Oil Creek State Park

4.67

24 reviews

305 State Park Road, OIL CITY, Pennsylvania, 16301, United States

Great Hiking

Featured in:Hiking Camping Pennsylvania#3 Winter Camping Pennsylvania Forest Camping Pennsylvania +4 more

Quick Facts

1,076 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

: null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,076 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

: null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Opens Direct Line site

Official Website

Get Directions

Oil Creek State Park

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

: null

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 24 reviews

711 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendlywell-maintainedsites

"Reviews highly praise Oil Creek State Park for its scenic beauty, well-maintained trails, and historical significance. The Adirondack shelters and the Gerard Hiking Trail receive particular acclaim. However, some complaints arise about ticks, uneven tent sites, and limited water supply."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

305 State Park Road, OIL CITY, Pennsylvania, 16301, United States

Oil Creek State Park

305 State Park Road, OIL CITY, Pennsylvania, 16301, United States

Driving directionsBetween Drake Well Museum and Titusville to the north, and Oil City four miles to the south, the main entrance to the park is off PA 8, one mile north of the Borough of Rouseville. 8 miles to Drake Well/Titusville, 4 miles to Oil City.

The campground is accessible via PA 8, with straightforward driving directions provided from nearby locations. No mention of seasonal closures, unpaved roads, or challenging terrain.

Nearby places

Oil City: 4 miles

Drake Well/Titusville: 8 miles

Nearby supplies

: null

Best Time to Camp at Oil Creek State Park

Experience the dramatic seasonal shifts that define Pennsylvania's wilderness, where crisp autumn air gives way to winter's crystalline beauty. As temperatures dance between cool and freezing throughout the colder months, the park transforms into a serene winter wonderland. Snow blankets the historic trails while occasional rain creates a mystical atmosphere among the bare trees. Wise adventurers come prepared with warm layers and appreciate the welcoming glow of a campfire—essential comforts when nature shows her more temperamental side. The park's shelters become especially inviting during these months, offering cozy refuges where the crackle of burning firewood mingles with stories of the day's adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Summer sees more ticks and some limited water availability per reviews; still good trails.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall ideal for hiking and historical exploration; scenic autumn foliage frequently praised.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring recommended for hiking and exploration; trails well-maintained after winter.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 7% in PA

Winter praised for cross-country skiing, scenic views and winter-capable shelters with firewood.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: : null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: : null
Current Alerts: : null

About Oil Creek State Park

Where history meets wilderness, Oil Creek State Park stands as a testament to America's industrial past and nature's enduring beauty. This remarkable destination seamlessly blends outdoor adventure with fascinating heritage, offering visitors miles of scenic hiking trails that wind through forests once bustling with oil derricks. Whether you're shouldering a backpack for a multi-day trek or settling into one of the park's rustic lean-to shelters for the night, you'll discover a landscape that tells the extraordinary story of the world's first oil boom while providing endless opportunities for modern-day exploration.

Oil Creek State Park specializes in rustic and primitive accommodations, including backpacking shelters and group camping areas. There is an emphasis on minimal facility camping, historical exploration, and outdoor recreation.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time to the birthplace of the modern petroleum industry, where black gold once flowed and fortunes were made overnight. Oil Creek State Park preserves the remarkable legacy of 19th-century oil boomtowns that sprang up like mushrooms after rain, bringing you face-to-face with authentic oil wells and the ingenious early transportation systems that moved this precious commodity to market. As you explore, you'll encounter interpretive displays that bring to life the grit, determination, and innovation of the wildcatters who transformed this peaceful valley into the epicenter of a global industry. It's a place where every trail tells a story and every artifact whispers of the dramatic boom that changed the world.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal shifts that define Pennsylvania's wilderness, where crisp autumn air gives way to winter's crystalline beauty. As temperatures dance between cool and freezing throughout the colder months, the park transforms into a serene winter wonderland. Snow blankets the historic trails while occasional rain creates a mystical atmosphere among the bare trees. Wise adventurers come prepared with warm layers and appreciate the welcoming glow of a campfire—essential comforts when nature shows her more temperamental side. The park's shelters become especially inviting during these months, offering cozy refuges where the crackle of burning firewood mingles with stories of the day's adventures.

ElevationThe park's varied terrain creates natural amphitheaters and scenic overlooks throughout the valley, offering hikers diverse perspectives of this historic landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryOil Creek Valley unfolds like a natural masterpiece, where dramatic steep hillsides plunge toward tranquil wetlands and the meandering creek that gives the park its name. This serpentine waterway has spent millennia carving its path through the landscape, creating a stunning tapestry of ecological diversity. Peaceful meadows give way to dense forests, while hidden wetlands harbor fascinating wildlife and delicate wildflowers. The interplay of water, stone, and vegetation creates ever-changing vistas that captivate photographers and nature lovers alike. Here, the gentle babble of Oil Creek provides a soothing soundtrack to your adventures, while the surrounding hills offer both challenging climbs and rewarding views.

