Danner campground, Kennerdell, PA

Introduction / Overview

For Pennsylvania residents seeking an authentic, secluded, and trail-centric outdoor experience, the Danner Campground within the Clear Creek State Forest stands as a prime, hidden gem. Unlike large, amenity-heavy commercial parks, Danner Campground offers a distinctly primitive camping environment, perfect for those who truly wish to disconnect and immerse themselves in the Western Pennsylvania wilderness. It is an intentional, back-to-nature destination that attracts experienced hikers, dedicated trail runners, and paddlers who appreciate the quiet isolation of State Forest land.

The campground’s appeal is its accessibility primarily by non-motorized means—being known as a hike-to or boat-in location—creating a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of car-heavy camping areas. Situated near the banks of the Clarion River, a nationally significant waterway, Danner provides a direct gateway to the extensive trails and natural features of the Clear Creek region. With large, well-spaced sites, each featuring essential tools for a traditional camping experience, Danner Campground embraces the simplicity and rugged beauty of the Keystone State’s public lands.

Location and Accessibility

The Danner Campground is nestled deep within the scenic landscape of the Clear Creek State Forest, with an official location listed at Kennerdell, PA 16374, USA. This placement is central to its unique charm and accessibility profile. While it possesses a physical address, it is widely recognized as a "hike-to or boat-in campground," meaning vehicular access is either limited or discouraged, which contributes significantly to its secluded feel.

The Kennerdell area itself is a picturesque part of Venango County, beloved for its unspoiled forest lands, waterfalls, and access to the Allegheny River and its tributaries. For local users in Pennsylvania, its location offers a fantastic opportunity for:

River Enthusiasts: Direct access to the river makes it a highly desirable spot for those canoeing, kayaking, or boating along the Clarion River. This allows paddlers to use the campground as an overnight stop on multi-day river trips.
Trail Adventurers: The campground is a launch point for an extensive network of trails in the Clear Creek State Forest, which is a major draw for hikers and backpackers who can pack in their supplies.
Proximity to Natural Attractions: It is near other regional outdoor highlights, including the broader Clear Creek State Park facilities, which are known for over 25 miles of trails, swimming areas, and more. The surrounding State Forest land, totaling over 9,000 acres, provides boundless opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing, all easily accessible from this central basecamp.

Services Offered

Danner Campground operates under a primitive model, focusing on providing essential services that support a rustic, outdoor experience while adhering to State Forest guidelines. The services are minimalist yet highly functional for an off-grid setting:

Camping Sites: Features large, spacious camping sites, providing a greater sense of privacy and room for group or family setups.
Fire and Cooking Facilities: Each individual campsite is equipped with a fire ring, which includes a cooking grate, allowing campers to easily prepare meals over an open flame. Dead and down wood may be gathered for campfires, though power tools are prohibited.
Sanitation: An outhouse is provided for human waste disposal. Notably, this facility has been recently "redone" and is confirmed to be handicap accessible, demonstrating attention to modern access needs even in a primitive setting.
Water Access: Potable water is available at the campground via an accessible source (such as a spring or spigot). However, it is officially marked as "unpottable" because the State Forest cannot guarantee a regular testing schedule, advising campers to boil or filter the water before consumption. Campers are strictly prohibited from washing or discharging gray water into any natural water outlets or streams.
Waste Disposal: As a general rule for State Forest camping, visitors are required to practice a Leave No Trace ethic, meaning all garbage, waste, and rubbish must be packed out and removed from the site and disposed of properly elsewhere.

Features / Highlights

The distinct features and highlights of Danner Campground are centered around its unique location and the types of outdoor recreation it facilitates:

Secluded Access: The "hike-to or boat-in" primary accessibility ensures a quieter, more isolated camping experience than drive-up facilities, making it a true retreat into the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Handicap Accessibility: Despite its primitive and remote nature, the recently renovated outhouse is handicap accessible, a significant feature for State Forest camping that improves access for all users.
Direct River Access: Campers have "easy access to the river," which is paramount for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing enthusiasts looking to spend their days on the Clarion River.
Trail Network: The campground is surrounded by "lots of trails," providing excellent opportunities for extended hiking, mountain biking, and exploration deep into the Clear Creek State Forest.
Responsible Camping: The primitive style of camping promotes resourcefulness, adherence to Leave No Trace principles, and a deeper connection to the natural environment, which many seasoned outdoor enthusiasts highly value.
Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are permitted on State Forest land, provided they are kept under control and attended to at all times, making it a great option for locals who want to bring their dogs on a hiking trip.

Contact Information

As Danner Campground is a primitive area managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry, direct inquiries and information regarding site rules, fire regulations, and permitting for State Forest Camping should be directed to the District Office responsible for Clear Creek State Forest.

Address: Clear Creek State Forest, Kennerdell, PA 16374, USA

Phone: (814) 226-1901

Note: Reservations for Danner Primitive Camping Area typically fall under Bureau of Forestry guidelines for State Forest Camping, which may require a permit for longer stays (usually over 7 days) and often involve self-registration for shorter periods.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Pennsylvanians, particularly those in the Western and Central regions, Danner Campground is uniquely suitable as a prime destination for deep-woods relaxation and recreational challenge. This is not a tourist spot; it is an authentic piece of State Forest land offering a genuine primitive experience. It’s perfect for the local who already owns their gear and wants an easy-access escape from city life without driving out-of-state. The "hike-to or boat-in" accessibility ensures the campground remains uncrowded and quiet, preserving the natural solitude that so many seek.

Furthermore, it serves as an excellent training ground for backpacking and river expeditions, providing the necessary primitive facilities (like the fire rings and outhouse) while offering direct connection to a wealth of outdoor activities—from fishing the pristine waters to logging miles on the surrounding trails. Danner Campground allows local users to take full advantage of their public State Forest resources, promoting self-sufficiency and an intimate appreciation for the rugged, natural beauty of their home state.