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French Creek Flood Plain Overlook

100%
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· Union City, Erie, Pennsylvania
36 acres hosted by David C.
1 tent site
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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
Activities
Biking
Fishing
Hiking
Paddling
100%
25 ratings · 22 reviews
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Shane A.recommends
November 4, 2024
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
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.recommends
October 17, 2024
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
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.recommends
October 15, 2024
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
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.recommends
October 10, 2024
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
David gave excellent directions to the private campground.
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Tom K.recommends
September 27, 2024
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
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.
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Dustin S.recommends
September 22, 2024
French Creek Flood Plain Overlook
Gorgeous, secluded spot with a view
This camping spot is absolutely beautiful. Secluded but up on a hill with a gorgeous view of the valley and lake below. David is an awesome host. The firewood situation is ingenious and really convenient. We had a wonderful time. Will definitely book it again next year.
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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