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French Creek Flood Plain Overlook

100%
·
· Union City, Erie, Pennsylvania · 36 acres
Hosted by David C.
Tent site
· 12 guests max
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Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Nomadic camping
Best for self-contained campers. There are no toilets, showers, or potable water at this Hipcamp.
David is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
This tent site sits in the woods on a hill just above the corner of French Creek (2022 PA River of the Year!) and a small tributary creek. It faces northwest over the valley providing amazing sunset views. This location is on the high-side of the Union City Dam which is a dry bed, flood control dam. Which means during snow melt, or rainy streaks, the dam will fill up and flood the entire valley. However during dry spells, French Creek will appear as any other creek. At peak flooding, it will make its way all the way up the tributary valley, making a beautiful lake front campsite. Unfortunately, this only occurs a few weeks out of the year (typically early spring and occasionally during wet falls) and is fairly unpredictable (you can compare the high-water vs low-water views from the photos). Most of the summer you can still enjoy the view over both the tributary valley and French Creek valley. (DISCLAIMER: Once or twice a year during the wettest streaks, the water rises high enough to flood the driveway, making it impossible to drive up directly to the campsite. If this happens, you will be notified before so you can choose either to be refunded and not stay or you can park 100 yards up the road and hike into the campsite to enjoy the unique and rare lakefront views. Again, these are natural events that are infrequent and unpredictable, but also provide a truly spectacular setting.) Located at the end of a dead end dirt road, adjacent to 100's of acres of federal protected land, and within sight of agriculture fields, there is an abundance of wildlife. For over 20 years, an active eagles nest has been located 1 mile north providing amazing opportunities to see either adult or juvenile eagles flying over French Creek hunting for fish. Deer can be seen early morning and late evening in the fields, as well as frequently crossing both valleys. All types of waterfowl flock the lake when it's flooded. I've personally seen up to 1000 geese at one time. Beyond relaxing and wildlife watching, there are plenty of other activities to explore in the area. Access to many nature walking trails. The Union City Dam, less than 1.5 miles down the road, provides walking, biking, scenic driving, and picnic opportunities. Kayaks/canoes can be used to float the creek when dry or paddle up and down the reservoir lake when flooded. Centrally located between the 2 small towns of Union City and Waterford with gas stations, grocery stores, great local dinning options, and more. About a half an hour drive to Erie and Presque Isle State Park. Come enjoy this extremely unique stretch of French Creek and Pennsylvania woods! DISCLAIMER: There is an active gravel pit to the North of the campsite. During weekdays from about 7 AM-5 PM, you will likely hear and possibly see some activity from the gravel pit.This tent site sits in the woods on a hill just above the corner of French Creek and a small tributary creek. It faces northwest over the valley providing amazing sunset views. This location is on the highside of the Union City Dam which is a dry bed, flood control dam. Which means during snow melt, or rainy streaks, the dam will fill up and flood the entire valley. However during dry spells, French Creek will appear as any other creek. At peak flooding, it will make its way all the way up the tributary valley, making a beautiful lake front campsite (as shown in some photos). Unfortunately, this only occurs a few weeks out of the year (typically early spring and occasionally during wet falls) and is fairly unpredictable. Most of the summer you can still enjoy the view over both the tributary valley and French Creek valley. (Disclaimer: Once or twice a year during the wettest streaks, the water rises high enough to flood the driveway, making it impossible to drive up directly to the campsite. If this happens, you will be notified before so you can choose either to be refunded and not stay or you can park 100 yards up the road and hike into the campsite to enjoy the unique and rare lakefront views. Again, these are natural events that are infrequent and unpredictable, but also provide a truly spectacular setting.) Located at the end of a dead end dirt road, adjacent to 100's of acres of federal protected land, and within sight of agriculture fields, there is an abundance of wildlife. For over 20 years, an active eagles nest has been located 1 mile north providing amazing opportunities to see either adult or juvenile eagles flying over French Creek hunting for fish. Deer can be seen early morning and late evening in the fields, as well as frequently crossing both valleys. All types of waterfowl flock the lake when it's flooded. I've personally seen up to 1000 geese at one time. Beyond relaxing and wildlife watching, there are plenty of other activities to explore in the area. Access to many nature walking trails. The Union City Dam, less than 1.5 miles down the road, provides walking, biking, scenic driving, and picnic opportunities. Kayaks/canoes can be used to float the creek when dry or paddle up and down the reservoir lake when flooded. Centrally located between the 2 small towns of Union City and Waterford with gas stations, grocery stores, great local dinning options, and more. About a half an hour drive to Erie and Presque Isle State Park. Come enjoy this extremely unique stretch of French Creek and Pennsylvania woods
What to expect
Tent site
You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.
12 guests max
Campfires allowed
Firepit
Pets allowed
No toilet; campers must bring camp toilets
Picnic table present
No potable water
Bring your own water
No showers
Pack it out
Cooking equipment absent
No wifi
Laundry absent
Hot Tub absent
No playground

Things to know

Getting there
Check in: After 1:00 PM
Check out: Before 12:00 PM
On arrival: Head straight to site
Cancellation policy: Strict (14 Days)
Minimum nights: 1 night
Accepts bookings: 12 months out
Park at listing
No wheelchair access
Max 3 vehicles
2WD accessible
During your trip
Follow the
Leave it better
Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
ExtrasAvailable at checkout
100%
26 ratings · 23 reviews
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Terrence M.
14 reviews
Recommends
· December 2024
Most Private Stay Yet
Tent
We had a a quiet and peaceful stay at David's site. We were literally the only ones around and the site was well maintained and scenic. We are definitely looking forward to revisiting again and again. David maintained great communication before and after our stay. Thanks again David, see you soon!
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Shane A.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2024
Tent · Group trip
Amazing camp ground, and the directions and coordinates really helped to find it super easy. Great for a family to have a peacefull get away, or some friends to have a fire and camp out! Beauitfull morning scenary waking up to the quarry/lake
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Will L.
5 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
Tent
Absolutely gorgeous overlook view of the valley. Very private at night. Only downside is the active gravel pit in the valley. During business hours you will see and hear trucks and they will use the same road as you to get to the pit. It was extremely peaceful at night after the pit closed. No utilities but does have a picnic table and campfire.
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Austin & Emily D.
4 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
Tent · Group trip
The campsite was very private. There is a pretty steep hill to drive up to get to the site, it was not bad with an SUV. The area was very quiet. We would absolutely love to come back during the wet season so we can paddle at the dam. The host was very understanding when we were not able to vacate at checkout (due to needing to replace a car battery that kicked the bucket overnight).
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Tom K.
5 reviews
Recommends
· October 2024
Tent · With pets
David gave excellent directions to the private campground.
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Tom K.
5 reviews
Recommends
· September 2024
Tent · With pets
David was very helpful with directions and the site was perfect for tent camping. I would not recommend it for anyone pulling a camper because the drive to the site is both narrow & steep.
Location
Union City, Erie, Pennsylvania, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Erie, Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), and Mississauga First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by David C.

Joined in May 2022
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