Pine Grove Boat Access Campground

Star0
4 reviews
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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About this campground

Escape to Pine Grove Boat Access Campground, where true wilderness awaits those willing to venture beyond the beaten path. This hidden gem, accessible only by boat or trail, offers 13 pristine campsites nestled in the heart of untouched forest. With vault toilets serving as your only modern convenience and no potable water on-site, Pine Grove delivers an authentic back-to-nature experience. Leave behind the crowds and discover a sanctuary where solitude reigns and breathtaking vistas reward the adventurous spirit.
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 SignificanceVenture through Pine Grove's forests and you'll stumble upon fascinating echoes of America's industrial past. Hidden among the trees, a remarkably preserved early 20th-century oil field pumping station stands as a testament to the region's petroleum heritage. Scattered throughout the woods, rusted equipment and machinery create an open-air museum where nature slowly reclaims the remnants of human enterprise, offering campers an unexpected journey through time.
Weather and SeasonsSpring arrives gently at Pine Grove during Week 14, bringing comfortable camping conditions with daytime temperatures reaching a pleasant 57°F while nights cool to a crisp 45°F. With only a 29.5% chance of precipitation and moderate breezes rustling through the canopy, this period offers ideal weather for exploring the wilderness. Pack layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons as nature transitions into its most vibrant season.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the verdant embrace of the Allegheny National Forest, where towering trees create a living cathedral around Pine Grove's campsites. Visitors consistently marvel at the campground's stunning natural beauty, from spectacular scenic overlooks to the generous spacing between sites that ensures privacy and tranquility. Here, the forest doesn't just surround you—it envelops you in what many describe as a complete 'nature bath,' where every breath brings the fresh scent of pine and earth.
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.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campground requires either a boat or a hike-in access over rugged terrain. Not suitable for visitors with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeSites appear to be standard-sized, though some user reviews note limited level ground for pitching tents.
Sites PrivacyUser feedback suggests good spacing between sites, offering privacy. However, some areas are less maintained and may lack privacy.
Total Campsites13 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites further from noisy parties for more privacy and better maintenance.
Best CampsitesUser reviews recommend avoiding noisy areas and exploring the outer limits for quieter and more secluded spaces.

Reserving a campsite

Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are 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.

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
The campground is accessible via a hike, with user reviews noting that the official distance of 1/3 mile is inaccurate, and the actual hike is approximately one mile over steep terrain. There are no specific hiking trails or routes described.
Boating
The campground is accessible via boat, with the closest boat launches being Worl Run Marina and Sugar Bay. There are no boat docks at the campground.
Wildlife viewing
The natural setting of the campground provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, though specific species are not mentioned.
Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.
Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are detailed.

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsThe 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.

Weather forecast

53
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Strong wind, exercise caution

Humidity: 59%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 9.1 mph

Strong wind, exercise caution

Clear sky
7-Day Forecast

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Daily & Hourly Insights

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Temperature Trends

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Precipitation Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Good to know

Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the provided information. Campers should plan to pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Kinzua Reservoir, the campground is accessible by boat-in or hike-in methods, with launch points at Sugar Bay and Worl Run Marina.
Common complaintsMany reviews cite the lack of fresh water: 'NO FRESH WATER AT CAMPGROUND! The well is capped off.' Others mention steep access terrain and poorly maintained campsites: 'missing picnic tables, or fire rings, or both, some completely overgrown.'

Campground Map

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.'
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.

Camper Reviews

0.0
4 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Pine Grove Boat Access Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic views, good site spacing offering privacy, and a serene, natural environment.
Based on 4 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 4 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 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No specific trends by season are noted.
Based on 4 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....
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Based on 4 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...
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Based on 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground's challenging access and steep terrain make it unsuitable for visitors with mobility challenges.
Based on 4 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

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