Hearts Content Campground

For Pennsylvanians seeking a genuine and immersive outdoor experience, Hearts Content Campground in Tidioute, PA, offers a truly unique and rustic retreat within the breathtaking Allegheny National Forest. This semi-primitive family campground is not about luxurious amenities, but rather about connecting with nature, enjoying the simplicity of camping, and exploring one of Pennsylvania's most significant natural treasures: a rare old-growth forest. It's the ideal destination for those who appreciate the quiet beauty of the wilderness and wish to unplug from the demands of modern life.

Hearts Content Campground provides a foundational camping experience, emphasizing the natural surroundings over modern conveniences. Imagine clear nights perfect for stargazing, days filled with invigorating hikes through ancient trees, and evenings spent around a crackling campfire. While the facilities are basic, they are well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable and authentic camping adventure. This article will guide you through the essentials of Hearts Content Campground, detailing its secluded location, available services, unique features, and why it remains a cherished spot for locals drawn to the raw beauty of the Allegheny National Forest.

Hearts Content Campground is nestled deep within the Allegheny National Forest, with its address listed simply as Unnamed Road, Tidioute, PA 16351, USA. This remote location is part of its charm, offering a true escape from urban noise and light pollution. While it feels secluded, it is accessible for those in Pennsylvania willing to venture into the forest's depths.

To reach the campground from the Mohawk exit of U.S. Route 6 in Warren, you would take Main Ave., then turn right onto Pleasant Drive/State Route 3005/337, travel about 10.7 miles, then continue straight onto State Route 2002/Hearts Content Road for another 3.7 miles, with the entrance on the left. This journey brings you directly into the heart of the national forest, setting the tone for a wilderness experience.

The campground borders the Hickory Creek Wilderness Area to the south and is directly across the road from the Hearts Content National Scenic Area to the north. This strategic positioning means immediate access to extensive hiking trails and a 300 to 400-year-old stand of white pine, hemlock, and beech trees. While there might not be a direct town center right at the campground, the surrounding forest provides all the "amenities" for a true nature lover. Its slightly "out of the way" nature is precisely what attracts campers looking for tranquility and deep immersion in Pennsylvania's natural heritage.

Hearts Content Campground is a semi-primitive facility, meaning it offers essential services for a comfortable camping experience without providing modern hookups or extensive amenities.

• Basic Campsites: The campground has 26 family campsites and 1 group site. Each site is basic, meaning no water or electricity hookups are available directly at the sites. Most sites are large and include a picnic table and a fire pit, perfect for traditional camping setups.
• Shelter Sites: Two sites are equipped with small, three-sided shelters (lean-tos) that can be used instead of a tent, offering an alternative for those seeking a bit more protection.
• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are available throughout the campground. It's important to note that these facilities do not have electricity for lighting.
• Pressurized Water: Potable (drinking) water is available at designated spigots within the campground during the operational season. A past review noted that water might not be turned on if visiting outside the main season (e.g., May).
• Dump Station: A dump station is conveniently located at the exit of the campground for RV campers.
• Firewood: Firewood is generally available for purchase at the campground or can be sourced from local vendors to prevent the spread of invasive species. Campfires are permitted in fire rings and must be fully extinguished.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times and cannot be left unattended. Cleanup after pets is required.

Hearts Content Campground's primary appeal lies in its natural features and the recreational opportunities they provide, offering a unique blend of historical forestry and outdoor adventure.

