Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground
This small rustic campground is located on the east bank of the Allegheny Reservoir just north of Sugar Bay. It is accessible by boat (Allegheny Reservoir) or hiking trail (North Country National Scenic Trail with connections to the Tracy Ridge Trail System).
The closest boat launch is Roper Hollow directly across the reservoir on the west bank and Kinzua Wolf Run Marina approximately 5 miles south near State Route 59 at the Morrison Bridge.
Visitors should bring their own water as this campground does not provide a potable water source.
Active Alerts
Reservations
No reservations are accepted. First come, first served sites only.
General Information
North Country National Scenic Trail and the Tracy Ridge Hiking Trail System pass by Handsome Lake boat-to or hike-to camping area.
North Country National Scenic Trail
Walk among rocks and waterfalls, Allegheny hardwoods and stands of Mountain Laurel! Explore the 96.3 miles of North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) that meanders through the historic lands of the Iroquois, the Allegheny Plateau, some of the most valuable Black Cherry and Oak in the world, landscapes rich in history, wildlife, and natural beauty.
Tracy Ridge Hiking Trail System
A 33-mile interconnecting trail system. There are multiple access points to the trail.
Camping
This campground is only accessible by boat or hiking along the North Country National Scenic Trail or Tracy Ridge Hiking Trail System. Visitors should bring their own water as this campground does not provide a potable water source.
Amenities include:
- picnic table
- fire ring
- grill
- vault toilet
No. of Sites: 20 Single Family
Fire Information: Campfires are allowed if the fires are maintained in a fire ring and fully extinguished when unattended.
Sleeping Shelter: No
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Open 05/01 - 10/31
Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am
As a visitor to the National Forest, you are asked to follow certain rules designed to protect the Forest, natural resources and to provide for public safety of visitors. These rules are available to you online or at any office of the Allegheny National Forest. Please take time to read and understand them. General Topic orders apply across the Forest.
Overnight Use:
Single Site: $12 per night
Address: 29 Forest Service Dr. Bradford, PA 16701
Phone: 814-362-4613
Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: sm.fs.anf@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 41.9225
Longitude: -78.93083333
Directions
This site is located on the east bank of the Allegheny Reservoir, just north of Sugar Bay. It can be accessed by boat or from the North Country National Scenic Trail. The nearest boat launch is Roper Hollow, directly across the reservoir.
From downtown Warren to Roper Hollow Boat Launch
- Travel north on Market St. to 2nd Ave.
- Turn right onto W. 5th Ave.
- Travel on W. 5th Ave. for 3.3 miles
- W. 5th Ave. becomes Scandia Road
- Travel on Scandia Road for 4.9 miles.
- Scandia Road becomes Warren-Olean Road.
- Travel on Warren-Olean Road for 2.3 miles.
- Turn right onto Roper Hollow Road/T615.
- Travel on Roper Hollow Road/T615 for 2.5 miles.
- Turn right onto Roper Hollow Road.
- Travel on Roper Hollow Road for 1.2 miles
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Picnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Picnic table at each site
Recreation Opportunities
Boating - Motorized Info
There are no boat docks or launch available at the campground.
Information you should know:
- No horsepower limit for motorized boats
- 12,080 surface acres at summer pool
- average width is 3/8 of a mile
- length is about 29 miles
- average depth is 48 feet
- 8 boat launches (including the marina).
Rules for use of the reservoir come from 3 different jurisdictions: the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Seneca Nation of Indians and New York State. There are reciprocal boating agreements. Rules may vary according to which portion of the reservoir you boat in.
To find out water depth and temperature visit the USGS water data website.
Motorized boats are limited to slow, no wake speed in some areas. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website for more information (select Warren from the list of counties).
Marina/Mooring: No
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Boating - Non-Motorized Info
There are no boat docks or launch available at the campground.
Information you should know:
- No horsepower limit for motorized boats
- 12,080 surface acres at summer pool
- average width is 3/8 of a mile
- length is about 29 miles
- average depth is 48 feet
- 8 boat launches (including the marina).
Rules for use of the reservoir come from 3 different jurisdictions: the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Seneca Nation of Indians and New York State. There are reciprocal boating agreements. Rules may vary according to which portion of the reservoir you boat in.
To find out water depth and temperature visit the USGS water data website.
Motorized boats are limited to slow, no wake speed in some areas. Visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website for more information (select Warren from the list of counties).
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Swimming Info
The shoreline of the reservoir at the campground gives campers a place to go swimming. There is no lifeguard and swimming is at your own risk.
To find out water depth and temperature visit the USGS water data website.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Viewing Wildlife Info
Over 70 species of game and non-game fish live in the Allegheny National Forest. Over 300 species of mammals, including raccoon, gray squirrel, snowshoe hare, red and gray fox, beaver, mink, and muskrat as well as game species such as white-tailed deer, black bear and wild turkey.
For information on species common to Pennsylvania, and the Allegheny National Forest visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website for game and nongame species information.
When you see wildlife, please remember:
- never feed wildlife
- don't interfere with mating, predation or other natural behaviors.
- keep a respectful distance
- preserve habitat by following "leave no trace" principles.
- leave young wildlife where you find them.
If you think you've found a sick or injured animal, please call the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Fishing - Lake & Pond Info
Visitors can fish from the shoreline or in a boat on the reservoir.
For information on fishing regulations and season visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission website.
Fish Species: smallmouth bass, muskellunge, walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, channel catfish and some brown trout
Water Temperature: To find out water depth and temperature visit the USGS water data website.
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Recreation Groups
Lush green forest surrounds the 7,647-acre reservoir that spans the border between Pennsylvania and New York.