil transition periods of spring and fall.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's official website for the latest information on hours and facility availability.
  • For a smooth visit, familiarize yourself with Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park's natural beauty.
  • Accessibility is a priority; contact the park office for any special accommodations needed.
  • Remember, day use areas close at dusk, so plan your activities accordingly.
  • In case of an emergency, dial 911 and notify a park employee immediately.

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