The best camping in Parker Dam State Park, PA

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Top-rated campgrounds

Ruby's Rocks

95%
(103)
25mi from Parker Dam State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Wilcox, PA
Learn more about this land: Our property is located near the tiny village of Glen Hazel, our unique area offers close proximity to many watersports and hiking opportunities. Visitors can watch bald eagles and osprey as you enjoy kayaking, fishing and nature at this primitive campsite. We have just one site. Our campsite is very private and includes a fire ring, a picnic table a trash can and a swing. Parking is available right at the site. It's just a 2 minute walk to the northernmost kayak launch on the East Branch of the Clarion River. Here you will find a public porta potty for use during the summer only. Several small jack dams will make your kayak experience a delight. We have a private 1 acre pond just a stones throw from the campsite that visitors can enjoy. Fishing is permitted in the pond, no license needed. Fly fishermen will enjoy the thrill of catching native and stocked trout in the most beautiful section on the East Branch of the Clarion River (PA fishing license and trout stamp required). Nearby is Bendigo State Park that offers free use of picnic areas and swimming in an immaculately kept pool. Just 1 1/2 miles away is the Dam Inn where you can stop for a beer or for a nice dinner on the deck. Adjacent to the campsite is State Gamelands #25. This enormous tract of public land is open to all for hiking, biking and fishing the pristine native trout streams, including Middle Fork, Crooked Creek and several others. Only a 3 mile drive will land you at the East Branch Lake, a seven mile long lake where you can put your boat in and fish, kayak or water ski to your hearts content.
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from 
$30
 / night

Clear Creek Cook Forest Campsite

99%
(79)
31mi from Parker Dam State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Sigel, PA
This is your spot. Your own private campground on 5 acres of forest canopy that we unofficially call "Fern Gully", this site is literally adjacent to scenic Clear Creek State Park (1211 acres) and pristine "old-growth" Clear Creek State Forest (16229 acres). A few short miles to Clarion River (2019 River of the Year) launch access! You can bring your boat and do some fishing, or rent canoes/kayaks/tubes and float away the day. Less than 10 miles to Cook Forest State Park (8500 acres), Allegheny National Forest, and North Country Trailhead! Accessible by RVs of any size. Tent campers welcome! Don't have an RV?? Check out RVshare.com to discover loads of options! A driveway leads to a large, flat landing where RVs can set up. Electric (50 and 20 amp) + pressurized water hook-up at sites. Fire pits on location. Split firewood can be purchased as an "extra". The road in can be rough, just go slow, it's not ours, we are working with the state to fix it. Do it your way! Come relax and unwind or get out and get active. Enjoy the serenity and solitude that nature provides at this quiet hideaway for peace and tranquility. UPDATE: We recently purchased a park model camp for our own personal family use. That was always our dream goal, a home away from home. It will be parked on the far end of the lot. it will not affect your campsite or privacy, but we want to mention it in the listing for transparency. Your experience, privacy and enjoyment are important to us. If you have any questions, feel free to ask prior to booking. Thank you. POINTS of INTEREST: -Clear Creek State Park swimming area is minutes away, right down the road! -25+ miles of hiking trails within walking distance from camp. -Beartown Rocks is within hiking distance or a short drive. -The Seneca Point Overlook/Firetower is a must-see -For those looking for a leisure walk or cyclists, Rails-to-Trails paved trail is a unique experience, stop and see our friends at Lost In The Wilds brewery for a cold refreshment. *Check Out the following websites for some great, detailed information on the surrounding area: DCNR PAWILDS VISITPAGO
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$43
 / night

