How much does camping cost at Ole Bull State Park?

Camping fees at Ole Bull State Park range from $5/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ole Bull State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Ole Bull 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 Ole Bull State Park before I book?

Yes! Ole Bull 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 Ole Bull State Park?

Ole Bull State Park is open Park operates from the first weekend in April through mid-October for reservations.. 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 Ole Bull State Park?

Yes, Ole Bull 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 Ole Bull State Park?

Fire policies at Ole Bull State Park: Campfires are allowed; firewood bundles are sold for $5 each.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Ole Bull State Park have?

Ole Bull State Park has 81 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ole Bull State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ole Bull 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 Ole Bull State Park?

Ole Bull State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ole Bull State Park?

Popular activities at Ole Bull State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ole Bull State Park

4.53

101 reviews

31 Valhalla Lane, CROSS FORK, Pennsylvania, 17729, United States

Fishing

Featured in:Fishing Camping Pennsylvania#1 Mountain Camping Pennsylvania#3 Best Campgrounds Pennsylvania#3 +12 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,224 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

81 campsites

Season

Park operates from t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Pennsylvania State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,224 ft

Price

$5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

81 campsites

Season

Park operates from t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Pennsylvania State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Ole Bull State Park

$5.00 - $5.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Firewood bundles are sold for $5 each. There is no mention of other fees in the authoritative sources.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

8144355000

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Campground Map

31 Valhalla Lane, CROSS FORK, Pennsylvania, 17729, United States

Ole Bull State Park

31 Valhalla Lane, CROSS FORK, Pennsylvania, 17729, United States

Nearby places

Galeton (18 miles), Renovo (26 miles)

Nearby supplies

Nearest convenience store is Kinney’s Country Store, located 6.5 miles away at 25 Main St, Cross Fork, PA 17729.

Weather at Ole Bull State Park

Best Time to Camp at Ole Bull State Park

Fall brings the best conditions. Daytime temperatures hit the mid-40s to mid-60s°F, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. The hardwood canopy explodes in color, and trout fishing improves as water cools. Summer nights stay surprisingly cool, often below 60°F, which keeps bugs manageable except during Father's Day weekend when flies become a nuisance. Spring sees frequent rain. Winter offers solitude but requires cold-weather gear.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall highlighted as the best time: vivid foliage, ideal temps, and improved trout fishing.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Park operates from the first weekend in April through mid-October for reservations.

About Ole Bull State Park

Ole Bull State Park sits along Kettle Creek in Potter County's Black Forest region, offering 81 campsites across 132 acres of dense hardwood forest. The park charges $5 per night and provides modern amenities including flush toilets, hot showers, and electric hookups. Cell service is essentially nonexistent, so download maps and entertainment before arrival.

Ole Bull State Park accommodates a variety of camping styles, including tent, RV, and group camping. The sites are set in a scenic, forested area along Kettle Creek.

Historical Significance

In the 1850s, Norwegian violinist Ole Bornemann Bull attempted to establish a utopian Norwegian settlement in this remote valley. The colony failed, but the park preserves his legacy. A monument erected in 2002 marks the site where Bull's countrymen tried to build new lives in the Pennsylvania wilderness.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions. Daytime temperatures hit the mid-40s to mid-60s°F, with nights dropping into the 30s and 40s. The hardwood canopy explodes in color, and trout fishing improves as water cools. Summer nights stay surprisingly cool, often below 60°F, which keeps bugs manageable except during Father's Day weekend when flies become a nuisance. Spring sees frequent rain. Winter offers solitude but requires cold-weather gear.

ElevationThe park's terrain offers a gentle introduction to Pennsylvania's mountainous beauty, with subtle elevation changes that create diverse ecosystems and scenic vistas throughout the property. These natural contours provide both accessible family trails and opportunities for more adventurous exploration.

Natural Features and SceneryKettle Creek cuts through a narrow valley at 1,224 feet elevation, flanked by steep forested slopes that create the area's characteristic dark, enclosed feel. The canopy mixes hemlocks and hardwoods thick enough to earn the Black Forest nickname. Sites are grassy and well-shaded, with the creek offering pools for fishing and a small sandy beach for swimming. Morning mists hang in the valley, and wildlife sightings are common in the dense understory.

Geological RegionOle Bull State Park rests within the dramatic Kettle Creek Valley, a region carved by ancient waters through Potter County's rugged terrain. Known locally as the Black Forest for its impenetrable canopy and wild character, this geological wonderland represents one of Pennsylvania's last great wilderness areas. The mountainous landscape creates a diverse ecosystem where northern and southern species converge, making it a natural crossroads that has captivated visitors since Ole Bull first set eyes on these mysterious, mist-shrouded peaks.

