How much does camping cost at Simon B Elliott State Park?

Camping fees at Simon B Elliott State Park range from $28-$60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Simon B Elliott State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Simon B Elliott State Park 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 Simon B Elliott State Park before I book?

Yes! Simon B Elliott State Park has 1 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. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Simon B Elliott State Park?

Simon B Elliott State Park is open Year-round access, with peak activities in summer and winter snowmobiling season.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Simon B Elliott State Park?

Yes, Simon B Elliott State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Simon B Elliott State Park?

Fire policies at Simon B Elliott State Park: Campfires allowed; firewood is available for purchase at $5 per bundle.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Simon B Elliott State Park?

Cell phone service at Simon B Elliott State Park is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Simon B Elliott State Park have?

Simon B Elliott State Park has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Simon B Elliott State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Simon B Elliott State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Simon B Elliott State Park?

Simon B Elliott State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Simon B Elliott State Park

4.20

50 reviews

C/O PARKER DAM STATE PARK, PENFIELD, Pennsylvania, 15849, United States

Top 14% in PAWinter

Featured in:Hiking Camping Pennsylvania

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,152 ft

Price

$28 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Pennsylvania State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,152 ft

Price

$28 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Pennsylvania State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Simon B Elliott State Park

$28.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabins cost $60 for two days, according to reviews. Tent camping for non-residents costs $29.50 according to user feedback.

Standard Site Fee$28.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$5.00

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8147650630

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Campground Map

C/O PARKER DAM STATE PARK, PENFIELD, Pennsylvania, 15849, United States

Simon B Elliott State Park

C/O PARKER DAM STATE PARK, PENFIELD, Pennsylvania, 15849, United States

Nearby places

Clearfield (9 miles, approximately 15 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Supplies such as groceries, camping supplies, and laundromats are available within 10 miles at Parker Dam State Park.

Weather at Simon B Elliott State Park

Best Time to Camp at Simon B Elliott State Park

Fall delivers the best conditions: daytime highs between 45 and 60°F, nights dropping into the 30s, and peak color through the oak and hardwood canopy. The swamp meadows frame foliage views that attract far fewer crowds than better-known Pennsylvania leaf spots. Weekdays stay quiet even during peak color. Summer brings warm days and cool nights for sleeping. Winter opens snowmobile trails through the forest and across frozen meadows. Bring layers year-round at this elevation.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall called best season: peak color, pleasant temps, and excellent photo opportunities.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Year-round access, with peak activities in summer and winter snowmobiling season.

About Simon B Elliott State Park

Simon B. Elliott State Park sits in Moshannon State Forest near Clearfield, where swamp meadows punctuate second-growth hardwood and oak stands. The 25-site campground runs $28-60/night and welcomes tents, RVs, and pets. Cell service works here. Civilian Conservation Corps stone and timber buildings dot the grounds, though campers come for the quiet more than the amenities.

Simon B. Elliott State Park offers a variety of camping styles, including primitive, tent, and cabin camping.

Historical Significance

Civilian Conservation Corps crews built the park's stone and timber structures during the Depression. Some buildings sit unused now but show the craftsmanship of that era. The CCC architecture gives the park its rustic character, though facilities feel dated compared to modern campgrounds.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions: daytime highs between 45 and 60°F, nights dropping into the 30s, and peak color through the oak and hardwood canopy. The swamp meadows frame foliage views that attract far fewer crowds than better-known Pennsylvania leaf spots. Weekdays stay quiet even during peak color. Summer brings warm days and cool nights for sleeping. Winter opens snowmobile trails through the forest and across frozen meadows. Bring layers year-round at this elevation.

ElevationPerched at an ideal elevation for both camping comfort and hiking adventures, the park's terrain offers surprising diversity. The mysterious swamp meadows create pockets of unique lowland ecology, where rare plants thrive and wildlife congregates, providing fascinating contrasts to the surrounding upland forests and adding layers of ecological richness to every outdoor exploration.

Natural Features and ScenerySwamp meadows break up the forested ridges at 2,152 feet, creating wetland pockets surrounded by mixed hardwood and oak. Elk browse the meadows at dawn. Black bears, deer, and chipmunks move through the second-growth timber. The wetlands and forest create distinct edges where wildlife concentrates, especially in early morning.

Geological RegionEmbraced by the vast expanse of Moshannon State Forest, the park occupies a special ecological niche where mysterious swamp meadows punctuate the rolling landscape. These wetland gems, surrounded by a resilient forest of second-growth mixed hardwood and oak timber, create a unique geological tapestry that tells the story of nature's remarkable ability to recover and thrive, offering visitors a glimpse into Pennsylvania's wild heart.

