Quick Facts

1,736 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

27 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Marienville Ranger District Office site

Official Website
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Clarion River Campsites
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
This campground is free of charge for all visitors. No fees are required for camping.
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
814-927-6628sm.fs.anf@usda.gov
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What Campers Say

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 38 reviews

32 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeaceful

"User reviews highlight the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the campground, with frequent mentions of the Clarion River’s scenic views. However, the first-come, first-served policy and lack of modern amenities are cited as challenges."

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Campground Map

Clarion River Campsites

41.3600, -79.0472

Driving directionsFrom Marienville, follow South Forest Street (SR 3002) approximately 6 miles to the Loleta Recreation Area. Cross Millstone Creek and turn right onto Millstone Road (FR 132). Follow Millstone Road towards the Clarion River. Camping starts on the right after the pipeline, with sites numbered from M9 to M1. At the intersection of Millstone Road and River Road, continue straight for Clarion River Campsites (C1 to C17). From Cook Forest, turn east from SR 36 onto River Road. Continue to the stop sign at Millstone Road (FR 132). Turn right for Clarion River Campsites (C1 to C17) or left for Millstone campsites (M1 to M9). From I-80 Eastbound, take Exit 73 to SR 949, stay on SR 949 for 16 miles, turn left onto SR 3001, cross the Clarion River, then turn left for campsites C1 to M9 or right for C5 to C17. From I-80 Westbound, take Exit 78, follow SR 36 for 8 miles, turn right onto SR 949, follow for 8.5 miles to Bridge Road, cross the Clarion River, then turn left for C1 to M9 or right for C5 to C17.
Accessible year-round but requires traveling on smaller roads such as River Road and Forest Roads (FR 132). Roads may be challenging for large vehicles, especially during bad weather. Limited parking within 50 feet of the site roads.
Nearby places
Marienville (approx. 6 miles, 15 minutes), Cook Forest (approx. 8 miles, 20 minutes), Clarington (approx. 10 miles, 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Emergency supplies, fuel, and groceries are available in Marienville (6 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Clarion River Campsites

Experience nature's full palette as the seasons transform this riverside retreat. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and rushing waters from snowmelt, while autumn sets the forest ablaze with brilliant oranges and crimsons. Summer draws families and paddlers to these popular waters, making shoulder seasons ideal for those seeking solitude. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, where only the hardiest adventurers brave the snow-laden trails and frozen riverbanks.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Popular in summer with boating, fishing and full occupancy; good activity options but crowded at times.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall foliage is frequently praised; reviewers call late October ideal for colors and quieter visits.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing waters from snowmelt, per the overview.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but vault toilets seasonal; winter recreation not described, amenities limited.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; vault toilets are operational from April 1 to November 1.

About Clarion River Campsites

Discover a hidden gem where 27 primitive campsites beckon adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience in the heart of Allegheny National Forest. This first-come, first-served sanctuary offers 18 coveted riverside spots along the pristine Clarion River, while 9 additional sites nestle beside the tranquil waters of Millstone Creek. Here, dispersed camping takes on its truest form—no reservations, no crowds, just you and the rhythmic whisper of flowing water beneath towering forest canopy.
The campground exclusively offers primitive camping options, which cater to tent campers and camper vans. Sites are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Sites must be occupied within the first 24 hours.
Check-out
14-day maximum stay applies.
Stay Limit
14 days in any 30-day period.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The Clarion River Campsites offer a variety of outdoor activities, including non-motorized boating, fishing, and intermediate-level hiking. The scenic beauty of the Clarion River enhances these experiences.
HikingHiking is available along the Clarion River and is classified as intermediate in difficulty. Specific trails are not detailed, but the area offers opportunities for day hikes.
FishingFishing is permitted along the Clarion River. It is described as intermediate-level fishing based on the river's conditions.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is supported. Canoe launches are available at Irwin Run, Robin Island, and Millstone Creek. The area is described as easy for boating, although it is not suitable for large crafts.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPoor cell service reported by users. Firewood is limited due to restrictions on bringing wood into the forest to prevent pests.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Clarion River Campsites

Reviews

4.5
38 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Clarion River Campsites is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere of the campground, with frequent mentions of the Clarion River’s scenic views. However, the first-come, first-served policy and lack of modern amenities are cited as challenges.
Review Summaries
Based on 38 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the free camping experience and describe the campground as peaceful and close to nature. One reviewer noted, "Went in late October and the colorful fall leaves and winding river...
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Based on 38 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the difficulty of finding an available site due to the campground's popularity, the poor cell reception, and the lack of firewood. As one reviewer stated, "Since they are...
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Based on 38 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest arriving early to secure a site due to the first-come, first-served system. They also recommend bringing your own firewood (within the regulations) and sufficient water as none is...
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Based on 38 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is particularly popular in summer, often filled to capacity. Fall is praised for its vibrant foliage and fewer visitors. Late October is mentioned as an ideal time for enjoying the...
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Based on 38 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Definitely out of the way and you will think you're lost but once you're here it doesn't get much better for dispersed camping." - K4K Gaming & Outdoors. "We were lucky to find one spot open." -...
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Based on 38 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Robin Island is highlighted as having a group of 6-7 sites with an outhouse nearby. Specific reviews mention finding sites close to the river as particularly rewarding.
Based on 38 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific user feedback addresses accessibility.
Based on 38 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Reviewers stress the importance of keeping pets in tents at night and ensuring they have ample water.
Based on 38 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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