Twin Lakes Recreation Area Upper Campground

campgrounds near kane pa

For Pennsylvanians yearning for a true escape into the embrace of nature, Twin Lakes Recreation Area Upper Campground in Kane, PA, stands as a pristine and evolving destination. Tucked away within the magnificent Allegheny National Forest, this campground is celebrated by visitors for its "very remote" yet "very clean" environment. It's not just a place to set up camp; it's a testament to ongoing dedication, being a "work in progress with many enhancements upcoming," ensuring that each visit promises a serene and continually improving experience. As one happy camper noted, they "had a wonderful time and will be going back," a sentiment echoed by another who "loved it will go back soon." This consistent desire for return visits speaks volumes about the tranquil and restorative quality of Twin Lakes.

Twin Lakes Recreation Area Upper Campground offers a genuine opportunity to unplug and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Pennsylvania's national forest. While it provides a deep sense of seclusion, it also features essential amenities that enhance comfort, such as hot showers and well-maintained facilities. It's a versatile spot, accommodating various camping styles from traditional tents to RVs, and even offering group camping options. With its commitment to cleanliness and its promise of future improvements, Twin Lakes Recreation Area Upper Campground is poised to become an even more cherished retreat for Pennsylvanians seeking peace, outdoor adventure, and a truly remote wilderness experience right in their own backyard.

Twin Lakes Recreation Area Upper Campground is strategically located on Forest Road 290 (FR 290), near Kane, PA 16735, USA. This placement deep within the Allegheny National Forest is a key aspect of its appeal for Pennsylvanians, offering an authentic wilderness experience. The address, "Fr 290, Kane, PA," indicates its situation on a Forest Road, suggesting a journey off the main highways that leads directly into the heart of the forest.

While described as "very remote," accessibility is still managed. It is recommended that RVs or trailers not longer than 28 feet or taller than 10 feet use this area due to small-sized campsites and a railroad underpass with a ten-foot clearance located at the entrance road. This detail is important for larger vehicles to note for smooth navigation. Despite its secluded feel, Twin Lakes remains a reachable destination for locals across Pennsylvania looking for an immersive nature getaway. The closest town, Kane, provides a base for any necessary supplies or services before venturing into the serene forest. The drive itself becomes part of the experience, transitioning from developed areas into the verdant, tranquil landscape of the Allegheny National Forest.

Twin Lakes Recreation Area Upper Campground, managed by the USDA Forest Service, provides a solid range of services designed to facilitate a comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience for campers seeking a more rustic yet well-equipped setting.

• Family Campsites: The Upper Campground offers 51 family campsites, each thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a tent pad. This ensures basic comfort and convenience for outdoor cooking and gathering.

• Electrical Hookups: For those requiring power, electric is available at some sites, catering to RVs and campers needing electricity for their stay.

• Clean Restrooms and Hot Showers: The campground features flush toilets and hot showers, which were completely renovated in 1970 and maintained, providing a significant comfort in a remote setting.

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

• Two Group Camping Areas: For larger gatherings, Twin Lakes offers two dedicated group camping areas, each limited to 50 people or less, making it suitable for family reunions or organized groups.

• Accessible Facilities: Buildings and pathways are accessible for persons with disabilities, and accessible campsites are clearly identified on the campground map, demonstrating inclusivity.

• Firewood Sourcing: Campers are permitted to obtain firewood from dead and down trees within the area, promoting sustainable use of natural resources.

• Host On-Site: While not explicitly detailed, campgrounds managed by the Forest Service typically have a camp host available to assist visitors and ensure regulations are followed, contributing to a smooth experience.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed within the campground, provided they are leashed and properly managed, allowing Pennsylvanians to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.

Twin Lakes Recreation Area Upper Campground is distinguished by several key features and highlights that enhance its appeal as a cherished outdoor destination within the Allegheny National Forest for Pennsylvania locals.

• Remote and Quiet Atmosphere: Visitors consistently praise the campground for being "very remote" and quiet, offering a peaceful escape from the noise and demands of daily life. This is a significant draw for those seeking true tranquility.

• Ongoing Enhancements: Described as a "work in progress with many enhancements upcoming," the campground demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement, promising an even better experience for future visits.

• Twin Lakes Aquatic Access: The recreation area is centered around the two lakes, offering opportunities for fishing (with fishing piers) and non-motorized boating activities like canoeing and kayaking. While the Upper Campground is specifically mentioned, the overall recreation area provides access to these water features.

• Swimming Beach and Day Use Area: The day use area includes a swimming beach, a bathhouse, picnic tables, and pavilions, making it an excellent spot for family fun by the water.

