Tent camping near Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania provides a distinctive mountain wilderness experience in the Allegheny Plateau region with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,300 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically between 65-85°F and winter temperatures often below freezing. Spring camping can be muddy from snowmelt, while fall offers vibrant foliage displays throughout the surrounding state forests.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 3/4 mile trail leads to Hector Falls from Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite. "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," notes one camper.
Mountain biking: Trail access available directly from Firefly Acres. "Firefly Acres is a great spot to setup camp with tons of activities nearby including trails for hiking & mountain biking," shares one visitor.
Stargazing: Limited light pollution makes tent camping near Shinglehouse ideal for night sky viewing. "You can still observe the stars, but difficult for telescopes since trees cover Polaris in most of the sites," reports a camper at Patterson State Park.
Fishing: Pine Creek access from multiple camping locations. "Wish I brought my fishing pole to fish down in Pine Creek. Water was low enough the weekend we went, we crossed the river and hiked some of the rails to trail pathway," explains a camper.
What campers like
Seclusion and privacy: Tent campers appreciate the isolation available at many sites. "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," notes a visitor at Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite.
Natural water features: Streams and waterfalls add to the camping experience. "The Turkey trail...follows a small stream filled with waterfalls down into the canyon," shares a camper about Colton Point State Park Campground.
Accessibility to wilderness: Many sites offer direct trail access. "You can connect to the West Rim Trail if you'd like. My only warning is that I managed to get turned around on the trails, nothing too serious, but I recommend a reliable map," advises a Colton Point visitor.
Walk-in site options: Tent campers find more secluded experiences at walk-in sites. "I love that you can pick your own tucked away spot within the camp area but yet still close enough to other people," explains a Colton Point camper.
What you should know
Black bears are present: Take proper precautions with food storage. "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," warns a camper at Forestry Road.
Variable water availability: Not all campgrounds offer drinking water. "It has a really nice water well with a manual pump," notes a visitor at Patterson State Park Campground about one of the few reliable water sources.
Cell service variability: Coverage is spotty throughout the region. "The campsite next to the hiking trail has WiFi about 70% of the time," reports a camper about certain Forestry Road sites.
Weather preparedness: Rain is common in the Allegheny region. "Since it rains frequently here, keep your slip-on shoes handy near the door," advises an experienced camper.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: Families often prefer sites with basic amenities. "Patterson State Park is a small campground in PA near Cherry Springs State Park. I kind of view it is overflowing camping for the campground there. It has around 8 small, open campsites around a small gravel loop."
Pack-it-out preparation: Many sites require carrying out all waste. "It has a take it with you waste management plan that really helped us all think differently about packaging and some of the choices we make," explains a Patterson State Park visitor.
Tick prevention: Bring appropriate insect protection. "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," cautions a camper at Tiadaghton Campground.
Consider accommodation options: Some locations offer cabins for families not ready for tent camping. "Cabins feel rustic but are new (2014?) and modern. Had everything we needed for a weekend with extended family, almost like a hotel in what they supply," shares a visitor at Bova Cottages.
Tips from RVers
Road access challenges: Many forest roads have limited clearance. "Roadside site 1/4 mile from the nearest site. You can drive right to the site on Hackett Rd. Very secluded and peaceful. Picnic table and fire ring, but no water or latrine," describes a Tiadaghton Campground visitor.
Four-wheel drive recommended: Some campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. "Would recommend 4 wheel drive vehicles to drive to site, steep dirt roads to access it," warns a camper.
Navigation difficulties: Digital maps may be unreliable. "A little hard to find, decided not to stay. On the same road as hector falls," notes a camper about Forestry Road Dispersed sites.
RV site selection: Look for established pull-offs. "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 an RVer at Forestry Road.
