Dispersed camping near Clarendon, Pennsylvania offers true wilderness experiences within the 517,000-acre Allegheny National Forest. The region sits at elevations between 1,000 and 2,300 feet and receives about 42 inches of precipitation annually. While summer temperatures typically range from 60-80°F, nights can get chilly even in warmer months, dropping to the low 50s.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Explore Millstone Creek Campground where "Tremendous solitude" awaits visitors according to Tim S., who noted the "mature forest canopy" provides excellent coverage during camping trips.
Winter adventures: Cold-weather camping options exist for those seeking solitude. At Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, one camper reported, "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."
Wildlife watching: Keep your distance but enjoy observing local fauna. As one camper at Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite warns, "There's black bears that live in the several caves in the area. 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."
What campers like
Riverside camping: Set up tent or small RV along the river at Clarion River Campground where campers enjoy "direct River access" and can watch people kayaking. One visitor mentioned, "We were able to walk. There were some people kayaking in the river. Dispersed spot-no cell service."
Peace and quiet: Rustic camping spots near Clarendon offer tranquility. At Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite, one reviewer stated, "This one was close enough to the road to feel safe but far enough away to have privacy." Another camper shared their experience during extreme weather: "We spent the night during a tropical storm and got the pleasure of hearing the rain on the tent out in this peaceful spot!"
Cell service availability: Despite being remote, some sites offer connectivity. At Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, one camper noted, "I managed to get an average of 3-4 bars of 5g every day" and "The campsite next to the hiking trail has WiFi about 70% of the time."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Rain can create challenging conditions. At FR437 dispersed campsite, visitors should bring appropriate footwear as the area can become very muddy. One visitor to Loleta Road noted, "We stayed here in March, so there weren't leaves back on the trees yet which meant we could see the road. Not a huge deal, just not very private. It was also extremely muddy."
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings tall grass at many sites. At Loleta Road, a camper reported, "When we went, the grass was growing tall, we only stayed for a night. And it was a lil muddy." Another visitor to Forestry Road recommended: "May be a good spot in the fall once the grass dies. Secluded spot though."
Navigation challenges: Forest roads can be confusing. One camper at Forestry Road noted "A little hard to find, decided not to stay. On the same road as hector falls." Similarly, another reviewer of FR437 described it as a "nice little hideaway" but mentioned it's "right across from where people have made a make shift shooting rang."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly sites: Red Mill Pond offers larger spaces suitable for families. One visitor noted, "There was a pond, campfire rings, and a big spot to maneuver a van." This allows families room to spread out while maintaining camp safety.
Tick prevention: Parents should be vigilant about ticks when camping with children. A camper at Forestry Road shared, "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."
Kid-friendly activities: Fishing opportunities exist but check water conditions. A visitor to Millstone Creek observed, "The river was basically brown like pudding the only signs of life were insects. While a very beautiful area, the river was kind of yucky looking."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Choose carefully when bringing an RV to primitive camping areas around Clarendon. At Loleta Road, one RVer advised, "Living in a van looking for spots to stay this wasn't a bad one at all, good bit off the road, couple trails." For more vehicle-friendly options, stick to forest service roads that can accommodate your rig size.
Road condition awareness: Access roads to rustic camping spots can be challenging. A camper at Red Mill Pond mentioned, "the road in was bumpy with a lot of pot holes," highlighting the importance of careful driving and possibly scouting routes before bringing in larger rigs.
Parking surfaces: Look for stable surfaces when positioning your vehicle. At Millstone Creek, a camper found a "Hard, fairly flat parking surface right off of paved road," making it ideal for vehicle-based camping during their "first dispersed camping experience."
