Red Bridge Recreation Area

For Pennsylvanians seeking an immersive outdoor experience within the natural grandeur of their home state, Red Bridge Recreation Area in Hamilton Township, PA, stands as a prime destination. Nestled within the expansive Allegheny National Forest, this popular campground offers more than just a place to set up camp; it provides a direct gateway to a wealth of recreational activities, breathtaking scenery, and a serene escape from everyday life. Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen angler, a family looking for adventure, or simply someone yearning for peace and quiet under a canopy of stars, Red Bridge Recreation Area caters to a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts.

Red Bridge Recreation Area is recognized for its versatility, offering various camping options from spacious RV sites to cozy tent spots and even comfortable cabin rentals. Its strategic location along the Allegheny Reservoir, with "select camp sites offer views" of the water, enhances its appeal, inviting visitors to partake in water-based activities or simply enjoy the tranquil vistas. It's a place where the sounds of nature prevail, offering a truly "remote and quiet" experience, yet remaining accessible enough for a convenient local getaway. The combination of well-maintained facilities and a pristine natural setting makes Red Bridge Recreation Area an ideal choice for Pennsylvanians eager to explore the unparalleled beauty of the Allegheny National Forest.

Red Bridge Recreation Area is conveniently located along Pennsylvania State Route 321, approximately 10 miles north of Kane, PA, and within Hamilton Township, PA 16735, USA. This placement within the Allegheny National Forest is a significant advantage for Pennsylvanians, offering straightforward access to one of the state's most cherished natural resources.

The campground's direct adjacency to State Route 321, a well-maintained state road, ensures ease of access for all types of vehicles, from cars to large RVs. It's also strategically positioned on the eastern shore of Kinzua Bay, a southern branch of the vast Allegheny Reservoir, and is directly on the Longhouse National Scenic Byway. This means that while you're immersed in nature, you're also connected to scenic drives and easily navigable routes. For those coming from various parts of Pennsylvania, reaching Red Bridge Recreation Area is typically a scenic and manageable drive, allowing for a seamless transition from daily life to outdoor adventure. The nearest major town, Kane, provides essential services and supplies just a short drive away.

Red Bridge Recreation Area, managed by Allegheny Site Management within the Allegheny National Forest, provides a comprehensive array of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for all campers.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground features 67 single campsites, offering flexibility for various camping styles. This includes 10 designated tent-only sites, 12 sites with full hookups (electric, water, and sewer), 13 electric-only sites, and 11 premium sites located near the reservoir.

• Cabin Rentals: For those seeking more comfort, rustic "tiny house theme" cabin rentals are available. These 20x14 structures with a 6x14 porch come with a small low-ceiling sleeping loft (for four), a first-floor bedroom with a full-size bed, sofa chairs that fold out into single beds, a restroom with shower, sink, and commode, and a kitchen with counter space, sink, two-burner hot plate, small fridge, microwave, and coffee maker. Linens and kitchenware are not provided. Cabin 20 offers a two-story layout with a kitchenette, restroom, and varied sleeping arrangements, including a couch that folds into a double bed downstairs and two single beds and one full-size bed upstairs. Both cabin types have heat and AC, and interior/exterior electric lighting.

• Clean Restrooms and Hot Showers: Facilities include hot water showers, flush toilets, and vault toilets, all maintained for cleanliness, enhancing the comfort of your stay.

• Drinking Water: Pressurized water fountains and drinking water faucets are available, ensuring access to potable water throughout the campground.

• Trailer Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RV campers.

• Firewood and Ice Sales: Firewood and ice are available for purchase directly from the host on-site, making it easy to enjoy campfires and keep provisions cool.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome in the campground (and cabins for a fee), provided they are leashed and not left unattended in cabins. This allows Pennsylvania families to bring their furry companions.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite and cabin includes a picnic table, a fire ring (or grill for cabins), and a tent pad, providing essential outdoor living amenities.

• Accessible Sites and Facilities: Some campsites are designed to be accessible, and the bank fishing area immediately adjacent to the campground is suitable for people with disabilities, reflecting an inclusive approach.

Red Bridge Recreation Area offers a wealth of features and highlights that make it an exceptional choice for outdoor enthusiasts in Pennsylvania.

• Direct Access to Allegheny Reservoir: The campground is located directly on the Allegheny Reservoir (Kinzua Bay), with "premium sites" offering "views of the Allegheny Reservoir." This provides immediate access for boating, kayaking, and swimming (at your own risk, no lifeguard).

