Kelly Pines

- Jenks Township, PA 16239

Introduction / Overview

For local Pennsylvanians who value a rustic, genuine connection to the state’s natural heritage, Kelly Pines Campground offers a truly unique destination. Situated deep within the expansive Allegheny National Forest in Jenks Township, this campground is not just a place to pitch a tent or park a trailer; it is the central hub for equestrian adventures in the region. It is specifically designed as the key access point to the 38-mile Spring Creek Horse Trail system, making it an indispensable resource for horseback riders across the Commonwealth.

Kelly Pines maintains a small, intimate, and primitive atmosphere. Its natural setting is stunning, located in a clearing along Wolf Run, which is known as a native trout stream, and surrounded by majestic, old-growth white pine trees—some of which are over 300 years old. This blend of specialized facilities for horses and natural, unspoiled beauty makes it a highly sought-after, yet tranquil, retreat. While its focus is on equestrians, the campground also welcomes traditional campers and anglers, especially during the trout season opening in April, offering a quiet, non-motorized experience perfect for those looking to truly unplug from modern life.

It is a U.S. Forest Service site, ensuring a well-regulated and protected environment that respects both the land and the unique needs of equestrian camping, embodying a long tradition of outdoor recreation in the Allegheny National Forest.

Location and Accessibility

Kelly Pines Campground is located in the beautiful, heavily forested region of Jenks Township, in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest (ANF). Its precise location places it in a secluded, yet highly functional, position for forest recreation.

The official address is within:

Jenks Township, PA 16239, USA

The campground's remoteness is part of its charm. It is accessed via Forest Service roads, specifically off of Forest Road 130 and 131 North from Marienville, or via Route 66 and Forest Road 124 from Kane or Ridgway. It is important for local users to note the rustic nature of the access. There is a sharp turn and a bridge to cross upon entry, and vehicles over 40 to 50 feet in length (including truck and trailer combined) may have difficulty maneuvering and are generally discouraged.

This location provides direct, unparalleled access to the Spring Creek Horse Trail system, making the act of getting on the trail a matter of just a few steps from the campsite. Its seclusion guarantees a break from the everyday noise of civilization, appealing directly to the Pennsylvania resident looking for a true wilderness experience, whether on horseback or on foot.

Services Offered

As a rustic Forest Service facility, Kelly Pines Campground provides essential, functional services tailored primarily for the equestrian camper, emphasizing simplicity and the preservation of the natural setting.

• Campsite Availability: The campground offers a total of seven campsites, divided into specialized sections.
• Equestrian Sites (5 Total): Four sites are single equestrian sites, and one is a double equestrian site, designed to accommodate riders and their horses.
• Non-Equestrian Sites (2 Total): Two sites are reserved for traditional campers, hikers, and anglers who do not have horses.
• Horse Tie-Down Shelters: Each single equestrian site includes a specialized 4-horse tie-down shelter, complete with a gravel base, rubber matting, and log rails for separating horses. The double site features two of these 4-stall shelters.
• Vault Toilet: A centrally located vault toilet is available for human use, typically stocked with toilet paper.
• Water Source: An artesian well provides potable drinking water for campers. Additionally, a designated location along the stream is available for watering horses.
• Camp Amenities: Every campsite, regardless of type, is furnished with a picnic table and a fire ring, which often includes a moveable cooking surface.
• Waste Management: A dedicated manure bin is provided for the disposal of horse waste, and campers are required to clean their tie stalls before leaving.
• Information Hub: A bulletin board and a hitching rail near the toilet serve as a central point for regulations, maps, and quick stops.
• Primitive Status: Note that sites are generally primitive; they are non-electric and do not offer sewer or water hookups at the individual sites.

Features / Highlights

Kelly Pines’ unique appeal lies in its designation as the premiere equestrian hub of the Allegheny National Forest, alongside its deep-woods environment.

• Hub of Spring Creek Horse Trail: The campground is the direct hub for the 38+ mile Spring Creek Horse Trail system, offering a vast network of designated, marked trails perfect for multi-day riding adventures and day-use staging.
• Specialized Horse Accommodations: The inclusion of highly functional, covered tie-down shelters for horses with rubber matting and separation rails is a rare and significant feature, providing safety and comfort for equine companions.
• Old-Growth Forest Setting: The site is surrounded by native forest, including impressive 300-year-old white pine trees, creating an incredibly scenic and memorable backdrop for camping.
• Access to Trout Fishing: Situated along Wolf Run, a native trout stream, the campground is a popular location for anglers, especially during the opening of trout season, adding a key recreational draw beyond horseback riding.
• True Rustic Experience: Kelly Pines offers a secluded, off-the-grid experience (with limited to no cellular service), allowing for a genuine "unplugged" retreat into nature, highly valued by those seeking peace and quiet.
• Winter Use Potential: While there is no winter road maintenance, the surrounding Forest Roads (FR 130 and FR 131) and the tramway along the creek are designated as snowmobile trails, offering seasonal recreation opportunities for winter enthusiasts.

Contact Information

Kelly Pines Campground is managed under the Allegheny National Forest. For inquiries or reservations (which are highly recommended, especially for equestrian sites), please use the following contact information:

Address: Jenks Township, PA 16239, USA (Allegheny National Forest)

Phone (Marienville Ranger District Office): (814) 927-6628

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

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Kelly Pines Campground is tailor-made for specific groups of Pennsylvania locals: the serious equestrian and the dedicated backcountry angler or camper. For riders in the Commonwealth, it is the only dedicated horse campground within the Allegheny National Forest, providing the necessary infrastructure to embark on multi-day journeys across 38 miles of the Spring Creek Horse Trail. This specialization means a higher quality, more tailored experience that is simply unavailable at standard parks.

Furthermore, for non-equestrian locals, the campground's primitive nature and location along a native trout stream offer an authentic, quiet escape from the bustle of modern life. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to reserve one of the two standard campsites for a traditional tent camping experience, surrounded by hundreds of years of natural growth. By prioritizing this rustic, specialized use, Kelly Pines serves as an essential part of Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation landscape, offering a memorable, accessible, and historically rich corner of the Allegheny National Forest right in their backyard.

Kelly Pines

Jenks Township, PA 16239, USA