Welcome to Bear Run Campground in Portersville Pennsylvania. This beautiful well manicured Campground offers all of the amenities and comforts of home. Visit them soon and relax. Find Pennsylvania RV Parks near Portersville Pennsylvania 16051. You'll be sure to create memories the whole family can enjoy for generations.
Bear Run Campground is a full-service family vacation destination operated by the Wehr Family since 1975. This Top Rated Good Sam and Trailer Life Park offers a wide range of accommodations; select from RV and pull-thru sites, rustic to deluxe cabins or tent and backpacking & walk-in sites. Of course, Bear Run Campground has all the amenities to make your stay convenient and easy going. In addition, Bear Run Campground offers an array of activities for adults and children to partake in.
Bear Run Campground borders Moraine State Park with access to McConnells Mill State Park, National Scenic North Country Trail and Jennings Education Center. Kayak(s) and canoe(s) rentals are available at the campground. Bear Run Campground offers complete packages for your getaway enjoyment. Decide from shopping at Grove City Outlets, Living Treasures Wild Animal Park, Horseback Riding or Kayaking/Canoeing. These packaged getaways make for quick and easy trips.
• 300 Scenic, spacious campsites for Tents and RV’s • Free Wi-Fi •
• Full hookups available • 20/30/50 amp electric • Picnic tables • Fire rings •
• Eco-friendly walk-in tent sites for backpackers • A full range of cabin rentals •
• Silver Ridge Pavilion accommodates up to 80 people •
• Porter's Landing accommodates up to 175 people •
• Coach Haus accommodates up to 50 people • Eddy Weiner Gourmet Hot Dog Concession •
• Themed Weekends and Daily Activities • Modern restrooms with hot showers • Large Camp Store •
• Sunday Worship Services • Pet-Friendly Lodging Options • 100 ft. Dog Runs •
• Heated Swimming Pool • Canoe & Kayak Rentals • Children’s Fishing Pond •
• Laundry • King Kong Jungle Playground • Sports Court • Softball Field • Horseshoe Courts •
• Volleyball • Basketball • Disc Golf • Bag Toss •
• Game Room, with billiards, electronic games and pinball •
• Outdoor Guide Service available (with reservations)
Area Attractions:
McConnells Mill State Park
McConnells Mill State Park is approximately 5 miles by car from Bear Run Campground. The adventure side of you may decide to hike it to McConnells Mill State Park via Moraine State Park by way of the North Country Trail; approximately 4 miles. You may want to arrange for a shuttle back to the campground. Either way you will enjoy this park for its famous Slippery Rock Gorge, Old Grist Mill and Slippery Rock Creek. For a detailed map click here.
Hiking: McConnells Mill State Park encompasses 2,546 acres of the spectacular Slippery Rock Creek Gorge. Naturally created by glacial lakes, the Gorge is famous for its steep slopes and massive boulder field on the valley floor. The Gorge is considered moderate to difficult hiking so be prepared with proper footwear, clothing, water and snacks to maintain energy levels.
Hells Hollow, Alpha Pass and Kildoo are considered easy to moderate hiking and range from .5 to 2.0 miles.
The Old Grist Mill was the first gristmill on Slippery Rock Creek built in 1852 by Daniel Kennedy. One of the first rolling mills in the country, it processed corn, oats, wheat and buckwheat for local customers. Fire destroyed the mill so he rebuilt it in 1868. Thomas McConnell bought the mill in 1875, and improved it by replacing the waterwheel with water turbines and the grinding stones with rolling mills. Sagging profits and antiquated equipment finally closed the mill in 1928.
Slippery Rock Creek: is a Class II to IV river, depending on water levels. Spring and fall are the best times for boating. Only those properly equipped, trained and experienced should consider whitewater boating on Slippery Rock Creek. Whitewater boating is permitted in rubber rafts, whitewater canoes and kayaks. All boaters must wear U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices at all times. Helmets are strongly recommended.
Boaters generally start from Rose Point (US 422 bridge), outside of the park boundary, and boat to Eckert Bridge, covering 2.5 miles with a portage around the dam at the Old Mill. It is illegal to “run” the dam. An additional 3.5 miles of whitewater from Eckert Bridge to Harris Bridge can extend the run for boaters to 6 miles. Rafts, canoes and kayaks are not available for rent in the park.
Picnicking: The Kildoo Picnic Area is adjacent to the parking area at the northern end of the gorge near the Old Mill. A steep trail leads down to the Old Mill.
