Minister Creek Campground And Trailhead
4.6429 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
$12/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Open April 1, 2025 t...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$12/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
6 campsites
Season
Open April 1, 2025 t...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsMinister 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
Total Campsite Fees$12.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
4.64
Top-Rated
Based on 29 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."
Fees & Passes at Minister Creek Campground And Trailhead
$12/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: No more than 14 consecutive days in a 30-day window.
Cancellation: Cancellations are subject to a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur additional fees, including forfeiti...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.
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.
Best
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Weather and SeasonsMinister 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.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape that feels untouched by time, where towering conifers create a natural cathedral overhead and soft beds of ferns carpet the forest floor. Minister Creek Campground immerses you in a deep-woods sanctuary where ancient boulders, some the size of small cabins, emerge from the earth like sleeping giants clothed in emerald moss. The namesake Minister Creek provides both a soothing soundtrack and prime real estate—several campsites nestle right along its banks, allowing you to fall asleep to the gentle murmur of flowing water. This pristine setting serves as your personal basecamp for exploring the surrounding trail network, where each path reveals new perspectives of this remarkable Pennsylvania wilderness.
Geological RegionAllegheny National Forest
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Campsite details
AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features are not mentioned. The campground's rustic nature may limit accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeSites are described as level, with fire rings and picnic tables. Some sites are creekside and offer a secluded feel, while others are closer to the road. There are no extra-large or pull-through sites.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies, with some sites being more secluded than others. Reviews suggest arriving early to secure the best spots.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early to secure the best campsites, such as those along the creek. Privacy and shade vary by site.
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.
Groups
No designated group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made on-site using the Scan and Pay feature of the Recreation.gov mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and does not allow reservations in advance.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur additional fees, including forfeiting the first night's use fee.
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Fishing 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 viewing
Wildlife 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
The campground has been described as beautiful during late fall and early winter, with snow adding to its charm. However, no specific winter activities like skiing or snowshoeing are mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within the provided fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack 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.
Weather at Minister Creek Campground And Trailhead
32
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 85%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
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Reveal forecast
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1, 2025 to October 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned. Visitors should prepare to pack out all waste given the remote nature of the campground.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located along Minister Creek, offering creekside campsites.
Common complaintsComplaints include difficulty finding the campground without a map or atlas, lack of cell service, high chances of the area being crowded, and some minor safety concerns such as hearing gunshots at night.
Campground Map
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
29 reviews
Minister Creek Campground And Trailhead is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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 29 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...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
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." -...
Based on 29 reviewsShow more
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 29 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are mentioned.
Based on 29 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or experiences are provided.
Based on 29 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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