From trout and salmon to bass and walleye, Pennsylvania is a reel-y great place to land the “big one.” Make your fishing adventure a true escape with a stay at one of these 20 unique waterfront campsites.
1. Fishing Creek & Captain Jim Shotwell’s Dam Cottage
Shickshinny
Nestled along Huntington Creek, the fully restored, wheelchair accessible Dam Cottage offers all the modern amenities including free WiFi and cable TV. Sit back, unwind, and enjoy the creek’s flowing waters from the cottage’s waterfront patio or relax by the cozy indoor fireplace. Kayaks, canoes, aluminum fishing boats, and fishing tackle are included, and you’ll also have access to Fishing Creek, home to some of the best trout waters in the state!
2. Cook Forest State Park & Cook Riverside Cabins
Cooksburg
Located in the heart of Cook Forest State Park right along the Clarion River Water Trail — Pennsylvania’s 2019 River of the Year, Cook Riverside Cabins offer a bit of rustic elegance for up to 12 of your nearest and dearest. The river and its adjacent public lands are an outdoor paradise for hikers, bikers (the non-motorized kind), wildlife watchers, and picnickers, along with some of the best trout fishing to be had in PA!
3. Sinnemahoning Creek & Camp Eagle’s Nest
Driftwood
Located just yards from the banks of Sinnemahoning Creek and the Sinnemahoning Water Trail, Camp Eagle’s Nest is a family-friendly getaway for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. More than 100-years old, the cabin has been completely modernized, complete with an expansive, beautifully updated kitchen. After a day of fishing for trout and smallmouth bass, relax by the fireplace. Be sure to check out the nearby Driftwood Saloon and Grill to enjoy a great meal sitting on the largest covered deck in the heart of PA elk country.
4. Slippery Rock Creek & Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping
New Castle
Situated right along Slippery Rock Creek, Rose Point Park Cabins & Campground, open Apr. - Oct., has been offering fun for all ages and outdoor enthusiasts for more than 50 years. Book one of their fully modernized cabins, complete with air conditioning and satellite TV, or for a truly unique experience, their luxury safari yurt — no air conditioning, but does have a small kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and satellite TV. After a day of fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass and brook trout, relax around your fire ring reminiscing about the big one that almost got away.
5. Codorus State Park & Camping Cottages and Yurts
Hanover
Lake Marburg at Codorus State Park and the 43.4-mile Codorus Creek together are a fishing paradise. Bluegill, crappie, northern pike, and several other warm water species populate the lake, while the creek offers some great trout fishing. Best yet, you don’t have to rough it after a hard day of reeling in the “big one.” The park has a number of onsite, ADA-accessible Cottages for travelers to stay, while the nearby town of Hanover offers a great restaurant and brewery scene.
6. Parker Dam State Park & Rustic Cabins
Penfield
Parker Lake in Parker Dam State Park is a popular destination for anglers throughout the year. Stocked with trout several times a year, you can also fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, and brown bullhead catfish. Some great trout fishing can also be had in the many streams coursing through the park. The park’s 16 ADA-accessible rustic cabins sleep four, six, or eight people.
7. Neshannock Creek & Creek Side Cabin
Volant
Nestled in the heart of “Amish country,” Creekside Cabin is a log cabin retreat on the Neshannock Creek, a 25.65-mile long tributary to Shenango River filled with rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish. After a long day of fishing, sit back and relax on the cabin’s back deck to spot bald eagles, hawks, deer, and other wildlife that call the area home, then on clear nights enjoy some excellent evening star gazing.
8. Juniata River & Burnt Timbers Winery
Granville
Originally built in the 1840s, The Cottage at Burnt Timbers Winery offers all the luxuries of modern living yet still retains much of its original rustic charm. Situated on a beautiful 100-acre property, the cottage is bounded on one side by the Juniata River and an easy walk to the river to throw in your fishing line. Afterwards, stop by the winery’s tasting room and circa 1850s barn to relax and enjoy a glass or two of your favorite Burnt Timbers wine.
9. Casselman River & Casselman Overlook Guest House
Confluence
Alongside the scenic Casselman River and its growing population of smallmouth bass, the Casselman Overlook Guest House offers a gorgeous riverside view. Book the guest house’s three-room suite or a single room — the perfect retreat after a day of fishing at nearby Youghiogheny River Lake where you can fish for bass, walleye, crappie, hybrid stripers, and several other species or see if you can persuade one of the locals to divulge their favorite fishing spot along the Great Allegheny Passage.
10. Youghiogheny River Lake & Paddlers Lane Retreat
Confluence
Whether you’re looking for the quintessential B&B experience or a place to stay for up to 18 of your group or somewhere in between, the Paddler's Lane Retreat offers the perfect accommodations. It’s an ideal to white water raft in Ohiopyle State Park, tour Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, or enjoy a day or more of great fishing at Youghiogheny River Lake pursuing bass, walleye, crappie, hybrid stripers, or several other species.
