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Best Dispersed Camping near Allegheny National Forest

31 Reviews

The Allegheny National Forest has numerous dispersed camping spots throughout its half-million acres. Most backcountry sites require you to set up at least 100 feet from any water sources, trails, or forest roads. The gravel forest roads leading to many dispersed areas can get rough after rain, so vehicles with decent clearance work best. You'll need to bring everything with you—water, food, and toilet supplies—since these areas have zero facilities. The maximum stay in any one spot is 14 days, which helps prevent overuse of these undeveloped areas. Many campers find good spots along Minister Creek and near the Kinzua Reservoir, though you should always have backup locations in mind. Fire rings made by previous campers are common, but always check for current fire restrictions before your trip. Cell service is spotty throughout the forest, so download maps before heading out. The nearest supplies are in towns like Kane and Warren, which can be 30-45 minutes from your camping location.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Allegheny National Forest (11)

    1. Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Ludlow, PA
    3 miles

    "Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me."

    "This spot is a boondocker’s delight! Big open spots with established fire rings. Quiet except for the distant rumble of a train passing the town down in the valley."

    2. Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    Marienville, PA
    19 miles

    "I believe there are several dispersed spots along this road. This one was close enough to the road to feel safe but far enough away to have privacy."

    "This is my first time dispersed camping and the spot is nice for a first go. Was able to drive in which I why I chose this area."

    3. Red Mill Pond

    4 Reviews
    Ridgway, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 927-6628

    "Been there with camper van No facilities, only some fireplaces. Good for a short stay, quiet"

    "Neutral: No amenities Con: the road in was bumpy with a lot of pot holes"

    4. FR437 dispersed campsite

    1 Review
    Irvine, PA
    16 miles

    5. Salmon Creek Dispersed

    1 Review
    Marienville, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 723-5150

    "Theres a few dispersed spots back here. Its pretty nice area. The road is out tho so dont take a big rig"

    6. Clarion River Campground

    2 Reviews
    Clarington, PA
    22 miles

    "We had direct River access! Quite road-We were able to walk. There were some people kayaking in the river. Dispersed spot-no cell service."

    7. Millstone Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Clarington, PA
    23 miles

    "This was a great spot for my first dispersed camping experience. Hard, fairly flat parking surface right off of paved road. Rock fire ring. Vault toilets were open. Sites are well spaced."

    "Size od camping spots ranges from large open fields with fire pits to spots on the shoulder of the road

    We came in on a Saturday and found one of the road side sites open."

    8. Camp Seneca

    1 Review
    Great Valley, NY
    40 miles

    "We picked the biggest site next to the creek. The tree canopy over our site was dense enough that w3 did not get very wet when it rains."

    9. Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Panama, NY
    42 miles

    10. Windfall Ponds

    Be the first to review!
    Salamanca, NY
    35 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Allegheny National Forest

8 Photos of 11 Allegheny National Forest Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Allegheny National Forest

31 Reviews of 11 Allegheny National Forest Campgrounds

  • Mieszko M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2023

    Red Mill Pond

    Good place for one night

    Been there with camper van No facilities, only some fireplaces. Good for a short stay, quiet

  • Matt J.
    Aug. 20, 2021

    Red Mill Pond

    Dispersed, remote...and ill-kept

    Missed the words "dispersed" and "no facilities" on the USFS website... Fire circles are falling apart, there's effectively no signage, and I had the bad luck to show up after a substantial rainstorm rolled through, and both ground and grass were soaked. I bailed on this camp. If your liking for EXTREMELY rustic car camping, there's a mood for it, but it doesn't seem to be worth backpacking in, and I wouldn't recommend car camping under most circumstances. The fishing looks pretty good, but i don't fish.

  • Aliza N.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Free dispersed camping in the Allegheny

    We camp in a lot of primitive dispersed camping, but finding a spot like this in the east is challenging! So for that…YAY, we love it. But, it’s not perfect. The road is behind the town of Ludlow (or Sheffield depending on which direction you are coming from). From Ludlow take the “Scenic Dr” and it turns into the forestry road. Lots of pull offs off this main road and you could prob find some more private ones if you explored the smaller dirt roads off the main forestry road. No services here obvi since it’s primitive camping. Road is in good condition and most any car would have no problem driving down it.

  • Ian B.
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Nice, peaceful and free

    If you don’t mind roughing it a bit, it’s really quite nice. Sites are first come first serve and there is a bit of day traffic to get to Hector Falls. Which is a nice little 2 mile hike. Some good exploring. Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2023

    Red Mill Pond

    Plenty of space for a van

    Pro: There was a pond, campfire rings, and a big spot to maneuver a van. Neutral: No amenities Con: the road in was bumpy with a lot of pot holes

  • Ian H.
    May. 23, 2022

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    A slice of Allegheny Heaven

    This spot is a boondocker’s delight! Big open spots with established fire rings. Quiet except for the distant rumble of a train passing the town down in the valley. The road is definitely hidden behind the town of Ludlow but we were able to find it at 2am after a long drive from cape cod.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2020

    Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

    Good spot

    I believe there are several dispersed spots along this road. This one was close enough to the road to feel safe but far enough away to have privacy.

