Loyalsock State Forest offers numerous primitive camping options for tent campers around Eagles Mere. The forest terrain varies from steep ridges to gentle valleys with elevation changes between 800 and 2,000 feet throughout the region. Most campsites require a permit obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources either online or by phone, with sites typically available April through December depending on weather conditions.
What to do
Fishing in local streams: Riverside Acres Campground provides direct access to the Susquehanna River where eagles frequently fish. One camper noted, "The river in front of first row sites is 200 m broad. Eagles fish here. You can too. Good beginning or end for a canoe trip."
Hiking varied terrain: Ravensburg State Park Campground features multiple hiking trails of different lengths along the creek. A visitor mentioned, "There are few hiking trails; short and long that take you to beautiful views along the creek with a couple of places deep enough to swim."
Creek exploration: The streams running through the camping areas provide natural recreation opportunities. At Ravensburg, a camper reported, "We've camped here couple times, and we just keep coming back. There are few hiking trails; short and long that take you to beautiful views along the creek with a couple of places deep enough to swim."
What campers like
Natural separation between sites: Long Run Road Campsites and other Loyalsock State Forest locations provide more primitive settings with natural buffers between camping areas. At Ravensburg, one camper observed, "There are bushes and trees between the sites and it feels very private. Sometimes it can feel too secluded but the park ranger drives through a number of times."
Easy access to water: Multiple sites offer proximity to creeks and streams. A Ravensburg visitor shared, "There are plenty of trees that are good for hammocking. And in a few sites, you can set them up right by the creek, which is my favorite part."
Self-registration convenience: Shikellamy State Park Campground and similar locations offer straightforward processes for securing sites. One camper at Ravensburg noted, "Pretty clean bathroom, easy self-registration process, and not too many folks!"
What you should know
Road noise considerations: Several campgrounds in the region experience traffic noise. A Ravensburg camper warned, "The road that park is on is busier than one would think, not bad at night, but busy in the morning."
Tent pads and preparation: Riverside Acres Campground and other established sites have varying tent pad configurations. A Ravensburg visitor advised, "They have tent pads which are nice but we have a 10x20 tent so we pick a site that the pad is flush with the surrounding ground."
Navigation challenges: GPS directions can be unreliable in this rural area. One Ravensburg camper cautioned, "Use lat and long coordinates for directions or you will be in the wrong spot," while another warned, "Park is easily accessible from I-80, just be aware of your directions and make sure they're taking you to the park via Rocky Road. Mine did not, and I ended up down a seasonal road."
Tips for camping with families
Best spots for groups: Rock Run Road Campsites and similar Loyalsock locations can accommodate multiple tents. A Ravensburg camper suggested, "It's good for large groups (you can get sites in a row) or just you."
Swimming holes for children: Several creek-side camping areas feature deeper swimming spots during summer months. According to a Ravensburg visitor, "There are few hiking trails; short and long that take you to beautiful views along the creek with a couple of places deep enough to swim."
Bathroom facilities: Campground restroom quality varies significantly across the best tent camping near Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania. A Ravensburg camper reported, "The bathrooms are clean and we've never run into any issues," while Riverside Acres received this feedback: "Facility is an effective combination of old and new, and hot water is plentiful."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Dry Run Road Campsites and most Loyalsock State Forest sites lack RV amenities, making them better suited for tent camping or very self-contained RV setups.
Water access points: Where drinking water is available, locations vary by campground. At Ravensburg, a camper noted, "There is no electric but there are spots to get water even placed throughout."
Road accessibility: Many forest roads leading to campsites have steep grades or seasonal closures. One Ravensburg camper described, "You will be driving down into the valley, which can feel very steep at times."
