Old-growth hemlocks and pole pines press in close at Cook Forest State Park Campground, a large, winding drive-in facility set within Cook Forest State Park in Cooksburg, Pennsylvania. The campground sits on a ridge above the Clarion River, and the road climbing in from the south is a genuine uphill pull that can narrow considerably on interior loops. Site quality varies throughout. Reviewers consistently note that the northern-most loops run more wooded and private, while sites elsewhere range from open and grassy to shaded, with levelness a mixed proposition across the property.
Midweek and off-season visits reward campers with near-total quiet. Robert M. describes it as "like test your tinnitus quiet," with fewer than 20 sites occupied during a mid-May stay. Popular holiday weekends tell a different story: reviewers recommend booking eight to nine months out for Memorial Day, when the campground fills completely. The back loop, the furthest section from the entrance, suits large groups and offers some of the most forested sites on the property. Cell coverage on Verizon runs to one bar or none throughout most of the campground.
The Clarion River runs along the base of the hill below camp, and several outfitters nearby rent kayaks and canoes. Trails leave directly from the campground, including a dog-friendly route and a roughly 1.5-mile path into town. The Seneca Fire Tower, built in 1929, sits directly across Route 36 from the park entrance and gives open sightlines over the forest canopy and the river below. "A fully stocked fishing hole is also adjacent," notes Erin H., referring to the creek area near the ranger station. Firewood sells at the park entrance for $6 a bundle.
Bathhouses are distributed across the campground's sections, each serving its own loop. They read as dated, with chipped paint and aging fixtures, but reviewers confirm daily cleaning and consistent hot water with good pressure. A coin-operated washer and dryer are available in at least one restroom building. Sites run $20 to $74 per night depending on hookup type, with electric, water, and sewer options scattered throughout rather than consolidated in one area, which means a hookup site can sometimes be found even in a quieter, less-trafficked loop. The season runs from the second Friday in April through the third Friday in December. Campers wanting a smaller, cabin-style stay nearby can look at Cabins at Cook Forest, about a mile and a half to the west.
Description
The 8,500-acre Cook Forest State Park lies in scenic northwestern Pennsylvania. Once called the Black Forest, the area is famous for its stands of old growth forest. Cook Forest State Park's Forest Cathedral of towering white pines and hemlocks is a National Natural Landmark. The Clarion River connects Clear Creek State Park to Cook Forest State Park along a scenic 10-mile stretch of river which is popular for canoeing and rafting.
Permit Conditions: 1. No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite. Other facilities are limited to the maximum occupancy for the facility (i.e. beds in cabins) for non-family guests. Note: Family Unit-Persons living under one household. 2. Occupant shall include at least one person 18 years of age or older. 3. Noise or conduct which could interfere with the sleep of other persons is prohibited between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. 4. Before vacating the facility/site, occupants shall clean and properly dispose of waste. 5. Visitors are permitted only between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. 6. This permit may not be assigned or transferred. 7. Alcoholic Beverages are prohibited. 8. Failure to abide by Pennsylvania State Park Rules and Regulations. 9. For cabins,/yurts/camping cottages removal of tables, beds or other furnishings from the facility are prohibited. 10. For cabins/yurts/camping cottages tents, camping trailers and recreation vehicles are not permitted in the area. 11. Pets are only permitted in designated areas. Overnight guest with pets must reserve designated facilities. Violations: Violations of park rules and regulations or violations of a condition of this permit could result in any or all of the following consequences: 1. The permit may be revoked. This would mean that the occupants would be required to vacate the facility immediately. 2. The occupants may be required to leave the park. 3. The occupants may be cited for violations of park rules and regulations, a summary offense. 4. The occupants are responsible for any loss or damages to furnishings, fixtures, equipment, or facilities that occur during or due to their occupancy.
Cook Forest Park Office is located at 100 Route 36, Cooksburg, PA 16217. It is 7 miles south of Leeper, PA.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins is located in Pennsylvania near Cooksburg
Directions
From the east, take Exit 78 off of I-80, then PA 36 north directly to the park in Cooksburg. From the west, take Exit 60 off of I-80, then take PA 66 north to Leeper. From Leeper, follow PA 36 south, seven miles to the park. Ridge Campground: From Cook Forest Park Office: Take a right onto Route 36 North and continue for approximately one-mile. Ridge Camp is located on the right-hand side of the road directly across from Fire Tower Road. From Leeper: Take Route 36 South for 7 miles. Ridge Camp is located on the left-hand side of the road directly across from Fire Tower Road. Indian Cabins: Cabins are located behind the Cook Forest Park Office near the childrenâÂ\_\_Â\_\_s fishing pond. River Cabins: From the intersection of River Road and Route 36, travel approximately one-mile on River Road. Cabins are located on the left-hand side of the road near Henry Run.
Address
PO Box 120 River Road
Cooksburg, PA 16217
Coordinates
41.33668198 N
79.22329736 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/12/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 7/12/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 39 min from Pittsburgh, PA
- 1 hr 40 min from Erie, PA
- 1 hr 47 min from Altoona, PA
- 1 hr 48 min from Johnstown, PA
