Bear Run Campground

- 184 Badger Hill Rd, Portersville, PA 16051

For generations of Pennsylvanians looking to escape the hustle of city life without sacrificing comfort and fun, the Bear Run Campground in Portersville, PA, has become a cherished annual destination. Operated by the Wehr Family since 1975, this established, top-rated campground is not just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent; it’s a full-service family vacation resort. Strategically positioned directly bordering the beautiful Moraine State Park, Bear Run offers the perfect blend of natural immersion and modern convenience, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned RVers and families trying cabin camping for the first time.

The ethos of Bear Run is built on providing a warm, friendly, and accommodating environment for every guest. It’s an approach that clearly resonates with visitors, who frequently highlight the welcoming and helpful nature of the staff. One grateful camper noted that the friendly and professional staff "always asked us how our stay was going and wished us a good day," remarking that their "bright smiles and cherry greetings" truly elevated the entire experience. This focus on customer care and creating a genuinely welcoming atmosphere is a hallmark of the Bear Run tradition.

The facility caters to virtually every camping style. Whether you need a fully paved, Big Rig-friendly pull-through site with every hookup imaginable, a cozy, air-conditioned cabin for a relaxing weekend getaway, or a rustic walk-in tent site close to nature, Bear Run has a spot for you. Even furry family members are welcome, with multiple pet-friendly cabin options and a dedicated dog run, demonstrating the campground’s commitment to providing an inclusive family experience. As one reviewer noted after bringing their standard poodle to a pet-friendly cabin, the stay was "just what we needed, relaxing and enjoyable."

Beyond the diverse accommodation options, Bear Run is famous for its resort-level amenities and non-stop activities. The weekends are packed with themed events designed to engage all ages, from Friday night Bingo to holiday weekend shows and family-friendly games. The convenience of updated and exceptionally clean facilities, including modern, mobility-adapted showers and a much-appreciated dish-washing station with hot water, ensures that the focus remains on fun and relaxation, not chores. This dedication to quality and service ensures that Bear Run is not merely a stopover, but the destination itself for many families from the Western Pennsylvania region.

Location and Accessibility

Bear Run Campground is ideally located in Portersville, Butler County, Pennsylvania, offering visitors quick and easy access to both pristine nature and regional attractions.

• Address and Proximity: The campground is located at 184 Badger Hill Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA. It is situated on the southwestern border of Moraine State Park, providing immediate access to Lake Arthur and its surrounding recreational areas.
• Major Highway Access: The location offers excellent accessibility via major interstates. It is conveniently close to the I-79 and I-80 crossroads, making it an easy drive for travelers from all directions across the state.
• Nearby Metropolitan Hubs: Bear Run is a popular retreat for the Pittsburgh region, being only about a 40-minute drive from Downtown Pittsburgh via I-79 and I-279. This quick commute makes it a perfect weekend getaway for city dwellers.
• Local Landmarks: The campground is just minutes from local favorites like Moraine State Park, McConnells Mill State Park, and Porter’s Cove Boat Launch on Lake Arthur.

Services Offered

Bear Run Campground is a full-service resort offering a comprehensive list of amenities designed for comfort and convenience:

• Diverse Site Types: A wide array of camping options, including "Big Rig" Full Hookup 50 AMP Pull Thru RV Sites (fully paved), Back-In Full Hookup RV Sites, Water & Electric Pop-Up/RV Sites, and Primitive Tent/Walk-In Sites.
• Rental Accommodations: Various rental units, including Deluxe Cabins, Family Lodges, Mini Lodges, and Log Cabins. Many are air-conditioned and feature full-sized refrigerators.
• Pet-Friendly Facilities: Multiple cabin types (like the Grizzly cabin) are pet-friendly, and the campground provides a fenced dog run and multiple convenient dog waste disposal stations.
• Essential Utilities: Full-hookup sites include water, sewer, and 30/50-amp electric service. Complimentary campground-wide WiFi is also available.
• On-Site Convenience: A well-stocked General Store/Gift Shop, on-site laundry facilities, a propane refill station, an ATM, and an RV dump station.
• Sanitary Facilities: Clean and updated restrooms with modern showers, including accessible showers with mobility-friendly adaptations (grab bars, removable shower heads). A communal dish-washing station with hot water is also available.
• Group Event Spaces: Multiple rentable pavilions (Silver Ridge, Pine Grove, etc.) and a Recreation Center/Clubhouse to accommodate groups, reunions, and events of various sizes.

Features / Highlights

The resort-level features and activities are what truly set Bear Run apart as a premier family campground in Pennsylvania:

• Heated Swimming Pool: A clean, heated pool is available for guests to enjoy, providing a refreshing break during the warm Pennsylvania summers.
• Themed Weekends and Activities: The campground hosts a non-stop schedule of activities and themed weekends throughout the season, including Bingo nights, Wagon Rides, holiday celebrations, and various family-friendly events, ensuring there is "always fun happening."
• Camp Store Treats: The on-site store offers essentials, merchandise, and delicious baked goods, with customers often raving about the delicious Amish donuts.
• Recreation Areas: A playground for children, a full-court basketball/pickleball pavilion, a softball area, and an arcade.
• Proximity to Lake Arthur: Direct, easy access to Lake Arthur for activities like boating, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, with rentals often available nearby.
• The "Camping Feel": Despite the numerous modern amenities, the layout offers secluded areas, such as the remote walk-in primitive sites, allowing campers to still experience the "camping feel" close to nature.

Contact Information

To book your site, a cabin, or to inquire about a group event, please use the contact information below.

Address: 184 Badger Hill Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA

Phone Number: (724) 368-3564

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

Bear Run Campground is a quintessential Pennsylvania family vacation spot, perfectly suited for local residents. Its location in Portersville, mere minutes from Moraine State Park, provides easy access to one of Western PA's most beautiful natural resources, allowing locals to enjoy the region's best hiking, boating, and fishing without a lengthy drive. This accessibility is a major benefit for weekend getaways from the Pittsburgh area and beyond.

The real suitability, however, lies in its capacity to offer a full-scale family vacation experience right in their own backyard. The friendly, dedicated staff foster a communal and cheerful atmosphere, which, combined with the comprehensive list of modern amenities—from full hookups for large RVs to comfortable, pet-friendly cabins with air conditioning—eliminates the stresses often associated with travel. The non-stop schedule of organized, family-focused activities and themed weekends ensures that every member of the family, regardless of age, will find something enjoyable to do. Whether you're a Western Pennsylvanian seeking a safe, fun, and reliable place for your children to make summer memories, or a regional group planning a gathering, Bear Run Campground offers a highly rated, clean, and welcoming environment that truly feels like a home away from home. Its legacy, having served local families since 1975, is proof that it is deeply woven into the fabric of Pennsylvania's outdoor recreation tradition.

Bear Run Campground

184 Badger Hill Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA