Bald Eagle State Forest, managed by Pennsylvania's Bureau of Forestry, spreads across central Pennsylvania and contains a network of dispersed and established campsites that vary considerably in character and accessibility. Camping here is primitive by design: sites have picnic tables and fire rings, but no pit toilets or hookups. Reservations are available and required, along with a permit, and sites are free of charge.
Road access is the most consistent topic across camper reports, and it warrants attention before arrival. Several reviewers note that boulders block vehicle entry to some sites listed as drive-up or motorized, meaning campers may end up setting up on a gravel pull-off rather than the site itself. A hairpin turn on at least one access road rules out larger rigs, and the 30-foot RV maximum applies forest-wide. Tent campers and those with compact, high-clearance vehicles tend to navigate the access conditions more easily. A creek runs behind some sites, though as Joann&WellsThePup I. notes, "don't count on it being an easy water source."
Noise levels vary by site location. At least one site sits close enough to I-80 that highway traffic is audible through the trees overnight, while others are set back among mountain laurel and ferns with minimal road noise. Wildlife sightings come up frequently in reviews. The Mid State Trail passes near some sites, giving hikers direct access from camp. Poe Paddy State Park Campground and Poe Valley State Park Campground are nearby alternatives with more consistent amenities for campers who want a fallback option.
Researching individual sites before booking, including checking for photos and calling the Bureau of Forestry with specific questions about vehicle access, makes a significant difference in what to expect on arrival.
Description
Bald Eagle State Forest, named for the famous Native American, Chief Bald Eagle, includes 193,424 acres in Snyder County, Union County, Centre County, Mifflin County, and Clinton County. It spans across the high, sharp ridges of central Pennsylvania and features miles pristine mountain streams and numerous tracts of old growth forest. Bald Eagle forest district lies in the beautiful ridge and valley section of the state. From the limestone-rich Susquehanna Valley in the southeast to the Allegheny Mountains in the northwest, the forest district is dominated by a series of sandstone ridges some of which reach heights of 2,300 feet above sea level. The confluence of the west and north branches of the Susquehanna River occurs on the eastern boundary of the district, opposite the town of Northumberland. The many streams within the area have their origin in the forested ridges and flow in several directions eventually emptying into the Susquehanna River. Public watersheds comprise over one-third of the Bald Eagle State Forest, making the wise management of this land essential.
Reservation Info
Backpack campers are permitted to camp in the forest without a permit if staying no more than one night in any location. Backpack camping does not allow for access to motorized vehicles during overnight stays. A permit is required if the backpacker desires an emergency point-of-contact or if a campfire is requested during the annual spring wildfire season.
Motorized campsites may be reserved up to 90 days in advance. Site check-in begins at 12:00 P.M., and the permit holder must occupy the campsite listed on the permit within 24 hours of the booked arrival date. Check-out is no later than 12:00 P.M. on the end date. No more than two camping permits will be issued at any one time and no permits will be issued until those issued expire. A permit will not be valid for more than seven consecutive nights. Any individuals or groups who have received permits which total a sum of 30 days in a calendar year will not be issued more for that calendar year. A camping permit will not be issued to anyone under the age of 18.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBald Eagle State Forest is located in Pennsylvania near Coburn
Public CampgroundCoordinates
40.79831984 N
77.38998782 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 58 min from State College, PA
- 1 hr 25 min from Harrisburg, PA
- 1 hr 34 min from Altoona, PA
- 1 hr 34 min from Williamsport, PA
