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Reviews for Flying W Ranch-Kellettvile
(click on name for more information)
Tionesta, PA

Overall TRAIL RATING with 19 votes:
Overall CAMP RATING with 19 votes:
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Individual Reviews

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$145 for 2 night is BS. When we camp in PA, we usually go to Hickory Creek. But it was the last minute and they were all booked up, so I called the Flying W. There was 3 permanent campers who were camping, us and I other. They are too lazy to draw up a map, so do not except to get a map. The water smelled so bad, that we unhooked and used out water from home. There's no trees at all in the full hookups section and you are very, very close to your neighbor. Stalls were father away then I'd like to be. Trails were ok, but bc of the prices, their attitudes and the camp. WE WILL NOT BE BACK.
Reviewed by: Teabyrdz on 7/18/2016 11:32:17 AM
More reviews by Teabyrdz 		Experience: Expert Ride Date: 7/8/2016 Hometown: FREEDOM, OH

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We have stayed at Flying W campground every year for the past few years. The primitive camping spots are up in the wooded, secluded areas and if you like privacy, this is for you. There are some permanent spots, but plenty of areas to choose a large spot to picket your horses in the shade. There are also electric/water spots in a crowded area near the arena. There is no water in primitive, but you can fill up your tanks or jugs down at the barn at an outside spigot, near the showers. The showers are clean and you have to pay a few bucks, but they are separate stalls with their own curtains (no communal showering!) I believe there's a fee because some people have to make a mess for everyone else. The trails ride right out of the campground, you can exit down the road to the river and access acres and acres of trails including rigorous mountainside riding and easier railbeds and fields. You see plenty of wildlife and people are extremely friendly. Trails exit from the campground are not for the beginner or at least, not for those who don't want to be challenged. There is a restaurant and gift store at the campground, and horses available for rent for guided trail rides. All in all, a great place to camp.
Reviewed by: janice on 9/22/2014 12:01:17 PM
More reviews by janice 		Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 7/20/2014 Hometown: gratz, pa

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We wanted to camp somewhere about 3-4 hours away from home, so we thought we would give this place a try. Keep in mind that we have rode/camped in about 100 different places, this place however, we will not be back. ALL of the GOOD spots have been taken by yearly rentals. We stayed in a spot called the bowl and thats what it looks like or even a big hole, where you are at the bottom and all the sides are higher. You can not even see the barn from there and its a hike getting to the barn, so we had to drive each time we went to the barn. We had to load up the tack in the truck, take 1 horse out at a time to tack up and then leave the truck at the barn until we were done riding. 2nd, there are no maps and no cell signal. We got lost and ended up having to ride the road back, which I hated. And 3rd, they have live hot wires right next to the trail. My husbands horse got spooked by 7 deers and ran into the hot wire and went into overdrive. He was thrown and got hurt pretty bad. There are live hot wires all thoughout the camp, which I did not understand. Before that happened, the manager (not the owner) said she would come and get us to go on the group ride, she never came so we ment up with another couple who was staying in the bowl and rode with them, well for about a half hour and then my husband ended up getting thrown so we came back. Why would you have hot wires on a narrow trail and why would you not have maps. The owners knew my husband was thrown bc I went down and told his mother what happened and told her that the wire was broke in two, they never came to check on him, never asked if we needed anything. Nope, we wont be back.
Reviewed by: Teresa Jacobs White on 10/24/2013 4:10:00 PM
More reviews by Teresa Jacobs White 		Experience: Expert Ride Date: 9/25/2013 Hometown: Streetsboro, Ohio,

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Went there on ride weekend and rode on our own found out that trail rides are with the hack rides. who whats to ride with them.
Reviewed by: Joe on 10/28/2011 6:36:11 PM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 10/7/2011 Hometown: Salem, OH

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My family has been going to flying W for years. We always go at the time of their "spring" organized ride but do not participate in the ride. We stay primitive and things are going down hill fast here. The bar is beautiful dont get me wrong and the trails are good. My biggest complaint is they have increased the prices (with out notifying us when we made our reservations) for nothing basically. The porta-potty was not even pumped, they wanted us to pay for our showers, and their free wood was crap would not even burn. We are disappointed and not sure that we will return again. Like I said this is not our first time here but it may be our last the price we paid for basically parking in the woods was ridiculous.
Reviewed by: Lacey on 8/3/2011 8:30:01 AM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 5/6/2011 Hometown: Hookstown, PA

