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Austin Dam Memorial Park

98%

· Potter, Pennsylvania

76 acres hosted by Austin Dam P.

4 RV/tent sites · 4 tent sites

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%

758 ratings · 309 reviews

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!!.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Kasey E.recommends

September 13, 2024

Log Train (Site 8)

Tremendous Host

We absolutely loved everything about camping at the Austin Dam and hope to return every year! Alvy was a tremendous host, especially being a volunteer! He had many recommendations, wonderful knowledge of the area and its history, and answered all of our questions. We had everything we needed at the campsite, plenty of space and privacy, and the wood we purchased prior to arrival was more than enough for us! Alvy was very accommodating when we booked an extra night since we got in later than we were expecting the first night. Swimming at one of the spots Alvy recommended was our favorite part (aside from getting engaged while we were there!) even though the water was probably around 50°! We hope to see the memorial and the campsites stay up and running!

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