This is s US Forest Service Campground. It is run by a concessionaire. This is a semi-remote area in the Allegheny National Forest. It’s location is on top of the mountain and is accessed by two paved mountain roads from either direction. No matter which direction you enter from, it will involve a decent hill to drive up. As in most US Forest Service Campgrounds, the sites are very large. There is at least 50-75’ of forest between each site. There are a number of fresh / treated water outlets throughout the campground. There are 3 pit toilets. There are 26 non-serviced (dry) campsites in one loop. All of them are level or close to it. All are easy to back into, with a hard gravel base pad. There is a dump station, but large RV’s over 35’ will have to be careful in negotiating the turn to exit the dump station. The camping fee was $12 per night. The federal National Parks Card gets you half off that ($6). The main draw is the Hearts Content Scenic Interpretive Trail located across from the campground entrance road. It’s a trail thru a strand of old growth Hemlocks. The one hiking trail that runs next to the campground ( Wheeler Trail ) is in poor / over-grown condition. All other trails are well maintained. The campground is a place for peace and quiet. Our visit was late September with fall colors nearing their peak. There are about 23 Federal, State and COE Campground in the Allegheny National Forest. Be aware many have a limited season where they close the week of Labor Day Weekend. Near by is the Kinzue Dam and Kinzue Bridge. I gave it a four rating because I like the solitude of the location.
Explore Hearts Content Recreation Area Campground in 360°
This campground has a full virtual tour with interactive campsite markers. Walk through every loop, inspect individual sites, and see the views before you book.
Launch Virtual Tour →📅 Check Campsite Availability
✅ Amenities & Features
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📖 About This Campground
Sleep amongst the 300 - 400 year old white pine that tower 140 feet above in the small campground within the 122-acre Hearts Content Recreation Area.
In an area that was mostly clearcut in the 1800's, 20 acres of what is now Hearts Content was owned by Wheeler and Dusenbury Lumber Company from 1897 to 1922. Wheeler and Dusenbury deeded the land to the U.S. Forest Service in 1923.
Hearts Content is designated as a National Natural Landmark.
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) workers constructed the campground, picnic area, and pavilion in 1936. An exhibit of a hand-hewed log is adjacent to the picnic area.
The Hickory Creek Trailhead and the beginning of the hiking trail is just north of the campground. Nearby loop trails for hiking and cross-country ski trails, as well as the interpretive trail through the Old-Growth forest are centered within the Hearts Content Day Use Area located across the road (east) of the campground.