Scenic ViewsPicturesque wooded views and serene swamp areas.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe park offers six rustic cabins equipped with features such as bunk beds, gas stoves, full refrigerators, fireplaces, and gas heat. Visitors must bring their own linens, cookware, and water. Some cabins also feature luxurious private bathrooms with hot showers, described as fully handicap accessible.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Occupants include one person at least 18 years old.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe 25 sites sit close together in a compact layout. Several back into the woods. Sites run small; a few reviewers found them tight for tents, though most manage either tents or campers without issue. Privacy is limited compared to more dispersed campgrounds.

Reservation PlatformsKeys for cabins must be picked up at Parker Dam State Park.

Walk-in AvailabilityQuiet mornings suggest low occupancy rates; only two spots were occupied on a Sunday morning according to a visitor.

Cancellation PolicyRules for permit violations include immediate revocation, citation, or responsibility for damages.

AccessibilityADA-accessible cabins and restrooms are available within the cabin area. Some cabins have fully handicap-accessible bathrooms.

Site SizeSites are generally small and compact. Some reviewers describe the sites as too small for tents, although most have adequate space for either tents or campers.

PrivacyPrivacy at campsites is limited; the campground is described as clustered and lacking seclusion, with many sites backing directly into the woods.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the woods provide privacy; cabins include private bathrooms and hot showers.

Best CampsitesCabins get positive reviews for privacy and accessibility. Some tent sites back directly into the woods for a bit more seclusion, though the campground overall feels clustered rather than spread out.

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Simon B. Elliott State Park offers a rustic camping experience with facilities catering to both cabin renters and tent campers. The park includes ADA-accessible cabins and restrooms in the cabin area, flush toilets in the campground, and pit toilets near the rustic cabins. Potable water is available from fresh water pumps distributed throughout the campground. Firewood bundles are sold for $5.00 on-site, but campers can also gather downed limbs for fires. A dump station is provided for RVs, but no RV-specific hookups are available. While there is no Wi-Fi, cell phone service is noted as being available by some reviewers.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

A range of outdoor activities is available for campers, including hiking, wildlife viewing, and winter sports. While the park is quiet and simple, its trails and natural surroundings provide ample opportunities for nature exploration.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPredominance of wildlife including bears and snakes; highway noise from I-80.

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed; firewood is available for purchase at $5 per bundle.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 9 PM to 8 AM

Emergency ServicesEmergency services would be accessible through nearby Clearfield, which has hospitals and ranger stations.

Trash & RecyclingOn-site trash and recycling facilities are available. Campers are required to clean and properly dispose of waste before vacating their sites.

Water FeaturesSome swamp meadows and groundwater sources present.

Camp HostCampground host site is the only one with hookups, per user feedback.

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available according to user reviews, making it convenient for campers needing connectivity.

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.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

50 reviews

Satisfactory

Simon B Elliott State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the park’s rustic charm, quiet atmosphere, and suitability for those seeking a simple camping experience. While some facilities are described as outdated, the park’s natural beauty and serenity are widely appreciated.

Review Summaries

Based on 50 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the park’s peaceful setting, ADA-accessible facilities, well-maintained cabins, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The hiking trails and proximity to nature also...

Based on 50 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include road noise from nearby Interstate 80, outdated facilities, lack of on-site showers for campers (excluding cabin guests), and limited privacy between campsites. Additionally,...

Based on 50 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No detailed reviews specifying the best or worst individual campsites were provided.

Based on 50 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, especially for cabin stays, as there is no camp store on-site. Firewood can be collected from downed limbs or purchased. Early morning hikes are...

Based on 50 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews frequently note the park’s tranquility and natural beauty. Winter reviews highlight the park’s suitability for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Interstate noise is a consistent...

Based on 50 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Small rustic 25 site campground. All non-electric and pet-friendly." "Beautiful wooded area, stayed at cabin in woods. It was so rustic and charming!" "Great cell service. Nice private...

Based on 50 reviews

Accessibility Features

Positive feedback on ADA-accessible cabins and restrooms. Fully accessible bathrooms in some cabins were described as luxurious.

Based on 50 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-friendly camping is available, and all campsites accommodate pets. However, reviewers recommend ensuring pets are kept in designated areas as per park rules.

Based on 50 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fall foliage seekers and wildlife watchers who want early-morning elk sightings without fighting weekend crowds. The swamp meadow edges concentrate deer and birds at dawn, the 3-mile trail starts right at camp, and weekday fall sites stay genuinely uncrowded.

Skip if

I-80 highway noise is a real issue reviewers mention consistently, and tent campers won't get shower access unless they book a cabin. Sites are tight and close together, so anyone expecting seclusion will be disappointed.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.5

(132)

Parker Dam State Park

28 FAIRVIEW RD, PENFIELD, Pennsylvania, 15849, United States

Parker Dam State Park sits within 968 acres of Moshannon State Forest in Northern Clearfield County, offering tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and primitive camping around a small dam-created lake. The park is a gateway to the remote Quehanna Wilderness and Pennsylvania elk country. Sites run $5-75 per night. Cell service is nonexistent.