Loyalsock State Forest offers primitive camping options 10 miles outside Dushore at an elevation of 1,200 feet. The area features forested sites along creek corridors with predominantly mixed hardwood forests. Camping permits for state forest sites can be obtained online or at district offices.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: Ricketts Glen State Park provides access to 22 named waterfalls via well-marked trails. "The hike is definitely not for the easily winded people, or anyone with bad knees, the hike down was pretty steep at some points but very well maintained! and the hike back up was again steep but maintained!" writes Anne P. The Falls Trail offers a moderate 4-mile loop to see 18 waterfalls, with options to extend to 7 miles for all 22.
Lake activities: Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground offers fishing without a Pennsylvania license. "You can rent non electric boats and they offer catch & release fishing without a PA license in the lake. My son caught 2 sunfish," reports Amy R. The lake has multiple docks and rental options for non-motorized watercraft.
Creek wading: Jakersville CCC Campground provides access to swimming holes along Loyalsock Creek. "The swimming and fishing at Haystacks is also fun and only a short hike," notes John S. These natural swimming areas feature smooth rock formations that create small pools and rapids.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Worlds End State Park offers secluded sites in its second camping loop. "Sites 65 and 66 look like the best ones available, as they are up off the road a bit so they have a bit more privacy. The walk in sites (58-61) look nice too, but only if you are going with a group and book them all," suggests Katy R. Loop B generally offers more secluded tent sites than Loop A.
Clean facilities: Frances Slocum State Park maintains exceptionally clean restrooms and grounds. "Camped here for the first time and was very impressed. The campground and bathrooms were very clean," writes Cynthia P. The park features electric sites and modern amenities despite its natural setting.
Creek sounds: Pioneer Campground offers sites with ambient water sounds. "Our tent site was secluded and quiet, but not too far off the beaten path," notes Heather K. The background noise of running water helps mask other campground sounds and creates a peaceful atmosphere for sleeping.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Red Rock Mountain Campground and surrounding areas have minimal cell reception. "There is very very little cell reception and only wifi if you pay for it. We had to put our phones and devices down and just relax," explains Tracey. Most parks in the region have no service or limited coverage with Verizon generally performing better than other carriers.
Challenging terrain: Mead Road Campsites require appropriate vehicles for access. "The camping site was very hard to access with my vehicle. Many people have clearly gotten stuck here as there were lots of tire ruts in the dirt," warns Kallan. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for primitive sites in Loyalsock State Forest, especially after rain.
Ranger
