Bear Claw Campground

bear claw campground

Hello, fellow Pennsylvanians! If you're searching for a peaceful and convenient spot to set up camp in the beautiful forested region of Marienville, then Bear Claw Campground might just be the quiet retreat you've been looking for. While one review humorously noted, "May not be a five-star resort," it consistently earns praise for being "a small quiet little place" that offers a "convenient affordable and safe place to stay." This isn't the bustling resort experience, but rather a charming, down-to-earth campground that focuses on providing a tranquil base for your outdoor adventures.

Bear Claw Campground is particularly well-regarded for its quiet atmosphere and the genuine hospitality of its owners. Visitors appreciate that it's a place where you "did not see any dogs off leads" and "did not see loudness or anything it was quiet and peaceful." This commitment to a serene environment, coupled with the owners being "extremely nice courteous and go out of their way to help you," creates a welcoming and comfortable setting. Whether you're passing through or looking for a seasonal home base, Bear Claw Campground offers a reliable and friendly spot to enjoy the natural beauty of the Allegheny National Forest area.

Bear Claw Campground is located at 3408 Loleta Rd, Marienville, PA 16239, USA. This places it deep within the heart of the Allegheny National Forest, a vast and diverse woodland stretching across northwestern Pennsylvania. The specific address, "Loleta Rd," suggests its proximity to the popular Loleta Recreation Area, which offers additional amenities and attractions.

Marienville, the nearest town, is often considered a gateway to the Allegheny National Forest, known for its extensive network of trails suitable for ATVs, snowmobiles, hiking, and horseback riding. This means campers at Bear Claw have immediate access to a wide range of outdoor activities right outside their doorstep.

The campground's location also puts it within easy reach of other significant natural landmarks. Cook Forest State Park, famous for its majestic old-growth trees (often called "The Forest Cathedral"), is a relatively short drive away, offering fantastic hiking, fishing, and opportunities to climb the historic fire tower for panoramic views. The picturesque Clarion River, a designated National Wild & Scenic River, is also nearby, providing excellent opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and fishing. The area is also rich in wildlife, with the potential to spot "cool wildlife" and, as one reviewer noted, possibly even "Bear."

Accessibility to Bear Claw Campground is generally straightforward via paved and well-maintained forest roads, even though the area is quite rural. This ensures that even larger trailers and RVs can reach the campground with ease, setting the stage for a peaceful forest retreat.

Bear Claw Campground provides essential services primarily for trailers and RVs, focusing on the core needs for a comfortable stay in a natural setting.

• RV/Trailer Sites with Hookups: The campground offers sites with "water and electric hookups," catering to campers with trailers and RVs. Some online sources also indicate the possibility of sewer hookups at some sites (full hookups), and potentially 50 amp service, but these details are best confirmed directly.
• Seasonal Sites: It appears to be "more of a permanent resident place," indicating that seasonal sites are a significant offering. These sites likely come with full hookups (water, sewer, electric) and often include benefits like winter storage.
• Year-Round Shower/Restroom Building: A standout feature, especially for a smaller campground in a colder climate, is the availability of "a building to shower/potty in 24/7/365." This provides reliable restroom and hot shower access even when water might be shut off to individual sites during the cold season.
• Water Availability: Water hookups are available at sites during the warmer seasons. However, one review explicitly stated, "don't drink the water," implying that it might be non-potable at individual sites, and campers should either bring their own drinking water or rely on a designated potable water source at a central location (like the shower building) or office.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground is pet-friendly, as evidenced by a reviewer with "two dogs" who observed "no dogs off leads." This suggests a policy that promotes responsible pet ownership for the comfort of all campers.
• Owners' Assistance: The owners are noted for being "extremely nice courteous and go out of their way to help you," providing a valuable level of on-site support and hospitality.
• Camp Store: While not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews, the official website for Loleta BearClaw Campground (which shares the Marienville location) mentions a "camp store" offering "a variety of needs as well as camp-themed souvenirs."
• Cabin Rentals: The website also indicates that they offer "cabins" for rent, providing an alternative accommodation option for those without an RV or tent.
• Tent Camping: The website lists "pitch a tent" as an option, suggesting dedicated tent sites are available in addition to RV spots.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently highlighted by reviewers, Bear Claw Campground is praised for being "a small quiet little place" where campers experience "quiet and peaceful" surroundings, ideal for relaxation and avoiding noise.
• Friendly and Accommodating Owners: The owners are a significant asset, described as "extremely nice courteous and go out of their way to help you," fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for guests.
• Convenient Location for Forest Exploration: Situated close to the Allegheny National Forest, it offers excellent access to hiking, ATV trails, snowmobiling, and wildlife viewing, including the potential for "cool wildlife" sightings like deer and possibly bears.
• Year-Round Restroom Access: The 24/7/365 availability of a central building with showers and toilets is a significant convenience, especially appealing for off-season visitors or those relying on shared facilities.
• Pet-Friendly Environment with Responsible Ownership: The observation that "I did not see any dogs off leads" suggests a well-managed pet policy that contributes to the overall peacefulness of the campground, making it comfortable for all pet owners.
• Affordable and Safe: Despite a potentially "sketchy looking at first" impression, the campground proved to be "convenient affordable and safe," offering good value for a comfortable stay.
• Primarily Seasonal/Permanent Resident Base: This can be a highlight for some, as a stable seasonal community often leads to a quieter, more respectful atmosphere and a sense of shared camaraderie among long-term campers. It also suggests a well-established and reliable operation.
• "Best Kept Secret": The description "Best Kept Secret in the forest" highlights its charm as a less-crowded, more authentic camping experience away from large tourist hubs.

