Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground

Star4.73
26 reviews
PO Box 2395, Bradford, PA, 16701
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,322 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The fee for camping is $12 per night and must be paid using the fee envelope system or the Scan and Pay feature through the Recreation.gov mobile...
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Standard Site Fee$12.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$12.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.73

Top-Rated

Based on 26 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshikingwaterwell-maintained

Some mention

small

"User reviews for Handsome Lake Campground are generally positive, highlighting its scenic views, remote location, and access to hiking and boating opportunities. The lack of potable water and small campsite sizes were noted as drawbacks by some users."

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Campground Map

PO Box 2395, Bradford, PA, 16701

Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground

PO Box 2395, Bradford, PA, 16701

Driving directionsThere is a 5.2-mile hike in utilizing the Tracy Ridge Trail system. Take the Johnnycake section and then head south on the North Country Trail. Closest boat launch is Roper Hollow.
The campground is accessible via a 5.2-mile hike on the Tracy Ridge Trail system or a paddle-in option from Roper Hollow Boat Launch. The trail is described as well-marked and maintained but includes uphill sections.
Nearby places
Bradford (approximately 30 miles), Warren (approximately 40 miles), Kane (approximately 20 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be found in Bradford, PA, approximately 30 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground

Experience the ever-changing moods of the Allegheny wilderness throughout the seasons. Spring and summer bring refreshing cool temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures, while autumn transforms the landscape into a peaceful sanctuary—October visitors often find themselves with the entire campground as their private retreat. Winter blankets the area in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who venture out. Pack your rain gear any time of year, as gentle showers frequently sweep through, adding to the forest's mystical atmosphere.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Cool summer temps, boating and hiking available; reviews describe pleasant summers.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Autumn 'transforms' the area; less busy in October and great foliage potential.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings cool, refreshing weather and trail access; good for hiking and solitude.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Less busy in colder months; some amenities (pumps) may be offline and access is tougher.

Planning Tips

    About Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground

    Discover a hidden gem where adventure meets tranquility at Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground. This secluded retreat offers 20 rustic campsites that reward the journey—whether you arrive by paddle across the shimmering waters or hike through forest trails. Perched above the expansive Kinzua Reservoir, each site provides breathtaking water views and direct access to some of Pennsylvania's finest boating and fishing waters. While embracing a back-to-basics camping experience with vault toilets and no running water, you'll find that the stunning natural setting more than compensates for the simple amenities.
    Handsome Lake Campground is a primitive campground that caters to tent camping and does not provide RV or group camping accommodations.
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    Amenities available

    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets

    Activities you can enjoy

    Handsome Lake Campground offers outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating. Its location along the Kinzua Reservoir provides scenic views and opportunities for water-based recreation.
    HikingThe campground is accessible via a 5.2-mile hike utilizing the Tracy Ridge Trail system. Reviews describe the hike as more uphill than expected but well-marked and maintained. One user noted an 8.7-mile loop hike with continuous uphill segments.
    FishingFishing opportunities are available, with access to the Kinzua Reservoir. Specific details about fish species are not provided.
    BoatingThe campground is accessible by boat, approximately one mile from the Roper Hollow Boat Launch. There are no boat docks at the campground.
    Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include black bears and toads as noted by campers. The area provides a natural environment for observing local fauna.
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsSafety concerns include hornets nests near campsites, occasional black bear sightings, and steep drop-offs near the reservoir.
    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

    Weather at Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground

    Reviews

    4.7
    26 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
    User reviews for Handsome Lake Campground are generally positive, highlighting its scenic views, remote location, and access to hiking and boating opportunities. The lack of potable water and small campsite sizes were noted as drawbacks by some users.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 26 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Positive aspects mentioned by users include the scenic views, proximity to the Kinzua Reservoir, and the well-maintained hiking trails. For example, one user described the campground as "beautiful...
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    Based on 26 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Common complaints include a lack of potable water, small campsite sizes, and one vault toilet's door not locking properly. Additionally, long uphill hikes and steep drop-offs to the lake were noted...
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    Based on 26 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Campers recommend bringing sufficient water supplies, a water filtration system, and proper hiking gear for the uphill trails. They also advise packing out all trash to respect the natural...
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    Based on 26 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Reviews mention that the campground is less busy in October and during colder months. However, amenities like water pumps may not be operational in late seasons, and weather conditions such as steep...
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    Based on 26 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    1. "Cool boat to or hike in campground. About a mile paddle in from Roper Hollow Boat launch." - Mark 2. "Beautiful spot in the Allegheny National Forest along the shore of the Kinzua Reservoir." -...
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    Based on 26 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Specific sites are not individually reviewed, but general observations indicate that campsites are small—"don’t expect to fit more than two tents per site."
    Based on 26 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No specific accessibility reviews were provided.
    Based on 26 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    No information about pet policies or experiences is mentioned in the reviews.
    Based on 26 reviews

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    Last updated January 13, 2026
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