Morrison Campground

- Bradford, PA 16701

Morrison Campground: Your Primitive Gateway to Adventure in the Allegheny National Forest

For seasoned Pennsylvania outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a truly immersive, rustic escape, Morrison Campground in the Allegheny National Forest offers an unparalleled experience. This is not a typical RV park with modern amenities; instead, it is a primitive, hike-in or boat-in campground that promises adventure, tranquility, and a deep connection with the PA Wilds. Nestled on the east bank of the Allegheny Reservoir, Morrison Campground appeals directly to those who believe the best camping requires a little effort and a willingness to embrace the wild.

Located near Bradford, PA, the campground serves as a perfect base camp for exploring the vast, heavily forested lands of the Allegheny National Forest. It is a destination for backpackers finishing or starting a multi-day trek on the Morrison Trail, or for paddlers who prefer to arrive by kayak, canoe, or motorboat via the Allegheny Reservoir. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching your campsite, combined with the stunning natural setting of the Kinzua Bay area, is what draws local users back year after year. As one reviewer noted, this is "a great campground if you want a little adventure." If your goal is to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature, Morrison Campground is arguably one of the most authentic places to do so within the Keystone State.

Location and Accessibility for PA Adventurers

Morrison Campground is situated on the east bank of the Allegheny Reservoir, specifically on Morrison Bay, a branch off of Kinzua Bay. It falls under the management of the Allegheny National Forest and is addressed in the general area of Bradford, PA 16701, USA. Its remote nature is a key part of its appeal, as it is only accessible via two non-motorized methods: by boat or by hiking.

Boat Access: The closest point of entry for boaters is the Elijah Run Boat Launch, located directly west of the campground off the Longhouse National Scenic Byway (Forest Road 262). Campers can kayak, canoe, or motorboat across a section of the reservoir to reach the campground's shoreline sites. This method is highly recommended for those carrying heavier gear. Note that there are no dedicated boat docks at the campground; you simply pull up to the shore near your chosen site.

Hike Access: The campground serves as a key landmark on the Morrison Hiking Trail, a challenging 10.8-mile (17-kilometer) loop trail. The main trailhead parking lot is located off State Route 59, approximately 16 miles east of Warren, PA, and 17 miles from Bradford, PA. The hike to the campground utilizes a portion of the Morrison Run Trail, often involving a walk of 6 to 7 miles, requiring campers to be prepared for an outstanding but moderately difficult trek through forested terrain. This is true backpacking.

Local users from across Pennsylvania—including those driving north from Pittsburgh or east from Erie—will find the drive to the Longhouse National Scenic Byway a manageable start to their adventure, with the trail or boat journey providing the final, rewarding stage of their journey.

Services Offered at this Primitive PA Campground

The services at Morrison Campground are intentionally minimal to preserve its rustic, semi-primitive recreational setting. Campers must be self-sufficient and prepared to adhere to Leave No Trace principles. It is essential to understand what is not offered to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

The core services provided include:

• Campsites: Approximately 38 primitive campsites are available, which are suitable for tent camping and are generally dispersed.
• Site Furnishings: Each individual campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grate.
• Restrooms: Vault toilets (outhouses) are available at the campground. These are rustic and do not have outside locks, meaning they are always open.
• Payment: The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. Payment ($12.00 per night, subject to change) is made at a self-pay station using fee envelopes and a pay tube, or potentially via a Scan and Pay feature on the Recreation.gov mobile app, provided cell service is available. (It is highly recommended to bring cash for the self-pay station).
• Fire Information: Campfires are permitted only within the provided fire rings and must be fully extinguished before leaving.
• Operating Season: The campground is generally open from May 1st to October 31st each year.

Crucial Information for Campers: There is no potable water system on-site. Campers must bring all their drinking water or a filtration/purification device to treat water from the Allegheny Reservoir or nearby streams. Additionally, there are no showers, electricity, or boat docks available.

Features and Highlights of the Kinzua Bay Area

The draw of Morrison Campground lies not in the luxury of its amenities, but in the richness of its surrounding natural environment and the unique recreational opportunities it affords.

Key features and highlights for local users include:

• Access to the Allegheny Reservoir: The location on Kinzua Bay offers excellent opportunities for water activities, including kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, and swimming (at your own risk, as there are no lifeguards).
• The Morrison Hiking Trail: This 10.8-mile loop is a major feature, offering hikers and backpackers a challenging route through rugged, heavily forested terrain. The popular hike from Route 59 is a highlight for many visitors.
• Mountain Laurel Blooms: As noted by local visitors, the mid-to-late June period is ideal for viewing the stunning bloom of the Mountain Laurel, Pennsylvania's State Flower, along the trails.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The area is known for rich biodiversity, offering excellent opportunities to view wildlife such as deer, grouse, turkey, and even occasional sightings of bears and bald eagles.
• Primitive, Semi-Motorized Experience: The hike-in/boat-in access ensures a quieter, more isolated camping experience than most drive-up campgrounds in the state. This is an environment for true nature lovers.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: The lack of a reservation system ensures that spontaneous weekend adventurers always have a chance to secure a site, especially after a challenging journey to get there.
• Proximity to Longhouse National Scenic Byway: After the primitive camping experience, the scenic drive along this byway offers beautiful vistas around the Allegheny Reservoir, connecting you to other sites like the Rimrock Overlook.

Contact Information

Morrison Campground is managed by the Allegheny National Forest, Bradford Ranger District. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, especially concerning trail conditions, regulations, and closures, please contact the managing office.

Address: Bradford, PA 16701, USA (General Area)

Managing Office: Bradford Ranger District

Phone: (814) 362-4613 (Allegheny National Forest, Bradford Ranger District Office)

Conclusion: Why Morrison Campground is Suitable for PA Locals

For Pennsylvania residents, Morrison Campground is an essential destination for those seeking a true wilderness experience without leaving the state. It is perfectly suited for locals who own a kayak or canoe, enjoy backpacking, or simply want to test their outdoor preparedness skills. Unlike high-density, heavily commercialized campgrounds, Morrison offers 38 sites spread out along a beautiful reservoir shoreline, ensuring the tranquility mentioned in customer reviews.

This campground reinforces the adventurous spirit of the Pennsylvania Wilds. It is an honest, primitive retreat that requires you to bring everything you need—from water to cash for the site fee—but rewards you with outstanding natural beauty, challenging hikes like the Morrison Trail, and the chance to spot majestic bald eagles over the reservoir. For the local Pennsylvanian looking to trade the comfort of the couch for a fire ring under the stars, Morrison Campground offers an affordable, accessible, and deeply rewarding primitive adventure. It’s a chance to truly disconnect from the digital world and find your own piece of quiet adventure in the heart of the Allegheny National Forest.

Morrison Campground

Bradford, PA 16701, USA