11. Pine Creek & Eagle Bend Lodge
Wellsboro
Surrounded by woods with Pine Creek and the 20-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail just steps away, Eagle Bend Lodge offers the best of all worlds — great fishing, wonderful nature watching, and all the modern amenities. After a day fishing the popular creek, sit back and relax on the expansive porch of this rustic, but completely modern four-bedroom log cabin — a perfect fishing getaway to one of the state's most scenic destinations.
12. The Cottage at Honey Creek
Reedsville
The Cottage at Honey Creek is situated on a beautiful, class A stream often described as a scaled down version of its more famous larger twin, Penns Creek. The quaint but modern cottage was recently completely renovated from top to bottom and includes all the modern amenities, as well as two decks overlooking the creek — perfect for nature watching or just the creek flowing by. The home is close to the village of Reedsville where you’ll find fine dining and a wine bar to close out your fishing-filled weekend.
13. Pymatuning Reservoir & Modern Cabins at Pymatuning State Park
Jamestown
Pymatuning Reservoir is an angler’s dream. This 17,088-acre warm water fishery sports walleye, muskellunge, carp, crappie, perch, bluegill, and largemouth and smallmouth bass. The ADA-accessible modern cabins in Pymatuning State Park are the perfect place to unwind after a long day reeling in the big ones. Located along the waterfront, each cabin has a furnished living area, restroom, separate bedrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen.
14. Tuscarora Lake at Tuscarora State Park & Camping Cottages and Yurts at Tuscarora State Park
Barnesville
At 96 acres, Tuscarora Lake is not the biggest fishing hole in PA but still boasts plenty of opportunities for anglers in pursuit of yellow perch, bass, catfish, muskellunge, or pickerel. The ADA-accessible cabin cottages and yurts at Tuscarora State Park are the perfect place to unwind after a long day out on the water — both options have electric heat, lights, and outlets with a shower house nearby. Be sure to spend some time checking out the antique shops, breweries, local bakeries, and restaurants in the nearby historic town of Tamaqua.
15. Yellow Creek Lake & Camping Cottages and Yurts at Yellow Creek State Park
Penn Run
Yellow Creek State Park is a gem for anglers. The 2,981-acre state park’s overnight accommodations include six ADA-accessible camping cottages and four yurts, each sleeping five people. The 720-acre Yellow Creek Lake is well-stocked with most warmwater game fish and panfish, including smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, yellow perch, bluegill, and catfish. Looking to extend your stay? Check out nearby Laurel Run, Yellow Creek, and Little Yellow Creek as additional spots for excellent trout fishing.
16. Justus Lake & Cottage and Farmhouse at Two Mile Run County Park
Franklin
Two Mile Run County Park at Justus Lake offers great fishing by shore or boat as well as comfortable, air-conditioned stays in the Cottage or Farmhouse. In addition to great fishing, Two Mile offers mountain biking, hiking, and equestrian trails with Crosby Beach open for swimming starting in June. After your weekend of outdoor exploration, venture into nearby Franklin to explore the quaint shops, great dining, and downtown entertainment on Liberty Street.
17. Lake Jean & Modern Cabins at Ricketts Glen State Park
Benton
Ricketts Glen State Park is a 13,193-acre, National Natural Landmark known for its old-growth forest, 22 named waterfalls and the 245-acre Lake Jean, a recreation use lake popular with fishing enthusiasts. The park is popular for its many recreational resources but especially noteworthy for the 10 deluxe, ADA-accessible modern cabins — a favorite of fishing and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
18. Lake Arthur & Modern Cabins at Moraine State Park
Portersville
Whether you’re a first-timer or die-hard angler, Butler County is an ideal fishing destination with Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park one of the most popular spots. The 3,225-acre lake has a variety of fish species including bass, pike, muskie, channel catfish, hybrid striped bass, and panfish. The park offers 11 ADA-accessible modern cabins, each with its very own private dock and direct access to the lake.
19. Kettle Creek Reservoir at Kettle Creek State Park & Troyer's Wagon Wheel Cabins
Renovo/Cross Fork
Located in Kettle Creek State Park, Troyer's Wagon Wheel Cabins feature unique cabins nestled among the pines of Potter County. The 167-acre Kettle Creek Reservoir is most noted for its trout and bass fishing, as well as brown bullheads. Enjoy world-class fly fishing, nature, wildlife, and relaxation in these fully furnished cabins with kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms.
20. Juniata River & Milepost 142
Thompsontown
With the Juniata River and expansive woods in the backyard, Milepost 142 is a fishing, nature, and train-lovers dream! Walk to the river’s edge for your fishing excursion — just keep your eye out for trains as 40 to 50 pass by each day! Book one of the three modern, yet cozy two-room suites. After your day on the water, relax and unwind on the cottage’s front porch viewing local wildlife, marveling at the Tuscarora Mountains, or simply watching the trains go by.
For more go-to fishing spots in Pennsylvania, check out the VISIT PA website. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram for more inspiration. Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter so you never miss an update.