The best camping in Oil Creek State Park, PA

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Discover the historic charm of Oil Creek State Park.  

The best camping in Oil Creek State Park, PA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Presidential Primitive Getaway

2. Presidential Primitive Getaway

95%
(20)
11mi from Oil Creek 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
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

3. Chappel Hill Tree Farm

99%
(172)
15mi from Oil Creek 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
Abandoned School

5. Abandoned School

97%
(58)
16mi from Oil Creek State Park · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Tidioute, PA
Camp Beside History on the Legendary Route 666 Welcome to a one-of-a-kind camping experience—where you can pitch a tent or park your RV beside a hauntingly beautiful, abandoned schoolhouse deep in the PA woods. Located on the legendary Route 666, this private campsite offers an unforgettable blend of eerie history and peaceful seclusion. There is only one site—and it’s all yours. No other campers. No shared space. Just you, your group, and the freedom to explore. What’s Included: Exclusive Access: When you book, the entire property is yours. Roam, relax, and make it your own. Tent & RV Friendly: Separate areas for tents and RVs of any size. Water Available: On-site spigot Firewood: Purchase bundles on-site or collect fallen wood from the forest behind the schoolhouse. Firepits: Use an existing ring or safely build your own. On-Site Porta Potty: Clean and private, located discreetly on the grounds. Make Yourself at Home: Explore, take photos, and unwind in total privacy. Nearby Attractions: Allegheny National Forest Minister Creek Trail Pithole Ghost Town Tionesta Dam Hearts Content Old Growth Forest Allegheny Outfitters (0.7 mi) George’s Little Store (0.6 mi) – essentials + 24/7 Porta Potty Haller’s General Store (9 min) – clean indoor restrooms Important Notes: Private Property Signs: Ignore them—you’re welcome here. Restrooms: A porta potty is on-site. Additional restroom options nearby if needed. If you love peaceful nature, off-grid exploring, and a spooky twist, this hidden gem is for you. Whether it’s ghost stories by the fire or hiking nearby trails, this place was made for memory-making. One site. One schoolhouse. All yours.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$29
 / night
Lake Lucy RV Park

7. Lake Lucy RV Park

100%
(14)
17mi from Oil Creek State Park · 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
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$50
 / night
Hog Wild Farm

9. Hog Wild Farm

98%
(22)
19mi from Oil Creek 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
River Hill Retreat

10. River Hill Retreat

99%
(34)
19mi from Oil Creek 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
River Island Cabin & Campsites

12. River Island Cabin & Campsites

100%
(17)
21mi from Oil Creek State Park · 8 sites · Tents, Lodging · PA
Located on Fuellhart Island, Tidioute, Pennsylvania Allegheny River, Allegheny National Forest, PA Wilds Perfect for kayaking, camping, fishing, tubing - all types of river trips! Go Primitive and book secluded campsites (there is a Treehouse and Canvas Bell Tent options!) Rent the cabin and island privately for your group 46 acres of Private Island on the scenic Allegheny River. PA Wilds, Gameland Access, Allegheny National Forest. We provide: HAMMOCK AND TENT CAMPSITES (view listings) CABIN AND ISLAND RENTALS (Call it a glorified cabin in the woods!) - Fully equipped! - non-motorized boat rentals (Angler single kayaks and canoe) - Tent/Hammocks - Cold Weather Sleeping Bags This is a secluded private island on the Allegheny River. It has been a family property for years and many people have created great memories here. It is great for solo campers wanting a peaceful space, kayakers on river trips, family groups (magic for kids and dogs!) *Tent camping, outdoor shower, fishing, kayaking, groomed trail paths from end to end, fully equipped kitchen, outdoor cooking, firepits, outdoor and indoor seating. Supreme sunsets and starry nights! Everyone always ends up staying another day if they can get away with it! Arrive by car to our parking area where we will boat you and your gear over to the island campsite. There will be 1 round trip in the motorized john boat per group. Guests are permitted to use the aluminum canoe with lifejackets only to ferry items. PADDLE IN! KAYAKERS/CANOES/MULTI-DAY RIVER TRIP PADDLERS! Arrive by kayak or canoe off the river while you are on a paddle trip. Singles, small groups and large groups. Campsites are PERFECT for Scouts trips, team building trips with kayak rental options. Cabin rentals are great for couples, families, friends, reunions, fishing trips, large groups trips and more! Wildlife photographers must see location!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night
The Nason Trust

