Kelly Pines

For Pennsylvanians seeking a genuine wilderness experience, particularly those with a passion for horseback riding, Kelly Pines Campground in Jenks Township, PA, offers an exceptional and unique opportunity. Nestled within the expansive Allegheny National Forest, Kelly Pines provides a rustic yet accommodating environment that truly allows you to disconnect from the everyday and immerse yourself in nature’s tranquility. It's renowned for its focus on equestrian camping, serving as a hub for the extensive Spring Creek Horse Trail system, but it also welcomes traditional campers looking for an authentic forest retreat. If you’re yearning for open fires, starlit nights, and the sounds of the forest, all within a beautiful and remarkably affordable setting, Kelly Pines is a destination well worth exploring.

Kelly Pines Campground is not your typical RV park with full hookups and extensive amenities; instead, it embraces a simpler, more rugged charm that appeals to true outdoor enthusiasts. The campground's natural features, including spacious forest vegetation alongside a serene stream, create a picturesque backdrop for your stay. Its primary draw for many locals is its direct connection to miles of designated horse trails, making it a dream destination for equestrian adventurers. However, even for those without horses, the peaceful atmosphere and access to hiking and fishing opportunities make it a compelling choice. It embodies the spirit of the Allegheny National Forest – raw beauty, abundant recreation, and a chance to experience Pennsylvania's wilderness firsthand.

Kelly Pines Campground is situated in Jenks Township, PA 16239, USA, placing it deep within the scenic Allegheny National Forest in northwestern Pennsylvania. This location provides a secluded wilderness experience while still being accessible to residents across the state. The campground is nestled along Wolf Run, a native trout stream, surrounded by mature forests, including impressive 300+ year old white pine trees. The closest town for supplies and services is Marienville, PA.

Access to Kelly Pines typically involves navigating forest roads. From Marienville, you would take Forest Service Road (FS) 130 to FS 131 N at Lamonaville. Alternatively, from Kane or Ridgway, you can take State Route 66 to FS 124 (Duhring Road) at Pigeon, then connecting to FS 131. It's important to note that the entry road and bridge leading into Kelly Pines are described as having a sharp curve, and are "not suitable for trailers or RVs that are over 50 feet in length." Vehicles over 40 feet in length are encouraged to view the location prior to making reservations due to potential maneuvering difficulties. Despite these considerations for larger rigs, the campground remains a highly sought-after destination for its unparalleled access to the Spring Creek Horse Trail system, making the journey well worth it for those looking to explore on horseback or on foot.

• Campsites with Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: All sites are equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, allowing for comfortable outdoor dining and campfires.
• Equestrian Campsites: Four single campsites and one double occupancy campsite are specifically designed for horse campers, each featuring four-stall tie-down sheds.
• Non-Equestrian Campsites: Two regular campsites are available for visitors without horses (sites 1 and 2).
• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are provided through vault toilets.
• Artisan Well / Potable Water: Potable drinking water is available from an artisan well (hand pump), suitable for both human and livestock use.
• Manure Bin: For equestrian campers, a designated manure bin is available for horse waste disposal, promoting cleanliness and proper waste management.
• Horse Watering Station: A designated location along the stream, or a hydrant with potable water, is available for watering horses.
• Day Use Parking: The center of the turn-around circle within the campground is designated for day-use parking, allowing visitors to access trails without overnight camping.
• Quiet Hours: Operational hours include quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. to ensure a peaceful environment for all campers.

