Loleta Recreation

PO Box 2395, 3451 Rt. 59
Bradford, PA 16701

Forest Order 09-19-17-19 Loleta Recreation Area

1/2

There is no fishing allowed in the designated swimming area of Loleta Recreation Area between May 1 and September 30.

Under the authority of the Act of Congress dated June 4, 1897, as amended (16 USC 551) and the Secretary of Agriculture’s regulation 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b), the following act is prohibited on the Allegheny National Forest, Loleta Recreation Area, located within Forest County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

Fishing in the designated swimming area of Loleta Recreation Area between May 1 and September 30. SEE EXHIBIT [36 CFR 261.58(v)]

THIS RESTRICITION IS NECESSARY TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY. THEY ARE IN ADDITION TO THE GENERAL PROHIBITIONS SET FORTH IN 36 CFR PART 261. THE PROHIBITIONS WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM THE DATE OF THIS ORDER UNTIL SPECIFICALLY WITHDRAWN BY TERMINATION ORDER OF THE FOREST SUPERVISOR.

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:

Persons with a permit authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
Any Federal, State, or local officer or member or an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.

Violation of any of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both, under authority of Title 16 USC 551, Title 18 USC 3559 and 3571.

Justification for Order

The purpose of this order is to protect children and other members of the public in the designated swimming area by limiting fishing while the swimming area is open.

This order is an updated and revised edition stemming from a previously existing and in effect order from 2008.

This update is to ensure that consistent and accurate information is being portrayed to the public and also to reflect the recent change in Forest leadership staffing.

Enforcement Plan

This order will be enforced by law enforcement officers as well as forest protection officers. The primary method of enforcement will be through regular patrols. These patrols may or may not include other law enforcement agencies.

Overview

Loleta Recreation Campground sits along the east branch of Millstone Creek in the southwestern corner of the Allegheny National Forest, offering a peaceful getaway that is popular with families.

Recreation

Camping is available in both the primitive upper loop and the more developed lower loop. The Day Use area with picnic tables and grills centers around a Civilian Conservation Corps dam across Millstone Creek, which creates a small swimming/wading area. Fishing the stream is permitted with a legal PA fishing license, but the swimming area is off-limits between Memorial Day and Labor Day. There is a 3-mile hiking trail that starts and ends at the campground, passing a rock outcrop on the edge of the Millstone Valley at its furthest point from the campground.

Facilities

The lower loop of the campground has spacious campsites that are surrounded by mature trees. The upper loop sites are smaller and tucked into the forest for a more intimate feeling with nature. Each campsite has a parking spur, fire ring, and picnic table. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided in the camping loops while the Day Use area supports the bathhouse with flush toilets, hot showers, and changing rooms.

Natural Features

Loleta is a small opening in the forested hillsides around Millstone Creek. Native tree species in the area include red oak, white pine, black cherry, red and sugar maples, and a variety of others. Millstone Creek is a cold water fishery with a thriving population of native brook trout, and it is also priodically stocked by the Pennsylvania FIsh and Game Commission. Wildlife in the area include whitetail deer, black bear, turkey, raccoon, oppossum, fox, and smaller mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Nearby Attractions

The Buzzard Swamp Hiking Trails, a 9.6-mile network of trails that wind through an area of 15 man-made ponds, make for an enjoyable day trip just north of Loleta, while driving down a dirt road extending south of the campground leads to the beautiful Clarion National Wild and Scenic River. The paved road along the river is popular for bike riding, and the river offers access for canoes, kayaks, and tubes as well as fishing opportunities and large boulders for picnicking or just watching the water roll by. Cook Forest State Park is an easy drive for hiking, marveling at the grove of Old Growth Hemlocks, or climbing an old fire tower for a view of the river.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (814) 927-6628.

Charges & Cancellations

Cancellations and changes must be made through Recreation.gov

Camp site features

Across 40 camp sites:

Electric hookups: 20 of 40 sites
Fire pit: 1 of 40 sites
Pets allowed: 34 of 40 sites
ADA accessible: 16 of 40 sites
Group sites: 2 of 40 sites
Longest RV: 95 ft
Largest party: 50 people
Power up to 30 amps
Equipment: RV, SMALL TENT, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From the west, take I-80 east to Clarion, Pennsylvania. Turn left onto State Route 66 and continue northeast to Marienville. Turn right on South Forest Street and go south 6 miles to the Loleta Campground entrance sign. From the north, take State Route 66 to Marienville, turn left on South Forest Street and go 6 miles south to the Loleta Campground entrance sign. From the east, take I-80 west to the PA-36 exit towards Sigel/Brookville. Turn right onto PA-36 and take it to PA-949. Turn right on PA-949 to Bridge Road and cross the Clarion National Wild & Scenic River. Turn left onto River Road then right onto Gregg Hill Road. At the end of Gregg Hill Road, take a slight left onto Loleta Road/SR3002 and follow it to the campground entrance sign.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

102 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Audrey B

Loop:Uppr

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The upper loop campground was beautiful and quiet and amenities were exactly what was advertised in the descriptions and photos. We had a great time and will absolutely be coming back!

Terry G

Loop:Uppr

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Was a long walk to water facets. But with updated construction scheduled should be better next year

Rita S

Loop:Lole

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

very quiet and peaceful,mosquitos were bad come prepared. Bathrooms definately need updated. A great place for group camping

Robert L

Loop:Mill

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The Sugar group campsite was beautiful with ample tent spots and well-maintained firepits with cooking grate. There were many picnic tables. Our kids loved playing the in the creek (which provided great white noise for tent camping with young kids!) We were glad we had brought a large bottle of hand sanitizer to leave in the vault toilet as it is not near a spigot. Overall, a great spot that we would return to! Wonderful for our group of 50 adults and children.

Michelle Y

Loop:Lole

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Usually a great experience at Loleta. However Allegheny Site Management really dropped the ball on maintenance this trip. Trash overflowing in, on, & around the dumpster. Nothing was mowed. Restrooms were stocked with tp, but no other cleaning. 2 of 3 toilets broken in shower house. Camp host posted SOME reservations at sites, but did nothing else the 4 nights we were there. Hopefully new management next year.

John H

Loop:Lole

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Great bathrooms and shower, awesome woods, clean campsite and great trails. Will have to spend more nights next time, super value on our way to Niagra!

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve