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Best Dispersed Camping near Clarendon, PA

33 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist in the Allegheny National Forest near Clarendon, Pennsylvania. Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite offers free primitive camping with multiple sites suitable for tents and RVs, including some spots that can accommodate big rigs. FR437 and Loleta Road provide additional dispersed camping areas. These sites feature established fire rings but no amenities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service is available.

Access to most sites requires driving on forest service roads that can become muddy after rain. According to one visitor, "The road is definitely hidden behind the town of Ludlow but we were able to find it." Another camper noted, "There are multiple spots along the main forest road. Some you can drive your car in and tuck it back." Visitors should be prepared for variable conditions, as reviewers mention the grass can become overgrown in summer months. Nearby Hector Falls offers hiking opportunities within a mile of some campsites. Bear activity has been reported in the area, so proper food storage is essential.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Clarendon, Pennsylvania (12)

    1. Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Ludlow, PA
    8 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. FR437 dispersed campsite

    1 Review
    Irvine, PA
    6 miles

    3. Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    Marienville, PA
    25 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."

    4. Salmon Creek Dispersed

    1 Review
    Marienville, PA
    19 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"

    5. Red Mill Pond

    4 Reviews
    Ridgway, PA
    25 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"

    6. Millstone Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Clarington, PA
    29 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."

    7. Clarion River Campground

    2 Reviews
    Clarington, PA
    29 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."

    8. Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Panama, NY
    31 miles

    9. Camp Seneca

    1 Review
    Great Valley, NY
    37 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."

    10. Boyce State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Franklinville, NY
    48 miles
    Website
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Clarendon, PA

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Dispersed Camping Reviews near Clarendon, PA

33 Reviews of 12 Clarendon 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.

  • Zack B.
    Apr. 8, 2024

    Boyce State Forest

    Wet n wild

    Trail was more of a stream than a trail. You’ll spend more time beside the trail then actually on it. The campsite was a shelter off the side of the trail. It came with some firewood and cardboard to burn as well as some emergency water. Campsite was clean and came with an “air conditioned loo”. Lots of room for tents, however, most sites are not flat. Would recommend to come in dryer season or to bring rubber boots.

  • 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.

Guide to Clarendon

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Clarendon, Pennsylvania, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the hustle and bustle. With a variety of locations to choose from, campers can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of primitive camping.

Scenic Hiking Trails for Dispersed Campers

  • The Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite offers access to excellent hiking and biking opportunities, making it a perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Nearby, the Salmon Creek Dispersed features several dispersed spots, ideal for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the area on foot.
  • Campers at the FR437 dispersed campsite can enjoy the thrill of hiking while being surrounded by the tranquility of the forest.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Clarendon, Pennsylvania

  • Be prepared for a rustic experience at the Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite, where amenities are minimal, but the natural setting is rewarding.
  • When visiting the Red Mill Pond, remember to bring your own supplies, as there are no facilities available.
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife at the Millstone Creek Campground, where you can enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature while camping by the river.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Unique Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Clarendon, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Clarendon, PA is Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite with a 4-star rating from 11 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Clarendon, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Clarendon, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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