Best Dispersed Camping near Kersey, PA
Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the Allegheny National Forest region near Kersey, Pennsylvania, with several free primitive sites located along forest roads and near waterways. Red Mill Pond, Loleta Road, Forestry Road, Millstone Creek, and Clarion River areas all provide no-fee camping options on public land. These sites typically feature established fire rings but lack formal amenities, making them suitable for self-sufficient campers seeking a more remote experience. Most sites are accessible via drive-in routes, though some require walking a short distance from parking areas.
Access roads throughout the region vary in condition, with many campers reporting bumpy, potholed surfaces that may challenge low-clearance vehicles. The Forestry Road area features a main gravel road with smaller logging roads branching off, while sites along Millstone Creek and Clarion River offer riverside camping with varying degrees of privacy. No drinking water, toilets, or trash services are available at any of these locations. According to one visitor, "The road in was bumpy with a lot of pot holes," while another noted that "most any car would have no problem driving down" the main Forestry Road. Campers must pack out all waste and follow leave-no-trace principles.
These primitive camping areas provide solitude and natural surroundings typical of Pennsylvania's northern forests. The Clarion River sites offer direct water access, making them popular for fishing and kayaking. As one camper described, "We had direct River access! Quite road—We were able to walk. There were some people kayaking in the river." Cell service is limited or nonexistent in most areas, contributing to the remote feel. Visitors to Forestry Road can explore nearby Hector Falls via a two-mile hiking trail. Wildlife sightings are common, with one camper cautioning about black bears in the area: "Definitely be sure to pack up all food and trash at night." Sites can fill quickly during summer weekends and hunting seasons, with weekday visits offering the best chance for solitude.
