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69 campgrounds and RV Parks near Saint Marys, PA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Saint Marys, PA
Elk Crossing 555 Campground
Benezette, PA (12 miles away)
Riverview Campsites
Benezette, PA (12 miles away)
DuBois / Treasure Lake KOA Holiday
DuBois, PA (18 miles away)
$$$$$
(100 sites)
+7
High Pines RV Park
Kane, PA (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(162 sites)
+10
Simon B Elliott State Park
Pennsylvania (22 miles away)
$$$$$
(25 sites)
+5
Sizerville State Park
Emporium, PA (23 miles away)
$$$$$
(23 sites)
+7
Majestic Kamp and Lost Trails
Smethport, PA (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(53 sites)
Sinnemahoning State Park
Pennsylvania (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(35 sites)
+6
Lauder Family Campground
Pennsylvania (26 miles away)
$$$$$
(18 sites)
+6
Bettum's Idlewood Family Campground
Lewis Run, PA (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(82 sites)
+11
Campers Paradise Campground and Cabins
Pennsylvania (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(118 sites)
+10
Clear Creek State Park
Pennsylvania (28 miles away)
$$$$$
(52 sites)
+7
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Grills Dump station Tables Playground Toilets Showers Firewood Internet Trails
Camping near Saint Marys, Pennsylvania
Saint Marys sits in Elk County in north-central Pennsylvania, inside the region marketed as the PA Wilds Elk Country landscape. The city is a practical base for RV travellers exploring the largest wild elk herd in the northeastern United States, with the Elk Country Visitor Center on Winslow Hill in Benezette about 20 miles south of town.
Campgrounds in the area range from full-hookup private parks to rustic state-park sites. Elk Crossing 555 Campground, Riverview Campsites, and High Pines RV Park offer private-park amenities close to Saint Marys, while the DuBois / Treasure Lake KOA Holiday sits southwest along the I-80 corridor with the standard KOA feature set. Simon B Elliott State Park, north of Clearfield off Exit 111 of I-80, adds a rustic wooded option within the surrounding Moshannon State Forest.
The broader area also opens onto the Allegheny National Forest, Bendigo State Park, East Branch Lake, and the Wild and Scenic Clarion River, giving travellers a mix of public-land camping and river-based recreation within a short drive.
Things to do near Saint Marys
Wildlife viewing is the headline activity. The Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette is the main hub for spotting the state elk herd, which numbers close to 1,400 animals across six counties, with best viewing at dawn and dusk. The rut in September and October is the most popular viewing period, when bulls bugle across the valleys.
Water and trail recreation fill out the rest of a trip. The Clarion River is a well-known paddling run, and East Branch Lake, a Corps of Engineers reservoir, is stocked for a mix of warmwater and coldwater species. Hikers, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers use trails in the Allegheny National Forest and Moshannon State Forest.
In town, Straub Brewery has operated continuously in Saint Marys since 1872 and runs a visitor center and Eternal Tap tasting room. Cherry Springs State Park, an internationally recognised Dark Sky Park, is within driving distance for stargazing.
Camping spots and RV parks near Saint Marys, PA
When to visit Saint Marys
- spring
March - May
54° / 36°F 100 mmCool and wet; state park campground opens in May.
- summer
June - August
77° / 55°F 115 mmWarm and humid; peak bookings, sites fill weeks out.
- fall
September - November
58° / 40°F 90 mmCrisp nights and fall color; elk rut peaks in Benezette.
- winter
December - February
32° / 19°F 80 mmCold and snowy; most private campgrounds closed.
The Saint Marys area has a cold-temperate climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. Late spring through early fall is the practical camping season for most private and state-park campgrounds. Simon B Elliott State Park, for example, runs its 25-site campground from early May through October, while modern restrooms and a sanitary dump station serve rustic non-electric sites.
Summer is peak season. June through August brings the warmest temperatures, longest days, and the highest demand for hookup sites, so sites at popular campgrounds fill weeks ahead. September and early October offer cooler nights, fall colour across the hardwood forests, and elk-rut viewing that draws crowds to Benezette.
Winter narrows the options sharply. Many private campgrounds close or drop to limited service, and the region shifts toward snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and cabin stays. Travellers driving RVs into the plateau country in shoulder season should expect overnight lows well below the temperatures forecast in nearby valleys.
How to book a campsite
Pennsylvania state park sites, including Simon B Elliott State Park, are booked through the state's ReserveAmerica-powered reservation system or by calling 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Most campsites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance, with new inventory released at noon Eastern, an unusual release time among state park systems.