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Love, love, LOVE this place!! We try to make the 3-1/2 hr. trip a couple times a year. All seasons are beautiful here but fall is by far my favorite. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Trails are not marked and are not for inexperienced riders or young and/or unconditioned horses.
Reviewed by: Kim Blake on 3/21/2011 10:15:56 AM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 6/15/2010 Hometown: Carrollton, OH

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We have been going to Flying W Ranch for just about 15 yrs now at least 2-3 times a year.Spring is beautiful with all the new follage and wildlife born. We see lots of deer more in the fall. Our favorite ride is stoney point. Lots of Good Memories for us on this ride. Our favorite saying "lets see where this goes" It's a new adventure every year. It's not for sissy's who don 't like rocks or hills. We like primitive camping and when there's no big rides. We totally enjoy "our quiet time together" usually by ourselves camping. Love the great out doors! Friendly folk here at the ranch!!
Reviewed by: Pete & Kathy on 2/20/2010 8:52:00 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 5/6/2009 Hometown: Aliquippa, PA

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Trails are beautiful, narrow, but well kept. We camped in the primitive area. The only good point was the free fire wood. Grass not mowed, no picket poles/lines provided. Back end of campground infested with black biting gnats. Was told they used to treat area in the past, but no longer do so. Flying W appears to be participating in the downward trend of the economy. Their shortsightedness in not providing maps to users in hopes of stiffing us for another $10/hour to follow ametures is shortsighted. Restaurant was adequate for its remote location, but don't spring for the Prime Rib, over done and lukewarm at best. I'll go back for the scenery, but not for the hospitality.
Reviewed by: B. Sutton on 10/2/2009 8:31:03 AM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 9/26/2009 Hometown: Toledo, OH

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Reviewed by: Anonymous on 8/28/2009 7:57:44 AM
 Experience: Not Specified Ride Date: 1/1/2004 Hometown: , Select State

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Trails were challenging but the beautiful country made it well worth it ! Primitive camp was nice and not crowded. Firewood was available and at $25 a night for camp site, it was very affordable.
Reviewed by: Anonymous on 8/6/2008 5:12:58 AM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 7/30/2008 Hometown: , OH

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WE HAVE BEEN HERE MANY TIMES AND ENJOY IT GREATLY. WE WENT ON AN OVERNIGHT PACK TRIP.HAD THE GREATEST TIME. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY ALL THE BAD REVIEWS. HAVE NEVER BEEN TREATED RUDLY. THE GIFT SHOP IS NICE AND THE FOOD HERE GOOD. SERVICE A LITTLE SLOW BUT, NO BIG DEAL.I DON'T CARE FOR THE CAMPGROUND BECAUSE IT IS OPEN AND IT DOES GET HOT.THERES A COMMUNITY FIRE RING. BUT THE RIDING IS GREAT. THE TRAILS ARE NOT MARKED SO BE CAREFUL. I DON'T CARE FOR THE PRIMATIVE AREA. HARD FOR BIG RIGS.I HAVE A CABIN VERY NEAR THERE.WE KEEP HORSES AT THE FLYING W AND RIDE ON OUR OWN. YOU CAN ALWAYS PICK UP THE END OF A TRAIL RIDE. I'VE ALWAYS ENJOYED CARLA AND JOHNNY FOR GUIDES. JOHNNY PASSED A WHILE BACK.DON'T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ AND MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND.
Reviewed by: PATTY on 5/13/2008 11:34:09 AM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 1/1/2004 Hometown: GIRARD, OH

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Pennsylvania is a beautiful state to ride in.
Reviewed by: Anonymous on 2/29/2008 7:27:47 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 7/1/2007 Hometown: , Select State

