Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground
4.7010 reviewsPO Box 2395, Bradford, PA, 16701
Quick Facts
Price
$12/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
$12/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
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...
Show more
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
Total Campsite Fees$24.00
Get Notified When Available
We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.
Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes
167,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications
Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
ProviderN/AN/A
What Campers Say
4.70
Top-Rated
Based on 10 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."
Fees & Passes at Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground
$12/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Cancellation: Cancellations for first-come, first-served campsites using Scan and Pay are not permitted. For reser...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a pristine wilderness where towering hardwoods and evergreens create a living cathedral overhead. The campground's prime location on the Kinzua Reservoir offers endless opportunities to explore hidden coves and peaceful inlets. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the chance to spot black bears foraging in the distance, while the forest floor comes alive with the evening chorus of native toads. This untouched ecosystem provides a front-row seat to nature's daily drama, from misty mornings on the water to star-filled nights unmarred by city lights.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast Allegheny National Forest, Handsome Lake sits at the heart of one of Pennsylvania's most treasured landscapes. The campground serves as a gateway to the legendary North Country Trail, connecting adventurers to thousands of miles of wilderness exploration. The Kinzua Reservoir, a magnificent body of water carved into the ancient Allegheny plateau, dominates the scenery and shapes the character of this remarkable region. Dense forest ecosystems surround the area, creating a tapestry of biodiversity that has thrived here for centuries.
Advertisement
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for the campground.
Sites SizeSites are described as small, accommodating no more than two tents per site according to user reviews.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies as some campsites are noted for being near scenic views and others are clustered together.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers are advised to bring a water purification system, toilet paper, and sturdy footwear for uphill trail sections.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites are small and can accommodate up to two tents.
Groups
Group sites are not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are rustic, relatively small, and level, with clearings for tents. Some campsites are better suited for hammocks.
Reservation PlatformsPayment is available through the Recreation.gov mobile app using the Scan and Pay feature. Advance reservation options are not specified.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with no advance reservations available for individual campsites.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations for first-come, first-served campsites using Scan and Pay are not permitted. For reservable sites, cancellations incur a $10 fee and may forfeit the first night's fee if canceled late.
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available, with access to the Kinzua Reservoir. Specific details about fish species are not provided.Boating
The campground is accessible by boat, approximately one mile from the Roper Hollow Boat Launch. There are no boat docks at the campground.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include black bears and toads as noted by campers. The area provides a natural environment for observing local fauna.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned at this campground.Water Sports
Campers mentioned kayaking and canoeing as water activities due to the proximity to the Kinzua Reservoir.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted at designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsSafety concerns include hornets nests near campsites, occasional black bear sightings, and steep drop-offs near the reservoir.
Weather at Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground
30
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
Powered by AI weather analysis
Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely in Bradford, PA, approximately 30 miles away, which includes a hospital and police station.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information is provided about trash and recycling facilities at this campground.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is adjacent to the Kinzua Reservoir, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and scenic views.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include small campsite sizes limiting the number of tents, lack of potable water, and uphill sections on the hiking trail.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.7
10 reviews
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 10 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...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
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." -...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
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 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews were provided.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information about pet policies or experiences is mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5
Last updated December 7, 2025
Advertisement