Hickory Creek Wilderness Ranch

- 2516 Economite Rd E, Tidioute, PA 16351

**Introduction / Overview: Your Gateway to the Allegheny National Forest**

For residents across Pennsylvania looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the PA Wilds, Hickory Creek Wilderness Ranch in Tidioute, PA, stands out as a unique and thoughtfully-designed outdoor retreat. Nestled on the edge of the vast Allegheny National Forest and in proximity to the federally designated Hickory Creek Wilderness Area, this property is far more than a simple campground; it is a full-service destination tailored for both traditional campers and, significantly, the equestrian community.

Serving guests since 1994, the ranch is a well-established fixture in the region's recreation landscape, spanning over 150 acres that offer a range of accommodation options from primitive tent sites to modern full-hookup RV spaces and cozy cabin rentals. The atmosphere is consistently described as welcoming, with a supportive staff dedicated to ensuring every guest—whether they arrive with a horse, a recreational vehicle, or just a backpack—has a safe and enjoyable experience. The ranch has made significant investments in recent years, introducing modern amenities such as individual, clean shower rooms and a convenient laundromat, blending a rustic environment with essential comforts. It is an ideal setting for families, riding clubs, and small groups seeking adventure, tranquility, and a deeper connection with the stunning Western Pennsylvania landscape. The commitment to a high level of personalized service is what truly sets Hickory Creek Wilderness Ranch apart as a top-tier destination for locals.

**Location and Accessibility**

Hickory Creek Wilderness Ranch benefits from a prime, yet secluded, location in Warren County, positioning it perfectly for access to the region’s expansive public lands and waterways.

Address:

2516 Economite Rd E, Tidioute, PA 16351, USA

The ranch is situated just a short drive—approximately four miles—from the charming borough of Tidioute, which offers basic conveniences. This proximity to Tidioute and its location near major regional routes, including US Route 62, makes it easily accessible from many of Pennsylvania's major urban centers. It is roughly 60 miles from Erie and 120 miles from Pittsburgh, placing it within a comfortable weekend drive for a vast number of local Pennsylvanians. Guests should note the specific directions to the ranch, which involve turning onto Economite Road E (Township 317) from State Route 337 (or 3005), with clearly marked entrances for both the arena/stables and the main campground.

Crucially, the ranch offers direct access to the vast trail system of the Allegheny National Forest, which encompasses over 600,000 acres of public land. This direct trail access, particularly for equestrian users, is a key draw. Additionally, the location is a "stone's throw" from the 8,663-acre Hickory Creek Wilderness, the state's only congressionally designated wilderness, providing unparalleled opportunities for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and general sightseeing in a truly untrammeled natural environment.

**Services Offered**

Hickory Creek Wilderness Ranch provides a comprehensive suite of services that cater specifically to both casual campers and dedicated equestrian visitors.

• **Diverse Campsite Options:** Offering 65 electric and water sites (30 AMP service) for RVs and trailers, as well as a large 15-acre area designated for primitive tent camping.
• **Modern Restroom and Laundry Facilities:** Features individual, private restroom/shower rooms that are noted for being clean and modern, alongside an on-site laundromat for guest convenience during longer stays.
• **Equestrian Accommodations:** Includes 12 covered box stalls and multiple electric turnout pastures for safe horse boarding, along with a dedicated wash rack to clean horses after long trail rides.
• **Recreational Amenities:** Provides access to a rodeo arena for events and practice, on-site trailheads with well-marked trails, and a limited supply of rental kayaks for use on the nearby Allegheny River (logistics assistance often provided by staff).
• **Essential Supplies:** Firewood and ice are available for purchase on-site at reasonable prices, saving campers a trip back to town.
• **Comfort Accommodations:** Offers rental cabins (Log Cabin and Bunkhouses) that include essential comforts like refrigerators, microwaves, and air conditioning, with the Log Cabin also featuring a full kitchen and private bathroom.

**Features / Highlights**

The ranch's unique blend of facilities and natural setting creates several outstanding features that attract visitors from across Pennsylvania and beyond.

• **Direct Access to Allegheny National Forest Trails:** A premier feature for horse riders, with trails leaving directly from the camp and connecting to the larger network, offering loops from two to six hours of moderate terrain.
• **Exceptional Cleanliness and Modernization:** Recent upgrades have resulted in individual, extremely clean and modern restroom/shower rooms—a highly valued amenity for any camper.
• **Focus on Safety and Hospitality:** Staff are noted for their helpfulness and attention to safety, providing an "extra layer of confidence" for solo riders and ensuring guests feel secure during their stay.
• **Equestrian Event Hub:** The excellent grounds and rodeo arena host various equestrian events, including poker rides and charity rides, creating a vibrant community atmosphere on weekends.
• **Variety of Lodging:** Catering to different needs and budgets with primitive tent sites, full hook-up RV sites, and furnished rental cabins/bunkhouses for those seeking a more comfortable stay.
• **Proximity to Water Recreation:** The location near the Allegheny River provides opportunities for fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking, with the ranch offering logistical support for water activities.

**Contact Information**

To book a site, inquire about cabin rentals, or learn more about the upcoming equestrian events, please use the contact information provided below. Given the unique nature of this campground, contacting the staff directly is the best way to ensure your specific needs—especially if you are bringing horses—are accommodated.

Address:

2516 Economite Rd E, Tidioute, PA 16351, USA

Phone:

(814) 730-0499

Mobile Phone:

+1 814-730-0499

The management is known for answering quickly, which is a major benefit when arranging your travel and reservation details.

**Conclusion: Why this place is Suitable for Locals**

Hickory Creek Wilderness Ranch is the ideal destination for Pennsylvanians seeking a high-quality, memorable outdoor experience that goes beyond standard camping. For locals, particularly those from the western and central parts of the state, the ranch offers a unique and convenient escape into the renowned Allegheny National Forest.

Its suitability for the local user base lies in its specialization. For the equestrian community, it is a premier "home base" with superior amenities like wash racks, stalls, and immediate access to hundreds of miles of trails—a rare and treasured commodity. For families and general campers, the balance of deep-woods primitive sites and comfortable, modern hook-up sites and cabins—backed by clean, individual shower facilities—removes the biggest pain points of typical rustic camping. The energy and look of the newly-improved campground, combined with the dedicated, helpful staff, guarantee a rewarding and safe stay. Whether you are looking to spend hours on horseback riding through the ridges, kayak on the Allegheny River, or simply unwind by a shaded campfire, Hickory Creek Wilderness Ranch provides an accessible, feature-rich, and professionally managed sanctuary within the beautiful Pennsylvania Wilds. It’s an investment in an experience that you will want to make a favorite place to return to, year after year.

Hickory Creek Wilderness Ranch

2516 Economite Rd E, Tidioute, PA 16351, USA