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READERS BEWARE--There's the appearance of some 'funny business' going on with the reviews of camps in PA. On specific dates within minutes of each other are posted (under different alias's) horrible reviews on Flying W, Summers Alleghany, and Hickory Creek camps. On those same dates are posted good reviews of Cook Scenic camp. For example, check 11/12/06, 2/26/07, 12/5/07, and 12/5/07. I've never been to any of these camps, in fact never been to PA. Be aware that ANYONE can post reviews anonymously on this board. Negative reviews can be from competing campground owners, crazy neighbors, or ex-girlfriends. Positive reviews can be from the campground owner, family, or friends. Don't believe everything you read.
Reviewed by: reader beware on 12/12/2007 8:03:00 PM
 Experience: Not Specified Ride Date: 12/12/2007 Hometown: , Select State

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This place is probably the worst trail ride I have ever been to in the United States. If you compare the other trail rides within 1 hour from here you will see a big difference and a big improvement. Here it is double the money with none of the benefits.
Reviewed by: Anonymous on 12/5/2007 1:04:11 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 6/5/2007 Hometown: , MD

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Trails hook up everywhere, if you know where to go, Ranch is not allowed to mark trails because of National Forest, so if you are bringing your own horses, get a Forestry map, hook up with someone you know from this area. Educate yourself unless you are hire a guide--pay them to take you anywhere. Old reviews I read on this page complained of expense, everything is expensive "what is'nt"!!! don't complain, gas--food--clothes are high; have you priced out what it costs a family to go see Shamoo the whale jump the water(sp?) It costs to relax & have fun--nothing is cheap. Just enjoy yourself. As far as the campground--it is primative, not laid out sites--one size fits all.
Reviewed by: rider on 6/4/2007 11:32:43 AM
 Experience: Intermediate Ride Date: 5/21/2007 Hometown: Erie, PA

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This place is too expensive. It costs more to ride here than any other place in Pennsylvania. I did a price comparison....they are almost double the cost and you even get less for your money. What a rip! No shade, 1 big picket line...that stinks and causes diseases to spread..like the strangles. do not go here folks.
Reviewed by: highly disappointed on 2/26/2007 8:33:26 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 8/6/2005 Hometown: , ME

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Trails were very disappointing. This place is very expensive, twice what you normally would pay, so I anticipated it would be twice as nice....sorry to say....wrong...very very disappointed customer. They are rude also. They promote rowdiness and drunkedness. Bad camping and trailriding experience. Save your money and don't come here.
Reviewed by: Jane & Shelly on 11/12/2006 2:12:07 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 6/18/2006 Hometown: , Select State

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They do not offer very nice facility overall. I do like the rodeos however. Camp sites are poorly laid out. Don't like having to have all horses on one cable. No nice trails leaving camping area. Too expensive. They are the most expensive place to horse camp in the state and offer less than half what others offer at a cheaper price. Do not go here, believe me. This is one case where you "do not get what you pay for" theory is untrue. No marked trails at all. What a rip off.
Reviewed by: Joel & Sharon on 11/12/2006 1:49:43 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 8/22/2006 Hometown: Akron, OH

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Don't go here unless you are prepared to experience rocky terrain. Too much "rowdiness and noise" Certainly not a place to go to relax.
Reviewed by: Suzanne & Thomas on 11/12/2006 1:45:13 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 9/10/2006 Hometown: , MI

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I came with an open mind and was very disappointed. They need shaded camping...too hot in the open sun camp sites. I like to camp and be able to picket my horse by my camper and you cannot do it there. Trail heads are not from base camp. You cannot ride on your own either. I don't like having to be on someone else's schedule. I like to go my own pace etc... I will not recommend this place.
Reviewed by: John on 11/12/2006 1:41:54 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 6/12/2006 Hometown: , WV

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Campgroud is very out in the open, make sure you have some type of a canopy, it can be VERY sunny, there are no trees for shade. There is a gravel road to get to the trails, once you are on the trails they are great!! Not too rocky, some open spaces for cantering. There are mountians to climb, there are streams to cross. Scenery is just beautiful. Trails were easy to follow, people were very nice and friendly.
Reviewed by: Leslie Knisley on 12/19/2005 7:27:06 PM
 Experience: Expert Ride Date: 7/4/2005 Hometown: Baltimore, MD