Private parks near Saint Marys, including Elk Crossing 555 Campground, Riverview Campsites, DuBois / Treasure Lake KOA Holiday, and High Pines RV Park, take reservations directly through their own websites or phone lines. For summer weekends and holiday weekends, booking several months out is recommended, and Pennsylvania state parks require a two-night minimum on weekend reservations during the summer season.
What to expect on the ground
Expect a rural, forested landscape with two-lane roads, variable cell coverage, and elk crossing signs that are not decorative. Cell service is unpredictable in and around many Pennsylvania state parks, so downloading park maps and directions before arrival is worthwhile.
Site mix varies by property. Simon B Elliott is a rustic 25-site campground with modern flush restrooms but no showers, plus a sanitary dump station, while private parks in the area generally offer 30/50-amp service, water, and sewer. Maximum stays in Pennsylvania state park campgrounds are 14 nights during the summer season and 21 nights the rest of the year, with a required 48-hour vacate between reservations.
Bringing firewood into Pennsylvania from out of state is prohibited due to invasive-pest concerns including the spotted lanternfly and emerald ash borer, so buy local.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Saint Marys, PA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Saint Marys, PA?
Good news: an RV rental in Saint Marys, PA is one of the most affordable ways to explore the Pennsylvania Wilds and Elk Country. On RVezy, travel trailers in the Saint Marys area typically run $90 to $160 per night, campervans range $120 to $200, and larger Class C motorhomes average $175 to $275 per night. Hosts set their own pricing, so you'll find cheap RV rental Saint Marys options if you book midweek or outside of fall elk-viewing peak in September and October. Pro tip: filter for Instant Book listings and travel Sunday through Thursday to score the best rates and still catch a Straub Brewery tour downtown.
visitpago.com/counties/elk-county/st-marys/What license do I need to rent an RV in Saint Marys?
Great news for first-timers: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Saint Marys, PA. Pennsylvania does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) or any special endorsement for personal RVs, even larger Class A motorhomes you might take through Elk State Forest. You need to be at least 25 years old to be an approved driver on RVezy, and your ID is verified through the platform before pickup. Visiting from another country? Bring your home license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) and you're set. Most renters are surprised how simple it is to roll out of Saint Marys and onto Route 120 toward Benezette.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs my Saint Marys RV rental protected if something goes wrong?
Yes, every RV rental in Saint Marys, PA booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance built into the price. The protection plan helps cover damage to the RV, giving you real peace of mind whether you're navigating winding roads near Elk State Forest or pulling into a campground along the Clarion River. During checkout, you choose the level of coverage that fits your trip, so you decide how much protection you want. Book with confidence and focus on spotting elk on Winslow Hill instead.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat is the cancellation policy if my Saint Marys RV trip plans change?
You can book with confidence. RVezy sets the cancellation policy for every reservation (not individual hosts), and it includes a money-back grace period right after booking so you have time to finalize plans for your Saint Marys RV trip. Cancellation terms depend on how far in advance you cancel and special circumstances such as natural disasters. The full details are shown clearly during checkout before you confirm. Pro tip: lock in your dates early for the September elk rut, then relax knowing you have flexibility if Pennsylvania weather throws a curveball.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on an RV rental in Saint Marys?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental Saint Marys options are easy to find on RVezy. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter and you'll see listings where dogs (and sometimes cats) are welcome, often with no extra cleaning fee. Once you're on the road, Elk State Forest allows leashed dogs, and Bendigo State Park in nearby Johnsonburg is a favorite for short hikes with pups. Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm dog size and breed rules, then pack a long lead because elk-viewing pull-offs near Benezette are wide-open meadows your dog will love.
pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/bendigo-state-park.htmlCan the RV be delivered to my campground in the Saint Marys area?
Yes, RV delivery Saint Marys is one of the smartest ways to start your trip, especially if it's your first time renting an RV. Many hosts on RVezy will drive the rig to your campground (think Bendigo State Park, Twin Lakes Recreation Area in the Allegheny National Forest, or East Branch Lake), level it, connect hookups, and walk you through every system before they leave. Just use the Delivery filter when you search, and you'll see distance-based delivery fees on each listing. Pro tip: ask for delivery directly to Winslow Hill near Benezette so you can wake up to bugling elk right outside the door.
pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks.htmlHow do mileage policies work and how far can I drive from Saint Marys?
