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66 campgrounds and RV Parks near Johnsonburg, PA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
66 campgrounds
6134 campsites
113 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Johnsonburg, PA
High Pines RV Park
Kane, PA (15 miles away)
$$$$$
(162 sites)
+10
Elk Crossing 555 Campground
Benezette, PA (19 miles away)
Riverview Campsites
Benezette, PA (19 miles away)
DuBois / Treasure Lake KOA Holiday
DuBois, PA (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+7
Bettum's Idlewood Family Campground
Lewis Run, PA (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(82 sites)
+11
Forest Ridge Campground
Marienville, PA (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
+9
Whispering Winds Campground
Sheffield, PA (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(35 sites)
+9
Majestic Kamp and Lost Trails
Smethport, PA (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(53 sites)
Clear Creek State Park
Pennsylvania (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(52 sites)
+7
Campers Paradise Campground and Cabins
Pennsylvania (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(118 sites)
+10
Pine Acres Golf & RV Resort
Bradford, PA (26 miles away)
Kinzua East KOA
Bradford, PA (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(90 sites)
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Grills Dump station Tables Playground Showers Toilets Firewood Internet Fishing
Campgrounds near Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania
Johnsonburg sits in Elk County in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, a rural corner of northwestern Pennsylvania best known for the state's wild elk herd. The borough is a practical base for RV travelers heading into the surrounding public lands, with private campgrounds within a short drive and dispersed state forest sites accessible on gravel roads to the west and south.
Most RV travelers stage out of full-hookup private parks in the region. High Pines RV Park and Bettum's Idlewood Family Campground are close to town, DuBois / Treasure Lake KOA Holiday sits south along the U.S. 219 corridor, Elk Crossing 555 Campground is positioned along Route 555 toward Benezette, and Riverview Campsites offers riverside sites in the area.
Elk State Forest spans approximately 217,000 acres across Elk, Cameron, Potter, and McKean counties in the Pennsylvania Wilds region. A large portion of Pennsylvania's wild elk herd resides in the area from Benezette east to the Hicks Run watershed. That makes wildlife viewing the defining draw for most trips.
Things to do around Johnsonburg
Elk viewing is the headline activity. The Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette, about half an hour south of Johnsonburg, is the main hub, with viewing meadows most active at dawn and dusk during the September rut. Trout fishing on the Clarion River's East Branch and Bennett Branch, and paddling on quieter stretches, round out water-based options.
The Quehanna Trail and Bucktail Path, which run through Elk State Forest, offer some of the best opportunities for backpacking, and shorter loops off the main trails work well for day hikes. Forest roads open to licensed vehicles give access to vistas along the ridgetops.
Cherry Springs State Park, one of the darkest sky sites on the East Coast, is a reasonable evening drive east for stargazing.
Camping spots and RV parks near Johnsonburg, PA
When to visit and seasonal patterns
- spring
March - May
55° / 36°F 100 mmCampfire restrictions in effect March through May
- summer
June - August
77° / 55°F 115 mmPeak bookings; holiday weekends fill weeks out
- fall
September - November
57° / 37°F 95 mmElk rut and foliage draw peak weekend crowds
- winter
December - February
32° / 19°F 82 mmSnowy; most RV parks closed; forest roads unplowed
The camping season in this part of Pennsylvania runs roughly from mid-April through late October, with private parks setting their own opening and closing dates. Late spring brings green-up and high water on the rivers, and black flies can be noticeable in wooded areas through early June.
Summer is the peak family window. Weekends at private campgrounds book out well in advance around the Fourth of July and Labor Day, and shoulder weekdays are the easiest times to secure a site. September and early October draw the largest crowds of the year for elk rut viewing near Benezette and for fall foliage across the hardwood ridges.
Winter camping is limited. State forest roads do not receive winter maintenance and are not plowed, most private RV parks close after fall, and snow cover is common from December into March. Campfires are prohibited March 1 through May 25 during spring wildfire season without authorization, so plan cooking around camp stoves during that window.
How to book near Johnsonburg
Private campgrounds around Johnsonburg, including High Pines RV Park, Bettum's Idlewood Family Campground, DuBois / Treasure Lake KOA Holiday, Elk Crossing 555 Campground, and Riverview Campsites, are booked directly through each park's website or by phone. Full-hookup and pull-through sites at these parks go first for summer weekends, so lock those in early.
For public land, reservations can be made online at the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation website at any time, or by calling 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757). Reservations for designated motorized and equestrian sites in Elk State Forest are available up to 11 months in advance through pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com. A limit of 7 continuous days of camping applies on state forest land, and camping cannot be resumed until 48 hours have passed.
