Dispersed camping opportunities surround Allegheny National Forest in northwestern Pennsylvania, covering nearly 517,000 acres across the Allegheny Plateau. With elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,300 feet, campers find multiple primitive sites along forest roads and near waterways. Winter temperatures often drop below 20°F while summer days typically range between 65-85°F with frequent rainfall.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access Hector Falls via a short two-mile trail near Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite. The trails aren't always well-marked. As one camper notes, "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."
Winter exploration: The forest remains open year-round with roads accessible for cold-weather camping. According to a Forestry Road camper, "It was freezing, quite literally, with nights in the low teens. The melting and refreezing had made the roads and surrounding trails a little slippery so I would be cautious if traveling alone."
Scenic viewpoints: Visit Jakes Rocks for spectacular valley views near Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite. One camper recommends, "Once set up, make sure you hike and drive back to Jakes Rocks. Beautiful views and drive."
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite offers quiet roadside spots with trail access. A camper shared, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Bears frequent the region so proper food storage is essential. A camper at Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite observed, "I was meditating in my car one evening and a bear stood up and pushed against my window. Definitely be sure to pack up all food and trash at night. The bears are skittish, but they will find you if there's food in you camp!"
All-season accessibility: The forest offers year-round tent camping in Allegheny National Forest with winter providing unique experiences. One winter camper noted, "Super peaceful. It was freezing, quite literally, with nights in the low teens."
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Finding some campsites requires preparation as forest roads can be confusing. A camper at Forestry Road reported, "A little hard to find, decided not to stay. On the same road as hector falls."
Seasonal conditions: Spring and fall bring muddy conditions at many sites. According to a Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite visitor, "We stayed here in March, so there weren't leaves back on the trees yet which meant we could see the road (and the road could see us). Not a huge deal, just not very private. It was also extremely muddy."
Vegetation management: During summer months, tall grass can overtake some sites. One camper at Loleta Road mentioned, "When we went, the grass was growing tall, we only stayed for a night. And it was a lil muddy."
Tips for camping with families
Adirondack shelter options: For families wanting a tent camping alternative in the Allegheny region, Wolfkiel Run Shelters provide sturdy accommodations. According to a visitor, "The platform is large enough to sleep 4 people in sleeping bags or set up a two person tent."
Easy access spots: Look for locations with shorter walking distances for younger children. One camper at Loleta Road shared, "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."
Insect protection: Ticks and other insects are common in warmer months. A visitor warned, "Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me."
Tips from RVers
Accessible RV locations: Several forest roads accommodate smaller RVs and travel trailers. A camper at Private Island w/ Paddle Moor Co. noted, "The option to have lights on or off was also a joy. When it was dark (pitch black) you could see all the fireflies."
Road conditions: Forest Service roads vary in quality but many can handle smaller RVs. An experienced camper shared, "I have a 25 foot travel trailer. I found numerous spots on SF-160. It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door."
Cell service tips: Signal is spotty but available in select locations. One camper mentioned, "The spot next to the hiking trail has WiFi 70% of the time. I would give this a 5 star if it didn't rain so much."
