Ole Bull State Park RV & Campground Guide
Pennsylvania
Ole Bull State Park
sits in the middle of northern Pennsylvania's "Black Forest," a remote, mountainous region covered by forests. Pull your RV into a campsite on the banks of Kettle Creek, and you're a quick walk from all of the park's natural wonders. Enjoy a swim in the creek, or head out into the trees on five miles of hiking trails. Mountain biking, fishing, and hunting opportunities abound, creating year-round opportunities for adventure. The small towns of Galeton and Renovo sit 30 minutes north and south, respectively, and Scranton lies 150 miles east.
Spring 24-70 F
Summer 53-82 F
Fall 29-73 F
Winter 15-37 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Ole Bull State Park
Enjoy the wilderness at Ole Bull State Park to the fullest by bringing an RV to serve as your home base. An RV rental allows you to pick the perfect model for your family or a group of friends, ensuring that everyone has a comfortable place to sleep.
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.
What to Do at
Ole Bull State Park
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.
Outside Ole Bull State Park
Ole Bull State Park is surrounded by some of Pennsylvania's most beautiful and rugged wilderness. If you're in the mood to get off the grid, stick to the forests around the park. A few shopping and dining establishments lie within 30 miles; leave extra time to navigate the winding mountain roads.
Restaurants
Waldheim
Fill up on comfort foods such as poutine and lobster mac and cheese at Waldheim, a small, casual restaurant about 10 miles north of Ole Bull State Park. The interior is laid-back, the service is friendly, and the food is fantastic.
Type: American
Location: 1386 Germania Rd, Galeton, PA 16922
Deb's Cross Fork Inn
Drive seven miles south to reach Deb's Cross Fork Inn, which serves traditional diner food in a cozy setting. The massive burgers and hot sandwiches satisfy your appetite after a big hike; the menu also offers light options such as soup and salad.
Type: American
Location: Main St, Cross Fork, PA 17729
Germania Hotel
When you're craving fried food, look no further than the Germania Hotel. The fast-casual restaurant offers fish and chips, wings, and cheesesteaks in addition to pub-style appetizers like fries and battered mushrooms.
Type: American, Pub
Location: 1361 Germania Rd, Galeton, PA 16922
Plaza Cafe
Stop in for breakfast or lunch at the Plaza Cafe. Start your day with a classic egg combo, and come back at lunch for a hot sandwich with a side of coleslaw.
Type: Diner
Location: 26 West St, Galeton, PA 16922
Socky's
Grab a seat at the counter for the full Socky's experience; it's the perfect spot to chat with the staff while you enjoy a sandwich or a plate of pancakes. Don't leave without trying the diner's famous cinnamon rolls.
Type: Diner
Location: 406 Erie Ave, Renovo, PA 17764
Shopping
Kettle Creek Tackle Shop
Fishing is a must-do activity in Ole Bull State Park. Don't worry if you forget your gear — Kettle Creek Tackle Shop has everything from rods and reels to bait.
Location: 17 Kettle Creek Tackle Ln, Renovo, PA 17764
A Stroll Down Memory Lane
Plan at least 30 minutes for a visit to A Stroll Down Memory Lane; you'll need it to check out the fascinating stock of items. With options ranging from jewelry to handmade artisan goods, it's a breeze to find a souvenir or a treat.
Location: 27 W Main St, Galeton, PA 16922
Black Forest Trading Post
As you're coming to Ole Bull State Park from the north, make sure to stop in at Black Forest Trading Post to pick up a piece of wilderness-themed art or novelty gifts. There's a deer park on-site, so you can feed the protected deer while you're there.
Location: 4246 US-6 #9380, Ulysses, PA 16948
Sightseeing
Float Pine Creek
Drive 25 miles northwest of Ole Bull State Park to reach Pine Creek Gorge. While you're there, stop by Canyon Cruises PA to rent a watercraft and explore Pine Creek. The outfitter rents kayaks, canoes, rafts, and inner tubes, so you can choose your favorite mode of transportation. If you book a return shuttle, staff members will pick up you and your boat and bring you back to your vehicle.
Location: 31 Llama Ln, Wellsboro, PA 16901
Susquehannock State Forest
Surrounding Ole Bull State Park, the Susquehannock State Forest offers endless opportunities for hiking and biking. The easiest way to access the forest is by hopping on the Susquehannock backpacking trail that passes through the park. It runs for 85 miles, so you can go as far as you like.
Location: 3150 E 2nd St, Coudersport, PA 16915
Kettle Creek State Park
Set on the banks of a reservoir, Kettle Creek State Park is a lovely spot for an afternoon of adventure. Swim in the lake from the sandy beach, fish for bullhead, or bring your canoe and paddle along the densely forested shoreline.
Location: 97 Kettle Creek Park Ln, Renovo, PA 17764
Bucktail State Park Natural Area
When it's too damp or cold to be outside, take in Pennsylvania's natural beauty from the comfort of your car in Bucktail State Park Natural Area. Drive for 75 miles along PA 120 to explore the mountains and pull out at scenic viewpoints. The area is particularly beautiful in the autumn when the changing leaves turn the forest into a sea of red and gold leaves.
Location: 260 Sizerville Road, Emporium, PA 15834
Hyner View State Park
Watch hang gliders sail above the trees at Hyner View State Park. Head up to the scenic viewpoint to take in the panoramic views while you watch daredevils right straight over the edge.
Location: 86 Hyner Park Road, North Bend, PA 17760
How to Get to
Ole Bull State Park
Pennsylvania Route 144 is the only major roadway that runs to Ole Bull State Park. From Highway 6 to the north, you can turn south on 144 at Galeton. If you're coming in from the south, turn north off of Renovo Road (144) just west of Renovo. A scenic, though longer, alternative route is to take Kettle Creek Road north from Westport.
Entering Ole Bull State Park
Visit Ole Bull State Park any day of the year; it's open every day from sunrise to sunset. The park's day-use areas shut down at dusk.
Per person : $0
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.