What to expect on the ground
This is rural, forested terrain. Cell coverage is spotty once travelers leave the U.S. 219 corridor, so downloading offline maps before heading toward Benezette, Hicks Run, or the interior of Elk State Forest is wise. Grocery and fuel stops are concentrated in Johnsonburg, Ridgway, and St. Marys.
Roads into state forest sites are gravel and can be narrow with tight turns, which matters for larger Class A or long fifth-wheel rigs. There are no modern facilities, water, dump stations, or utility hook-ups on state forest lands, so RVs need to arrive self-contained. Private parks near town and along U.S. 219 handle bigger rigs without issue. Expect deer and elk on roadways at dawn and dusk, and drive accordingly. Bears are present in the region, so store food and trash securely.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Johnsonburg, PA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Johnsonburg, PA?
Good news: an RV rental in Johnsonburg is one of the most affordable ways to explore the Pennsylvania Wilds. On RVezy, travel trailers in the Johnsonburg area typically run about $90 to $175 per night, Class C motorhomes land around $175 to $295 per night, and larger Class A rigs can reach $300 plus. You'll save the most by booking midweek, traveling in May or late September when Elk County is gorgeous but quieter, and choosing a travel trailer if you already have a tow vehicle. Pro tip: rates spike during the fall elk rut and Ridgway's Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous in February, so lock in your dates early for a cheap RV rental Johnsonburg travelers actually rave about.
visitpago.com/counties/elk-county/johnsonburg-wilcox/Do I need a special license to rent an RV in Johnsonburg, PA?
Great news for first-time renters: your regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Johnsonburg, PA. Pennsylvania does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or any special endorsement for motorhomes or trailers commonly listed on RVezy, including Class A, Class B, and Class C rigs, plus travel trailers and fifth wheels. On RVezy, approved drivers are generally 25 or older, and ID verification happens right inside the platform, usually in just a few minutes. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Bring your home license plus an International Driving Permit. Then you're cleared to roll out toward the Allegheny National Forest.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs the RV protected if something goes wrong during my trip?
Yes, every RV rental in Johnsonburg booked through RVezy comes with a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance built in, so you're covered from the moment you drive off. The protection plan covers most damage to the vehicle, giving you serious peace of mind whether you're navigating US Route 219 or pulling into a campsite at East Branch Clarion River Lake. During checkout you choose the coverage level that fits your trip best, so you decide how much extra reassurance you want. It's one of the reasons families feel confident booking a Johnsonburg RV trip even if it's their very first time.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Johnsonburg RV rental?
Booking is genuinely low risk. RVezy sets the cancellation policy at the platform level, not the individual host, so the same clear rules apply across every listing. If life happens (a sick kid, a work conflict, even a major weather event in the Pennsylvania Wilds), the RVezy support team will walk you through your options. If a host ever cancels on you, RVezy refunds your booking or offers travel credit so your plans stay protected. Pro tip: book early to get the best motorhome rental Johnsonburg has available, then relax knowing there is a clear, fair cancellation framework standing behind your trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Johnsonburg RV trip?
Absolutely, a pet-friendly RV rental in Johnsonburg is easy to find on RVezy. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on the search page and you'll see motorhomes and travel trailers whose owners welcome dogs (and sometimes cats). Once you're here, your pup will love Bendigo State Park's wooded picnic areas along the East Branch Clarion River, the leash-friendly trails through Elk State Forest, and the wide-open paths around Allegheny National Forest. Most local campgrounds, including East Branch Campground and area private parks, allow leashed pets. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm any pet fee and bring a tie-out, since elk and white-tailed deer wander right through campsites here.
pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/bendigo-state-park.htmlCan the RV be delivered to my campsite near Johnsonburg?
Yes, RV delivery in Johnsonburg is one of the best-kept secrets for first-time renters. Many RVezy hosts will tow or drive the rig directly to your campsite at Bendigo State Park, East Branch Campground, Twin Lakes Recreation Area, or even your driveway, then level it, hook up water and power, and walk you through every system. That means you skip the stress of backing a 30-foot trailer down a gravel forest road. Just filter for Delivery on the search page and check each listing's delivery radius and fee. Pro tip: delivery is a game-changer if you're flying into Pittsburgh or Buffalo and renting a car to reach Elk County.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10122722How far can I drive from Johnsonburg on a typical RV rental?
