Dispersed camping options near St. Marys, Pennsylvania provide backcountry experiences within the Allegheny National Forest region. Winter temperatures can drop into the low teens, while summer brings occasional heavy rainfall that affects road conditions and site accessibility. Most sites require high-clearance vehicles during wet periods when forest roads develop significant rutting.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: The trail to Hector Falls starts about a mile from Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite and extends approximately 3/4 mile into the woods. "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.
Wildlife viewing: The forest contains numerous natural gas reserves marked by blue and orange posts which often serve as hiking trails. "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," reports Mystic S.
Fishing opportunities: The Clarion River offers fishing access points suitable for beginners and experienced anglers alike. "We had direct River access! Quite road-We were able to walk. There were some people kayaking in the river," according to a camper at Clarion River Campground.
What campers like
Seasonal variations: Winter camping provides solitude but requires proper preparation. "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," explains Ian B. who visited Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite.
Privacy levels: Sites vary from roadside pull-offs to more secluded locations. "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," notes Caitlin about Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite.
Fire rings: Most sites feature established fire rings, but conditions vary. At Millstone Creek Campground, "Hard, fairly flat parking surface right off of paved road. Rock fire ring. Vault toilets were open. Sites are well spaced," according to Tim S.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: GPS services may provide incorrect directions to some sites. "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," warns David B. about Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite.
Seasonal maintenance: Sites experience varying degrees of upkeep throughout the year. "When we went, the grass was growing tall, we only stayed for a night. And it was a lil muddy," notes Excelsior X. at Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite.
Limited facilities: Free camping near St. Marys requires complete self-sufficiency. "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," shares Tim S. who visited Millstone Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Scout for widow makers: Safety inspections of campsites are essential. "Mature forest canopy. Though I would always look for widow makers above because some of the trees seem to be diseased," warns Tim S. at Millstone Creek Campground.
Bug protection: Ticks and other insects are prevalent in the region, especially during spring and summer. "Found several on my boys and me. Some good exploring. Bring tick/bug spray," advises Ian B. at Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite.
Food storage: Proper food handling is critical due to wildlife activity. "There were chicken carcasses and popcorn, eggs, and a bag of food in a fire ring. Having seen racoons & other wildlife on the road in, obviously we couldn't tent there," reports Dani T. at Clarion River Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Some dispersed camping areas can accommodate larger vehicles but require careful navigation. "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," explains Mark M. at Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite.
Road conditions: The forest roads require monitoring after rainfall. "The road in was bumpy with a lot of pot holes," notes Georgia R. about Red Mill Pond.
Weather preparations: Expect frequent precipitation throughout the region. "We spent the night during a tropical storm and got the pleasure of hearing the rain on the tent out in this peaceful spot!" shares Brittney W. about her experience at Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite.