  • Bob J.
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Comes as advertised! Really nice spot!

    The spot I stayed is right on the marker.  There are multiple spots along the main forest road. Some you can drive your car in and tuck it back. Other spots you cant take your car at all.   There are tons of logging roads that split off the main forest road. They mostly have gates that say "Logging road, no public motor vehicles allowed" but they also say "Foot travel is welcome" I went down a few of these roads and almost always found a few spots that would be great places to set up camp if you are willing to walk a little bit from your car. There is a really cool place called Hector Falls. The trailhead is about a mile down the road from this spot. It's about 3/4 a mile hike into the woods. The falls are really cool to look at, and has some cool rock formations. Be careful the cliffs are about a 20 ft straight drop. Other than that this spot is not a bad spot at all. Fire wood can be found all around.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 3, 2025

    Millstone Creek Campground

    Tranquil

    Tremendous solitude, but it was a Thursday night in late March and very cold. This was a great spot for my first dispersed camping experience. Hard, fairly flat parking surface right off of paved road. Rock fire ring. Vault toilets were open. Sites are well spaced. Mature forest canopy. Though I would always look for widow makers above because some of the trees seem to be diseased. I saw maybe 6 other cars the 12 hours I was there. Though I’m sure it’s busier in warmer weather.

Guide to Allegheny National Forest

Dispersed camping near Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of spots to choose from, you can enjoy the tranquility of the forest while engaging in outdoor activities.

Dispersed campers should check out Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

  • This site is well-suited for both tent and RV camping, making it a versatile option for different camping styles. You can find it at Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite.
  • Visitors have noted the excellent hiking and biking opportunities nearby, providing a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area.
  • The campsite allows for campfires, so you can enjoy cozy evenings under the stars, but remember to pack out what you pack in.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania

  • Be prepared for a rustic experience at places like Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite, where amenities are minimal, but the natural surroundings are stunning.
  • Arrive early to secure a good spot, as sites are first-come, first-served, especially during peak seasons.
  • Bring bug spray and be cautious of ticks, as some campers have reported encountering them in the area.

Top activities while free camping near Allegheny National Forest

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunities at Millstone Creek Campground, where you can cast a line in the nearby river.
  • Hiking is a must, with trails leading to scenic views and hidden gems like Hector Falls, which is accessible from various dispersed camping spots.
  • Wildlife watching is another highlight, as campers have reported sightings of black bears and other wildlife, particularly around FR437 dispersed campsite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best locations for dispersed camping in Allegheny National Forest?

Allegheny National Forest offers several excellent dispersed camping locations. Red Mill Pond provides a peaceful setting with established fire rings and enough space for vans or small RVs. The pond adds scenic value, though expect bumpy access roads. Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite is particularly appealing for boondockers, featuring large open spots with fire rings in a quiet setting. Look for it behind the town of Ludlow via Scenic Drive. Other worthwhile options include Loleta Road, which offers privacy while remaining accessible, and Clarion River sites that provide direct river access for water activities. Most dispersed sites are first-come, first-served, so arriving early, especially during peak seasons, is recommended.

What's the difference between primitive and dispersed camping in Allegheny National Forest?

In Allegheny National Forest, primitive camping typically refers to designated sites with minimal facilities, while dispersed camping means setting up anywhere permitted outside of developed campgrounds. Clarion River Campground, though called a campground, is actually a dispersed area where you can camp in undeveloped locations along the river with no services or assigned sites. Primitive sites like Warner Road Dispersed Camping may have basic amenities such as fire rings and occasionally vault toilets, while true dispersed camping has no facilities whatsoever. Both require packing out all trash and practicing Leave No Trace principles. The key distinction is that primitive sites are designated locations with minimal infrastructure, while dispersed camping allows you to camp in any suitable location outside of developed areas, following forest regulations.

Do I need a map for dispersed camping in Allegheny National Forest?

Yes, a map is highly recommended for dispersed camping in Allegheny National Forest. Many sites like Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite have multiple spots along forest roads that can be difficult to locate without proper navigation. The forest contains numerous logging roads and unmarked turnoffs. Millstone Creek Campground and other dispersed areas are often minimally signed, making them challenging to find, especially after dark or in remote areas with no cell service. USFS maps showing forest roads are invaluable for identifying potential camping areas. Digital maps that work offline are particularly useful since cell coverage is unreliable throughout much of the forest. Forest Service visitor centers can provide updated maps and information about seasonal road closures or conditions.

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