13. The Nason Trust

95%
(10)
22mi from Oil Creek State Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs · Marienville, PA
The Nason Trust is a 4th generation owned outdoor enthusiasts haven tucked away on private land in the outskirts of the Allegheny National Forest. We offer primitive camping along with equestrian primitive camping. We have a dedication to preserving natural habitat, as well as the cooperative efforts of people with diverse interests in the outdoors to provide a positive recreational experience for all of our visitors. The Nason Trust is located by a significant amount of trail systems that traverses gorgeous, rocky, stream-filled trails that pass by remnants of Kellettville's boomtown. While guests get to enjoy the geology, elevation changes, with dramatic views while enjoying their favorite outdoor activities. Campers will have access to the North Country National Scenic Trail that is the longest in the national trail system it spans across 8 states from North Dakota to Vermont covering 4,800 miles. Minister Creek Trail is a short drive away. It's a moderately challenging hike that passes several outstanding rock outcroppings. After your hike you can drop by frog rock the local's favorite swimming hole that's along the same short drive back from Minister Creek trail back to the Nason Trust. Tionesta Creek and Salmon Creek are well stocked to lure in any avid fishermen. Along with another local gem; Ross Run's Habitat Improvement area it's a half mile set aside for Children 15 and under and people with Special needs giving them their very own special stocked fishing area.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night
Elevated RV Camping at Rustic Acres

14. Elevated RV Camping at Rustic Acres

98%
(41)
23mi from Oil Creek State Park · 40 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Shippenville, PA
Your basecamp for Clarion County adventures—just 4 easy miles off I-80. Welcome to Rustic Acres RV Resort & Campground, a pet-friendly, family-friendly forest retreat nestled on 24 wooded acres near the Clarion River and over 3,000 acres of State Game Lands. Whether you’re here for RV camping, van life, tent camping, overlanding, or luxury glamping, you’ll find the perfect spot to relax, explore, and reconnect with nature. Adventure is right at your doorstep with direct trail access from camp for biking and hiking! Explore Clarion County trails, Cook Forest State Park, and the Clarion River, or hop on nearby biking routes for an active day outdoors. Rustic Acres is your forest gateway to Pennsylvania’s rivers, woods, and wildlife, perfect for nature lovers, families, solo travelers, and digital nomads. Choose from: - Full hookup RV sites (30/50 amp) for all-sized rigs - Van and small-rig friendly sites close to a bathhouse and The Hub - Primitive camping & overlanding sites for a more natural experience - Luxury glamping tents & retro campers for a cozy forest escape All guests enjoy thoughtfully designed amenities that blend comfort with rustic charm: - Camp store stocked with essentials, snacks & firewood - Free WiFi throughout the property, perfect for working remotely - The Hub – modern lounge and dedicated remote workspace with coffee & tea bar - Playground, shuffleboard, corn hole, and family recreation areas - Community fire pit, gathering lawn & picnic spaces - Direct access to scenic hiking & biking trails — step out your door into the forest - Clean bathhouses and convenient on-site laundry Located minutes from local shops, restaurants, and area attractions, Rustic Acres combines quiet forest camping with easy access to outdoor adventure. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, family vacation, or extended seasonal stay, Rustic Acres is where nature, comfort, and community come together. Come experience the simple joys of outdoor living with modern amenities!
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$39
 / night
Nederlandia

15. Nederlandia

100%
(21)
26mi from Oil Creek 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
Tiny Home on the Hill

17. Tiny Home on the Hill

98%
(86)
29mi from Oil Creek 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
River Hills Above the Allegheny

18. River Hills Above the Allegheny

100%
(525)
31mi from Oil Creek 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

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The best camping in Oil Creek State Park, PA guide

Overview

About

Step into the past and embrace the great outdoors at Oil Creek State Park. Here, the story of the world's first commercial oil well unfolds amid a landscape of scenic trails, lush forests, and tranquil waterfalls. Whether you're hiking, picnicking, or kayaking, this park offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Oil Creek State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers lush greenery, but be prepared for busier trails and warmer weather.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's operating hours, open from sunrise to sunset, and plan your visit accordingly.
  • For a historical adventure, visit the Train Station Visitor Center, open weekends from June through October.
  • ADA accessible facilities ensure everyone can enjoy the park's offerings.
  • Stay safe by sticking to marked trails, especially when visiting the park's waterfalls.
  • Remember to pack out your trash and respect the park's natural beauty.

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