Red Bridge Campground

For outdoor enthusiasts in Pennsylvania looking to immerse themselves in the deep woods without sacrificing essential comforts, Red Bridge Campground stands as one of the most beloved destinations in the northern tier. Nestled within the lush expanse of the Allegheny National Forest, this campground provides a serene sanctuary on the eastern shore of the Kinzua Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir. Whether you are a local resident seeking a weekend getaway or a traveler exploring the PA Wilds, Red Bridge offers a peaceful environment characterized by mature black cherry, hemlock, and birch trees that reach high into the sky, creating a cooling canopy during the warm summer months.

The campground is part of the broader Red Bridge Recreation Area, a site with deep historical roots dating back to the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Today, it serves as a modern haven for families and solo adventurers alike. Known for its spacious layouts and relatively remote feel, the park manages to balance the quietude of a wilderness retreat with the convenience of well-maintained facilities. Many visitors are surprised to find that the night sky here rival those of the world-famous Cherry Springs, offering spectacular views of the Milky Way right from your campsite. This combination of natural beauty and accessibility has made Red Bridge a repeat destination for generations of Pennsylvania campers.

Location and accessibility are major draws for this site. Located about 10 miles north of the borough of Kane, Pennsylvania, along State Route 321, Red Bridge is easily reachable for those traveling with larger RVs or trailers. The park is a key stop along the Longhouse National Scenic Byway, a 29-mile loop often cited as the most scenic drive in the state. For those arriving from the Kane area, the drive provides breathtaking views of the Allegheny Plateau. The campground itself is designed to be inclusive, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom facilities, ensuring that the beauty of the reservoir is available to all guests regardless of mobility levels.

The services offered at Red Bridge Campground are comprehensive, catering to a wide spectrum of camping preferences from rugged tenting to full-service RVing. The staff and 24-hour campground attendants are frequently noted for their helpfulness and dedication to site maintenance. Available services include:

• Full RV hookups including electric (20, 30, and 50 amp), water, and sewer connections for modern convenience.
• Spacious tent sites that provide a more primitive and fairly remote experience for those looking to unplug.
• Clean and well-maintained public restrooms and hot shower facilities available to all registered guests.
• An on-site trailer dump station for RV travelers to manage their systems easily.
• Availability of essential camping supplies such as firewood and ice, which can be purchased directly from the campground host.
• A convenient on-site paid parking lot for extra vehicles, in addition to the included parking at each individual site.
• Credit card acceptance for camping fees, making the check-in and booking process seamless for modern travelers.

The features and highlights of Red Bridge go beyond the basic camping amenities, offering a wealth of recreational opportunities that take full advantage of the surrounding forest and reservoir. Key highlights include:

• Waterfront and water-view sites that offer direct visual access to the shimmering Kinzua Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir.
• Excellent bank fishing and a dedicated wheelchair-friendly fishing area immediately adjacent to the campground.
• Proximity to the North Country National Scenic Trail, which crosses just south of the campground, offering miles of premier hiking through diverse terrain.
• Boating and swimming opportunities at the nearby Kiasutha boat launch and Kinzua Beach, both just a short drive away.
• Picnic tables and fire rings at every site, perfect for family dinners and evening gatherings under the stars.
• A pet-friendly environment where dogs are allowed, provided they are kept on a leash, making it a true family destination.
• Stellar stargazing opportunities that frequently draw amateur astronomers and photographers to the area.

For those interested in securing a spot for their next adventure, the campground can be reached through the following contact information. While some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations are highly recommended during the peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Address: State Route 321, Kane, PA 16735, USA

Phone: (814) 368-4158

When considering where to pitch your tent or park your rig in the PA Wilds, Red Bridge Campground is worth choosing for its exceptional balance of privacy and community. Unlike many state parks that can feel overcrowded, the sites at Red Bridge are noted for being "spacious and fairly remote," allowing you to feel truly embedded in the forest. The availability of full hookups (water, sewer, and electric) in such a scenic national forest setting is a rare find, offering the luxury of a resort with the soul of a wilderness camp.

Furthermore, it is worth choosing for its proximity to world-class attractions. A short drive will take you to the famous Kinzua Skywalk at Kinzua Bridge State Park, or you can spend your day exploring the "Trail Central" of Kane, with its local breweries and artisan shops. The ability to return to a quiet, clean campground with hot showers after a day of rugged hiking on the North Country Trail provides the perfect "best of both worlds" experience. By choosing Red Bridge, you are opting for a high-quality, forest-service-managed site that respects the natural environment while providing the infrastructure necessary for a comfortable and memorable stay in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest.

Ultimately, the enduring appeal of Red Bridge lies in its consistency and beauty. It is a place where you can wake up to the sound of water lapping against the shore and fall asleep to the rustle of black cherry leaves. For the local Pennsylvania camper, it represents the very best of our state's natural heritage—accessible, clean, and breathtakingly beautiful. Whether you are there for the fishing, the hiking, or simply the chance to watch the clouds reflect on the reservoir, Red Bridge Campground remains a top-tier choice for any outdoor itinerary in the northern tier.