Hearts Content Recreation Area
Closed — Closed for the season. Reopens May 1, 2026 and operates through October 26. Reservations accepted up to 6 months in advance and must be made at least 3 days before arrival. All sites are also available first-come, first-served during the season.
Kane Fields Area Closures
The restricted areas are located within Highland Township, Elk County. The areas are associated with facilities formally operated by ARG Resources, Inc., as depicted in Exhibit A of this order:
Use of Bicycles on the Allegheny National Forest
Using a bicycle on the following trail systems is prohibited; Southern Portion of Laurel Mill Hiking and Cross- Country Ski Trail System (south of Township Road 307), the North Country National Scenic Trail System, and the Minister Creek Trail System.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
The Federal Aviation Administration (external link) (FAA) has regulatory authority over all airspace. The U.S.
Forest Road 457 Closed
The emergency closure of Allegheny National Forest Road 457 in McKean County was due to damage from heavy rain near the Meade Run culvert.
Northern Goshawks are Protected Endangered Species
Northern goshawks are listed as endangered species in Pennsylvania. It is unlawful under the Pennsylvania Game and Wildlife Code for anyone, including permitted falconers, to take a northern goshawk from the wild for any purpose.
Forest Order 09-19-21-02 Feeding of Wildlife Restriction
Feeding of wildlife on National Forest land is temporarily prohibited to prevent or slow the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease among white-tailed deer and mange among black bears.
Forest Order 09-19-11-01 Nansen Area Closure
The closure area is located within Highland Township, Elk County. The area is north of State Route 66 and the town of Nansen, near the terminus of Forest Road 327-2, south of the Twin Lakes Hiking Trail, and west of the powerline that runs north from Nansen.
Picking Ginseng is Prohibited
Ginseng populations on the Allegheny National Forest are sparse. As such, collection for both personal and commercial use is prohibited.
Forest Order 09-19-17-07 Horse and Livestock Use
Visitors cannot posses or use a saddle, pack or draft animal on forest trails NOT designated for that use,off of designated trails within the Spring Creek Horse Use Area, oroff of designated roadways within the Buzzard Swamp Recreation Area.
Forest Order 09-19-17-03 Vehicle Use
The following acts are prohibited on all National Forest system roads within the Allegheny National Forest, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, until further notice:
Forest Order 09-19-17-24 Annual Tour de Forest
Every year on the weekend before Memorial Day weekend and the weekend before Columbus Day weekend, from Saturday at 12:01 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday certain roads and trails are closed to camping and/or driving for the Marienville Volunteer Fire Company's Tour de Forest.
Lake Effect Snow Warning issued December 29 at 1:37PM EST until December 30 at 4:00PM EST by NWS State College PA
* WHAT...Heavy lake effect snow. Total snow accumulations between 3 and 6 inches possible, with accumulations upwards of 7 to 9 inches across across the northern half of the area. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...McKean and Warren Counties. * WHEN...Until 4 PM EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Another round of light snow is expected Tuesday night. More significant snowfall is expected Wednesday afternoon into early Thursday morning. Additional snowfall amounts could exceed 6" in northwest Warren and McKean counties.
Forest Order 09-19-17-22 Kelly Pines Campground
In Kelly Pines Campground, between May 1 and October 31, visitors cannot use campsites 3, 4, 5, 6 and/or 7 unless they are camping with saddle, pack and/or draft animals or traveling on the Spring Creek Horse Trail system with saddle, pack and/or draft animals.
Forest Order 09-19-17-19 Loleta Recreation Area
There is no fishing allowed in the designated swimming area of Loleta Recreation Area between May 1 and September 30.
Forest Order 09-19-17-15 Camping Along Roads and Waterways
Within the boundaries of the Allegheny National Forest it is prohibited to:
Forest Order 09-19-17-14 Rimrock Recreation Area
Within the Rimrock Recreation Area it is prohibited to secure ropes or other devices to the stone ballasts and/or steel railings for the purpose of rappelling and/or climbing.
Forest Order 09-19-17-13 Hearts Content Scenic Area
Within the Hearts Content Scenic Area it is prohibited to:Camp,Build, maintain, attend or use fire,posses or use a saddle, pack, or draft animal,possess or use a bicycle.
Forest Order 09-19-17-12 Tionesta Natural and Scenic Areas
Within the Tionesta Natural and Scenic Areas it is prohibited to:Camp,Build, maintain, attend or use fire,posses or use a saddle, pack, or draft animal,possess or use a bicycle.
