Dewdrop Campground

- Bradford, PA 16701

Dewdrop Campground: Your Scenic Waterfront Retreat in the Allegheny National Forest

For Pennsylvanians seeking a genuine forest escape combined with unparalleled water access, Dewdrop Campground in the Allegheny National Forest stands out as a prime destination. This is not just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a tiered, multi-level campground clinging to the hillside above the stunning Kinzua Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir. Beloved by boaters, anglers, and families, Dewdrop offers 74 reservable family campsites nestled among mature black cherry, maple, and birch hardwoods.

Managed with the friendly support of on-site staff, Dewdrop Recreation Area provides a popular and well-maintained base for exploring the wild beauty of northwestern Pennsylvania. The blend of a peaceful, wooded setting with convenient access to recreational amenities—including a boat launch and connection to the famed Jakes Rocks trails—makes it a highly sought-after spot, perfect for creating lasting family memories under the dense canopy of the ANF. Whether you are looking for a weekend of fishing on the reservoir or a week of intense mountain biking, Dewdrop is the gateway to your next great outdoor adventure.

Location and Accessibility for PA Campers

Dewdrop Campground is strategically located in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest (ANF), in the area managed by the Bradford Ranger District. The mailing address is Bradford, PA 16701, USA, placing it near the northern edge of the National Forest lands.

The Longhouse Scenic Byway: The campground is situated directly on the Longhouse National Scenic Byway (Forest Road 262), a designated scenic drive that winds around the Kinzua Arm of the reservoir, ensuring easy and picturesque vehicular access. It is found about four miles south of the junction with State Route 59 at Kinzua Point.

Reservoir Access: Dewdrop's main draw is its location on the western shore of Kinzua Bay, offering immediate proximity to the Allegheny Reservoir. The multi-level, tiered layout of the campground means many sites offer beautiful views of the water. While there is no dedicated beach, the water is easily accessible from sites near the shoreline for swimming and other non-motorized activities.

Mountain Bike Trail Connectivity: For the active local user, Dewdrop boasts a major accessibility advantage: it is directly connected to the trailhead of the Jakes Rocks Epic Mountain Bike Trail system. This makes it an ideal central basecamp for mountain biking enthusiasts looking to spend multiple days tackling the professionally built singletrack loops.

Essential Services Offered

As a large and popular National Forest campground, Dewdrop provides a substantial list of facilities designed to ensure a convenient and comfortable stay for families and boaters. The facility offers 74 reservable family campsites, ensuring guests can plan their trips well in advance.

Key services and facilities include:

• Campsite Furnishings: Every site is equipped with a picnic table, a large fire ring (or grill), and a designated tent pad.
• Modern Restrooms: The campground features flush toilets and pressurized water fountains throughout the loops.
• Hot Showers: Hot water showers are available on site, though it is worth noting customer feedback has occasionally mentioned issues with inconsistent hot water, particularly during high-demand or colder periods, suggesting that this amenity can be subject to maintenance variations.
• RV/Trailer Services: A trailer dump station is provided for RV and trailer use. Selected sites offer electric hookups, catering to those who require powered amenities.
• Private Boat Launch: A one-lane concrete boat launch is available for the exclusive use of registered campers, offering a convenient way to launch smaller watercraft for a day on the reservoir.
• Campground Support: The site often features 24-hour campground attendants and interpretive services, with ice and firewood available for purchase from the host.

Features and Highlights for PA Outdoor Enthusiasts

Dewdrop Campground is defined by its fantastic natural location and the wealth of recreation opportunities available immediately from the campsite. It offers a genuine Allegheny experience with the convenience of a developed facility.

• Waterfront Camping: Many sites offer beautiful, commanding views over the Kinzua Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir, providing a serene backdrop for your stay. The proximity to the water makes it perfect for activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and water skiing.
• Mountain Biking Hub: The campground is a direct access point to the world-class Jakes Rocks Epic Mountain Bike Trail system. This feature alone makes Dewdrop a standout choice for local and regional mountain biking communities. Hikers are also welcome to use these trails, though they must yield to cyclists.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Customer reviews frequently highlight the generous sizing of the campsites, noting that they are not too close together, which enhances privacy—a valued commodity for a relaxing forest getaway.
• Interpretive Trail: A short, 2.5-mile interpretive trail winds around the campground, offering a pleasant and easy walk to help campers explore the local forest and natural features.
• Nearby Attractions: A short, scenic drive via the Longhouse Byway leads to other key ANF attractions like the Kinzua Dam, the Kinzua Point Information Center, and the Kinzua Beach swimming area.
• Reservable Sites: Sites can be reserved up to six months in advance via the National Reservation System, a crucial benefit for PA residents planning their peak season vacations.

Contact Information

Dewdrop Campground is managed under the Allegheny National Forest, and reservations are handled through the national system.

Address: Bradford, PA 16701, USA (Located on Longhouse National Scenic Byway, Forest Road 262)

Inquiry Phone Number (Allegheny Site Management): (814) 363-9090

Alternative Contact/Office: (814) 368-4158

Reservation Contact: 1-877-444-6777 (Recreation.gov)

Conclusion: Why Dewdrop is Suitable for PA Locals

Dewdrop Campground holds a special appeal for Pennsylvania residents because it offers an immersive National Forest experience without sacrificing critical modern conveniences. For the local Pennsylvanian, Dewdrop is the perfect weekend or week-long base to leverage the unique recreational assets of the region.

It is one of the few campgrounds that provides direct, easy access to two distinct, highly popular forms of outdoor recreation: water-based activities on the Allegheny Reservoir and mountain-based trail activities on the Jakes Rocks system. This dual-purpose appeal—combined with the peace of mind offered by reservable sites, on-site staff, and amenities like electricity in certain loops—makes it an excellent value for a family vacation. While feedback suggests potential areas for improvement, particularly regarding the consistency of restroom facilities, the overwhelming positive sentiment focuses on the beautiful setting, the friendly hosts, and the large, private campsites that truly allow one to disconnect. For any PA resident who owns a boat, loves to paddle, or seeks a world-class mountain biking destination, Dewdrop Campground remains a beautiful, functional, and highly-recommended local treasure within the grandeur of the Allegheny National Forest. It's the ideal spot to trade city noise for the sounds of the forest and the lapping water of the Kinzua.

Dewdrop Campground

Bradford, PA 16701, USA