Dispersed camping sites near Leeper, Pennsylvania offer tent campers a variety of primitive backcountry experiences throughout the Allegheny National Forest region. At elevations ranging from 1,200 to 1,600 feet, campers experience a typical northeastern forest climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The region receives approximately 45 inches of annual precipitation, with summer thunderstorms common from June through August.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Access Hector Falls via a 2-mile hike from Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite. "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," notes one visitor.
River paddling opportunities: Paddle to Private Island w/ Paddle Moor Co. for a unique camping experience. "The option to have lights on or off was also a joy. When it was dark (pitch black) you could see all the fireflies," shares one camper, highlighting the natural light show available during summer months.
Mountain biking: The trails around Mountain View Camps offer good terrain for cycling. A camper recommends to "Hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn."
What campers like
Secluded forest sites: Campers appreciate the privacy of sites at Loleta Road. "This one was close enough to the road to feel safe but far enough away to have privacy," reports one camper who gave the site a 5-star rating.
Wildlife viewing: The area hosts diverse wildlife including deer and black bears. "There's black bears that live in the several caves in the area. I was meditating in my car one evening and a bear stood up and pushed against my window," warns one visitor at Forestry Road campsite, emphasizing the importance of proper food storage.
Riverside camping: Danner Primitive Campground offers sites along the Allegheny River. "There are 8 sites spread out along the edge of the river, some being closer together than others. They are level and clear, each with a new picnic table and nice fire rings with adjustable grates," notes a visitor.
What you should know
Weather impacts: Spring and fall camping can be muddy and challenging. At Loleta Road, one camper noted, "We stayed here in March, so there weren't leaves back on the trees yet which meant we could see the road (and the road could see us). Not a huge deal, just not very private. It was also extremely muddy."
Food safety: Black bears are active throughout the region. "Definitely be sure to pack up all food and trash at night. The bears are skittish, but they will find you if there's food in your camp," advises a Forestry Road camper.
Access challenges: Some sites can be difficult to locate. "Apple Maps brings you way far away, follow the pin and it will bring you. Way too grown in as of August. Didn't end up staying here. May be a good spot in the fall once the grass dies," shares one visitor about Forestry Road sites.
Tips for camping with families
Shelter camping: Wolfkiel Run Shelters at Oil Creek State Park offers Adirondack shelters ideal for families. "The platform is large enough to sleep 4 people in sleeping bags or set up a two person tent," notes a visitor describing the shelter accommodations.
Swimming spots: Find natural swimming areas during summer months. "It's a stunning walk with lots of small swimming spots along the way," describes a Wolfkiel Run visitor, referring to the creek accessible from the campsite.
Winter preparation: For cold-weather camping, bring appropriate gear. "The shelters have hooks that allow you to hang a tarpaulin to help keep the heat in your shelter, although not necessary, especially if the nights are still," explains a winter camper at Wolfkiel Run.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Forest roads can be challenging for larger vehicles. "I have a 25 foot travel trailer. I found numerous spots on SF-160. It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door," advises an RVer at Allegheny Wild and Scenic River.
Campsite selection: Look for pull-offs on main forest roads for RV parking. "All the roads in the forest are drivable gravel with many pull of spots for camping," shares a Loleta Road visitor who stayed deeper in the woods than the main camping area.
Seasonal timing: Visit during fall for best road conditions and views. "The site seeing is second to none. The forest is enchanting," explains a camper about the Allegheny region, noting that frequent rain can impact the camping experience.
