Best Tent Camping near Laporte, PA
Loyalsock State Forest surrounds Laporte, Pennsylvania with multiple primitive tent camping options, including Rock Run Road, Dry Run Road, and Slab Run Road campsites. These established tent sites are situated within the forest's 114,000+ acres of public land, offering access to the Loyalsock Trail and numerous waterways. Additional tent camping can be found at Ravensburg State Park Campground near Jersey Shore, approximately 40 miles southwest of Laporte, which features tent-specific sites with raised tent pads in a wooded setting.
Most tent campsites in the Loyalsock State Forest feature basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables. Sites typically have dirt or gravel surfaces with minimal grading. While some locations list hookups in their features, many primitive tent sites have no electricity or running water. Campers should verify amenities before arrival and bring sufficient water supplies. During peak summer months, sites fill quickly on weekends, especially those near water access points. Most locations are pet-friendly with proper leashing, and many require advance reservations through the Pennsylvania DCNR website or permit system.
Tent campers frequently mention the privacy between sites as a significant advantage. According to reviews, Ravensburg State Park offers "bushes and trees between the sites" that create a sense of seclusion even when other campers are present. One visitor noted that "most sites are spacious" with "nice raised tent pads" that keep tents dry during humid conditions. Sites along creeks provide natural white noise, though some campers report this can be surprisingly loud after heavy rainfall. The surrounding forest offers extensive hiking opportunities with trails ranging from short loops to multi-day backpacking routes. Fall camping is particularly popular when cooler temperatures and changing foliage enhance the tent camping experience in these Pennsylvania woodlands.