Climbing & Rappelling: Two climbing and rappelling areas are available to properly equipped and experienced climbers. The Rim Road Climbing Area is across the creek from the Old Mill. The more advanced and rugged area is in the vicinity of Breakneck Bridge.
Fishing: Fishing is permitted anywhere along Slippery Rock Creek with the exception of the dam structures. The best fishing is for trout and bass. Trout are stocked several times throughout the season. There is a fly fishing only, catch and release area by Armstrong Bridge. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules and regulations apply.
Moraine State Park
Bear Run Campground is at the doorstep of Moraine State Park, bordering the South Shore with access to the multi-use and equestrian trails and the Bear Run boat launch all within 1/2 mile from the campground. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent at the campground for use on Lake Arthur. Bear Run Campground offers campers on-site facilities for boats up to18 feet. The multi-use trails connects Bear Run Campground to Moraine State Park and the North Country Trail. See the Moraine State Park map for details.
This outbound link can be tracked with Google Analytics. Horseback Riding: There are approximately 20 miles of horseback riding trails throughout the southwest and eastern sections of Moraine State Park. Bear Run Campground partners with Pleasant Valley Stables to provide facilities to board horses overnight. See Bear Run Campground Equestrian package that includes Bear Run campsite with electric and water, horse stall with hay and water. We suggest to bring your own feed.
Hiking: Hiking access is available directly from Bear Run Campground into Moraine State Park. A total of 28 miles of hiking trails is divided between the South Shore and North Shore of the park. For a unique experience, rent a kayak from Bear Run Campground and kayak across Porters Cove to the Pleasant Valley Area. Enjoy lunch at the Bear Run picnic area and hike Sunken Garden, Hilltop and Pleasant Valley Trails.
Glacier Ridge and Wyggeston Trails are bit more challenging. Glacier Ridge Trail intersects with the North Country National Scenic Trail along the Northern section of the park. Here you will also find the North Country Trail Headquarters. Wyggeston Trail is consider the park's most difficult trail. Hike this trail as a 1.5 mile loop or a 4.5 mile trail with different beginning and ending points.
Biking: A paved, seven-mile bicycle trail winds near the shoreline between Davis Hollow and the Bike Rental Building in the northwest corner of the park. The trail can be accessed at many places in the Lakeview Beach and Watts Bay Marina areas.
Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park: Lake Arthur provides over forty-two miles of scenic shoreline and 10 public boat launches; one at the Porter's Cove accessible from Bear Run Campground. Bear Run has kayaks/canoes for rent to paddle on Lake Arthur. Lake Arthur's tributaries include Muddy Run, Big Run, Swamp Run, Bear Run and over 75 intermittent streams. Ranging from an average depth of 11 feet to about 36 feet deep near the dam, the shallow waters of Lake Arthur are home to a variety of warm-water fish. Frogs, newts, turtles and water snakes prowl the edges of the lake. The tall great blue heron, the short green heron, and the belted kingfisher prey on minnows and fish fry. In the early spring, common loons stop at the lake on their migration north.
Osprey may be seen flying over Lake Arthur. Once extirpated from Western Pennsylvania, these “fish hawks” have been reintroduced to Moraine through a hacking program begun in 1993. The first osprey pair to nest along Lake Arthur as a result of the reintroduction effort raised three young in 1996. Bald eagles have also been spotted nesting in the park. A waterfowl observation deck is along old Route 422.
Fishing: The 3,225-acre Lake Arthur is a warm-water fishery. Common species are northern pike, largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie and bluegill. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks muskellunge, walleye, channel catfish and hybrid striped bass.
Packages available at Bear Run Campground
Inlets and Outlets Take a quick getaway and enjoy the outdoors and do some shopping. Bear Run Campground offers you the opportunity to just pick up and go and give you what you need to enjoy yourself with very little planning. Click here for more information.
Giddy Up Don't leave home without your trusted friend. Moraine State Park has 20 miles of equestrian trail, some directly accessible from Bear Run Campground. Bear Run has a package that includes overnight space for you and your horse. Click here for more information.
Moraine State Park
Bear Run Campground is at the doorstep of Moraine State Park, bordering the South Shore with access to the multi-use and equestrian trails and the Bear Run boat launch all within 1/2 mile from the campground. Kayaks and canoes are available for rent at the campground for use on Lake Arthur. Bear Run Campground offers campers on-site facilities for boats up to18 feet. The multi-use trails connects Bear Run Campground to Moraine State Park and the North Country Trail. See the Moraine State Park map for details.
