Loyalsock State Forest contains multiple tent camping areas scattered across 114,552 acres of public land in north-central Pennsylvania. At elevations ranging from 800 to 2,140 feet, these campsites experience significant temperature variations with summer highs averaging 78°F and winter lows often dropping below freezing. Weather patterns in the region can change rapidly due to the mountainous terrain and proximity to the Allegheny Plateau.
What to do
Wildlife observation: Colton Point State Park Campground offers excellent habitat for spotting native Pennsylvania wildlife. "There is so much that this park has to offer. So many hikes, so many scenic overlooks," notes one visitor. The Turkey Trail follows a stream with multiple waterfalls and provides a less-crowded alternative to busier areas.
Creek exploration: The waterways throughout the area provide opportunities for wading, fishing, and cooling off during summer months. A camper at Ravensburg State Park Campground 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."
Hammocking: Many forest camping areas feature ideal tree spacing for hammock setup. As one camper noted about Ravensburg, "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."
What campers like
Natural sound barriers: Stream noise creates privacy between sites in many locations. At Ravensburg State Park, campers appreciate that "the nature noise here is loud. If you camp on the sites by the river, be prepared for lots of noise from the rapids," which helps mask other campground sounds.
Uncrowded experience: Most tent sites in the area remain relatively undiscovered. "It's rarely busy and it's first come first serve," reports one Ravensburg visitor. This allows for a more isolated experience than many established campgrounds.
Riverfront views: Riverside Acres Campground offers unique waterfront camping opportunities. A camper notes, "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."
What you should know
Self-registration procedures: At most state forest sites, campers must complete paperwork and payment upon arrival. "Easy self-registration process, and not too many folks!" reports one camper about the system at Ravensburg.
Road noise considerations: Some campsites throughout the region experience occasional traffic sounds. A visitor to Colton Point State Park noted, "The only issue is the campgrounds are close to the road and therefore are loud at night occasionally."
Limited amenities: Most tent sites lack modern facilities. "Small sites with porta potty's," reported one Colton Point visitor who ultimately chose a different location. Expect to bring your own water and pack out all trash from state forest sites.
Tips for camping with families
Choose tent pad sites carefully: For larger family tents, look for specific site configurations. A camper at Ravensburg 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."
Pack water containers: With limited access to drinking water at most sites, families should bring sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene. Many state forest sites require a minimum 1 gallon per person per day.
Consider campsite privacy: Sites with natural barriers work best for families with children. A Ravensburg camper appreciated that "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."
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Roads to many campgrounds in the area involve steep descents. One visitor to Ravensburg State Park warned, "You will be driving down into the valley, which can feel very steep at times."
Use precise coordinates: GPS navigation sometimes fails in this rural region. "Use lat and long coordinates for directions or you will be in the wrong spot," advises a Ravensburg camper who noted, "I ended up down a seasonal road that did not end at the park entrance."
Limited hookup options: Most tent campgrounds near Hillsgrove lack RV amenities. For those requiring hookups, Riverside Acres offers "water/electric, shade trees and lawn frontage" with "sewer hook ups" available in the inland row of sites.
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