• Equestrian Focus: A major highlight is its designation as an equestrian campground, offering specialized facilities for horse owners and direct access to the Spring Creek Horse Trail system. During the riding season (typically April to December 16th), sites 3-7 are exclusively for equestrians.
• Spring Creek Horse Trail System: The campground serves as a primary hub for this extensive trail system, offering over 38 miles of designated and marked trails for horseback riding and hiking.
• Rustic Wilderness Experience: Kelly Pines provides an authentic, natural camping environment with minimal development, appealing to those who prefer a traditional, immersive forest experience.
• Affordable Camping: Campsite fees are very budget-friendly, typically ranging from $15 for a single site to $25 for a double site, making it an accessible option for many.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Surrounded by a spacious forest, including impressive old-growth white pines and located alongside Wolf Run (a native trout stream), the campground offers picturesque scenery and a tranquil atmosphere.
• Year-Round Accessibility (Seasonal Considerations): The campground is open from March 31st to December 16th, allowing for camping across multiple seasons, though winter maintenance of the road is not performed.
• Fishing Opportunities: Anglers are welcome, particularly during trout season (starting in April), with Wolf Run being a native trout stream.
• Wildlife Viewing: The forest environment provides ample opportunities for wildlife observation.
• No Reservations Needed (First-Come, First-Served): Campsites are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips (though Recreation.gov may show some sites as reservable with a 7-day lead time).

As a campground managed by the U.S. Forest Service (Allegheny National Forest), Kelly Pines typically does not offer traditional commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a privately owned business might. The primary and consistent "special offer" of Kelly Pines Campground is its inherent affordability. Campsite fees are remarkably low, generally set at $15 per night for a single site and $25 per night for a double site. This budget-friendly pricing is a standing benefit, making quality outdoor experiences accessible to a wider range of Pennsylvanians.

For qualifying individuals, federal interagency recreation passes, such as the America the Beautiful – National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior or Access Passes, may provide a 50% discount on the single campsite fee for the site occupied by the pass holder. This is a federal program benefit rather than a specific promotion from Kelly Pines itself. It’s important to note that discounts typically apply only to the base campsite fee and not to any additional charges. Since reservations are generally on a first-come, first-served basis, there are no "early bird" or booking incentives. For the most precise and up-to-date information on fees and any applicable federal pass discounts, visitors should consult the official USDA Forest Service website for the Allegheny National Forest or contact the Allegheny Site Management at (814) 363-9090. This ensures accurate planning for your visit to this exceptionally well-priced wilderness retreat.

Address: Jenks Township, PA 16239, USA

For facility-specific information, please call (814) 363-9090.

General information for the Allegheny National Forest can be obtained by calling (814) 363-6000.

Kelly Pines Campground is operated by Allegheny Site Management.

For residents of Pennsylvania, Kelly Pines Campground offers an authentic and highly suitable local destination for immersing oneself in the state's natural grandeur, particularly for those passionate about equestrian activities. Its location deep within the Allegheny National Forest in Jenks Township means that a truly wild and serene escape is within a reasonable driving distance for many Pennsylvanians, making it ideal for both quick weekend adventures and longer, more immersive trips. The primary draw for many locals, especially horse owners, is its direct access to the expansive Spring Creek Horse Trail system, offering miles of designated trails for unparalleled riding experiences right from your campsite. This specialized feature caters to a niche yet significant segment of the outdoor community in Pennsylvania.

Beyond its equestrian focus, Kelly Pines is also incredibly appealing to traditional campers seeking a rustic, back-to-nature experience. The campground's emphasis on minimal development, with simple picnic tables, fire rings, vault toilets, and potable water from an artisan well, ensures that visitors truly connect with the natural environment. This lack of excessive amenities contributes to its remarkably affordable pricing (typically $15-$25 per night), making it one of the most budget-friendly options for camping within the state's national forest system. Such affordability encourages more Pennsylvanians to regularly enjoy the vast recreational opportunities available in their own backyard.

The natural setting itself is a compelling reason for locals to visit. Surrounded by ancient white pines and the sounds of Wolf Run, it provides a peaceful backdrop for relaxation, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The first-come, first-served site availability offers flexibility for spontaneous trips, a convenient perk for busy locals. While the access road requires careful navigation for larger vehicles, it reinforces the sense of a genuine wilderness retreat. In essence, Kelly Pines Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a gateway to the untamed beauty of the Allegheny National Forest, a truly local treasure for those seeking an affordable, authentic, and unique outdoor adventure in Pennsylvania.

Kelly Pines

Jenks Township, PA 16239, USA