How much does camping cost at Morrison Boat Access Campground?

Camping fees at Morrison Boat Access Campground are $12/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Morrison Boat Access Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Morrison 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 Morrison Boat Access Campground before I book?

Yes! Morrison 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.

Are there showers at Morrison Boat Access Campground?

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

How many campsites does Morrison Boat Access Campground have?

Morrison Boat Access Campground has 38 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Morrison Boat Access Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Morrison 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 Morrison Boat Access Campground?

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

Morrison Boat Access Campground

4.56

37 reviews

Top 12% in PASummer

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

1,417 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

1,417 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Morrison Boat Access Campground

$12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $12.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$12.00

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Campground Map

Morrison Boat Access Campground

41.8219, -78.9278

Weather at Morrison Boat Access Campground

Current alerts(1)

There are 38 campsites. This is a 6-7 mile hike in utilizing the Morrison Run Trail. The closest boat launch is Elijah Run There is no potable water **Campers will need to bring in thier own water. Vault toilets are available.

Best Time to Camp at Morrison Boat Access Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for boating and swimming on the Allegheny Reservoir (daytime highs typically 75–85°F, nights 55–65°F) and is when the water is most inviting for long paddles into Morrison Bay and its coves. Boating, fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak and the remote, boat-access-only nature of the site keeps crowds lower than shore-access campgrounds — expect occasional weekend boat traffic but generally quiet weekdays. Plan for afternoon thunderstorms Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in PA

Overview: 'Best season: summer' for boating, swimming and reliable warm weather.

Planning Tips

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Morrison Boat Access Campground

Morrison Boat Access Campground sits on the Allegheny Reservoir in Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest, reachable only by watercraft. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, this mid-sized primitive site offers spacious, secluded campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets along Morrison Bay. Boaters and paddlers use it as a base for exploring the reservoir's coves, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a remote setting that keeps visitor numbers low even during summer.

Morrison Boat Access Campground caters to primitive and tent campers seeking a remote, natural experience. Accessible only by boat or hiking trail, it is an option for those looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for boating and swimming on the Allegheny Reservoir (daytime highs typically 75–85°F, nights 55–65°F) and is when the water is most inviting for long paddles into Morrison Bay and its coves. Boating, fishing and wildlife viewing are at their peak and the remote, boat-access-only nature of the site keeps crowds lower than shore-access campgrounds — expect occasional weekend boat traffic but generally quiet weekdays. Plan for afternoon thunderstorms Peak months: July, August, September, October Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation1417 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies shoreline at 1,417 feet elevation where Appalachian foothills slope down to the reservoir's network of coves and inlets. Large maple trees shade many sites, and thick deciduous understory creates natural barriers between camping areas. Morrison Bay opens out to the larger Kinzua Bay, offering water views from shore. The surrounding forest is dense enough that firewood collection can be difficult. Mist often rises from the reservoir at dawn.

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 managed through Recreation.gov mobile app, website, or on-site Scan and Pay.

AccessibilityThis campground is accessible only via boat or a 6-7 mile hike, limiting accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeIndividual lots are generally larger than average, offering a decent amount of space. One reviewer noted, "The lots were still much larger than average.

PrivacyThe sites provide high levels of privacy due to thick brush separating them. "Lots were still much larger than average, with thick brush between them for privacy," according to a user.

Total Campsites38 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites under large maple trees for shade and privacy. Avoid outer-limit sites due to neglect and overgrown paths.

Best CampsitesSites under the large maples offer the most shade. Reviews warn that sites on the outer edges of the campground feel neglected and see less maintenance. Specific site numbers aren't mentioned in user feedback, but campers recommend avoiding the perimeter sites if you want a more maintained feel.

Need help booking Morrison Boat Access Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

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Amenities available

Morrison Boat Access Campground is a rustic, secluded camping destination accessible by boat or a 6-7 mile hike via Morrison Run Trail. It is situated on the east bank of the Allegheny Reservoir, near Morrison Bay and Elijah Run Boat Launch. The campground offers basic amenities such as vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, but lacks potable water, requiring campers to bring their own. Visitors can pay for their site using fee envelopes or the Recreation.gov mobile application via its Scan and Pay feature. Detailed user reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty and seclusion, but some mention maintenance issues, such as overgrown trails and neglected sites closer to the perimeter.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

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

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

37 reviews

Top-Rated

Morrison Boat Access Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews praise the campground's peaceful and remote location, scenic views of Allegheny Reservoir, and its value for tent campers and hikers. Common themes include the lack of potable water, overgrown trails, and the need for better site maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 37 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors highlight the campground's serene environment, private and spacious campsites, and picturesque views. Phrases like "gorgeous view of the Allegheny" and "truly get away" are common.

Based on 37 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues include the lack of potable water, overgrown trails, and limited firewood availability. One reviewer noted, "Some were comical, with just a site number post on an overgrown trail."

Based on 37 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campsite under a large maple tree was praised for its shade—a benefit on hot days. Sites closer to the perimeter were noted as less maintained with overgrown trails.

Based on 37 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and prepare to search for firewood. A canoe or kayak may be helpful for reaching nearby water sources or collecting firewood.

Based on 37 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer seem to be the most popular times for visiting. One reviewer mentioned shade from a large maple tree during a hot day, suggesting summer temperatures can be high.

Based on 37 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "This nice little place... makes it quite impossible for [RV camping] to happen. Accessible only by boat or hiking trail, you'll only be among other tent campers here." 2. "Numerous nice, level...

Based on 37 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities. However, the campground's boat and hike-only access suggests limited accessibility.

Based on 37 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Morrison Boat Access Campground

$12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $12.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$12.00