Ole Bull State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Named for a famous Norwegian violinist, Ole Bornemann Bull, and now bearing a monument of him, Ole Bull State Park sits across 132 acres in the Kettle Creek Valley of Pennsylvania. This area is known as the Black Forest due to its dense tree cover, mountainous terrain and wilderness habitat. The park is open 365 days a year for guests to enjoy recreation and educational programs year-round. Some of these educational programs include topics of the history and natural resources of the area, guided walks, children's programs and evening campfire programs.
Nearby Cities
Cross Fork, PA
Abbott, PA
Galeton, PA
Slate Run, PA
Spring 45-70 F
Summer 78-82 F
Fall 48-73 F
Winter 32-37 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Ole Bull State Park
Campground Accommodations
Ole Bull State Park Campground – Camping Area 1 (32 electric/15 nonelectric sites)
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: No
Max RV length: 64 feet
Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, shower house, drinking water, sand volleyball court, playground, beach, opens early April and closes mid-November
Ole Bull State Park Campground – Camping Area 2 (24 electric/8 nonelectric sites)
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 62 feet
Other amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, shower house, restrooms, drinking water, playground, dump station, open year-round
Ole Bull State Park Campgrounds
Relax under the trees at the two Ole Bull State Park campgrounds. Camping Area #1 sits on the northern bank of Kettle Creek, offering 19 RV-friendly sites with electric hookups. Camping Area #2 is located on the opposite side of the river, offering 24 electric sites. Both areas also offer a selection of rustic tent sites. With spots up to 62 feet long, there's plenty of room for your big rig. If you're coming in the winter, head to Camping Area #2; it's open year-round while the other area opens from April to November. The state park campgrounds offer flush toilets, a dump station, picnic tables, and fire rings. Rates start at $21.25 per night.
Quiet Oaks Campground
Make the most of your RV camping trip at Quiet Oaks Campground, which lies about 10 miles south of Ole Bull State Park. With full hookups and hot showers, it has everything you need for a relaxing stay. Pets are welcome, and the grounds offer plenty of room to explore. Rates for RV sites range from $25 to $35 per night, depending on the type of electric service you need.
Snyder's Family Campground
Stay just off of Highway 6 at Snyder's Family Campground. It's located 21 miles north of the park, so you can reach the water or hiking trails with an easy drive. This campground is popular with families, thanks to its large playground and well-stocked fishing ponds. You'll also have access to showers, propane, a gift shop, and a dump station. Choose from sites with full hookups plus cable TV or sites with water, electricity, and TV. Rates start at $35 per night, with excellent discounts for monthly stays.
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What to Do at
Ole Bull State Park
Spring, summer, fall, or winter, Ole Bull has plenty to do to keep visitors busy and engaged no matter the season. Head over to the park and check out the hiking trails, swimming beach and fishing hot spots. Be sure to pack your camera and binoculars to take in some of the most beautiful, scenic views in all of nature. Reserve your campsite before you visit, and relax around a fire at night with your friends and family.
Check out the hiking trails and volleyball court, getting a game going with your group or other guests. For a more relaxed visit, pack your picnic basket for a feast with your family in the picnic area, and then sunbathe on the sandy beach.
Inside Ole Bull State Park
Ole Bull State Park is made for relaxation; the tall trees create plenty of shade, and cool breezes frequently blow through the forests. Head down to the sandy beach for a day of sunbathing and swimming, or walk along Kettle Creek to fish for trout. The park offers five miles of trails; Beaver Dam Nature Trail is a flat, kid-friendly option, and the Bull Trail takes you to an old foundation and exceptional park views. The park roads and surrounding state forest roads are open to mountain bikers. Don't wait until spring to visit the park — when there's enough snow, you can ski a groomed cross-country ski trail, snowshoe through the forest, or snowmobile in the park and the surrounding lands.
Fishing
Common fish species found in Kettle Creek include rainbow, brook and brown trout. Anglers can cast off from all the shores throughout the park other than in the designated swimming area. Be sure all guests 16 and older get their Pennsylvania fishing license before casting their lines.
Geocaching
Check out the official geocaching website or mobile app, and then head out to find a hidden treasure in the park. Remember to put on comfy shoes, bring the GPS and have some fun while you roam.
Nature Watching
Within the park, you'll spot many mammals and rodents scurrying on foot as well as birds flying overhead. Keep an eye out for migratory birds in the spring and fall.
Stargazing
Watch for a clear night far from the city lights. The starry night sky above Ole Bull State Park provides stunning views.
Flora and Fauna
Throughout the park, you'll spot white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, squirrels and ruffed grouse. Since the park is located in the Black Forest, there is dense tree cover and a mountainous terrain.
Hiking
Six trails wind through Ole Bull. The Susquehannock Trail System joins the park for just 0.34 miles. The trails are used for hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing.
Swimming
A 150-foot sandy beach on Kettle Creek provides guests with a designated spot for swimming, splashing and sunbathing. The unsupervised swimming area is open during daylight hours in the summer.
Biking
Several of the hiking trails may be used for mountain biking as well. Beaver Haven Nature Trail is a multi-use path that takes guests 1.8 miles in and near the park. This easy trail includes a view of the beaver pond. The Hemlock Swamp Trail gives riders a glimpse at the wetlands of the park.
How to Get to
Ole Bull State Park
Ole Bull State Park is located along PA 144 in Cross Fork. From U.S. 6 at Galeton, take Highway 44/Highway 144 South, following the signs until you reach the park.
Entering Ole Bull State Park
Parking is available near the picnic area and swimming beach. Additional limited parking is available for registered campgrounds in the campground in designated areas.
Pennsylvania state parks are free to the public. Get out there, and enjoy the nature and recreational opportunities at no charge.
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Ole Bull State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to [email protected] for a chance to be featured on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ole Bull State Park
Swimming, fishing and hiking are popular recreational activities for guests to enjoy during the warm summer months. If you are more of a winter enthusiast, visit the park for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing while snow covers the ground.
White-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, squirrels and ruffed grouse can be spotted in the park. You'll also find many species of migratory and resident birds, including owls, songbirds and hawks.
There are 79 RV camping sites at Ole Bull State Park. Of these camping sites 43 have electrical hookups, while the rest do not.
Though reservations are not required, it is strongly recommended that you reserve a site ahead of your visit. You may book your campsite up to 11 months in advance, either online or by telephone. You may also claim an open site when you arrive at the park by registering in the park office. The nightly fee for camping at Ole Bull State Park is $22 to $27.
Pets are welcome in Ole Bull State Park as long as they are kept under control on a leash and supervised at all times. Designated camping spots are available to guests with pets for an additional fee. Pets are not allowed in the swimming area or inside buildings. Be sure to clean up after your four-legged friends.
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