You have plenty of road ahead of you. Most RVezy hosts in Saint Marys offer 100 to 150 free miles per night, and some list RV rental with unlimited mileage, perfect for a longer Saint Marys RV trip. From town you can reach the Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette in about 35 minutes (22 miles), Cook Forest State Park in roughly 1 hour 15 minutes (50 miles), the Kinzua Bridge in the Allegheny National Forest region in about 1 hour 30 minutes (60 miles), and Pittsburgh in about 2 hours 45 minutes (155 miles). Pro tip: if you're planning a multi-stop loop, filter for unlimited-mileage listings and message the host to confirm before booking.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Saint%20Marys%2C%20PennsylvaniaWhere are the best campgrounds near Saint Marys, PA?
You're spoiled for choice. The best campgrounds near Saint Marys include Bendigo State Park in Johnsonburg (rustic sites along the East Branch Clarion River, about 15 minutes from town), Twin Lakes Recreation Area in the Allegheny National Forest near Wilcox (49 sites with electric hookups and a swimming beach), East Branch Lake Recreation Area run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (boat launch, dump station, full amenities), Parker Dam State Park (electric and full-hookup sites in dense forest), and Sinnemahoning State Park near Austin (modern campground with a wildlife center). Pro tip: for elk-viewing trips, book Benezette-area private campgrounds early because September fills fast.
pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/elk-state-park.htmlWhen is the best time to visit Saint Marys in an RV?
The sweet spot for RV camping Saint Marys is late May through mid-October, but each season has its own magic. Summer highs run 78 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit with cool 55-degree nights, ideal for sitting by the campfire. Early September through mid-October is legendary for elk bugling season and fall foliage across the Pennsylvania Wilds, with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. Winters in Saint Marys are genuinely cold (lows often in the teens with significant snow), so look for four-season RVs with heated tanks if you're booking December through March. Pro tip: book your motorhome rental Saint Marys for late September to catch elk rut AND peak color in one trip.
weather.gov/ctp/I've never driven an RV before. Will I be okay in Saint Marys?
You're going to do great. First time renting an RV is easier than most people expect, and Saint Marys is actually one of the friendliest places in Pennsylvania to learn because the roads outside town (Routes 255, 120, and 219) are wide, well-maintained, and rarely congested. Every RVezy host gives you a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through driving, hookups, slide-outs, the generator, and dumping. You can also message your host anytime during the trip with questions. Pro tip: do a short practice loop through the parking lot at Community Park before pointing toward the elk fields in Benezette, and you'll feel confident in 15 minutes flat.
penndot.pa.gov/TravelInPA/Safety/Pages/default.aspxWhat happens if I have a breakdown on my Saint Marys RV trip?
You're never alone out there. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so one phone call connects you with help whether you're parked outside Straub Brewery downtown or on a remote stretch of the Quehanna Highway through Elk State Forest. The service covers common issues like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and towing. Your host is also typically just a message away to troubleshoot quirks specific to their RV. Pro tip: before you leave Saint Marys, screenshot the roadside number and your host's contact info because cell service can drop in deep forest areas around Benezette and Sinnemahoning.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Saint Marys RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, an RV road trip from Saint Marys can absolutely cross into New York, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and beyond, and many hosts welcome it. Popular cross-state runs include Niagara Falls (about 3 hours north), Watkins Glen, NY (about 3 hours 15 minutes), and Washington, DC (about 4 hours 30 minutes). Travel into Canada may be allowed with host approval and proper insurance documentation, so message the host before booking to confirm. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because coverage does not extend there. Pro tip: combine Saint Marys with a stop in Cook Forest and the Allegheny National Forest for a perfect northeastern loop.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat should I budget for fuel on a Saint Marys RV trip?
Fuel is easier to budget than most people think. Class B campervans in the Saint Marys area average 18 to 22 miles per gallon (mpg), Class C motorhomes get 8 to 12 mpg, and travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle (typically 10 to 14 mpg loaded). Gas in Elk County usually runs slightly above the Pennsylvania state average, so plan around $3.50 to $3.90 per gallon. For a typical 4-day, 300-mile loop through Elk Country in a Class C, expect roughly $90 to $140 in fuel. Pro tip: fill up in Saint Marys or DuBois before heading into the Pennsylvania Wilds because stations get sparse past Benezette and along Route 555.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book campgrounds around Saint Marys?
