Bald Eagle State Forest

Overall Bald Eagle State Forest was an amazing location and beautiful place to explore. We had an amazing stay, and the trails were tons of fun to drive. The only downside of our campsite was that it was listed as “motorized”. These sites are advertised as drive-up and occupy your vehicle sites, however there were two giant boulders blocking the pathway to the actual site. The fire ring and picnic table were tucked away in the woods, and about 100 yards away was the road and a pull off for the vehicle. Luckily we drive a 4x4 SUV and were able to drive over said boulders, but for someone in a regular car or with a trailer, this would be impossible. There were a few cars that passed during our whole stay, but overall it was peaceful and quiet. These sites are primitive and spread out, but absolutely free if you have a permit! We will definitely visit the area again, but choose a different site with photos before hand.

Nice little spot with no one around. Maybe 2-3 cars passed on the SF road each day. Primitive camping with picnic table and fire ring - that’s it. Have to carry your gear from your car a little ways. Very close to the MST. Only complaint was that there was a beautiful creek behind it with no trail. Don’t count on it being an easy water source. Free, just need to get a permit and reserve through state forest

Husband and I set off for a weekend of boon docking at Bald Eagle State Forest in our little pop up camper. We stayed at site #13, which is a dispersed site- not in the campground. 

Picture a lovely large, round grassy meadow surrounded by trees at the end of a long gravel road. Picnic table, fire ring, one pretty tree in the center, and a babbling brook down below the site. It looks so perfect! Now picture large boulders preventing any wheeled vehicle (including a light little pop up) from rolling into said field. Add in that the I-80 interstate is so close that you can see trucks through the trees in some places- not to mention hear them all.night.long. Would we camp here again? Nope. We would not. Would this be right for some? Probably yes- especially tent campers, loud groups, and those who feel safer with road noise in the background. 

This site was not listed as"tent only", and I suppose being able to set up on the gravel road did work. But I was majorly bummed we couldn't set up at the back of the actual site itself. The road set up was not nearly as nice. You can see in my photos the size of the site, and the boulders, and where we ended up setting up. 

I will also mention that the road getting here involved a hairpin turn (from Long Run Rd. onto Ransaires Rd.) that large set ups would not be able to make. We made it work and we had a great trip.

Not what we expected, but we still had a good time. We will try again at Bald Eagle State Forest, but would not choose this site again.

We like to rent a boat when we come here and swim and watch the Eagles. One of the top parks I’ve ever been to.

Place is amazing. Nice sites, lake, wildlife, close roads to bike! Cannot ask for more!

Our first experience was spectacular- we had a site set back from the road surrounded by mountain laurel and ferns. The second site we tried was a tad too close to the road, hence the 4-stars. If you’re looking to escape the noise and crowds of state parks in PA the state forests are the way to go! Research is required: not all sites are suitable for camper trailers and each state forest in PA is different- be prepared with the appropriate questions when you call to reserve sites. All sites are “rustic”- no pit toilets or hookups. We love it!