The western Pennsylvania area surrounding Penfield offers a variety of primitive camping experiences in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Located at approximately 1,700 feet elevation, this region experiences significant seasonal variations with cold, snowy winters and mild summers. Tent campsites near Penfield, Pennsylvania typically feature dense forest cover with mixed hardwoods and pine, creating natural barriers between most established sites.
What to do
Waterfall exploring: The Hector Falls trail, accessible from Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, offers a moderate 2-mile round-trip hike. "There's a really cool place called Hector Falls. The trailhead is about a mile down the road from this spot. It's about 3/4 a mile hike into the woods. The falls are really cool to look at, and has some cool rock formations. Be careful the cliffs are about a 20 ft straight drop," notes Bob J.
Winter activities: Cold weather camping opportunities exist for experienced campers. "Super peaceful. It was freezing, quite literally, with nights in the low teens. The melting and refreezing had made the roads and surrounding trails a little slippery so I would be cautious if traveling alone," reports Ian B. about winter camping at Forestry Road.
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Penfield contain diverse wildlife. "Hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn," shares Richard C. about his experience at Mountain View Camps.
What campers like
Natural seclusion: Many tent campsites near Penfield provide genuine woodland privacy. "I pulled off about a half mile past the noted google maps pinpoint. Great time for the dogs and I," notes Derek O. about his stay at Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite.
Night sky viewing: The region offers opportunities for stargazing despite tree coverage. "You can still observe the stars, but difficult for telescopes since trees cover Polaris in most of the sites," explains Fernando V. about Patterson State Park Campground.
Storm camping: Some campers specifically enjoy the experience of camping during weather events. "We spent the night during a tropical storm and got the pleasure of hearing the rain on the tent out in this peaceful spot!" says Brittney W. about Loleta Road.
What you should know
Wildlife awareness: Bears inhabit the forest areas around Penfield. "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. 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 you camp," warns Mystic S. about Forestry Road.
Navigation challenges: Finding specific tent camping areas can be difficult. "A little hard to find, decided not to stay. On the same road as hector falls," reports Evan about Forestry Road. Gas line markers sometimes double as trail markers: "There are these blue and orange posts signifying gas lines, those are actually the hiking trails. They don't look like normal trail heads."
Seasonal conditions: Spring camping often involves dealing with standing water. "When we went, the grass was growing tall, we only stayed for a night. And it was a lil muddy," notes Excelsior X. about primitive sites at Loleta Road.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly locations: For families new to primitive camping, certain sites offer easier experiences. "If you don't mind roughing it a bit, it's really quite nice. 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. Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me," advises Ian B.
Amenities for kids: Trout Run Rd Site in Susquehannock State Forest provides basic infrastructure while maintaining a rustic experience. Located near multiple hiking trails, these sites include fire rings and picnic tables.
Private sites: Families often prefer camping areas with fewer neighbors. "Many consider Patterson State Park an over flow Park for when the famous 'Dark Skies' Cherry Springs State Park or the large Lyman Run State Park with its lake for swimming, boating and fishing gets full... at any given time you may have the whole park to yourself. If you are camping with children this can be a plus! They will have plenty of room to play," explains Paula L.
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: RV owners should note access limitations to certain dispersed sites. "I stayed a lot deeper in the woods than this road but all the roads in the forest are drivable gravel with many pull of spots for camping!" reports Scott K. about Montour Rd Campground.
RV length considerations: Some tent camping areas accommodate smaller RVs despite limited amenities. "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. Great hiking/biking," shares Mark M.
Internet access: Limited connectivity exists in certain camping areas. "The spot next to the hiking trail has WiFi 70% of the time," notes Mark M. about Forestry Road, which may help families needing occasional connection for work or emergencies while camping.
