Plenty of Places to Stake Down in PA

The hot days and warm nights of summer are the perfect time to stake down a tent or pack up the RV and pull out the backpack to enjoy some family fun in the Allegheny National Forest region in Pennsylvania.

Temperatures in the higher altitude of the Allegheny Plateau provide cool breezes on those hot summer nights and the pristine shore line of the Allegheny Reservoir provides plenty of opportunities for water adventures.

The lush green forest lands of the Allegheny National Forest region draws thousands of visitors each year to experience life in the Pennsylvania Wilds whether you want to camp in the woods or stay in one of the many cozy cabins available in the region.

Allegheny Site Management handles all the camping within the Allegheny National Forest, including Willow Bay, which has access to the Allegheny Reservoir. At Willow Bay, there are six primitive cabins with a porch swing, electric, nearby water and showers, parking and a fire ring. Cabins along the shoreline provide beautiful vistas of the Allegheny Reservoir. Boat and kayak rentals are available, along with a variety of nature hikes and programs.

There’s lakefront camping with 101 tent and RV sites. There are modern showers, electric hook-ups and paved roads. Pets are allowed on a leash and the fishing is great. There’s also easy boat launching from this campground and convenient parking for cars and trailers. Reservations and Information can be obtained through alleghenysite.com and reservations can be booked online at via http://www.recreation.gov/.

Some of the most conveniently located campgrounds near the Allegheny National Forest and the Kinzua Bridge State Park include the Foote Rest Campground, Woodhaven Campground and Cabins, and Bettum’s Idlewood Family Campground.

Located along Route 59, in the midst of the Allegheny National Forest, just east of Kinzua Beach, is the Woodhaven Campground & Cabins. Kinzua Beach, located along the Allegheny Reservoir, offers free swimming. The cabins, located on forested sites, are perfect for family getaways. At the campground, there is a diner with a full menu for those who don’t want to do all their cooking over a open fire.

A convenience store is on site for last minute supplies and the on-site gift shop features items crafted by local artisans. There is also a playground for children, storage and a heated bath house. Firewood is available. For more information on Woodhaven, please go to http://woodhaven155.tripod.com/.

The Foote Rest Campground, located at the intersection of scenic Route 6 and Route 219, can accommodate camper units of any size with 50 pull-through sites. The camper even has a choice whether to bask in the sun or chill out in the shade. There are also more than 160 water/electric sites available – some even include cable. Cabins are also available for rent.

The campground also hosts a variety of events throughout the summer, including a vendor and craft weekend on Aug. 7. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., vendors will sell handmade products such as baked goods and wood products. For more information, log onto http://www.footerestcampground.com/

The Bettum’s Idlewood Family Campground, located along Route 219 in Lewis Run, allows you to camp in a tent or in a cabin. Fishing is available nearby. The campground also allows pets, has a swimming pool, pavilion, picnic tables, a basketball court plus Bingo and game room. The owners have recently updated the bathrooms and laundry mat. There’s also a general store and propane filling station. Campground events include the Sixth Annual Tag Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the campground. To find out more about Bettum’s campground, go to http://bettumcamping.tripod.com/.

Along Route 6, traveling east from the Allegheny National Forest, the Allegheny River Campground offers RV and tent camping along the Allegheny River in Roulette. This campground can be your home away from home with electric, water and sewer hookups. There are also a recreation hall, cabins, planned activities, modern restroom, laundry facilities, picnic tables and fire rings and a playground. And don’t forget the stocked river fishing. You will be hooked. There are also kayak and tube rentals for more adventures in the Allegheny River. For more information, go to http://www.alleghenyrivercampground.com/.

For additional information on all the campgrounds, cabins and lodging and a complete list of events, contact the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau at 800-473-9370 or info@visitANF.com. A free travel guide and map are available. The travel guide can also be be viewed at www.visitANF.com.

Pictured, the store located at Woodhaven Acres, along Route 59;Kinzua Beach, located along the Allegheny Reservoir
Photos courtesy of ANFVB