Coudersport is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Pennsylvania camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near Coudersport, reviewed by campers like you.
"No electricity or water hook ups, very secluded, has a pond to fish in, by far my most favorite place to camp"
"Beautiful grassy spots around the pond and along the road in. Google maps directed us to a dead end, go in through the north entrance and you’ll be good!"
"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."
"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"
"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."
ScoutBeen there with camper van No facilities, only some fireplaces. Good for a short stay, quiet
TravelerMissed 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.
LegendWe 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.
TravelerTrail 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.
GuideIf 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.
ScoutPro: 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
ScoutNo electricity or water hook ups, very secluded, has a pond to fish in, by far my most favorite place to camp
TravelerThis 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.
ScoutThe 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.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Coudersport, Pennsylvania, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll enjoy the freedom and tranquility that comes with camping in the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Coudersport, PA?
Free dispersed camping near Coudersport is available at Red Mill Pond, which offers quiet sites with basic fire rings and a peaceful pond setting. While there are no facilities, it provides good spots for shorter stays. Another option is Palmers Pond State Forest, featuring grassy camping areas around a beautiful pond with established fire pits, tables, and parking areas. The forest offers secluded camping with good fishing opportunities. Both locations are first-come, first-served, so arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended to secure a spot.
What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Coudersport area?
Dispersed camping in the Coudersport area follows standard state forest regulations. At Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, camping is primitive with no facilities or services. You must use established fire rings, pack out all trash, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. Some areas may have seasonal closures or restrictions during hunting seasons. Always check with the local ranger district before your trip as regulations can change. Note that many dispersed camping areas in Pennsylvania state forests permit stays up to 14 consecutive days before requiring you to move to a new site.
Is 4WD required to access dispersed camping sites near Coudersport?
4WD is not strictly required but highly recommended for accessing many dispersed sites near Coudersport. At Boyce State Forest, trails can become more like streams after rainfall, making the terrain challenging. For Red Mill Pond, campers report bumpy access roads with numerous potholes that can be difficult in standard vehicles, especially after rain. While some determined campers access these areas in passenger cars during dry conditions, having higher clearance and 4WD provides much better access and prevents getting stuck, particularly during wet weather or spring thaw periods.
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