Neal Homestead Camp Sites

95%
(210)
32mi from Parker Dam State Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Brookville, PA
Camp is on 50 acres with a pink marked trail to Red Bank Creek on the western border and back up through a hemlock forest along south border. A small stream runs through the property and forms a rocky delta in Red Bank Creek. All camp sites are on the eastern border and close to the main road to access property. Hike, enjoy the sound of the stream tickling through property, stargaze, or rest, watch nature's critters, read or just relax in a hammock. No hunting on property but fishing permitted along "river" aka Red Bank Creek. Please keep fires in firepit and noise levels low. Set up to be most natural, minimal mowing, and sites meant to be more private. We let you know if you have others on property. No running water or flush toilets on sites unless in your self-contained camper. A compost loo provided. Lots of kindling can be easily gathered for a fire. Consider ordering some ahead of time if it has been raining though. There is a tarp and a wheelbarrow to collect logs and kindling and move to your site.
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$18
 / night

Ridge Top Retreat

100%
(26)
34mi from Parker Dam State Park · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Westover, PA
We are located in beautiful Clearfield county Pennysalvina. Our farm is on over 150 acres. It’s has been in the family for generations. It has beautiful farm views with wooded areas. There is lots of wildlife to see. Including bear, bobcat, deer, eagles, fishers, and many other species. We have lots of hiking trails and our property also boarders state game lands. It’s a short drive to the Susquehanna River and other parks. You can also enjoy the cows, goats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, and turkeys at the farm. Contact the host and set up a time to visit and feed the animals. Learn more about our family farm and the animals. We also have a sawmill and wood shop. Nearby is Bilgers Rocks, Rock Run Atv Park, Prince Gallitzin State Park, the Susquehanna River, and many other fantastic outdoor activities. It’s a place to unwind and relax. And connect with nature. This is in a very rural part of Pennsylvania and camping in the winter weather can be difficult. So please prepare yourself with additional sleeping bags for winter. The tent is heated but because of the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous weather you need to be prepared. The bathroom is also outdoors so there will not be a shower provided till after the freezing weather. And the loo is not heated. It is also recommended that you have all wheel drive or 4 wheel drive to get to the campsite in the winter. It is possible to walk from road to site. But you should consider this when booking. RTR is a very beautiful place in the winter but it can also be dangerous if you’re not prepared.
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$25
 / night

Bald Eagle Campsite

96%
(1614)
37mi from Parker Dam State Park · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · Tyrone, PA
Originally opened as a family campground owned and operated by Denis and Kay Snyder in 1964. Bald Eagle Campsite has been owned and operated by the Snyder family to this day! Come join us in the beautiful forested landscape of Central Pennsylvania. Located a mere 20 miles south of Penn State University, we are surrounded by the many amenities Central PA has to offer. We are welcoming to LGBTQ+ campers as well as all ethnicities. Pitch a tent on a quiet site and drop a line into one of our two trout streams crossing the campground. Hang a hammock between two towering poplar trees surrounded by flowering rhododendron. Or pull up in your camper and relax before and after a Penn State Football game under the blue and white sky. We have small, secluded sites to get away from it all, as well as conjoined sites to accommodate larger groups. On property we have bathrooms, hot showers, and a recreation hall with free ping pong, board games, and billiards. For a fee, we also have firewood, electricity, and a large event tent for rent. Campers must be less than 25 feet. Generators are not allowed. Music should not reach outside your own site after 9pm. There are no water hookups. Vehicle noise is audible from route 350, especially on Friday afternoons. Noise is diminished at sites further back from route 350. Our sites are wheelchair accessible, but the bathrooms and showers do have one step up into them. Walk to Snappy's 24-hour convenience store to use their free Wi-Fi, buy bags of ice, or to pickup snacks and a sub in the attached Snappy's Grille. An ice cream stand and restaurant are within walking distance. We require a minimum two nights stay for the recognized holiday weekends for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
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$30
 / night

