Best Dispersed Camping near Smethport, PA
Searching for a dispersed camping spot near Smethport? Dispersed camping is the perfect way to get off the grid. Find the perfect dispersed campsite for your next adventure.
Best Dispersed Sites Near Smethport, PA (14)
1. Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite
Ludlow, Pennsylvania8 Reviews•16 Photos•337 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Red Mill Pond
Ridgway, Pennsylvania4 Reviews•9 Photos•65 SavesRed Mill Pond camping area is a dispersed camping area located along a trout stream. There are no facilities.
Dispersed camping is permitted in the Red Mill Pond area and along FR 143.
Occupancy and Use: Sites are first-come, first-served. Sites cannot be “reserved” by leaving equipment on the site. All sites must be occupied the first night and in each 24 hour period afterwards. Sites may be occupied for 14 days in a 30-day period. After 14 days, visitors must leave the Allegheny National Forest until the 30th day has passed.
Campfires are permitted as long as fires are maintained in a fire ring and fully extinguished when leaving. Wood that is dead and down on the ground is available for use at the site. Standing dead trees should be left for wildlife habitat. Wood cannot be taken from the site without a firewood permit. Please do not bring wood from home – wood from outside the 4-county National Forest area is not permitted, to prevent the spread of insects and forest diseases. Do not chop or saw on live trees.
Sanitation: All trash must be packed out. Do not place in fire ring to burn. Partially burned trash attracts wildlife and may make the site hazardous to future campers. Body waste should be buried in a shallow pit off-site. Pack out toilet paper, sanitary products, and diapers.
Parking: Vehicles may not be more than 50 feet from a hard road. Please park on the spur provided if one exists.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
3. Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite
Marienville, Pennsylvania8 Reviews•17 Photos•177 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Palmers Pond State Forest
Alfred, New York7 Reviews•10 Photos•190 SavesPalmer's Pond State Forest totals 3,645 acres. This area provides opportunities for outdoor recreational activities like snowshoeing, hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, camping, hunting, fishing, bird watching, and nature photography.
The state forest is also a source of raw material for New York's forest products industry which provides employment and income for many New Yorkers and provides various habitats for many wildlife species such as deer, rabbit, grouse, and turkey.
- Pets
- Fires
- ADA Access
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Alcohol
5. Camp Seneca
Great Valley, New York1 Review•10 Photos•10 SavesFor specific campsites look for yellow "camp here" signs. At-large primitive camping is also allowed. Campsites must be at least 150 feet away from the nearest road, trail or body of water. Camping for more than three nights or in groups of ten or more requires a permit from a Forest Ranger.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Dispersed
6. Boyce State Forest
Franklinville, New York2 Reviews•3 Photos•43 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
7. FR437 dispersed campsite
Irvine, Pennsylvania1 Review•5 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
10. Salmon Creek Dispersed
Marienville, Pennsylvania1 Review•15 SavesDispersed foot traffic and primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping". Downloadable Guidelines (pdf): https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd503142.pdf
Occupancy and Use All dispersed sites are available on a first come, first served basis. At least one person must occupy a campsite during the first night Equipment left unattended for more than 24 hours is subject to removal by the Forest Service Camping or leaving camping equipment (such as, but not limited to tents, camper trailers and/or tarps) is allowed in the same location for up to 14 days. After 14 days the camp and equipment MUST be moved off of Forest Service System lands. Excavations are limited to those required to make safe campfire rings and sanitary pit toilets. Any excavation will be re-leveled prior to vacating your campsite. Do not put nails in picnic tables, or other government property.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Smethport
33 Reviews of 14 Smethport Campgrounds
Todd H.
Scout
Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite
Dispersed with a vehicle
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. Currently finish up the night and once the fire dies down I’ll head to bed. As some one has mentioned the only real downside is the road near by, but the traffic is at a minimum.
Kevin C.
Ranger
Red Mill Pond
Nice disbursed spot
Came in on a Sunday afternoon and nobody was there. Several hunters drove past but no other campers.
There is no vaulted toilet at this site any more. Repeated vandalism resulted in its closure.
Overall a nice secluded camping spot.
Eliezera M.Scout
Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite
Quiet little campground
I have a 25-foot travel trailer and found several suitable spots on SF-160. Since it rains frequently here, keep your slip-on shoes handy near the door. This area offers great hiking and biking opportunities. The campsite next to the hiking trail has WiFi about 70% of the time. Experience duck life right now!
- Ian B.
GuideForestry 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.
- Kevin C.Ranger
Millstone Creek Campground
Camping by the river
Many disbursed spots along the river over several miles. 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. Not much traffic and very friendly people in the area.
The river was basically brown like pudding the only signs of life were insects. While a very beautiful area, the river was king of yucky looking.
