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Best Dispersed Camping near St. Marys, PA

28 Reviews

Several free dispersed camping areas can be found in the forests surrounding St. Marys, Pennsylvania. Red Mill Pond offers basic pull-off sites with established fire rings but no amenities. The access road has numerous potholes, making arrival challenging after rain. The area provides adequate space for vans and small campers, with most sites situated near the pond.

Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, located near Ludlow, provides multiple camping spots along the main forest road and smaller logging roads. The area features established fire rings and access to hiking trails, including a path to Hector Falls about a mile from the main site. Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite and Clarion River Campground offer riverside camping with varying degrees of privacy. According to one visitor, "There are various large sized spots on both sides of the road. We were lucky to snag a spot on the side of the river with our RV." All sites in the region require self-sufficiency as they lack drinking water, toilets, and trash facilities.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near St. Marys, Pennsylvania (8)

    1. Red Mill Pond

    4 Reviews
    Ridgway, PA
    14 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"

    2. Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Ludlow, PA
    28 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."

    3. Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    Marienville, PA
    29 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."

    4. Clarion River Campground

    2 Reviews
    Clarington, PA
    25 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."

    5. Millstone Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Clarington, PA
    29 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. Salmon Creek Dispersed

    1 Review
    Marienville, PA
    37 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"

    7. FR437 dispersed campsite

    1 Review
    Irvine, PA
    41 miles

    8. Windfall Ponds

    Be the first to review!
    Salamanca, NY
    46 miles
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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near St. Marys, PA

7 Photos of 8 St. Marys Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near St. Marys, PA

28 Reviews of 8 St. Marys 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 St. Marys

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near St. Marys, Pennsylvania, where nature lovers can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you'll find the perfect place to pitch your tent or park your RV.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near St. Marys, Pennsylvania

  • Look for secluded spots like Red Mill Pond, which offers a quiet environment perfect for those seeking solitude.
  • Be prepared for a rustic experience; many areas, such as Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite, lack amenities like drinking water and toilets, so plan accordingly.
  • Always check the road conditions before heading out, as some access routes can be bumpy, like the one leading to Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite.

Fishing opportunities for dispersed campers

  • If you enjoy fishing, the Millstone Creek Campground area offers several spots along the river, although the water may not always look inviting.
  • The Clarion River Campground is another great location for anglers, providing access to fishing in a beautiful natural setting.
  • For those who prefer a more remote experience, Salmon Creek Dispersed has a few spots that are ideal for fishing enthusiasts looking to escape the crowds.

Hiking adventures while free camping near St. Marys

  • Explore the hiking trails near Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, which offers great opportunities for both hiking and biking in a peaceful environment.
  • The area around FR437 dispersed campsite is known for its scenic trails, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
  • Don't miss the chance to hike to Hector Falls, accessible from the Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, where you can enjoy stunning views and the sounds of nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near St. Marys, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near St. Marys, PA is Red Mill Pond with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near St. Marys, PA?

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

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