Tent campsites near Clarion, Pennsylvania provide access to the Allegheny National Forest's 517,000 acres of wilderness. Many dispersed camping locations sit between 1,300 and 1,800 feet elevation, with sites experiencing frequent summer thunderstorms and significant precipitation year-round. Winter camping remains accessible on most forest roads, though temperatures regularly drop into the teens.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: Hector Falls offers a worthy destination for campers at Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, about 3/4 mile from the camping area. "There is a really cool place called Hector Falls. The trailhead is about a mile down the road from this spot. 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," notes Bob J.
Paddling adventures: The Clarion River provides excellent kayaking and canoeing opportunities, with Private Island w/ Paddle Moor Co. offering a unique base camp. "The option to have lights on or off was also a joy. When it was dark (pitch black) you could see all the fireflies. To be honest that was like a show in itself and made it also worth every penny," shares Jessica Z.
Winter exploration: Forest roads remain accessible during colder months for those properly prepared. Ian B. from Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite reports, "Super peaceful. 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."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Different dispersed sites offer varying degrees of seclusion. At Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite, Caitlin notes, "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."
Weather resilience: The ability to camp during storms appeals to some visitors. Brittney W. shares about Loleta Road: "Great little roadside campsite to get away. We spent the night during a tropical storm and got the pleasure of hearing the rain on the tent out in this peaceful spot!"
Trail access: Direct connections to hiking networks provide recreational opportunities. Richard C. from Mountain View Camps reports, "Great place to stay close to hiking trails and fishing spots. Hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn."
What you should know
Wildlife awareness: Bears frequent some camping areas, requiring proper food storage. "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," warns Mystic S. about Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite.
Navigation challenges: Finding some sites can prove difficult. Evan notes about Forestry Road, "A little hard to find, decided not to stay. On the same road as hector falls," while David B. adds, "Apple Maps brings you way far away, follow the pin and it will bring you."
Seasonal conditions: Summer brings tall grass at some sites. "When we went, the grass was growing tall, we only stayed for a night. And it was a lil muddy," reports Excelsior X. about Loleta Road. At Forestry Road, Ian B. notes sites can be "a bit overgrown but fine for setting up a tent."
Tips for camping with families
Primitive shelter options: Wolfkiel Run Shelters in Oil Creek State Park offers Adirondack-style accommodations ideal for families new to wilderness camping. "The Adirondack shelters are perfectly positioned to be private from one another, each looks out over the forest. They are a raised timber platform with a slanted roof and stone chimney with fireplace," describes Britt B.
Tick prevention: Summer camping requires insect protection. Ian B. warns about Forestry Road: "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. Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me."
First-time dispersed camping: Beginners should consider accessibility factors. Todd H. from Loleta Road shares, "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."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Forest service roads typically accommodate trailers but vary seasonally. Mark M. notes about Forestry Road, "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. Great hiking/biking. The spot next to the hiking trail has WiFi 70% of the time."
Supply planning: Limited services require advance preparation. "Howe's ace hardware is about 10 miles away with a dollar general across the street," adds Mark M. about camping near Quiet and Secluded, where RV camping is available with amenities like electric hookups and thirty-amp service.
Leveling expectations: Most forest sites lack grading. Brent shares about Loleta Road: "Living in a van looking for spots to stay this wasn't a bad one at all, good bit off the road, couple trails."