This outbound link can be tracked with Google Analytics. Horseback Riding: There are approximately 20 miles of horseback riding trails throughout the southwest and eastern sections of Moraine State Park. Bear Run Campground partners with Pleasant Valley Stables to provide facilities to board horses overnight. See Bear Run Campground Equestrian package that includes Bear Run campsite with electric and water, horse stall with hay and water. We suggest to bring your own feed.
Hiking: Hiking access is available directly from Bear Run Campground into Moraine State Park. A total of 28 miles of hiking trails is divided between the South Shore and North Shore of the park. For a unique experience, rent a kayak from Bear Run Campground and kayak across Porters Cove to the Pleasant Valley Area. Enjoy lunch at the Bear Run picnic area and hike Sunken Garden, Hilltop and Pleasant Valley Trails.
Glacier Ridge and Wyggeston Trails are bit more challenging. Glacier Ridge Trail intersects with the North Country National Scenic Trail along the Northern section of the park. Here you will also find the North Country Trail Headquarters. Wyggeston Trail is consider the park's most difficult trail. Hike this trail as a 1.5 mile loop or a 4.5 mile trail with different beginning and ending points.
Biking: A paved, seven-mile bicycle trail winds near the shoreline between Davis Hollow and the Bike Rental Building in the northwest corner of the park. The trail can be accessed at many places in the Lakeview Beach and Watts Bay Marina areas.
Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park: Lake Arthur provides over forty-two miles of scenic shoreline and 10 public boat launches; one at the Porter's Cove accessible from Bear Run Campground. Bear Run has kayaks/canoes for rent to paddle on Lake Arthur. Lake Arthur's tributaries include Muddy Run, Big Run, Swamp Run, Bear Run and over 75 intermittent streams. Ranging from an average depth of 11 feet to about 36 feet deep near the dam, the shallow waters of Lake Arthur are home to a variety of warm-water fish. Frogs, newts, turtles and water snakes prowl the edges of the lake. The tall great blue heron, the short green heron, and the belted kingfisher prey on minnows and fish fry. In the early spring, common loons stop at the lake on their migration north.
Osprey may be seen flying over Lake Arthur. Once extirpated from Western Pennsylvania, these “fish hawks” have been reintroduced to Moraine through a hacking program begun in 1993. The first osprey pair to nest along Lake Arthur as a result of the reintroduction effort raised three young in 1996. Bald eagles have also been spotted nesting in the park. A waterfowl observation deck is along old Route 422.
Fishing: The 3,225-acre Lake Arthur is a warm-water fishery. Common species are northern pike, largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie and bluegill. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks muskellunge, walleye, channel catfish and hybrid striped bass.
Packages available at Bear Run Campground
Inlets and Outlets Take a quick getaway and enjoy the outdoors and do some shopping. Bear Run Campground offers you the opportunity to just pick up and go and give you what you need to enjoy yourself with very little planning. Click here for more information.
Giddy Up Don't leave home without your trusted friend. Moraine State Park has 20 miles of equestrian trail, some directly accessible from Bear Run Campground. Bear Run has a package that includes overnight space for you and your horse. Click here for more information.
North Country National Scenic Trail
via Moraine and McConnells Mill State Park
The North Country National Scenic Trail is America's longest National Scenic Trail stretching 4,600 miles from New York to North Dakota, linking 7 states, 10 National Forests and more than 150 public lands. Portions of the trail are managed locally through the communities that the trail travels through. A portion of the North Country Trail is managed by the Butler County Chapter. The chapter maintains 15 miles of the trail along Lake Arthur, in Moraine State Park, connecting to the Jennings Nature Reserve and the Old Stone House. Bear Run Campground is directly connected to the North Country National Scenic Trail by way of the equestrian trails at Moraine State Park. Bear Run Campground is approximately a 3 mile hike from McConnells Mill State Park via the North Country National Scenic Trail.
Hikers coming through McConnells Mill State Park can take a breather and a history lesson at the Old Grist Mill Built in the 1800's. From Alpha Pass to Hell’s Run within the park the trail leads hikers through the natural impressionist exhibit of Slippery Rock Gorge — a steep-walled ravine with a boulder-packed bottom left behind by the draining of ancient glacial lakes.
