Benezett Store Campground

- 9682 PA-555, Benezette, PA 15821

For Pennsylvanians looking for a truly unique and wildlife-rich camping experience, the Benezett Store Campground (formerly known as Elk Crossing 555) in Benezette, PA, is an unrivaled destination. This campground is not just a place to stay; it is your base camp in the heart of the Commonwealth’s majestic Elk Country—home to the largest free-roaming elk herd east of the Mississippi River. The entire region, nestled deep within the Pennsylvania Wilds, offers a breathtaking natural retreat, and this campground places you right in the center of the action.

The facility is highly regarded by its guests, many of whom return year after year specifically for the incredible elk viewing opportunities. Visitors often highlight the friendly staff and owners who are dedicated to maintaining a clean and well-kept environment. Customer reviews consistently mention the spacious nature of the sites and the convenience of having both the campground and a general store nearby. With a recent change in ownership, the commitment to maintenance and guest experience has been elevated, ensuring a comfortable, reliable, and scenic stay for RVs, trailers, and tent campers alike. If your family’s goal is to witness the incredible sight of the elk herd, particularly during the famed autumn rut, this campground is a strategic and welcoming choice.

The Benezett Store Campground is perfectly situated on State Route 555, the primary thoroughfare through Pennsylvania's Elk Country, providing campers with exceptional access to the entire viewing area. The address is:

9682 PA-555, Benezette, PA 15821, USA

Benezette is located in the rugged, forested north-central region of Pennsylvania, part of the extensive Pennsylvania Wilds area. While the region’s rural setting ensures a true escape from city life, the campground is easily reached via well-maintained state routes. The remoteness contributes to the region’s excellent star-gazing opportunities and the abundance of wildlife. Importantly, the campground is located just a short drive from the Elk Country Visitor Center on Winslow Hill Road—considered the premiere public viewing area. In fact, many visitors report that the elk, being free-roaming animals, frequently wander right through or near the campground itself, offering unparalleled close-up viewing.

It is important for local users to note the rustic nature of this region: cell service can be non-existent or very limited within the campground itself, encouraging a true opportunity to unplug and enjoy nature. The proximity to the Elk Country Visitor Center often provides the most reliable source of cell connectivity (usually two bars of Verizon service is reported there).

The Benezett Store Campground offers essential services designed to provide a comfortable camping experience while retaining a rustic, outdoor feel.

• Campsite Variety: The facility accommodates all types of setups, including electric RV/trailer sites (mostly 30-amp electric hookups), non-electric RV/trailer sites, and primitive tent sites. Sites are known for being spacious, allowing for comfortable setup.

• Overnight Lodging: For those without a camper, the adjacent Benezett Store and Restaurant offers affordable overnight sleeping rooms.

• Campground Infrastructure: Amenities include clean, well-maintained bathhouses with hot showers and restroom access, as well as a convenient on-site dump station exclusively for guest use.

• On-Site Convenience Store: The adjacent Benezett Country Store is fully stocked with essentials, including groceries, camping supplies, snacks, ice, firewood, and even live bait, making it simple to pick up last-minute necessities.

• Equestrian Features: The general area has nearby horseback riding trails; however, horses are not permitted within the campground itself.

• Water Access: There are non-potable water fill stations available on-site, but guests should be prepared as full water hookups are not offered at sites.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are welcome at the campground, provided they are kept on a leash and under control at all times, allowing the whole family to enjoy the trip.

The true allure of this campground lies in its unique natural features and its direct link to the majestic Pennsylvania elk herd.

• Premier Elk Viewing Location: The campground is strategically located at the base of the road leading to the Elk Country Visitor Center and is surrounded by open fields and forests where the free-roaming elk are frequently seen, sometimes walking right through the campground itself.

• Spacious, Open Sites: Reviewers consistently praise the size and open layout of the sites, which allows for easy setup for any size RV and provides wide-open skies for activities like star-gazing.

• River and Fishing Access: The area is adjacent to one of the region’s best fishing creeks, offering opportunities for anglers to fish for trout, bass, and other species (a valid PA fishing license is required).

• Site Shelters/Pavilions: Some sites feature small, stick-built pavilions that provide a covered outdoor space with a picnic table, enhancing comfort for outdoor dining and relaxing.

• Owner Dedication: Recent positive reviews often highlight the attention to detail from the new owners, ensuring the grounds are well-maintained and clean, a crucial factor for returning guests.

• Seasonal Activities: The campground is a highly sought-after location during the late summer and fall 'Elk Rut' (mating season), when the sounds of bugling bulls and the sight of sparring males are an unforgettable experience.

Given the limited cell service in the area, calling ahead for reservations is strongly recommended, especially during the peak fall elk viewing season.

Address: 9682 PA-555, Benezette, PA 15821, USA

Phone: (814) 787-7456

Mobile Phone: +1 814-787-7456

For residents across Pennsylvania, the Benezett Store Campground offers a deeply authentic and compelling reason to explore the northern reaches of the PA Wilds. It provides the most direct and immersive access to the state's magnificent wild elk herd, an experience that many Pennsylvanians consider a bucket-list item. The camp’s blend of essential, clean amenities—like hot showers, a dump station, and the convenience of the adjacent general store—provides comfort without sacrificing the remote, nature-focused atmosphere that this region is famous for.

Returning visitors, who have been camping here for years, consistently attest to the quality of the scenery and the dedication of the owners. It is a peaceful location perfect for photography, star-gazing, fishing, and simply unwinding in a truly wild setting. This campground is ideal for the local who wants to unplug from modern life, spend time with family in the great outdoors, and wake up to the potential sight of a bull elk grazing just meters away—a uniquely Pennsylvanian wildlife adventure. Due to its popularity, especially during the rut, early reservations are a must for securing your spot in this majestic corner of the state.

Benezett Store Campground

9682 PA-555, Benezette, PA 15821, USA