Best Dispersed Camping near Smethport, PA

Smethport is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Smethport is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Smethport, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Smethport, Pennsylvania (14)

    1. 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."

    2. Red Mill Pond

    4 Reviews
    Ridgway, PA
    28 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"

    3. Camp Seneca

    1 Review
    Great Valley, NY
    32 miles

    "We picked the biggest site next to the creek. The tree canopy over our site was dense enough that w3 did not get very wet when it rains."

    4. Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    Marienville, PA
    43 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."

    5. Palmers Pond State Forest

    7 Reviews
    Alfred, NY
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (585) 466-3241

    "No electricity or water hook ups, very secluded, has a pond to fish in, by far my most favorite place to camp"

    "Beautiful grassy spots around the pond and along the road in. Google maps directed us to a dead end, go in through the north entrance and you’ll be good!"

    7. Boyce State Forest

    2 Reviews
    Franklinville, NY
    37 miles
    Website

    8. Clarion River Campground

    2 Reviews
    Clarington, PA
    42 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."

    10. Millstone Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Clarington, PA
    45 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."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Smethport, PA

13 Photos of 14 Smethport Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Smethport, PA

38 Reviews of 14 Smethport 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.

  • Zack B.
    Apr. 8, 2024

    Boyce State Forest

    Wet n wild

    Trail was more of a stream than a trail. You’ll spend more time beside the trail then actually on it. The campsite was a shelter off the side of the trail. It came with some firewood and cardboard to burn as well as some emergency water. Campsite was clean and came with an “air conditioned loo”. Lots of room for tents, however, most sites are not flat. Would recommend to come in dryer season or to bring rubber boots.

  • 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.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2019

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    Favorite place to camp

    No electricity or water hook ups, very secluded, has a pond to fish in, by far my most favorite place to camp

  • 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.


Guide to Smethport

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Smethport, Pennsylvania, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a sense of adventure without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of spots perfect for those looking to escape into the wild.

Top Activities While Free Camping Near Smethport

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby trails, especially around the Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, which provides access to scenic routes and beautiful views.
  • Wildlife watching is a must, particularly at Red Mill Pond, where you might spot various birds and other animals in their natural habitat.
  • Fishing opportunities abound at Palmers Pond State Forest, making it an ideal spot for anglers looking to cast a line in peaceful surroundings.

Tips for Free and Dispersed Camping Near Smethport, Pennsylvania

  • Always check for road conditions before heading to Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite, as some routes can be muddy or bumpy, especially after rain.
  • Bring your own firewood and supplies, as places like Camp Seneca do not provide amenities, ensuring a truly rustic experience.
  • Be prepared for limited privacy at spots like FR437 dispersed campsite, where nearby roads may have some traffic, but the overall atmosphere remains tranquil.

Dispersed Campers Should Check Out Palmers Pond State Forest

  • This area is known for its beautiful grassy spots and proximity to water, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a picturesque setting while camping at Palmers Pond State Forest.
  • The site is well-maintained and offers a peaceful environment, perfect for relaxing and unwinding after a day of outdoor activities.
  • Be mindful of the directions, as some visitors have reported difficulty finding the entrance; following local advice can lead you to this hidden gem with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Smethport, PA is Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite with a 4-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Smethport, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.