How much does camping cost at Pine Grove Boat Access Campground?

Camping fees at Pine Grove Boat Access Campground range from $3-$8/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Pine Grove Boat Access Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Pine Grove Boat Access Campground before I book?

Yes! Pine Grove Boat Access Campground has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Pine Grove Boat Access Campground?

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Pine Grove Boat Access Campground have?

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Pine Grove Boat Access Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Pine Grove Boat Access Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Pine Grove Boat Access Campground?

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pine Grove Boat Access Campground?

Popular activities at Pine Grove Boat Access Campground include Hiking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground

4.00

8 reviews

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

1,322 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,322 ft

Price

$3 - $8/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground

$3.00 - $8.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary depending on reservation method: $8 if made online or through the app; $9 if made through the contact center; $3 if made in-person.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 8 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacy

"User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty and privacy but emphasize its challenging access and lack of potable water. Opinions are divided on site maintenance and development."

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Campground Map

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground

41.8742, -78.9467

Nearby supplies

Campers must bring all necessary supplies, including water, as there is no potable water at the site. Closest boat launch locations like Worl Run Marina or Sugar Bay may offer limited nearby supply options.

Driving directionsThe campground is accessible via a 1/3 mile hike from Forest Rd 147 (Kinzua Heights Rd) off State Route 59 east of the Reservoir. However, user reviews suggest that the hike may actually be closer to a mile and includes steep mountain terrain: 'WARNING: THE CAMP IS A FULL MILE HIKE FROM THE CLOSEST PLACE TO LEAVE YOUR CAR.' Closest boat launch locations are Worl Run Marina or Sugar Bay.

Access is primarily via hike-in or boat-in. The hike from Forest Rd 147 is reported to be steep and challenging, especially for first-time visitors: 'It is a full mile scaling up/down the steep mountain.'

Best Time to Camp at Pine Grove Boat Access Campground

Fall delivers the best conditions. Daytime temperatures settle between 50 and 65°F, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. The bugs are gone, the leaves turn, and the water stays calm for paddling. Spring brings mild weather around mid-April, with highs near 57°F and lows around 45°F. Precipitation chance hovers near 30% in spring. Summer heat and humidity are manageable under the forest canopy, but bugs can be heavy. Winter access is difficult.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Boat access and reservoir recreational opportunities make summer appealing despite primitive services.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Allegheny National Forest setting implies strong fall color and scenic camping.

Planning Tips

About Pine Grove Boat Access Campground

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground sits deep in the Allegheny National Forest, reachable only by boat or trail. The 13 primitive sites offer vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, but no potable water. Fees run $3-$8 per night. Cell service is limited or nonexistent.

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground offers primitive camping with a total of 13 campsites. The location is specifically designed for those seeking a remote and rugged camping experience.

Historical Significance

An early 20th-century oil field pumping station sits preserved in the woods near the campground. Rusted equipment and machinery from the region's petroleum era remain scattered through the forest, slowly disappearing under moss and leaf litter.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions. Daytime temperatures settle between 50 and 65°F, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. The bugs are gone, the leaves turn, and the water stays calm for paddling. Spring brings mild weather around mid-April, with highs near 57°F and lows around 45°F. Precipitation chance hovers near 30% in spring. Summer heat and humidity are manageable under the forest canopy, but bugs can be heavy. Winter access is difficult.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground spreads across forested terrain near Kinzua Reservoir at 1,322 feet elevation. Dense hardwood and conifer stands provide cover between sites, and some campsites offer views of the water or surrounding ridges. The spacing between sites gives most campers privacy. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the forest, and fall foliage peaks from late September into mid-October.

Geological RegionPerched within the majestic Allegheny National Forest near the sparkling waters of Kinzua Reservoir, Pine Grove sits atop the ancient Appalachian Plateau. This remarkable geological setting creates a landscape of rolling hills blanketed in diverse hardwood and coniferous forests, home to abundant wildlife and spectacular seasonal displays. The interplay of forest and water, shaped by millions of years of geological forces, offers visitors endless opportunities to witness nature's grandeur in one of Pennsylvania's most treasured landscapes.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the Recreation.gov mobile app, website, and contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 'Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be modified or canceled before the day of arrival, but a $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations incur an additional fee of the first night's use fee. Scan & Pay transactions are non-refundable.

AccessibilityThe campground requires either a boat or a hike-in access over rugged terrain. Not suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.

Site SizeSites appear to be standard-sized, though some user reviews note limited level ground for pitching tents.

PrivacyUser feedback suggests good spacing between sites, offering privacy. However, some areas are less maintained and may lack privacy.

Total Campsites13 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites further from noisy parties for more privacy and better maintenance.

Need help booking Pine Grove Boat Access Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a rustic and natural experience with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring historical remnants of old oil field equipment. No structured recreational activities are mentioned.

Hiking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe steep terrain leading to the campground poses a physical challenge for campers. Some campsites are reportedly overgrown or missing amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Pine Grove Boat Access Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.0

8 reviews

Satisfactory

Pine Grove Boat Access Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty and privacy but emphasize its challenging access and lack of potable water. Opinions are divided on site maintenance and development.

Review Summaries

Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic views, good site spacing offering privacy, and a serene, natural environment.

Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

"The hike is much longer and more difficult than advertised," "no potable water on-site," and "some campsites lack level ground, picnic tables, or fire rings."

Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water, and be prepared for a challenging hike. Arrive early to secure a level campsite and allow time for setup.

Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No specific trends by season are noted.

Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"WARNING: THE CAMP IS A FULL MILE HIKE FROM THE CLOSEST PLACE TO LEAVE YOUR CAR." - Jarrod Szukics. "NO FRESH WATER AT CAMPGROUND! The well is capped off." - Rod Reidnauer. "beautiful camp ground....

Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews specific to campsites mention issues with maintenance and missing amenities on certain sites. "The nearer to the outer limits of the campground, the less maintained sites are, missing picnic...

Based on 8 reviews