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Best Dispersed Camping near Pleasantville, PA

30 Reviews

Several dispersed campsites are available in the Allegheny National Forest near Pleasantville, Pennsylvania. The Loleta Road Dispersed area offers tent camping with drive-in access and established fire rings. This location permits alcohol and pets, though sites can become muddy in spring and early summer. The area balances accessibility with a natural setting, as one visitor noted, "close enough to the road to feel safe but far enough away to have privacy."

Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite accommodates both tents and RVs, including big rigs, on maintained gravel roads. Free camping is available along SF-160, with numerous pull-offs suitable for vehicles of various sizes. According to reviews, "There are multiple spots along the main forest road. Some you can drive your car in and tuck it back." Nearby attractions include Hector Falls, accessible via a short hiking trail. Additional dispersed options include Salmon Creek (hike-in access only), FR437, and Millstone Creek areas. Most sites provide no amenities—pack in all water, pack out all trash, and prepare for variable conditions. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Pleasantville, Pennsylvania (8)

    1. Salmon Creek Dispersed

    1 Review
    Marienville, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 723-5150

    "Theres a few dispersed spots back here. Its pretty nice area. The road is out tho so dont take a big rig"

    2. Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    Marienville, PA
    28 miles

    "I believe there are several dispersed spots along this road. This one was close enough to the road to feel safe but far enough away to have privacy."

    "This is my first time dispersed camping and the spot is nice for a first go. Was able to drive in which I why I chose this area."

    3. FR437 dispersed campsite

    1 Review
    Irvine, PA
    22 miles

    4. Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Ludlow, PA
    33 miles

    "Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me."

    "This spot is a boondocker’s delight! Big open spots with established fire rings. Quiet except for the distant rumble of a train passing the town down in the valley."

    5. Millstone Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Clarington, PA
    31 miles

    "This was a great spot for my first dispersed camping experience. Hard, fairly flat parking surface right off of paved road. Rock fire ring. Vault toilets were open. Sites are well spaced."

    "Size od camping spots ranges from large open fields with fire pits to spots on the shoulder of the road We came in on a Saturday and found one of the road side sites open."

    6. Clarion River Campground

    2 Reviews
    Clarington, PA
    34 miles

    "We had direct River access! Quite road-We were able to walk. There were some people kayaking in the river. Dispersed spot-no cell service."

    7. Warner Road Dispersed Camping in North Harmony State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Panama, NY
    35 miles

    8. Red Mill Pond

    4 Reviews
    Ridgway, PA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 927-6628

    "Been there with camper van No facilities, only some fireplaces. Good for a short stay, quiet"

    "Neutral: No amenities Con: the road in was bumpy with a lot of pot holes"

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Pleasantville, PA

7 Photos of 8 Pleasantville Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Pleasantville, PA

30 Reviews of 8 Pleasantville Campgrounds

  • Mieszko M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2023

    Red Mill Pond

    Good place for one night

    Been there with camper van No facilities, only some fireplaces. Good for a short stay, quiet

  • Matt J.
    Aug. 20, 2021

    Red Mill Pond

    Dispersed, remote...and ill-kept

    Missed the words "dispersed" and "no facilities" on the USFS website... Fire circles are falling apart, there's effectively no signage, and I had the bad luck to show up after a substantial rainstorm rolled through, and both ground and grass were soaked. I bailed on this camp. If your liking for EXTREMELY rustic car camping, there's a mood for it, but it doesn't seem to be worth backpacking in, and I wouldn't recommend car camping under most circumstances. The fishing looks pretty good, but i don't fish.

  • Aliza N.
    Jun. 26, 2022

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Free dispersed camping in the Allegheny

    We camp in a lot of primitive dispersed camping, but finding a spot like this in the east is challenging! So for that…YAY, we love it. But, it’s not perfect. The road is behind the town of Ludlow (or Sheffield depending on which direction you are coming from). From Ludlow take the “Scenic Dr” and it turns into the forestry road. Lots of pull offs off this main road and you could prob find some more private ones if you explored the smaller dirt roads off the main forestry road. No services here obvi since it’s primitive camping. Road is in good condition and most any car would have no problem driving down it.

  • Ian B.
    Aug. 26, 2024

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Nice, peaceful and free

    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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 28, 2023

    Red Mill Pond

    Plenty of space for a van

    Pro: There was a pond, campfire rings, and a big spot to maneuver a van. Neutral: No amenities Con: the road in was bumpy with a lot of pot holes

  • Ian H.
    May. 23, 2022

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    A slice of Allegheny Heaven

    This spot is a boondocker’s delight! Big open spots with established fire rings. Quiet except for the distant rumble of a train passing the town down in the valley. The road is definitely hidden behind the town of Ludlow but we were able to find it at 2am after a long drive from cape cod.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 12, 2020

    Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

    Good spot

    I believe there are several dispersed spots along this road. This one was close enough to the road to feel safe but far enough away to have privacy.

  • Bob J.
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Comes as advertised! Really nice spot!

    The spot I stayed is right on the marker.  There are multiple spots along the main forest road. Some you can drive your car in and tuck it back. Other spots you cant take your car at all.   There are tons of logging roads that split off the main forest road. They mostly have gates that say "Logging road, no public motor vehicles allowed" but they also say "Foot travel is welcome" I went down a few of these roads and almost always found a few spots that would be great places to set up camp if you are willing to walk a little bit from your car. There is 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. Other than that this spot is not a bad spot at all. Fire wood can be found all around.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 3, 2025

    Millstone Creek Campground

    Tranquil

    Tremendous solitude, but it was a Thursday night in late March and very cold. This was a great spot for my first dispersed camping experience. Hard, fairly flat parking surface right off of paved road. Rock fire ring. Vault toilets were open. Sites are well spaced. Mature forest canopy. Though I would always look for widow makers above because some of the trees seem to be diseased. I saw maybe 6 other cars the 12 hours I was there. Though I’m sure it’s busier in warmer weather.

Guide to Pleasantville

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Pleasantville, Pennsylvania, where nature lovers can enjoy a more rustic and secluded experience. With a variety of spots to choose from, you can find the perfect place to unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

Dispersed campers should check out Salmon Creek Dispersed

  • Salmon Creek Dispersed offers a few nice spots for camping, but be cautious as the road is not suitable for larger vehicles.
  • Enjoy the freedom of camping without the need for permits, making it an easy choice for spontaneous trips.
  • Fires are allowed, so you can cozy up around a campfire while taking in the serene surroundings.

Top activities while free camping near Pleasantville

  • Hiking opportunities abound, especially near the FR437 dispersed campsite, where you can explore the natural beauty of the area.
  • If you're into shooting sports, the campsite is conveniently located near a makeshift shooting range, adding a unique twist to your camping experience.
  • Bring your pets along, as this site is pet-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors with your furry companions.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Pleasantville, Pennsylvania

  • When visiting the Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite, be prepared for some road noise, but the minimal traffic makes it a decent spot for a peaceful getaway.
  • Keep in mind that amenities are limited; there are no toilets or trash services, so plan accordingly and pack out what you bring in.
  • For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite offers great hiking and biking trails, making it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Pleasantville, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Pleasantville, PA is Salmon Creek Dispersed with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Pleasantville, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 dispersed camping locations near Pleasantville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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