1 / 100

Austin Dam Memorial Park

98%
·
· Potter, Pennsylvania
76 acres hosted by Austin Dam P.
4 RV/tent sites · 4 tent sites
Avatar
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
Best in Pennsylvania: Finalist
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Staff verified
Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.
Off-leash friendly
Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
Just outside the quaint town of Austin sits a vivid reminder of one of Pennsylvania's worst disasters – the Austin Flood. In 1909, the dam was constructed on Freeman Run to power the Bayless Papermill downstream. Many wondered if the dam was safe. On September 30, 1911, Austin found out. Poor construction, coupled with torrential rain, resulted in the dam's collapse. Nearly 400 million gallons of water were released, destroying everything for 8 miles. At least 78 people perished in the tragedy. It was the second worst flood disaster in Pennsylvania's history and sixth worst dam failure in U.S. history. The tragedy sparked new legislation to improve dam safety, and the Austin Dam was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The ruins of the dam still stand, surrounded by a 76-acre park, as a tribute to the lives lost in the Austin Flood. Don't miss one of Potter County's best kept secrets!
Activities
Biking
Boating
Fishing
Hiking
Natural features
Cave
Forest
River, stream, or creek
Swimming hole
98%
759 ratings · 310 reviews
Avatar
R B.recommends
November 1, 2024
Tree Sawyer (Site 1)
Nice site. Close to the road, but beautiful stars and clean bathrooms.
Avatar
Christopher G M.recommends
October 21, 2024
Saw Filer (Site 4)
Awesome camping experience!
Camp sites at the Austin Dam Memorial Park are some of the nicest I have ever visited. The grounds are meticulously maintained and there was a cooking grate and other camp fire cooking equipment at Site 4. I didnt have to use the stuff I brought. We stayed there in JUne at site 3. Due to "special event" traffic we were glad we stayed at site 4 down off the access road. To make our stay even more enjoyable, the annual Haunted Trail was one of the best "haunted attractions" I have been to in a very long time. I actors were fantastic and the planning was "top notch". The local folks with home made baked goods and grilled cheese sent us back to our camp site with over stuffed bellies and very glad we changed our reservation by one week to this past weekend!!.
Avatar
Matt L.recommends
October 21, 2024
Log Train (Site 8)
Very nice park, been here twice now. Interesting history and beautiful landscape and foliage. Depending on the time of year, prepare for it to be cold. Valleys collect cold air so it'll be a lot colder than you expect. You get a nice amount of amenities as well.
Avatar
Sue L.recommends
October 9, 2024
Mess Hall (Site 6)
Site 6
Site was roomy, private (Site 8 looks to be the most private of all) and port-o-potty was very clean! Some road noise, but otherwise quiet, tho we were the only ones there (mid-week Sept with rain), so may be different when busy.
Avatar
Sheila H.recommends
October 6, 2024
Bark Peelers (Site 2)
The best camping in PA
Once again, we had an incredible experience camping at Austin Dam Memorial Park! The site (site 2) itself is stunning—nestled in a peaceful, scenic area that offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. The Water stream next to our tent set up lulled us to sleep. The Fire pit, with wood delivery (ordered in advanced), kept us warm next to our picnic table.. One of the highlights for us is always the night sky. It’s a stargazer's dream! What makes this place even more special is that it’s run by local people who truly care about sharing this hidden gem with visitors. There’s something really unique and personal about it not being state-owned, but rather a community effort to preserve and celebrate the beauty of the area. You can feel the pride and passion in the way the park is maintained. We loved every moment and can’t wait to come back! Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking for a serene, nature-filled getaway. But ssshhhhhh!
Avatar
Ruth M.recommends
September 22, 2024
Log Train (Site 8)
The site was beautiful in the woods. Lots to explore right from the site. The ruins of the dam were amazing and really easy to walk around. Also great place for stargazing.
Location
Potter, Pennsylvania, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Susquehannock and Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee) First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Avatar

Hosted by Austin Dam P.

Joined in March 2019
Response rate: 50%Response time: Within 12 hours
Things to do nearby
More camping spots nearby
Campers also viewed...

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Camp Your Way™

Find the perfect site to match your camping style. Explore the largest collection of private campsites, RV parks, cabins, and glamping—including 120,000+ sites you won’t find anywhere else. Explore our maps, filter by your camping style, read real camper reviews, and book directly in our app. Hipcamp is the simplest way to find yourself outside under the stars.

Download the Hipcamp App

© 2024 Hipcamp, Inc. All rights reserved.
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.