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: "Red Bridge Bank Fishing Area" is immediately adjacent to the campground, offering convenient fishing access. The reservoir is known for various species, including bass, muskie, walleye, and panfish.

• Extensive Hiking Trails: Hikers have abundant options, including the North Country National Scenic Trail, which crosses State Route 321 just 0.2 miles south of the campground, and the Morrison Hiking Trail.

• Mountain Biking Access: Jakes Rocks Overlook and Mountain Bike Trail, a renowned mountain biking destination, is located nearby, offering challenging and scenic rides.

• Proximity to Longhouse National Scenic Byway: The campground is located on and near this beautiful scenic byway, perfect for leisurely drives and enjoying the forest's beauty.

• Historic Significance: The recreation area is near the site of a former Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) unit and was used as a German Prisoner-of-War Camp during WWII, adding a unique historical layer to your visit.

• Quiet and Remote Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, the campground is described as "very remote and quiet," providing a peaceful escape into nature, especially during the mid-season or non-holiday periods.

• Nearby Attractions: While remote, it's a reasonable drive to popular attractions like the Kinzua Sky Walk (approximately 40 minutes away) and the town of Kane for dining and supplies (like Bob's Trading Post for rustic food or Table 105 for more upscale dining).

• Campsite Variety: With 67 sites, including full hookups, electric-only, and tent-only options, the campground caters to a wide range of camping preferences and equipment.

As Red Bridge Recreation Area is part of the Allegheny National Forest and managed through the federal Recreation.gov system, its promotions and fee structures align with national park guidelines. Pennsylvania locals looking to visit should be aware of the following:

• Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes: Holders of these passes can receive a 50% discount on the daily fee for a single campsite. This discount applies only to the site physically occupied by the pass holder.

• Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance.

• First-Come, First-Served Sites: While reservations are available for most sites, some are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, providing flexibility for last-minute trips.

• Varying Site Fees: Daily camping fees range from $20.00 to $39.00 per site, depending on the type of hookup and location (e.g., premium sites near the reservoir may cost more, and additional fees apply for electric and full hookups). Daily cabin fees range from $120.00 to $130.00.

• Open Season: The campground and cabins are open annually from April 1 to October 29, allowing for clear planning of your visit within this window.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, availability, and specific policies, it is always best to consult the official Recreation.gov website or the Allegheny National Forest's recreation page for Red Bridge, or contact them directly.

To plan your visit or inquire further about Red Bridge Recreation Area, please use the following contact details:

• Address: Hamilton Township, PA 16735, USA (Note: Located along Pennsylvania State Route 321, about 10 miles north of Kane, PA)

• Allegheny Site Management (During Operating Season): Phone: 814-363-9090 or 814-596-3479

• Bradford Ranger District (Allegheny National Forest): Phone: 814-362-4613 | Email: sm.fs.anf@usda.gov | Address: 29 Forest Service Dr., Bradford, PA 16701

• Reservations (Recreation.gov): Phone: 1-877-444-6777 | Website: Recreation.gov (Search for "Red Bridge Recreation Area")

For specific inquiries regarding your stay or campground operations, contacting Allegheny Site Management or the Bradford Ranger District is recommended. For booking, Recreation.gov is the primary platform.

Red Bridge Recreation Area stands as an ideal and highly suitable destination for Pennsylvanians seeking an enriching outdoor escape. Its prime location within the Allegheny National Forest offers locals unparalleled access to the state's only national forest, providing a sense of genuine wilderness without an overly burdensome journey. This proximity means more time enjoying nature and less time traveling, perfect for weekend getaways or longer family vacations.

The versatility of Red Bridge Recreation Area truly caters to the diverse preferences of Pennsylvania campers. With options ranging from basic tent sites to full hookup RV spots and comfortable cabin rentals, there's an accommodation style for every budget and comfort level. This ensures that whether you're a seasoned RVer or a family trying camping for the first time, you'll find a suitable and enjoyable place to stay.

Beyond the excellent facilities, the abundance of recreational activities is a major draw. Locals can spend their days exploring miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, fishing in the Allegheny Reservoir, or enjoying water activities. The scenic beauty, particularly the views of the reservoir and the fall foliage, creates a picturesque backdrop for relaxation and adventure. Furthermore, the "remote and quiet" atmosphere offers a genuine opportunity to unplug and recharge, a much-needed respite from daily life. For Pennsylvanians, Red Bridge Recreation Area is more than just a campground; it’s an accessible, well-equipped, and naturally stunning sanctuary that invites them to connect deeply with the natural heritage of their own state.

Red Bridge Recreation Area

Hamilton Township, PA 16735, USA