The North Country Trail is connected to the Baker Trail and Allegheny National Forest including Cooks Forest.
Pittsburg PA:
Downtown Pittsburgh and its many attractions are easily accessible via a 40 minute expressway drive. Or take the NCT (New Castle Transit) Shuttle from the park and ride access at Exit 96 to downtown points of interest.
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh
Located at 4400 Forbes Avenue in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Museum of Art was founded by industrialist and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie in 1895. One of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, it is nationally and internationally recognized for its distinguished collection of American and European works from the 16th century to the present. The Heinz Architectural Center, part of Carnegie Museum of Art, is dedicated to enhancing understanding of the physical environment through its exhibitions, collections, and public programs.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History's four interdisciplinary Centers present a new vision for how we conduct and present our work, thereby enriching the way the public engages with the museum, our science, and the future of life on Earth. This new structure is our pathway to institutional sustainability, increased impact, and creative collaborations, all of which lead to enhanced experiences for our visitors and increased value to our community.
A day at the Science Center is filled with science adventures guaranteed to ignite the "wow! hmm...aha!" in all of us. Visit us to experience four floors of interactive exhibits. See an Omnimax movie on the BIGGEST screen in Pittsburgh! Explore the galaxy without ever leaving the North Shore at the Buhl Planetarium. Watch hair-raising live shows and discover an array of programs for the whole family!
The Andy Warhol Museum is a vital forum in which diverse audiences of artists, scholars, and the general public are galvanized through creative interaction with the art and life of Andy Warhol. The Warhol is ever-changing, constantly redefining itself in relationship to contemporary life using its unique collections and dynamic interactive programming as tools.
Old Economy Village
Today, these six-acres, surrounded by Ambridge’s National Register Historic District, are administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission as a National Historic Landmark site. The historic site, which contains the seventeen restored historic structures and garden built between 1824 and 1830, originally was the religious and economic hub of the Harmony Society. The buildings, grounds, library, archives and 16,000 original artifacts are a memorial to the Society’s commitment to the religious discipline and economic industry that built their American Utopia.
The Pittsburgh Heritage Center
Learn about how preservation can serve as a catalyst for economic growth by joining us at our annual meeting for a rare opportunity to see Google's unique Pittsburgh office, located in Bakery Square. See how Google, along with Strada Architects, used progressive thinking to bring new life to the former Nabisco Factory. Project Architects of Strada Architecture, LLC, will speak about the office design and renovation of the building.
Kennywood Park (Pittsburgh Amusement Park)
Kennywood is one of the oldest and most beloved amusement park in America. Founded in 1898, it has thrilled and delighted both young and young-at-heart visitors for more than 110 years. From the early days of the carousel, through the development of the first roller coasters, to the technological advancements in today's steel looping coasters, Kennywood has always been the park that puts a smile on everyone's face. Designated a National Historic Landmark since 1987, you'll find "Lost Kennywood," a replica of turn-of-the-century architecture that houses some of the park's most popular rides, as well as attractions that go from mild to wild throughout the park. Refuel at more than a dozen dining areas offering tasty treats that can't be found at any other amusement park anywhere. Kennywood is a unique experience and remains one of "America's Finest Traditional Amusement Parks." In fact, it's what memories are made of!
PNC Park home of the Pittsburgh Pirates
Heinz Field home of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
National Aviary
The National Aviary is America’s premier bird zoo. Located on Pittsburgh’s historic North Side, the National Aviary’s diverse collection comprises more than 600 birds of 200 different species from around the world, many of them threatened or endangered in the wild. The National Aviary’s large walk-through exhibits create an experience unlike any other – an intimate interaction between visitors and free-flying birds, including opportunities to hand feed and meet many species rarely found in zoos anywhere else in the world.
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is home to thousands of amazing animals representing more than four hundred species, including 22 threatened or endangered species. Click on Look Up an Animal to find out more about your favorite Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium residents. Find out where penguins live, what a naked mole rat likes to eat, or how the spectacled bear got its name. Then come to the Zoo to see your favorite animal up close! Plus, see our special pages devoted to animals involved in Conservation and research projects.
Gateway Clipper Fleet - Pittsburgh Cruises
A variety of cruises for your entertainment purposes.
Chamber of Commerce & State Tourism
Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau
VisitPA.com State Tourism Information
Education
Jennings Environmental Education Center
Slippery Rock University
Grove City College