• Extensive Trail System: The campground offers access to a network of trails, including the 1.4-mile Black Cherry National Recreation Interpretive Trail (adjacent to the lower campground but accessible from the area), the Twin Lakes Trail (extending 16.5 miles westward to the North Country National Scenic Trail), and connections to the Mill Creek Trail and Brush Hollow Trail system. This provides abundant options for hiking, walking, and exploring the forest.

• Playgrounds: Playgrounds are available in the day-use area, catering to families with children and providing dedicated spaces for play.

• Scenic Forest Setting: Being within the Allegheny National Forest, the campground is surrounded by lush forests, providing beautiful scenery and opportunities for wildlife viewing.

• Accessibility Improvements: In the early 1990s, the recreation area was made accessible for people with different abilities, with modernized campsites, fishing piers, and trails around the lake designed to be more accessible.

Twin Lakes Recreation Area Upper Campground operates within the framework of the Allegheny National Forest, with reservations primarily handled through the federal Recreation.gov system. As such, specific ongoing "promotions" in the traditional commercial sense are less common, but value is offered through federal passes and reservation policies. Pennsylvania locals planning their trip should be aware of the following:

• Interagency Passes: Holders of Interagency Senior Passes or Interagency Access Passes are eligible for a 50% discount on the daily fee for a single campsite. These passes are available for U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are 62 or older, or those with permanent disabilities.

• Reservations System: Individual sites and group camping areas can be reserved. Reservations for family sites can be made 4 to 240 days in advance, while group sites and pavilions can be reserved 3 to 360 days in advance. This allows for long-term planning, especially for peak seasons.

• Reservation Fees: A reservation fee will be charged for both family units and group units when booking through Recreation.gov.

• Minimum Stay Requirements: For a three-day holiday weekend, campers must reserve a site for at least two nights, which is a common practice for popular holiday periods.

• Payment Options: Reservation payments can be made by VISA, MasterCard, Discover card, mailed personal check, or money order, offering flexibility.

• First-Come, First-Served Sites: While many sites are reservable, some might be available on a first-come, first-served basis, which can be useful for spontaneous trips, though availability is not guaranteed.

For the most accurate and current information on fees, availability, and specific policies, it is always best to consult the official Recreation.gov website directly, or contact the Friends of Twin Lakes ANF organization (see contact details below), who assist with the campground operations and can provide current insights.

To plan your visit or inquire further about Twin Lakes Recreation Area Upper Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Address: Fr 290, Kane, PA 16735, USA (Within the Allegheny National Forest)

• Friends of Twin Lakes ANF (Non-profit assisting operations):

  • Phone: 814-389-3019 (Laura Funaki) – You can leave a message to make a reservation.
  • Email: friendsoftwinlakesanf@gmail.com
  • Mailing Address: PO Box 333, Wilcox PA 15870
  • See Us on Facebook (Search "Friends of Twin Lakes ANF")

• Reservations (Recreation.gov):

  • Toll-Free Phone: 1-877-444-6777
  • International Phone: 1-518-885-3639
  • TDD: 1-877-833-6777
  • Website: www.Recreation.gov (Search for "Twin Lakes Recreation Area Upper Campground")

• Allegheny National Forest Information:

  • General Info Phone: 1-800-473-9370
  • Email: info@visitANF.com

Contacting the Friends of Twin Lakes ANF directly can be particularly helpful for site-specific requests or local insights. For official reservations, Recreation.gov is the primary platform.

Twin Lakes Recreation Area Upper Campground offers an incredibly suitable and enriching outdoor experience for Pennsylvanians, particularly those seeking a genuine retreat into nature. Its location deep within the Allegheny National Forest provides a "very remote" setting, allowing locals to truly disconnect from urban stresses and immerse themselves in the state's unparalleled natural beauty. This accessibility to a profound wilderness experience, without the need for extensive long-distance travel, makes it an ideal spot for frequent and meaningful getaways.

The campground's commitment to being "very clean" and a "work in progress with many enhancements upcoming" ensures a consistently improving and pleasant visit. For families, the presence of clean facilities, playgrounds, and accessible sites means comfort and inclusivity for all members. The opportunity to access two beautiful lakes for fishing and non-motorized boating, combined with an extensive network of hiking trails, provides a diverse range of activities for every outdoor enthusiast.

Ultimately, Twin Lakes Recreation Area Upper Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a sanctuary for peace and rejuvenation. The quiet solitude, combined with essential amenities and a promise of future improvements, makes it an exceptionally compelling choice for Pennsylvania locals looking to recharge, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories in the heart of their home state's magnificent forestland. The consistent positive reviews from those who "loved it" and "will go back" underscore its value as a premier local camping destination.

Twin Lakes Recreation Area Upper Campground

Fr 290, Kane, PA 16735, USA