You've got tons of range. Most Johnsonburg RV rental hosts on RVezy offer generous daily mileage allowances, and some even list RVs with unlimited mileage, perfect for an RV road trip from Johnsonburg into the wider Pennsylvania Wilds and beyond. Popular drives include Cook Forest State Park (about 45 minutes), Kinzua Bridge State Park (about 1 hour), Allegheny National Forest's Kinzua Dam (about 1 hour 30 minutes), Niagara Falls (about 3 hours), and Pittsburgh (about 2 hours 45 minutes). Each listing shows its mileage policy clearly before you book. Pro tip: if you're planning a big loop, message the host to ask about a multi-day mileage bundle.
fs.usda.gov/alleghenyWhere are the best campgrounds near Johnsonburg, PA?
You're spoiled for choice. The best campgrounds near Johnsonburg sit within a 30-minute drive and offer everything from full hookups to remote forest sites. Top picks: East Branch Campground on East Branch Clarion River Lake (US Army Corps of Engineers, RV-friendly with electric sites); Bendigo State Park just minutes from town (rustic and beautifully wooded along the Clarion); Twin Lakes Recreation Area in Allegheny National Forest (electric sites, swimming beach); Elk State Forest motorized roadside sites (rustic and remote); and Medix Run / Campers Paradise in nearby Benezette (full hookups in elk country). Pro tip: reserve East Branch and Twin Lakes on Recreation.gov well in advance for summer weekends.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10122722When is the best time to visit Johnsonburg in an RV?
The sweet spot for RV camping Johnsonburg style is late May through mid-October, when daytime highs climb from the comfortable mid-60s in May into the upper 70s in July, then ease back through the spectacular fall foliage of late September and early October. September and early October are arguably the most magical: cooler nights in the 40s, fewer bugs, and the chance to hear bull elk bugling around Benezette. Winter is freezing and snowy here (January highs around 28°F), but adventurous renters can book a four-season rig for snowmobile-trail access. Pro tip: target the third week of September for peak fall color along the Clarion River.
weather.gov/ctp/I've never rented an RV before. Will I actually be able to do this?
Yes, and you're going to love it. First time renting an RV in Johnsonburg is genuinely easier than people expect because every RVezy host gives you a full pre-trip orientation: how to hook up water and power, how to use the slide-outs, how to dump tanks, how the propane works, and the quirks of that specific rig. You can message your host with questions any time before or during the trip, and RVezy customer support plus 24/7 roadside assistance are always a tap away. Pro tip: book a travel trailer or Class C for your first trip, those are the easiest to drive on US Route 219 and the winding two-lane roads around Elk County.
pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks.htmlWhat if something breaks down during my Johnsonburg RV trip?
You're covered. Every RV rental in Johnsonburg, PA booked through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the renter protection plan, so help is one phone call away whether you have a flat tire on US Route 219, a dead battery at East Branch Campground, or a generator that won't start in the middle of Elk State Forest. You can also message your host directly through the RVezy app, and they often know quick fixes for their own rig. Pro tip: save the roadside assistance number to your phone before you leave the driveway, and screenshot it in case cell service drops in the deep forest north of town.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Johnsonburg RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes to interstate travel, easily. From Johnsonburg you can roll into New York (Allegany State Park is about 90 minutes), Ohio, West Virginia, and beyond without any extra paperwork on RVezy. Cross-border trips to Canada (think Niagara Falls or Ontario provincial parks) are sometimes allowed too, but it depends on the specific host's insurance, so message them directly from the listing page before booking. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental because insurance coverage doesn't extend there. Pro tip: bring your passport for any Canada-bound RV road trip from Johnsonburg and confirm border approval with your host in writing through the RVezy chat.
cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-goWhat kind of fuel mileage and budget should I plan for?
Plan smart and you'll be fine. Class C motorhomes around Johnsonburg average roughly 8 to 12 miles per gallon, Class A rigs sit closer to 6 to 10 mpg, and a truck pulling a travel trailer typically gets 10 to 14 mpg. Gas prices in Elk County tend to run a little below the Pennsylvania state average, with stations in Johnsonburg, Ridgway, and St. Marys being the most convenient fill-up points before you head into the forest. Budget around $80 to $150 in fuel for a typical 3 to 4 day local loop. Pro tip: top off in St. Marys before driving south to Benezette, since stations get sparse once you're deep in elk country.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Johnsonburg?
