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Simon B Elliott
Overview
Simon B Elliott State Park offers a quiet escape within the Moshannon State Forest. Established by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, this 318-acre park provides a nostalgic camping experience on the high plateau of the Allegheny Mountains. It is characterized by its rustic charm and deeply forested environment, offering a peaceful alternative to larger, more crowded state parks in the region. It serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the extensive trail systems of the surrounding Pennsylvania highlands.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Penfield, PA, the park is deeply integrated into the Pennsylvania Wilds region. Its location on the Allegheny Plateau means visitors are surrounded by vast stretches of hardwood forests. The park’s high elevation often provides cooler temperatures during the summer months and serves as a scenic gateway to the Quehanna Wild Area, making it a prime spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. The surrounding terrain is rugged and scenic, perfect for those who enjoy the feeling of being miles away from civilization.
Amenities & Park Features
The camping area is modest, featuring 25 sites that cater to smaller rigs and trailers. Most sites offer 30-amp electric hookups, though visitors should note there are no water or sewer connections at the individual pads. Each site is nestled under a canopy of trees, providing plenty of shade and a sense of privacy. On-site facilities include a sanitary dump station and centrally located bathhouses. The park’s heritage is visible in its historic log cabins, which provide a beautiful backdrop to the wooded campsites.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
One of the biggest draws is the proximity to Benezette, the heart of Pennsylvania’s wild elk herd. Visitors can take a short drive to the Elk Country Visitor Center for world-class wildlife viewing opportunities. Additionally, Parker Dam State Park is just a few miles away, providing access to a lake for swimming, boating, and fishing. Hikers can also enjoy miles of connecting trails throughout the state forest, including the Susquehannock Trail System accessible for long-distance hikers.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for RVers who prioritize tranquility and solitude over resort-style luxuries. Because of the tighter turns and smaller site footprints, it is best suited for small to mid-sized RVs rather than massive motorhomes. It is a fantastic choice for nature photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those looking for a basecamp to explore the expansive wilderness of North Central Pennsylvania. It appeals most to travelers who appreciate the historical significance of the CCC era and the quiet beauty of a mountain forest.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Laura J
Camped overnight here in our camper. No hookups but very nice, quiet, and relaxing. Clean restrooms (running water and power), no showers. Nice hiking trails, flat, scenic areas. Can buy firewood or bring in your own. There were also cabins you can rent, with shower facilities. Will definitely stay here again!
Rob
Beautiful place to stay. Definitely off the beaten path. The cabin set up and bath house is really nice. Each cabin has their own restroom/shower room. Lots of state park and forestry roads around to go exploring on. Also there is an apple orchard on the way in beside the tent/RV area. Plenty to do here and it has a close proximity to Parker Dam too. Can't wait to stay again.
Caitlin Smith
I parked and hiked the old horse trail. Overall a pretty park and I absolutely loved the wildflower patches out by the main road. Campground looked nice and had water available for rvs and there is drop toilets by the parking areas. Limited resources otherwise there was a dumpster in the camp area but no trashcans anywhere else. Water fountain had had handles removed so unusable. Trail was nice and was fairly well marked. Pond was cute and people told me they had caught a few small fish. Lots of bridges and crossings on the trail. My dog didnt love the one by the pont which was a very wide grate. Trail doesnt have any steap hills but a good chunk of it is full of large rocks jutting out. So between the rocks and crossings not handicap accessible at all. But the rocks are fun to play on.
Carl Callenburg
This campground is a very nice place to stay the night. Pets are welcome on all sites. While there are no hookups there is very clean flush bathrooms (no showers). The grounds does have a dump station that is free if you stay overnight and only $10 if you just want to dump your tanks and refill your fresh water. There is only 25 sites, all in the shade. Locate 3miles off ext 111 of interstate 80 (Clarfeild, Pa). GREAT cell service... There is host on site and the grounds are kept in very nice shape by the staff of Parker Dam Campground, just 6-7 miles farther down the road.
Elody Gyekis
Kudos to Simon B. Elliot State park for planting huge pollinator garden/native wildflowers meadows! Full splendor on august first. Lovely park and picnic area in general as well.