Triple Dream Farm

100%
(117)
38mi from Parker Dam State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Smethport, PA
Hipcamp hosts since 2017 on a 99 acre farm, we are located approximately 2 hours south from either Erie, PA or Buffalo, NY, 3 hours north of Pittsburgh, PA and just west of Potter County, PA. We offer 2 camping experiences on the farm - Open Pasture Campsite (May 1st - October 31st) AND Boondocking RV Camping (year-round, but dependent on weather and availability). Please chose the camping experience/site that will suit you and your groups needs. We are close to the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk with breathtaking views and beautiful year-round hiking, the Kinzua Dam for boating and water activities abundant outdoor activities at the nearby Allegheny National Forest will insure that you will have plenty to do during your stay! We are 30 minutes from Bradford, PA, home of the Zippo/Case Museum and Flag Ship Store and Penn-Brad Oil Museum. Lumber Museum, Rock City Park & Jakes's Rocks/Allegany National Forest are all a short drive. The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is nearby for day trip for additional hiking and other outdoor activities along with wondrous views and activities. We are a recognized 501(c)(3) equine rescue and all fees go directly to the daily care of rescued equines and related activities as well as community outreach and education.
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$25
 / night

Austin Dam Memorial Park

98%
(804)
39mi from Parker Dam State Park · 56 sites · Tents, RVs · PA
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!
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$16
 / night

The Nest - Creekfront Cabin In ANF

99%
(64)
41mi from Parker Dam State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Sheffield, PA
"The Nest" presents a secluded cabin nestled along Tionesta Creek, situated in the heart of Allegheny National Forest. Offering complete privacy and serenity, this retreat boasts no visible neighbors, allowing guests to unwind amidst the tranquil sounds of nature and the babbling creek. With breathtaking views from every angle, visitors can anticipate sightings of eagles, blue heron, black bear, and other wildlife while savoring morning coffee on the deck. Additionally, guests have access to two kayaks to enhance their stay. The cabin comfortably accommodates five guests and features a full bathroom equipped with an off-grid water system, ensuring continuous access to hot water. Parking for The Nest is along the widened shoulder of Route 666. From the parking spot, an approximately 100 ft lightly sloped dirt foot path with stairs leads to the cabin. Nominal amount of firewood is provided for every guest.
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$125
 / night

Meadow View Near PSU

100%
(14)
43mi from Parker Dam State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Bellefonte, PA
Enjoy the private back acre of our 2-acre parcel. RV parking is separated from the main house by a barn and Morton building. Set up camp overlooking what used to be a grassy yard, but is now a walkable wildflower meadow. Enjoy the meadow paths and entire property's yard. Pets are welcome, but must be leashed at all times - our dog is friendly, but will also be leashed when outside. The house and barn were built in the late 1800s and are currently being restored. There will be no construction activity during your stay, but there may be assorted projects in process visible near buildings. Please do not enter buildings unless accompanied by a property owner. Many restaurants, breweries, distilleries and parks are just minutes away in Bellefonte! When visiting them, we recommend going straight out of our driveway onto Clemens instead of turning right onto Valentine Hill. Valentine has tight turns that are a challenge to navigate in an RV or with a trailer.
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$128
 / night

Other options near Parker Dam State Park

The best camping in Parker Dam State Park, PA guide

Overview

About

Coddled by the nearly fifty-thousand acres of the surrounding Quehanna Wilderness, Parker Dam State Park is a dense one-thousand-acre oasis that’s teeming with faunal charisma. Aside from the plethora of wildlife watching opportunities (free-roaming elk are known to have their vocalizations echo through the parks still silences), you’ll be treated to a wide array of camping options that populate the eastern end of the park. Here, there’s numerous campsites that not only offer trail accessibility―but electricity too. Your smartphone’s battery-life will be thanking you with notifications. However, for the sake of enamoring yourself with what all the biotic―and abiotic―factors that inundate your surrounding, it may be best to turn-off your feeds for the weekend, catalysing the tranquillity to follow.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Parker Dam State Park is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the park is full of life. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, while winter can be harsh, with some facilities closed due to snow.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your activities accordingly.
  • Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit for your outdoor adventures.
  • Stay informed about any trail closures or area restrictions during your visit.
  • Take advantage of the available amenities, including picnic areas and restrooms, for a comfortable stay.
100%
3 ratings · 2 reviews