Minister Creek Campground And Trailhead

Star4.32
109 reviews

Quick Facts

1,339 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Open April 1, 2025 t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly
Get Directions

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
Minister Creek Campground And Trailhead
$12.00 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$12 per night; first-come, first-served. Payment can be made via the Recreation.gov mobile app utilizing the Scan and Pay feature.
Standard Site Fee$12.00
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 109 reviews

101 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanwell-maintainedsites

Some mention

crowdedcell service

"Users consistently praise Minister Creek Campground for its picturesque setting, proximity to the Minister Creek Trail System, and rustic charm. Many highlight the importance of arriving early due to the limited number of sites (6). Common sentiments include appreciation for the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Minister Creek Campground And Trailhead

41.6214, -79.1544


Best Time to Camp at Minister Creek Campground And Trailhead

Minister Creek transforms with the seasons, offering a different magic throughout the year. Late fall and early winter cast a particularly enchanting spell, when delicate snowflakes dust the forest canopy and frost crystals sparkle on moss-covered boulders. During warmer months, the forest comes alive with activity—though visitors should come prepared with insect repellent as the thriving ecosystem includes its share of bugs. The campground exists within active black bear territory, adding an element of wild authenticity to your stay. Proper food storage in bear-proof containers or suspended bear bags isn't just recommended—it's essential for both your safety and the bears' wellbeing.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open in summer with good trails and creek access, but can be busy and sites fill early.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Late fall is highlighted as especially beautiful; foliage and early snow add scenic charm.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens April 1; trails and creekside scenery make spring pleasant though some mud possible.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Nov 1–Mar 31 (open Apr–Oct).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025.

About Minister Creek Campground And Trailhead

Tucked away in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest, Minister Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This intimate hideaway features just six first-come, first-served campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with fire rings and picnic tables for those memorable evenings under the stars. The rustic charm extends to basic pit toilets, maintaining the campground's connection to nature while providing essential amenities. What truly sets Minister Creek apart is its prime position along the bubbling creek and its role as a gateway to adventure—campers wake up with direct access to the renowned Minister Creek Trail System, where the North, Middle, and South Loops weave through some of Pennsylvania's most stunning backcountry.
Minister Creek Campground is a small, rustic camping location offering basic facilities. It is well-suited for tent camping and small RVs, although there are no hookups available. The campground is especially popular among those seeking a secluded, natural camping experience.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
No more than 14 consecutive days in a 30-day window.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Camping at Minister Creek Campground is complemented by access to excellent hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and stunning scenery. The nearby Minister Creek Trail System offers multiple loops for hiking, including the North Loop, Middle Loop, and South Loop. These trails are noted for their impressive natural features such as giant boulder outcroppings, ferns, and scenic overlooks.
HikingThe Minister Creek Trail System offers direct access to the North, Middle, and South loops. These trails are well-maintained and feature highlights such as the Minister Valley Overlook, boulder outcroppings, and diverse vegetation. Trails cater to various skill levels, and the loops can be combined into longer hikes.
FishingFishing is available in Minister Creek, which runs near the campground. Specific details about fish species are not provided, but the setting is described as serene and ideal for fishing enthusiasts.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as black bears are present, and visitors are strongly advised to store food securely. The campground offers opportunities to observe other fauna in the area, but specific species are not detailed.
Winter Activities
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears are present in the area, requiring campers to practice safe food storage. Bugs are also prevalent, especially in warmer months, making insect repellent essential.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Minister Creek Campground And Trailhead

Reviews

4.3
109 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Minister Creek Campground And Trailhead is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users consistently praise Minister Creek Campground for its picturesque setting, proximity to the Minister Creek Trail System, and rustic charm. Many highlight the importance of arriving early due to the limited number of sites (6). Common sentiments include appreciation for the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty.
Review Summaries
Based on 109 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention the scenic beauty of the creekside sites, well-maintained trails, and the overall tranquility of the area. The vault toilets are also noted as clean, adding to the...
Show more
Based on 109 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the lack of cell service, issues with directions leading to dirt roads, and occasional crowding due to the small number of sites. Some users reported disturbances such as noise or...
Show more
Based on 109 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing an Atlas or offline map for navigation, arriving early to secure a site, and preparing for a fully 'off-grid' experience with no cell service. They also advise packing...
Show more
Based on 109 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as being especially beautiful during late fall and early winter, with snow adding to the scenic charm. During summer, the site can become busy, particularly with people...
Show more
Based on 109 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Absolutely stunning place to stay for rustic camping. Very hard to find without a map." - Annaka Jane "Minister Creek is lovely and our site was great. The location has a remote deep woods feel." -...
Show more
Based on 109 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight that three campsites are creekside and offer the best views. Creekside sites are particularly recommended for their seclusion and scenic beauty.
Based on 109 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews are mentioned.
Based on 109 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences are provided.
Based on 109 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Minister Creek Campground And Trailhead? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Campgrounds
Minister Creek Campground And Trailhead