Scenic ViewsQuiet park with picturesque mountain settings next to Kettle Creek.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no mentions of hotel-style lodges or cabins within the park.

Programs & ActivitiesPrograms led by knowledgeable rangers, such as Bryan, are mentioned as a highlight. These include impromptu and scheduled educational sessions.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is allowed as per reservation.

Check-out

Check-out should be completed before vacating the site.

Stay Limit

Reservations for Camp Area 1 are accepted for the first weekend in April through mid-October.

Guests Allowed Per Site

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

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground organizes into loops, with Loop 1 covering sites 1–31 near the restrooms. Sites are spacious with grassy clearings that fit both tents and RVs. Spacing is inconsistent. Some areas feel open, others tight.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation system or online.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific mention of walk-up availability in authoritative sources.

Cancellation PolicyViolations of park rules or conditions may result in immediate revocation of the reservation and requirement to vacate the facility. Specific cancellation deadlines are not provided.

AccessibilityBathrooms and other facilities appear to be accessible, with one review noting their modernity and cleanliness. However, detailed ADA compliance information is not provided.

Site SizeSites are described as spacious, with grassy areas and room for both tents and RVs. One review noted, 'Large campsites, well shaded.

PrivacyMixed privacy is reported. While some sites like 57, 58, and 59 are described as secluded, others were noted to be 'a little close together.

Total Campsites81 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites on loop 1 (1–31) for shaded campgrounds and easy restroom access. Sites near the creek offer good views.

Best CampsitesSites 57, 58, and 59 get repeated praise for seclusion and beach access. Loop 1 (sites 1–31) stays shaded and close to restrooms. Some sites sit closer together than others, so privacy varies across the campground.

Need help booking Ole Bull State Park?

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Ole Bull State Park offers a wide range of amenities, including restrooms, showers, fire rings, picnic tables, a swimming area, and hiking and biking trails. The campground is described as clean and well-maintained by multiple user reviews. Laundry facilities are not available on-site, and the nearest hospital is more than 10 miles away.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ole Bull State Park is popular for its nature-centric recreational offerings, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The park also provides opportunities for biking and educational programs.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo cell service in or around the park. Kettle Creek runs through the campground, which may pose water hazards for children.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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 are allowed; firewood bundles are sold for $5 each.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 9 PM to 8 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest urgent care is in Coudersport.

Trash & RecyclingTrash cans and recycling facilities are available, though details on pickup schedules and specific locations are not provided.

Water FeaturesKettle Creek runs through the park, offering opportunities for fishing and wading. Swimming is available at the sandy beach area.

Camp HostHosts are friendly and helpful, per multiple user reviews. Merv and Audrey are mentioned for their assistance.

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

4.5

101 reviews

Top-Rated

Ole Bull State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Ole Bull State Park receives highly positive reviews for its cleanliness, natural beauty, and family-friendly environment. However, some concerns include limited privacy in certain campsites and a lack of cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 101 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and modern restrooms, well-maintained facilities, friendly staff, excellent fishing opportunities, and scenic hiking trails are frequently praised. The quiet atmosphere and opportunities for...

Based on 101 reviews

Common Concerns

Wet firewood, occasional rude behavior from other campers, lack of cell service, and issues with quiet hours enforcement were pointed out. Some reviews mentioned construction disturbances and limited...

Based on 101 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 57, 58, and 59 are described as secluded and favorites among visitors. Group site 2 is mentioned as good for stargazing.

Based on 101 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all essentials, including gas, food, and firewood, as resources are limited nearby. Download GPS directions and entertainment beforehand due to lack of cell service. Prepare for cold...

Based on 101 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is highlighted as an idyllic time for camping due to the beautiful foliage and quiet atmosphere. Summer reviews note busy weekends and colder-than-expected nights.

Based on 101 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bathrooms were immaculate. Shower was hot, and had better water pressure than my shower at home!' 2. 'It's the perfect place to disconnect from reality and technology. There is no cell service...

Based on 101 reviews

Accessibility Features

While detailed feedback on accessibility is limited, the modern and clean facilities suggest some level of accessibility. Bathrooms are frequently praised as being well-maintained.

Based on 101 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed in designated areas. One reviewer appreciated the separation of dog-friendly and non-dog areas across the creek, stating it allowed them to enjoy their time without worrying about...

Based on 101 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fall weekends are the sweet spot here. The hardwood canopy turns, trout fishing picks up as water cools, and the valley mist makes mornings genuinely atmospheric. Sites 57, 58, and 59 are the most secluded picks. Rangers run solid wildlife programs and the creek has a kids' fishi

Skip if

No cell service is total here, not spotty. Remote workers and anyone who needs a signal should know that going in. Bring your own dry firewood and top off your gas tank before arriving, since the nearest supplies are 6.5 miles out and the nearest urgent care is in Coudersport.

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