Dewdrop Campground Introduce
Dewdrop Campground is a hidden gem nestled within the lush landscapes of the Allegheny National Forest in Bradford, Pennsylvania. For local residents and outdoor enthusiasts across the Keystone State, this campground represents the quintessential mountain escape. Situated along the scenic shores of the Kinzua Reservoir, Dewdrop offers a unique combination of dense forest seclusion and waterfront accessibility. The property is meticulously maintained by the forest service and dedicated staff, ensuring that every visitor experiences the raw beauty of Pennsylvania’s northern tier in a clean and safe environment. Whether you are looking to reconnect with nature or seeking a base of operations for high-energy water sports, this destination provides the perfect backdrop for a traditional camping experience.
The atmosphere at Dewdrop Campground is one of profound peace and tranquility. Because the site is located deep within the national forest, it serves as a natural sanctuary from the digital world. One of the most noted characteristics of the location is the lack of reliable cellular service, which local campers often cite as a major benefit. This allows families and groups to truly engage with one another and their surroundings without the distractions of modern technology. The sound of the wind through the hemlocks and the gentle lapping of the reservoir water against the shore create a soundscape that is restorative and quintessentially Pennsylvanian.
Location and accessibility are standout features for those traveling through McKean County. Dewdrop Campground is located just off State Route 59, approximately 4 miles west of the intersection with State Route 219. This makes it an easy drive for those coming from nearby Bradford, Warren, or even those making the trek from Pittsburgh or Erie. Despite its rugged mountain setting, the campground is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking lots. The sites are cleverly terraced and spaced out to maximize privacy, with many sites providing direct views or easy walking access to the water's edge. On-site parking is ample, accommodating both standard vehicles and larger RV rigs with ease.
- Traditional tent camping sites with level pads and natural forest surroundings.
- Dedicated RV camping areas designed to accommodate various trailer and motorhome lengths.
- Reliable running water stations conveniently located throughout the camping loops.
- Public restroom facilities that are regularly cleaned and maintained for guest comfort.
- Public shower facilities with hot water, essential for multi-day forest stays.
- On-site boat launch ramp providing direct access to the Kinzua Reservoir for motorized and non-motorized craft.
- Dedicated picnic areas equipped with heavy-duty tables for outdoor dining.
- Waste disposal stations and trash collection services to support the "Leave No Trace" initiative.
- Professional staff and forest rangers available to provide assistance and safety information.
- Inclusive pet policy allowing dogs of all breeds, provided they remain leashed and supervised.
The features and highlights of Dewdrop Campground extend far beyond the basic amenities. The proximity to the Kinzua Reservoir makes it a premier destination for anglers looking to catch walleye, musky, and smallmouth bass. For those who prefer land-based adventures, the campground serves as a trailhead for some of the most beautiful segments of the Allegheny National Forest trail system. From challenging climbs to gentle, kid-friendly walks, the hiking opportunities here cater to all fitness levels and ages. The physical layout of the campground itself is a highlight, with mature timber providing shade and a sense of deep-woods privacy that is often missing from more commercialized RV parks.
- Direct waterfront access for swimming, fishing, and shoreline relaxation.
- Close proximity to the Jakes Rocks Extreme Mountain Bike Trail system for adventure seekers.
- Kid-friendly hiking trails that offer educational opportunities about local flora and fauna.
- Spacious campsites that provide a significant buffer between neighbors for enhanced privacy.
- Access to the Rimrock Overlook, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the Allegheny reservoir and forest.
- Concrete boat launch that facilitates easy deployment of pontoon boats, bass boats, and kayaks.
- Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and black bears.
- Sturdy fire rings at every site, perfect for evening campfires and traditional s'mores.
- Excellent stargazing conditions due to the minimal light pollution in the national forest.
- A "vicious breed" friendly policy, making it one of the most welcoming spots for all dog owners in the region.
For those planning a visit, it is recommended to check for site availability through the National Recreation Reservation Service, as this popular spot fills up quickly during the peak summer months. The campground is a seasonal facility, generally opening in late spring and closing after the vibrant fall foliage season has peaked in October.
Contact Information:
Address: Bradford, PA 16701, USA
Phone: (814) 363-9090
Mobile: +1 814-363-9090
What is worth choosing about Dewdrop Campground is the authentic, immersive nature of the experience it offers. In an era of "glamping" and overcrowded tourist traps, Dewdrop remains a bastion of true outdoor living. It is worth choosing because it places you in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest, giving you immediate access to one of Pennsylvania’s most impressive bodies of water. The value lies in the balance; you have the ruggedness of the mountains and the lack of cell service to ensure a true getaway, but you also have the comfort of clean showers and running water. For families, the kid-friendly environment and the ability to bring the family dog—regardless of breed—makes it an inclusive and stress-free choice. Choosing Dewdrop means choosing a weekend where the only schedule you follow is the rising and setting of the sun over the Kinzua Reservoir.
Location
Customer Reviews
This place was incredible! Friendly and helpful staff. Beautiful place that's well maintained. Our sites were down near the water. Nice place to swim. The sites are not too close together so you get some privacy.
We camped at this campground for the first time and we enjoyed it SO much. The restrooms are decent. There is a boat launch. The sites are maintained well. They also allow “vicious” breeds. You are literally in the mountains and it is so peaceful! There is no cell service so you really get to be away from all the hustle for a weekend.
Recently we stayed at Dew Drop for the second time.The camp ground is located on the Allegheny River Reservoir tucked into a cove. It has exceptional camping sites for tents, RV’s, and even hammocks if you so choose. Parking on the camp sites is adequate for 2 vehicles.The camp sites are well maintained and have a fire ring that includes a grill top if you would like to cook over fire or even use charcoal.You can buy ice and firewood on site. There are other nearby places that do off firewood for sale. You should not bring firewood from outside of the Nat Forest area due to invasive species.There is flushing restrooms and separate shower rooms. This camp ground is very busy so it is a good idea to bring your own toilet paper. The showers are well used so bring flip flops or other forms of feet protection.Kayaking, Boating, and other water sports and activities are popular and common. There is many close places in the are to explore while hiking, biking, and just taking scenic drives. Including but not limited to Jakes Rocks overlook and trail system, the Kinzu Dam, The Kinzu Skywalk Bridge and many more trails as well as a beach just a short drive away.We stayed on site 31. It is a little bit down a hill to set up camp and tent from the parking spots but overall a great choice in our opinion and we will go back to Dew Drop again.
Roomy campsites. Great access to the lake. I would definitely give this campsite a five star review, but the bathrooms are absolutely deplorable. We camp at Dewdrop twice a year, and each year, the bathrooms get works and worse. This year, one “fix” was to wrap the sinks in both the mens and the ladies rooms with garbage bags and place an “out of order” sign on it. There has been absolutely no effort to update, repair, or even CLEAN the bathrooms. The showers may be scalding or cold, depending on who knows what. I actually threw away my shower shoes after my most recent stay…that’s how bad the showers are.It truly makes me NOT want to camp there. It’s a real shame.
Absolutely beautiful views and many access points to the water. Great place to camp, but the bathrooms are horrible and makes it hard if you bring young kids. The park needs to fix the bathrooms. We stayed 4 days recently and we tent camp. Temps dipped into the 30s over night and we couldn't even take a hot shower to warm up. I had 3 kids ages, 8, 4, and 1 and the bathroom situation made it very rough.
