Hopewell Campground, Bradford, PA

For Pennsylvania outdoor enthusiasts who seek a true wilderness challenge and a deep connection with nature, the Hopewell Campground presents an unparalleled primitive camping experience. Located on the eastern bank of the Allegheny Reservoir within the expansive Allegheny National Forest (ANF), Hopewell is not a conventional, drive-up campsite. Instead, it is designated as a "Boat Access Campground," meaning accessibility is limited to either a boat-in trip across the reservoir or a significant hike via a section of the renowned North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) or the Tracy Ridge Trail System.

This intentional remoteness is what makes Hopewell a coveted spot for experienced local campers. It promises a secluded retreat where the sounds of the forest and the lapping water of the reservoir replace the noise of highway traffic and crowded parks. While this rustic nature requires self-sufficiency—specifically, carrying or filtering all potable water—it rewards the visitor with an atmosphere of tranquility and the opportunity for deep solitude. The simple amenities provided are minimal, designed to preserve the wilderness experience, making it a perfect spot for those who truly believe in the "pack it in, pack it out" ethos of responsible outdoor recreation. The setting, nestled on the shores of the vast Allegheny Reservoir, offers stunning views and immediate access to one of Pennsylvania's most beautiful large bodies of water.

Hopewell Campground is situated in the rugged, forested terrain of the Bradford Ranger District in the Allegheny National Forest. Its distinctive location defines the camping experience.

Bradford, PA 16701, USA

While the address is listed as Bradford, PA, the actual campground is deep within the ANF wilderness, on the eastern shoreline of the Allegheny Reservoir, just north of Sugar Bay. This location’s ruggedness is a key factor in its appeal.

Accessibility:

Boat Access (Primary): The easiest way to reach the campground is by boat (motorized or non-motorized) across the Allegheny Reservoir. The closest public boat launches include Willow Bay and Webbs Ferry, requiring a water journey to the campsite.
Hike-In Access (Challenging): It is also accessible by hiking approximately six miles. This trek typically utilizes a combination of the Tracy Ridge Hiking Trail System and the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT).
Driving: There is no direct vehicular access to the campground. Campers must park at a boat launch or trailhead and complete the journey by water or foot. This ensures the campground remains quiet and protected from the disruptions of nearby roads.

As a designated "Boat Access Campground," Hopewell’s services are deliberately minimal, focusing on providing essential infrastructure rather than modern luxuries.

Services Offered

Site Availability: The campground offers 20 individual campsites, which are operated strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are accepted, encouraging spontaneous adventure.
Fee Payment: The nightly fee (typically low for a national forest site) is paid via a self-service fee station using a fee envelope/pay tube or the Recreation.gov Scan and Pay feature, emphasizing the self-managed nature of the park.
Campsite Equipment: Each site is equipped with the basics: a picnic table, a metal fire ring, and often a cooking grill grate, allowing for simple food preparation.
Restroom Facilities: Vault toilets are provided and maintained by the Forest Service, offering a basic but necessary sanitation amenity.
Water Status (Critical Note): There is NO fresh, potable drinking water available on-site. The former well systems are capped off. Campers must bring their own drinking water for the duration of their stay or be proficient in filtering and treating water from the reservoir or streams.
Firewood: While official provisions are not made, dead and downed wood found within the forest is generally permitted to be used for campfires, adhering to the "Leave No Trace" principles and forest regulations.

Hopewell is defined by its pristine location and the opportunities it provides for true back-to-nature recreation on the Allegheny Reservoir.

Features / Highlights

Genuine Seclusion: The major highlight is the guaranteed quiet and privacy that comes with being a boat-in or hike-in only location. Due to the limited access, the campground is often less crowded than drive-in sites, as noted by customer reviews.
Allegheny Reservoir Access: Situated directly on the shore, the campground offers immediate and easy access for swimming, fishing, and launching watercraft right from the campsite.
Trout and Bass Fishing: The Allegheny Reservoir is renowned for excellent fishing, with species like smallmouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, and northern pike providing a compelling draw for anglers.
Hiking Trail Connection: Hopewell is directly linked to the extensive Tracy Ridge Trail System and the North Country National Scenic Trail, providing endless opportunities for challenging day hikes or multi-day backpacking trips through the ANF.
Wildlife Viewing: The deep forest and reservoir shoreline location provides a prime habitat for viewing Pennsylvania wildlife, including deer, various bird species, and potentially even bald eagles flying over the water.
Primitive Aesthetic: The lack of modern hookups and paved roads preserves the rustic, traditional feel of wilderness camping, attracting those who enjoy self-reliance and the rugged aspects of the outdoors.

As a highly rustic and self-managed site, Hopewell Campground does not have a dedicated on-site office. For inquiries, including current conditions, fire status, and rules, the local U.S. Forest Service Ranger District should be contacted.

Contact Information

Address: Bradford Ranger District Office (The nearest Forest Service contact point)

29 Forest Service Dr. Bradford, PA 16701

Phone: (814) 362-4613 (Bradford Ranger District Office)

Hopewell Campground is exceptionally suitable for local Pennsylvania residents who have mastered basic camping skills and are prepared for a true back-to-nature immersion. It caters specifically to the adventurous Pennsylvanian seeking a destination with high barriers to entry—access by boat or a long hike—to ensure a truly quiet, uncrowded experience.

This location is a perfect fit for seasoned hikers, boaters, canoeists, and kayak enthusiasts living in the state. The primitive nature, specifically the absence of fresh water and the need for self-contained waste management (pack it in, pack it out), means visitors must be responsible and respectful stewards of the land. For the local looking to escape the typical crowded summer campground and experience the solitude of the Allegheny National Forest's shorelines, Hopewell Campground offers a challenging, beautiful, and deeply rewarding wilderness retreat that feels miles away from civilization, even if it’s just a short boat ride or a dedicated hike from the nearest parking area. It is a necessary choice for those who define quality time in the outdoors by its degree of untamed beauty.