Forest Order 09-19-17-11 Beaver Meadows Recreation Area
Within Beaver Meadows it is prohibited to possess or operate a motorboat upon the water or to camp within the decommissioned developed campground.
Forest Order 09-19-17-10 Twin Lakes
At Twin Lakes it is prohibited to possess or operate a motorboat on the lake.Between May 1st and September 30th fishing is prohibited on the swimming beach, from the eastern-most buoy to the inlet of Hoffman Run.
Forest Order 09-19-17-08 Tionesta Reservoir
At the Tionesta Reservoir it is prohibited to:camp within 1500 feet of the shore except at designated campsites.possessing a beverage which is defined by state law as an alcoholic beverage.
Forest Order 09-19-17-05 Buzzard Swamp Area
In the Buzzard Swamp Area any and all entry into the area set aside as a refuge and propagation area is prohibited; no possessing or using a saddle, pack or draft animal off of designated roadways.
Forest Order 09-19-17-01 Occupancy Limits
The following acts are prohibited on the Allegheny National Forest, within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:Camping or otherwise occupying Allegheny National Forest lands by any individual(s) for a period longer than fourteen days within a 30 day period.
Forest Order 09-19-17-23 Tree Stands, Hunting Blinds, and Trail Cameras
It is prohibited to leave tree stands or blinds not clearly identified on National Forest System lands.You cannot leave stands or blinds on National Forest System lands between the period two weeks prior to the start of Pennsylvania's first deer season and two weeks after the conclu
Forest Order 09-19-17-21 Controlled Substances
It is prohibited to possess, utilize, and/or distribute any controlled substances and/or associated paraphernalia on National Forest System lands.
Forest Order 09-19-17-17 Alcoholic Beverages
You cannot consume alcoholic beverages in violation of state law on National Forest System lands.
Forest Order 09-19-17-06 Boating Regulations
The following acts and/or omissions are prohibited on Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania: Operating or utilizing any marine vessel or flotation device in violation of Pennsylvania and/or United States law
Forest Order 09-19-17-04 Off Road Vehicles
The following acts are prohibited on the Allegheny National Forest, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:
Forest Order 09-19-17-02 Developed Campgrounds
Use of CampgroundsCampsite occupancy shall not exceed:
Forest Order 09-19-17-20 Firewood
Protect the Allegheny and do not bring firewood from home to the Allegheny National Forest. Possession of firewood from outside the area of the Allegheny National Forest is prohibited.
Forest Order 09-19-94 Tracy Ridge National Recreation Area
No mountain bikes or saddle, pack, or draft animals can enter or use Tracy Ridge Recreation Area.
Wind Advisory issued December 29 at 8:55AM EST until December 30 at 12:00PM EST by NWS State College PA
* WHAT...West winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 55 mph. * WHERE...Cameron, Elk, McKean, Northern Clinton, Potter, and Warren Counties. * WHEN...Until noon EST Tuesday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Strong winds will also be accompanied by lake effect snow showers, which will reduce visibility and make roads slick.
About
Hearts Content Recreation Area is a semi-primitive family campground with 26 campsites nestled in the Allegheny National Forest, adjacent to the Hickory Creek Wilderness Area and surrounded by native hardwoods and planted pine forest. The campground was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936 and is operated under concession permit by Allegheny Site Management. Across the road lies the Hearts Content National Scenic Area, a 122-acre tract containing old-growth forest with 300 to 400-year-old white pines, eastern hemlocks, and American beeches. Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1977, this rare remnant of northeastern old-growth forest features trees with diameters exceeding 40 inches and heights over 140 feet. A 1.1-mile interpretive trail loops through this ancient forest. The campground provides access to extensive recreational opportunities including the Hickory Creek Wilderness 13-mile loop trail (trailhead located 1/4 mile north of campground), multiple cross-country ski trails totaling 10.5 kilometers, and an orienteering course. The wilderness area encompasses 8,663 acres of second-growth forest managed for primitive recreation with no motorized equipment permitted. Additional trails include Tom's Run Loop, Wheeler Loop (encircling the campground), and Ironwood Loop. Large open fields accommodate group activities and camping.
Directions
From the Mohawk exit of U.S. Route 6 in Warren, take Main Ave. for less than 1 mile to Pleasant Drive/State Route 3005/337. Turn right and travel 10.7 miles on Pleasant Drive/State Route 3005/337. Where Pleasant Drive turns right, continue straight on State Route 2002/Hearts Content Road for 3.7 miles. The campground entrance is on the left (west side of the road).
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $12 - $14 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (814) 368-4158 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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