Loleta Recreation

Star4.25
199 reviews
131 SMOKEY LANE
Fishing

Quick Facts

1,391 ft

Price

$12 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open from May 25 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Allegheny Site Management site

Official Website
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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
Loleta Recreation
$12.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Electric: $25 during peak season, $21 during first-come, first-served season. Tent-Only Non-Electric: $16 during peak season, $12 during...
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Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$25.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$80.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
814-927-6628LoletaCamp2023@gmail.com
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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 199 reviews

135 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietspaciousfriendlysites

Some mention

cell service

"Overall, user reviews highlight the peaceful and scenic setting of the campground, though some visitors have noted issues with maintenance and amenities. The upper loop is praised for its privacy and seclusion, while the lower loop is appreciated for its accessibility and developed facilities."

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Campground Map

131 SMOKEY LANE

Loleta Recreation

131 SMOKEY LANE

Driving directionsFrom the west, take I-80 east to Clarion, Pennsylvania. Turn left onto State Route 66 and continue northeast to Marienville. Turn right on South Forest Street and go south 6 miles to the Loleta Campground entrance sign. From the north, take State Route 66 to Marienville, turn left on South Forest Street and go 6 miles south to the Loleta Campground entrance sign. From the east, take I-80 west to the PA-36 exit towards Sigel/Brookville. Turn right onto PA-36 and take it to PA-949. Turn right on PA-949 to Bridge Road and cross the Clarion National Wild & Scenic River. Turn left onto River Road then right onto Gregg Hill Road. At the end of Gregg Hill Road, take a slight left onto Loleta Road/SR3002 and follow it to the campground entrance sign.
Road access is seasonally dependent and features narrow, steep roads that may be difficult for larger vehicles. Access from the south is not recommended for RVs or trailers due to terrain.
Nearby places
Marienville (6 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Clarion (35 miles, approximately 50 minutes), Cook Forest State Park (16 miles, approximately 25 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Firewood and ice are available in Marienville (6 miles away). Nearby supplies include gas stations and grocery stores in Marienville.

Best Time to Camp at Loleta Recreation

Experience the full spectrum of Pennsylvania's mountain seasons at Loleta, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer brings perfect camping weather with mild temperatures ideal for swimming and hiking, while early spring and late fall adventurers should come prepared for crisp, freezing nights that make morning campfires especially welcoming. The shoulder seasons offer their own rewards—fewer crowds and spectacular displays of wildflowers or autumn foliage.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers swimming and peak camping; reviewers note perfect weather but higher crowds and maintenance issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall foliage and quieter stays; services may be reduced but scenery and solitude improve.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring is quieter with good scenery, but some amenities (running water) may be limited early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed during winter months (open May 25–Oct 10).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 25, 2025 - September 4, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 25 to October 10 annually, with peak season lasting from May 25 to September 4.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal closures affect swimming areas due to bacteria levels, and vault toilets may have odor issues.

About Loleta Recreation

Discover your perfect outdoor retreat at Loleta Recreation Campground, where crystal-clear swimming holes beckon on warm afternoons and the gentle murmur of Millstone Creek provides nature's soundtrack. Whether you prefer the simplicity of primitive camping or the convenience of developed sites, this beloved destination draws families and fishing enthusiasts alike with its promise of tranquility and adventure. Cast a line into pristine waters, explore winding forest trails, or simply unwind in this peaceful mountain sanctuary.
The Loleta Recreation Campground caters to different types of camping experiences, from primitive tent camping to RV sites with electric hookups. Group camping options are also available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time is officially at 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive nights allowed during peak season.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

This campground provides a wide range of recreational activities that cater to both active and leisurely campers. Swimming, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing are some of the key highlights noted by visitors.
HikingA 3-mile hiking trail starts and ends within the campground, passing a rock outcrop on the edge of the Millstone Valley. The trail offers scenic views and a moderate hiking experience.
FishingFishing is allowed in Millstone Creek, which has a thriving population of native brook trout and is periodically stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Game Commission. "Fishing in the stream was a highlight of our trip."
SwimmingThe Day Use area features a small swimming and wading area created by a Civilian Conservation Corps dam. However, the swimming area is closed between Memorial Day and Labor Day for safety reasons.
BikingBiking opportunities are available along paved roads near the nearby Clarion National Wild and Scenic River, offering scenic views and a pleasant ride.
BoatingThe Clarion River, located nearby, offers options for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. However, specific boating facilities or rentals are not provided at the campground.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as white-tailed deer, black bears, turkeys, and smaller mammals are commonly spotted in the area. "A bald eagle landed 20 feet away from our campsite."
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include black bears and rattlesnakes. Terrain challenges such as steep grades may affect vehicle access.
Active AlertsSeasonal closures affect swimming areas due to bacteria levels, and vault toilets may have odor issues.

Weather at Loleta Recreation

Reviews

4.3
199 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Loleta Recreation is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews highlight the peaceful and scenic setting of the campground, though some visitors have noted issues with maintenance and amenities. The upper loop is praised for its privacy and seclusion, while the lower loop is appreciated for its accessibility and developed facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 199 reviews

What Campers Love

Common positive themes include the scenic beauty, spacious sites, friendly hosts, and a good range of recreational options. "The campground is quiet, serene, and perfect for camping."
Based on 199 reviews

Common Concerns

Key complaints involve dirty or malfunctioning facilities, such as showers and vault toilets, and issues with campsite maintenance, including steep or muddy sites. "Vault bathrooms smelled horrible,...
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Based on 199 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Check the site map before booking to avoid steep or problematic sites. Bring insect repellent and your own drinking water during the off-season when running water is turned off. Avoid sites near...
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Based on 199 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak summer months, the campground can get crowded, and maintenance issues are more noticeable. Spring and fall offer quieter stays but may lack full amenities like running water.
Based on 199 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Dead quiet, really feels like you’re out in the woods." - John Thorp "We saw lots of wildlife over the weekend, deer, turkeys, a raccoon, birds, and butterflies." - Samantha Krawczak "The campground...
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Based on 199 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 27 is noted as private and easy to back into, while site 25 has a steep grade unsuitable for trailers over 16 feet. Sites in the upper loop (e.g., site 10) are praised for seclusion.
Based on 199 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited. Flush toilets and showers are available but require a walk to the Day Use area. Vault toilets are closer but less accessible due to odors.
Based on 199 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Some reviews mention that pets are not allowed in swimming areas.
Based on 199 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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