• Hearts Content National Scenic Area: Located directly across the road from the campground, this area protects a rare 122-acre tract of old-growth forest with white pine over 400 years old and hemlock over 450 years old. An easy 1-mile interpretive loop trail winds through this ancient forest, offering a unique educational experience.
• Hickory Creek Wilderness Area: Bordering the campground to the south, this 8,633-acre second-growth forest provides opportunities for solitude and a more primitive hiking experience. A roughly 13-mile loop trail, sparingly marked, traverses the area, ideal for experienced hikers seeking a true wilderness feel.
• Extensive Hiking and Cross-Country Ski Trails: The campground is a hub for numerous trails, including:
  • Hearts Content Interpretive Trail (1.1-mile loop)
  • Tom's Run Loop (3.2 miles, also for cross-country skiing)
  • Ironwood Loop (3.3 miles, also for cross-country skiing)
  • Wheeler Loop (1.3 miles, encircles the campground and connects to other trails)
• Orienteering Course: A self-guided, permanently marked course is available, offering an introduction to the sport of orienteering with introductory, intermediate, and advanced routes.
• Exceptional Stargazing: As noted by reviewers, the remote location with minimal light pollution makes Hearts Content a "great place to stargaze," offering unparalleled views of the night sky.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: Despite the rustic nature of the sites, the campground itself is generally well-maintained.
• Large Open Fields: There's a large open field near the entry with a playground, volleyball net, and amphitheater, suitable for games. Another large field at the back serves as group camping sites and a helispot.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse forest ecosystem is home to abundant wildlife, including deer, black bears, and over 300 species of mammals and birds.

Hearts Content Campground, being a U.S. Forest Service site operated under a concession permit, typically has standardized pricing and discount structures set by federal guidelines or its operator, Allegheny Site Management. You won't find traditional "promotions" in the commercial sense, but rather established fee structures and potential federal pass benefits.

• Daily Camping Fee: The standard daily camping fee is typically around $12.00 - $14.00 per site, with group sites costing around $80.00.
• Federal Recreation Passes: Holders of certain federal passes, such as the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (which includes the Senior Pass and Access Pass), may be eligible for discounts on camping fees. It's advisable to inquire about specific pass benefits when booking or upon arrival.
• First-Come, First-Served and Reservations: While some sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance.
• Extra Vehicle Fee: A fee of $5 per vehicle may be collected for extra vehicles at the campground beyond the two included in the initial site fee.

It's crucial to confirm all fees and policies directly through Recreation.gov or by contacting Allegheny Site Management, as details can occasionally be updated.

For reservations, inquiries about seasonal operations, or more detailed information about Hearts Content Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: Unnamed Road, Tidioute, PA 16351, USA

Phone: For campground inquiries, please call Allegheny Site Management, the concessionaire, at 814-368-4158. The general Allegheny National Forest Supervisor's Office can be reached at 1-814-723-5150. The phone numbers (716) 287-3222 and +1 716-287-3222 provided were for a different campground (Top-A-Rise Campground) and are not associated with Hearts Content Campground.

Reservations: Reservations can be made via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Email: ecpalleghenysite@gmail.com (Allegheny Site Management)

Forest Service Information: For broader information about the Allegheny National Forest, you can contact the Bradford Ranger District at 814-362-4613 or email sm.fs.anf@usda.gov.

For Pennsylvanians seeking an authentic and deeply immersive natural experience, Hearts Content Campground in the Allegheny National Forest stands as an exceptional choice. Its relatively accessible location, nestled within one of the state's most significant natural areas, means that a true wilderness escape is within a manageable drive for many. This proximity allows locals to easily disconnect from their daily routines and immerse themselves in the tranquility of a pristine forest setting.

What makes Hearts Content particularly suitable for locals is its embrace of basic, semi-primitive camping. For those who appreciate the true spirit of camping—unplugging from electricity, relying on vault toilets, and enjoying campfires under incredibly dark skies—this campground delivers. It’s an opportunity to return to the fundamentals of outdoor living, fostering resilience and a deeper connection with the environment. The availability of clean facilities, even if basic, ensures a comfortable experience for those ready for a less modernized approach to camping.

Furthermore, the campground's immediate access to the ancient old-growth forest of Hearts Content National Scenic Area and the vast Hickory Creek Wilderness offers unparalleled recreational opportunities. Whether it's exploring historical logging trails, embarking on challenging wilderness hikes, or simply marveling at 400-year-old trees, the natural highlights are profound. The exceptional stargazing, as attested by past visitors, is another draw that urban and suburban Pennsylvanians rarely get to experience. Hearts Content Campground offers a genuine, unpretentious slice of Pennsylvania's wild beauty, inviting locals to rediscover the joys of simple, unadulterated outdoor adventure right in their own backyard.

Hearts Content Campground

Unnamed Road, Tidioute, PA 16351, USA