Based on the provided customer reviews and general campground practices for smaller, more established parks, Bear Claw Campground primarily offers value through its consistent quality, peaceful atmosphere, and personalized service, rather than through extensive, publicly advertised promotions.

Key points regarding potential "offers" and pricing structure:

• Affordable Rates: Reviews mention it being an "affordable" place to stay, suggesting competitive pricing for its type of campground. Specific nightly, weekly, or monthly rates would need to be confirmed directly with the campground.
• Seasonal Site Value: As it's noted as "more of a permanent resident place," seasonal sites are a significant "offer." These provide a long-term, convenient, and often cost-effective way for locals to have a consistent camping spot throughout the warmer months, often including winter storage for their RV. The website confirms "Seasonal Campsites with Water, Sewer, and Electric (50AMP Service)" from May through September, including winter storage.
• Owners' Goodwill (Implicit Offer): The owners' reputation for going "out of their way to help you" acts as an invaluable, albeit unadvertised, "special offer" of exceptional customer service that enhances the overall camping experience.
• Long-Term Guest Focus: The high rate of repeat visitors ("We will definitely be staying there each year") indicates that the campground fosters loyalty, which is a testament to its consistent quality and value for its target audience.

For the most accurate and current information on specific rates, availability (especially for seasonal sites, which can fill up quickly), and any booking policies, it is strongly recommended to contact Bear Claw Campground directly.

To plan your tranquil getaway or inquire about seasonal opportunities at Bear Claw Campground, here's how to get in touch:

Address: 3408 Loleta Rd, Marienville, PA 16239, USA

Phone: (814) 679-2631

Mobile Phone: +1 814-679-2631

The official website for Loleta BearClaw Campground (which appears to be the correct entity) also lists an email: bearclawcampground@gmail.com and another phone number: 814-927-6649. It's always best to call during reasonable business hours to speak with the owners or staff directly for the most up-to-date information.

For Pennsylvanians, Bear Claw Campground offers a uniquely suitable and highly appealing option, particularly for those seeking a quiet, no-frills, and genuinely friendly camping experience within our beautiful state. It caters to a specific desire for peace and convenience that resonates deeply with local campers.

The most significant draw for locals is its consistently praised quiet atmosphere. In a world of increasingly busy and amenity-packed campgrounds, Bear Claw provides a refreshing escape where "loudness or anything" is not tolerated, allowing for true relaxation and enjoyment of nature. This is perfect for those who simply want to unwind by their campfire or explore the vast Allegheny National Forest without excessive distractions.

Furthermore, the genuine hospitality of the owners is a major highlight. Their willingness to "go out of their way to help you" creates a welcoming and supportive environment, fostering a sense of community that makes annual visits a cherished tradition, as one reviewer mentioned, "We go once a year to visit my dad this was very convenient and we will definitely be staying there each year." This local connection and personal touch are invaluable.

Its affordability and safety, despite a potentially rustic appearance, also make it a practical choice. The reliable 24/7/365 access to a shower/restroom building, even when water is seasonal at sites, demonstrates a thoughtful consideration for camper comfort. For any Pennsylvanian seeking a consistent, quiet, affordable, and well-managed campground that feels like a true home away from home in the heart of our state's forests, Bear Claw Campground is an excellent choice. It's truly a "convenient" and "peaceful" retreat you'll be eager to return to year after year.

Bear Claw Campground

3408 Loleta Rd, Marienville, PA 16239, USA