Book sooner rather than later and you'll have your pick. Pennsylvania state park and forest sites (including Bendigo State Park and Elk State Forest roadside sites) can be reserved up to 11 months ahead through the official Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation system or by calling 888-PA-PARKS. East Branch Campground bookings open about 6 months out on Recreation.gov. For summer holiday weekends and the late-September elk rut, plan on reserving 3 to 6 months in advance. Shoulder-season trips in May or early October can often be snagged just a few weeks ahead. Pro tip: set a Recreation.gov alert for cancellations if your dream weekend is already full.
recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10122722What are the local driving conditions like around Johnsonburg?
Driving here is honestly pleasant once you know what to expect. US Route 219 is the main north-south corridor through Johnsonburg and it's a well-maintained two-lane highway with gentle grades, perfect for RVs. Side roads like PA Route 948 and Bendigo Road wind through forested hills with some curves, so take it slow with a longer rig. Watch for white-tailed deer and elk at dawn and dusk, especially between Johnsonburg and Benezette, where the wild elk herd of nearly 1,400 animals roams freely. Winter brings real snow and ice from December through March. Pro tip: keep your headlights on day and night through elk country, it's the law in some PA work zones and just smart practice here.
penndot.pa.gov/TravelInPA/Pages/default.aspxWhat amenities do campgrounds near Johnsonburg actually have?
You'll find a great mix. Developed campgrounds like East Branch (US Army Corps of Engineers) offer electric hookups, potable water spigots, flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station, while Bendigo State Park and Elk State Forest sites lean more rustic with vault toilets and hand-pump water. For a full-hookup experience with sewer at the site, Campers Paradise in nearby Benezette and several private parks in Ridgway are your best bets. Most local campgrounds have a centralized dump station and potable water fill, which is all you really need for a 3 to 4 day trip. Pro tip: top off your fresh water in Johnsonburg before heading to any rustic Elk State Forest roadside campsite.
pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-forests/find-a-forest/elk/camping.htmlWhat's actually inside a typical Johnsonburg RV rental?
More than you'd guess. A typical motorhome rental Johnsonburg listing on RVezy includes a queen or king bed, bunks or a convertible dinette for kids, a full kitchen with stove, microwave, fridge and sink, a bathroom with shower and toilet, climate control (furnace plus air conditioning), and seatbelted seating for travel. Most rigs include a TV, and many offer a generator for off-grid power at rustic spots like Elk State Forest. Wifi is hit-or-miss in the Pennsylvania Wilds (cell signal can drop quickly), so plan to embrace the digital detox. Pro tip: confirm sleeps count and seatbelt count in the listing details if you're planning a family RV trip Johnsonburg style with kids.
pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/bendigo-state-park.htmlWhat add-ons and pickup options are available?
Hosts make it easy to customize. Common add-ons for a campervan rental Johnsonburg or motorhome booking include linen and kitchen packages (usually $25 to $75), camp chairs and outdoor tables, generators, propane fills, bike racks, and even pre-stocked firewood. Pickup is typically right at the host's home in or near Johnsonburg, Ridgway, or St. Marys, with a 60 to 90 minute walkthrough included. Many hosts also offer delivery to nearby campgrounds for a flat fee plus mileage. Mileage policies vary, with daily caps around 100 to 150 miles being common, and some listings offering unlimited mileage. Pro tip: bundle delivery plus a linen package and you'll roll into Bendigo State Park with literally nothing to set up.
pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks.htmlHow does payment and the security deposit work?
It's straightforward and secure. When you book an RV rental in Johnsonburg through RVezy, you pay directly through the platform with a credit or debit card, never cash to the host. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the rig) and is released after the trip once the host confirms the RV came back in good shape. To avoid any deposit issues, do a quick pre-trip walkaround with the host, snap photos, return the rig with the fuel and propane levels noted in the agreement, and dump the tanks if that's part of your contract. Pro tip: keep your receipts from St. Marys gas stations so you can prove your final fill-up if a question ever comes up.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Johnsonburg during winter for snowmobile or elk-country trips?
Yes, and winter here is genuinely magical. Some Johnsonburg hosts list four-season RVs with heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, and strong furnaces, perfect for accessing Pennsylvania's huge snowmobile trail network through Elk State Forest and the Allegheny National Forest. January and February average highs around 28 to 32°F with regular snowfall, so plan to camp at a park with shore power (30-amp electric) like a private park near Ridgway, since most state park campgrounds close for winter. Always confirm winterization status with the host before booking. Pro tip: pair a winter RV stay with the Chainsaw Carvers Rendezvous in Ridgway each February for one of the most unique weekends in the Pennsylvania Wilds.
pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-forests/find-a-forest/elk.htmlNearby cities with campgrounds
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