- Kevin C.Ranger
Camp Seneca
Quiet and secluded
We came I to the area on a Monday and this camp was completely empty. 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.
This campground had several designated sites and most have a fire ring and picnic table.
There was a porti-poty on site that had plenty of paper was pretty clean.
We had a few hikers come through and one other camper that chose not to stay.
- SSomadNomad M.Guide
FR437 dispersed campsite
FR437
nice little hideaway , it is however right across from where people have made a make shift shooting rang, which I thought to bea bonus.
- CCaitlyn R.Guide
Palmers Pond State Forest
Quiet and beautiful
The written directions from other reviews were easy to follow. The road was gravel but pretty easy to drive. I found one of the first spots and was very comfortable. Beautiful space, some people drove past but not much noise aside from that. Loved this spot!
Marjoe M.ScoutPalmers Pond State Forest
May 5th
The site was very nice. Clean and well maintained. I was able to set up next to the water with no problem. Definitely will be back.
Anne W.GuideLoleta Road Dispersed Campsite
Nice site, close to road and super muddy
We stayed here in March, so there weren’t leaves back on the trees yet which meant we could see the road (and the road could see us). Not a huge deal, just not very private. It was also extremely muddy. Not bad on the main track in and out but swampy everywhere else. Overall it’s a nice spot if you’re passing through but not groundbreaking
Zack B.
Traveler
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.
Brittney W.TravelerLoleta Road Dispersed Campsite
Relaxing and remote!
Great little roadside campsite to get away. We spent the night during a tropical storm and got the pleasure of hearing the rain on the tent out in this peaceful spot!
- GGeorgia R.Scout
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
derek O.ScoutLoleta Road Dispersed Campsite
Of the gridish
Love it. I pulled off about a half mile past the noted google maps pinpoint. Great time for the dogs and I.
Mieszko M.ScoutRed Mill Pond
Good place for one night
Been there with camper van No facilities, only some fireplaces. Good for a short stay, quiet
- bbrentTraveler
Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite
Nice place to camp
Living in a van looking for spots to stay this wasn’t a bad one at all, good bit off the road, couple trails.
- Scott C.Traveler
Salmon Creek Dispersed
Salmon Creek
Theres a few dispersed spots back here. Its pretty nice area. The road is out tho so dont take a big rig
Mystic S.GuideForestry Road Dispersed Campsite
Pretty goof spot! Easy to find
Sometimes I read other people's reviews, and I just don't understand how we went to the same spot. This place is fine. Easy enough to find (found it first try without ever once wondering where am i).
Apparently the entire area is a natural gas reserve, so there are these blue and orange posts signifying gas lines, those are actually the hiking trails. They don't look like normal trail heads. There is spotty cell service through the forest, usually you can walk around for a couple minutes and find some. I managed to get an average of 3-4 bars of 5g every day.
So!! My car battery died while I was out there, the company that helped me jump start found me with no problems, they do it a lot. So that's cool!
Also... 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. The bears are skittish, but they will find you if there's food in you camp!!
- Sydney M.Scout
Palmers Pond State Forest
Pretty but hard to find
The directions took us to a dead end like the other reviews stated. Do not take Palmers pond road. When you get off of Interstate 86 you will want to take turnpike rd to south road. There are not any lights to show the sign so it’s kinda hard to find. The pond was dried up when we got there so that sad kind of a bummer. Lots of camping along the road and around the pond. Nice quiet spot
Aliza N.
LegendForestry 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 H.Traveler
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.
Dylan H.ScoutLoleta Road Dispersed Campsite
My favorite spot
I’ve been camping here for 5 years now and it’s always a good time.
- Scott K.Traveler
Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite
Love the forest
I stayed a lot deeper in the woods than this road but all the roads in the forest are drivable gravel with many pull of spots for camping!
Lizzy K.GuidePalmers Pond State Forest
Love this place!
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!
Bob J.ScoutForestry 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.
Matt J.TravelerRed 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.
Mark M.TravelerForestry Road Dispersed Campsite
Beautiful fall
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. The spot next to the hiking trail has WiFi 70% of the time. I would give this a 5 star if it didn’t rain so much. Howe’s ace hardware is about 10 miles away with a dollar general across the street. The site seeing is second to none. The forest is enchanting. To get here, take Hwy 6 just east of Warren. Turn left on Kinzua road. Go about 8 miles. Stop at the Kinzua dam about 5 miles in. Turn right. Go about a mile and a half, turn right towards Jakes Rocks. When you come to a T, turn left (Jakes Rocks turn right). Start looking for a site. The last site on SF 160 has weekend partiers. They knock off at 11pm and are far enough away from the next site that they aren’t a nuisance. I know, I stayed there a week. Once set up, make sure you hike and drive back to Jakes Rocks. Beautiful views and drive.
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 4.5-star rating from 8 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.