Booking early is the move. Pennsylvania State Parks like Bendigo, Parker Dam, and Sinnemahoning accept reservations up to 11 months in advance through the official state reservation system, and prime weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, and especially late September for elk rut) often sell out 6 to 8 months ahead. Allegheny National Forest sites at Twin Lakes are bookable on Recreation.gov up to 6 months out. For shoulder-season midweek camping, you can often grab a site 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Pro tip: if state park sites are booked, look at private campgrounds near Benezette and Ridgway, which usually have last-minute availability even in peak season.
pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/reservation-information.htmlWhat are driving conditions like around Saint Marys, PA?
Driving around Saint Marys is genuinely enjoyable, with light traffic and scenic two-lane highways winding through the Allegheny Plateau. The main routes (US 219, PA 255, and PA 120) are wide and RV-friendly, though you'll encounter rolling hills and some steep grades around Boot Jack and the descent toward Benezette. Watch for free-roaming elk on the road at dawn and dusk, especially along Winslow Hill Road and Route 555, which is officially designated the Elk Scenic Drive. Winter (November through March) can bring lake-effect snow and icy spots. Pro tip: take it slow on the curves between Saint Marys and Ridgway, and use lower gears on descents to save your brakes.
penndot.pa.gov/TravelInPA/Pages/default.aspxWhat amenities will I find at campgrounds near Saint Marys?
You'll find a great mix. Pennsylvania State Parks near Saint Marys (Bendigo, Parker Dam, Sinnemahoning) typically offer electric hookups (20/30/50 amp at many sites), modern restrooms, hot showers, potable water fill stations, and sanitary dump stations. East Branch Lake Recreation Area, run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, also has a dump station and boat launch. Twin Lakes in the Allegheny National Forest provides electric sites and flush toilets. Most private campgrounds around Benezette and Ridgway offer full hookups (water, sewer, electric) plus Wi-Fi. Pro tip: top off your fresh water in Saint Marys before heading to Elk State Forest, where many primitive sites have no water spigot at all.
pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks/find-a-park/parker-dam-state-park.htmlWhat features and amenities come standard in a Saint Marys RV rental?
Pretty much everything you need for a great trip. Most RVs listed for rent in Saint Marys come fully equipped with a queen or king bed, a kitchen (fridge, stove, microwave, sink, cookware, dishes), a bathroom with shower and toilet, heat and air conditioning, a dinette, and seatbelts for everyone traveling. Larger Class C and Class A rentals often include a TV, generator, outdoor awning, and outdoor speakers. Wi-Fi varies, so message the host if it matters to you, because cell service can be spotty in Elk State Forest anyway. Pro tip: ask your host if they include camp chairs and a starter pack of toilet paper and propane so you can hit the road faster.
fs.usda.gov/main/allegheny/homeWhat add-ons and pickup options can I expect when I rent an RV in Saint Marys?
Hosts in Saint Marys keep it flexible. Popular add-ons include bedding and linen packages ($25 to $75), kitchen kits ($15 to $50), camp chairs and outdoor mats ($15 to $30), generators ($10 to $30 per day), bike racks, and even kayaks. Pickup is typically at the host's home in or near Saint Marys, with a 30 to 60 minute walkthrough included. Many hosts offer RV delivery to local campgrounds, often free within 25 miles. Mileage policies usually include 100 to 150 free miles per night with extra miles at $0.30 to $0.50 each. Pro tip: bundle delivery plus a bedding kit so you arrive at Bendigo State Park, plug in, and start the trip without unpacking from your car.
visitpa.com/region/pennsylvania-wildsHow do payment and security deposits work on RVezy?
Payment is simple and secure. When you book an RV rental in Saint Marys, PA on RVezy, you pay through the platform with a credit or debit card. The total includes the nightly rate, RVezy service fee, your chosen protection plan, and any host add-ons. Security deposits are handled separately from your booking payment and are commonly $500 to $1,500 depending on the RV class. The deposit is released after the host confirms the rig was returned in good shape. Pro tip: take date-stamped photos and a short video of the interior and exterior at pickup and drop-off to make any deposit conversation effortless.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Saint Marys in winter, and how do I stay warm?
Yes, winter RV camping in the Pennsylvania Wilds is a genuine adventure, and several Saint Marys hosts list four-season RVs ready for cold-weather use. Look for listings that mention heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, and shore-power capability so you can stay plugged in at sites that remain open year-round (Parker Dam and parts of the Allegheny National Forest stay accessible). Saint Marys averages 90+ inches of snow per year, with January lows often around 15 degrees Fahrenheit, so dress in layers and keep the propane topped off. Pro tip: message the host about winter readiness before booking, and pick a site with 30 or 50 amp electric so the furnace can run all night without draining the battery.
weather.gov/ctp/winterNearby cities with campgrounds
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