Geological RegionNestled within Oil Creek Valley—forever etched in history as the site of the world's first commercial oil well—this geological wonderland showcases nature's architectural prowess. Deep hollows carved by ancient waters create dramatic ravines between steep hillsides, while pockets of pristine wetlands dot the valley floor like emerald jewels. The creek itself serves as the valley's lifeblood, its persistent flow having sculpted this remarkable landscape over countless centuries. This unique topography not only created the perfect conditions for oil formation millions of years ago but continues to offer modern visitors a diverse playground of ridges, valleys, and waterways that change character with every bend in the trail.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

8:00 AM

Check-out

10:00 PM

Stay Limit

:null

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 not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutNo specific layout information provided.

Reservation Platforms: null

Walk-in Availability: null

Cancellation PolicyThis permit may not be assigned or transferred. Violations of conditions could result in permit revocation and immediate eviction.

AccessibilityThe park provides well-maintained trails with clear markings, making them accessible for a wide range of hikers. Specific accessibility features for disabilities are not detailed.

Site SizeThe Adirondack shelters are spacious, and the campground has flat areas ideal for scout groups. Some areas for tent camping are not flat, affecting comfort.

PrivacyThe park's campsites are described as peaceful, with some shelters providing a private and restful environment.

Recommended SitesChoose shelters for winter camping to ensure flat ground and protection against snow.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Firewood available

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Oil Creek State Park offers a range of outdoor activities that emphasize historical exploration and outdoor recreation. Popular activities include hiking along the Gerard Hiking Trail, cross-country skiing, backpack camping in Adirondack shelters, and fishing in the park's creeks. The park's historical significance as the site of the first commercial oil well provides additional educational value.

HikingThe park features the 36-mile Gerard Hiking Trail, which offers moderate to strenuous hiking experiences. Trails are well-maintained and clearly marked, with access to multiple trailheads. Historical remnants of the oil boomtown era are scattered along the trails.

FishingFishing is available in the park, with creeks offering good opportunities. A user highlighted great fishing in the DHALO section but noted issues with fishing regulations not being enforced.

BikingThe park has a 10-mile paved bike trail that is almost entirely shaded, providing a comfortable riding experience.

BoatingCanoeing opportunities are available, and a website is suggested for checking water levels to ensure safe boating conditions.

Wildlife viewingThe park provides ample opportunities for observing deer and other wildlife in its natural habitat. However, users warn about the presence of deer ticks and recommend periodic checks.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe park offers interpretive programs about the oil industry's history, including guided backpacking tours led by park education specialists.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews indicate deer ticks are a concern, requiring periodic self-checks.

Active Alerts: null

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in Adirondack shelters equipped with fireplaces and stocked with firewood.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM

Emergency Services: null

Trash & RecyclingNo detailed information about trash and recycling facilities available from either authoritative content or user reviews.

Water FeaturesCreeks and streams are described as being abundant throughout the park.

Camp HostUsers praise park rangers and education specialists for being helpful and informative.

Weather at Oil Creek State Park

Reviews

4.7

24 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Reviews highly praise Oil Creek State Park for its scenic beauty, well-maintained trails, and historical significance. The Adirondack shelters and the Gerard Hiking Trail receive particular acclaim. However, some complaints arise about ticks, uneven tent sites, and limited water supply.

Review Summaries

Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

- Scenic and clean park - Well-maintained trails and clear markings - Excellent shelters equipped with fireplaces and firewood - Historical sites scattered throughout the park - Friendly and helpful...

Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

- Presence of deer ticks, with several reviewers noting tick bites - Limited and uneven tent camping areas at Wolfkiel and Cowrun campgrounds - Some issues with fishing regulations enforcement

Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Check for ticks regularly during hikes and camping - Opt for Adirondack shelters for a more comfortable camping experience - Utilize the park's website for water-level updates when planning...

Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

- Winter: Praised for cross-country skiing and scenic views - Spring/Fall: Ideal for hiking and historical exploration - Summer: Ticks are more prevalent, and water availability may be limited

Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The backpacking shelters are one of my favorite places to camp.' – Shawn Cubbon 2. 'Bathrooms available at both sites as well as water in the warmer months.' – Joseph Huber 3. 'Cool little bits...

Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Adirondack shelters: Highly recommended for their comfort and readiness, including firewood - Wolfkiel and Cowrun campgrounds: Criticized for uneven tent camping areas

Based on 24 reviews