Clarion River Campground

For Pennsylvanians seeking a truly authentic and "unplugged" outdoor experience, the Clarion River Campground, more accurately known as the Clarion River Campsites, offers a unique return to nature. Situated in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest near Millstone Township, this destination is not a typical developed campground with manicured lawns and full hookups. Instead, it embodies the spirit of primitive, dispersed camping along the federally designated Wild and Scenic Clarion River.

This setting provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Pennsylvania Wilds. The air is clean, the landscape is heavily forested, and the sounds of the river are the primary soundtrack to your stay. It is the perfect retreat for those who find peace in self-sufficiency, paddling, fishing, and hiking, where the only amenities are those provided by the forest itself and a few basic facilities designed to preserve the river’s sensitive ecosystem.

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### Introduction / Overview

The Clarion River Campsites consist of twenty-seven designated, numbered sites scattered along a beautiful stretch of the Clarion Wild and Scenic River, extending from Irwin Run up to and along Millstone Creek. This is a form of developed dispersed camping, managed by the Allegheny National Forest, which means that while camping is restricted to these specific numbered sites, the overall experience remains wonderfully rustic and remote. Eighteen of the sites are located directly along the Clarion River, with the remaining nine situated along Millstone Creek.

These sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, embracing a true spirit of spontaneous adventure. Reservations are not accepted, highlighting the need for preparedness and flexibility in your travel plans. The goal of these sites is to allow visitors to enjoy the outstanding recreational opportunities of the river corridor while ensuring the sensitive environment remains protected from the impacts of unrestricted dispersed camping.

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### Location and Accessibility

The Clarion River Campground is located within the expansive Allegheny National Forest in the north-central region of Pennsylvania. It is accessed via a combination of public roads in the Millstone Township area, often utilizing River Road and Forest Road (FR) 132.

• General Location: Near Millstone Township, PA 15860, within the Allegheny National Forest.
• Access: The campsites are reachable by vehicle along the gravel River Road and FR 132. Visitors should be prepared for typical forest road conditions.
• Proximity: The area is conveniently located between two popular state parks, Clear Creek State Park and the famous Cook Forest State Park, which is known for its towering old-growth pine trees. This proximity offers campers a base camp for exploring the wider region’s extensive trail and river systems.
• Navigation Note: Due to the rustic nature of the location, cell phone service is typically non-existent or highly unpredictable, requiring guests to download maps and plan their route in advance. The official address provided (9X6V+8P, Millstone Township, PA 15860) is a Plus Code for a general area, emphasizing the wilderness setting.

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### Services Offered (Minimal/Primitive)

As a primitive camping area, the services at Clarion River Campground are intentionally basic to maintain the natural character of the environment. Visitors must arrive prepared for a self-sufficient camping experience.

• Potable Water: Not Available. Campers must bring all their own drinking water.
• Electricity/Hookups: Not Available. There are no electrical, sewer, or water hookups for RVs or trailers.
• Waste Disposal: Pack In, Pack Out is the mandatory policy. There is no trash service or dumpsters provided. All trash must be carried out by the camper.
• Restrooms: Vault Toilets Only. Primitive vault toilets are available at key access points and canoe launches (Irwin Run, Robin Island, and Millstone Creek Canoe Launches), but not at every individual campsite.
• Site Structure: Each designated campsite provides a hardened parking spot and a rock fire ring for contained campfires.
• Duration of Stay: Stays are limited to 14 days in a 30-day period to ensure fair access and prevent overuse.

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### Features / Highlights

The allure of the Clarion River Campground lies in its untouched natural features and prime location for outdoor recreation, which are its true highlights for the nature enthusiast.

• Clarion Wild and Scenic River Access: The most significant feature is the direct access to the river for non-motorized boating, including kayaking, canoeing, and paddling. The river is known for its beautiful meanders and relative ease of navigation.
• Trophy Trout Fishery: The Clarion River has a growing reputation as a trophy brown trout fishery, making these campsites a highly desirable spot for anglers.
• Authentic Wilderness Setting: The location within the Allegheny National Forest means campers are surrounded by lush, diverse forestland, perfect for wildlife watching and enjoying the remote tranquility of the Pennsylvania Wilds.
• Designated Fire Rings: While primitive, the inclusion of durable rock fire rings at each site allows campers to safely enjoy a traditional campfire, an essential part of the camping experience.
• Hiking Opportunities: The area is a gateway to numerous trails, including access to segments of the vast trail network within the Allegheny National Forest and nearby State Game Lands.
• Pet-Friendly Camping: Dogs are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash, allowing the whole family to enjoy the wilderness adventure.

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### Contact Information

Since the Clarion River Campsites are managed by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Allegheny National Forest, contact for general information, maps, and area guidelines is typically directed through the nearest Forest Service Ranger District or related State Park offices. No direct phone number is associated with the individual campsites themselves due to their primitive nature.

• Address: The sites are found along River Road near the intersection with FR 132 in Millstone Township. For mapping purposes, the closest general postal area is Millstone Township, PA 15860.
• Managing Agency Contact: For official information regarding the Allegheny National Forest and its primitive camping regulations, it is best to consult the U.S. Forest Service website or contact the Marienville Ranger District.

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### What is Worth Choosing

The Clarion River Campground is uniquely suited for the Pennsylvania outdoor enthusiast who prioritizes seclusion, natural beauty, and a traditional, minimalist camping style over convenience and amenities. If you own a canoe or kayak and the idea of waking up steps from a Wild and Scenic River excites you, this is a must-visit destination. The opportunity to camp directly on the banks of the Clarion—a river that has been beautifully restored—is rare and special. Unlike high-traffic, developed campgrounds, these primitive sites promise peace and a deep connection with the forest. It’s the perfect base for trout fishing, paddling, and hiking deep into the Allegheny National Forest. Choosing the Clarion River Campsites means choosing a true wilderness getaway, where the only thing you need to worry about is whether you packed enough water and your camera to capture the stunning Pennsylvania scenery.

Clarion River Campground

9X6V+8P, Millstone Township, PA 15860, USA