Cabin Rentals

Cabin stays on the Allegheny National Forest require a reservation through recreation.gov.

Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of a visit, and must be made at least 3 days before you visit.

Farnsworth Cabin

Built in the 1930s by the Civil Conservation Corps, the two-bedroom stone cabin was renovated in 2010 and now provides modern amenities. The cabin is equipped with electricity, forced air heating, and indoor plumbing that includes sinks with hot and cold running water, a flush toilet, and a shower. The cabin is comfortably furnished with two queen beds, two bunk beds, a sofa, chairs, a table, and kitchen appliances and equipment. Outside there is a fire ring, a picnic table, and a charcoal grill.

The cabin is located about nine miles northwest of Sheffield, adjacent to the grounds of the Farnsworth Trout Club Hatchery. The forest surrounding the cabin has black cherry, eastern hemlock, white pine, oak, maple, and birch trees. In the nearby Hickory Creek Wilderness, there is an understory of abundant wildflowers, ferns, shrubs, and mosses. Black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bald eagle, barred owl, and pileated woodpecker are common in the area. Small native brook trout are found in the nearby Farnsworth Stream.

A beautiful stone cabin sits in a clearing. A forest with fall colors surrounds it.

Photo Credit USDA Forest Service Amy J. Lesher.

Red Bridge Recreation Area Cabins

Red Bridge Campground sits on the eastern shore of the Kinzua Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir in northwest Pennsylvania, offering a peaceful getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

There are three cabins available at Red Bridge Recreation Area. All cabins have water and electricity hookups, and allow pets.

Willow Bay Recreation Area Cabins

Willow Bay Recreation Area overlooks the south shore of Willow Bay, a small arm on the eastern side of the Allegheny Reservoir just south of the New York State line.

There are 11 rustic cabins available at Willow Bay. The cabins measure 10 by 12 feet and each has a 6 foot porch. Other amenities include fire pits, grills, heat and electric. Each cabin comes furnished with one double bed and one set of bunk beds.

Cabin Rentals Areas

Allegheny Reservoir
Lush green forest surrounds the 7,647-acre reservoir that spans the border between Pennsylvania and New York. In Pennsylvania, the reservoir is completely surrounded by the Allegheny National Forest; and in New York State by Allegany State Park and the Allegany Indian Reservation of the Seneca Nation.

At normal summer pool level the reservoir is 27 miles long, 14 miles in Pennsylvania and 13 miles in New York, with 91 miles of shoreline, and a maximum depth of 130 feet.

Despite how busy the reservoir can get in the summer, there are still places where you can experience the solitude and quiet of the forest. Amenities range from large campgrounds with electric hook-ups, showers, and flush toilets to boat-in campgrounds with simple outhouses.

The reservoir draws people from all over for the quantity and quality of the water activities it has available.

The walleye, trout, bass, pike and muskellunge are there and waiting for a fight. Several record breaking fish have been caught in the reservoir. In the winter you can head out onto the ice for a little ice fishing. If you want to look, but not fish, stop by the dam and peek over the edge. The fish like to gather in the eddies at the edges of the reservoir near the dam. Please do not feed the fish.

There are two major trails in the area, Jakes Rock Extreme Mountain Biking Trail, and the short, but intense, Rimrock Trail. After your ride or hike you can head over to the Kinzua Beach and cool off in the chill waters of the reservoir.

And no trip the the reservoir is complete without driving on Longhouse National Scenic Byway and up to the overlooks at Jakes Rocks and Rimrock to take in the endless view of the reservoir against the backdrop of the forest.

Scroll down to find out more about the activities available on the reservoir.

History of the Reservoir

The reservoir was created in the 1960s when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed the Kinzua Dam on the upper Allegheny River. The reservoir water level and water surface is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Only a few private landowners exist on the New York shoreline. The Allegheny Reservoir is unique because very little private commercial development exists along its shoreline. The majority of the existing developed recreation sites on the PA portion of the Reservoir are operated and maintained by the Allegheny National Forest.
Red Bridge Recreation Area
Willow Bay Recreation Area
Bradford Ranger District
The Bradford Ranger District covers the northern half of the Allegheny National Forest. Highlights of this area include the Allegheny Reservoir, Wild and Scenic Allegheny River and Hearts Content.

Hidden gems found on the district are the Old Powerhouse, Timberdoodle Flats Interpretive Trail and Hall Barn Wildlife Viewing Area.
Farnsworth Cabin