Johnstown Flood National Memorial
St. Michael, PA
The remains of the South Fork Dam, whose failure in 1889 sent a wall of water into Johnstown and killed more than 2,200 people. Exhibits and a film at the visitor center; free.
Johnstown Flood National Memorial lies at 733 Lake Road near South Fork in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, about 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Johnstown, and is managed by the National Park Service. It preserves the remains of the South Fork Dam, the former lakebed, the Elias Unger farm and the clubhouse of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club.
The earth-and-stone dam served as a reservoir for the Pennsylvania Canal and was finished in 1853; sources give the start of construction anywhere from 1836 to 1840. Later a club of wealthy members from the Pittsburgh area used it as a summer retreat. On May 31, 1889, it failed after heavy rains. About 20 million tons of water raced roughly 14 miles down the Little Conemaugh River valley to Johnstown; according to Wikipedia a wave of up to about 70 feet (21 m) formed, the flood lasted about ten minutes, and recovery took about five years.
In the visitor center, two floors show maps, photos and the film “Black Friday.” You can also visit the Unger House and the Springhouse, trails and picnic areas; ranger-led tours are offered. Check hours and programs in advance.
- Nearest town
- St. Michael, PA
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 40.3483, -78.7723
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Mirror Lake CampgroundCampsite18 mi from Johnstown Flood National MemorialTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- L & M CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Johnstown Flood National MemorialTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Yellow Creek CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Johnstown Flood National MemorialTentsCaravansElectricityToilets
- Wright's Orchard Station CampgroundCampsite20 mi from Johnstown Flood National MemorialTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Nature's Getaway RV ParkCampsite22 mi from Johnstown Flood National MemorialTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToilets
- Rainbow Woods CampgroundCampsite24 mi from Johnstown Flood National MemorialTentsCaravansElectricityWaste disposal
All campsites in Pennsylvania · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Johnstown Flood National Memorial?
Johnstown Flood National Memorial is in St. Michael, PA, at GPS 40.3483, -78.7723. It is about 8 mi from Johnstown.
Can you camp near Johnstown Flood National Memorial?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Blue Knob Camping Area, about 10 mi away; within 25 mi there are 20 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Johnstown Flood National Memorial?
Johnstown Flood National Memorial is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Laurel Highlands: Fort Necessity, Ohiopyle and Horseshoe Curve and Funiculars, flood history and a house over a waterfall – by camper from Pittsburgh through the Laurel Highlands.
What is there to see near Johnstown Flood National Memorial?
Places worth a stop nearby: Horseshoe Curve National Historic Landmark (18 mi), Flight 93 National Memorial (21 mi), Fallingwater (48 mi) and Ohiopyle State Park (51 mi).
When is the best time to visit Johnstown Flood National Memorial?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)