Searching for the best camping near Starlight, PA? Starlight is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Pennsylvania camping adventure.
"I drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must."
"Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."
"Aside from that this was a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock."
"Campground was easy to locate and the road was in good shape.
We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie."
"Great camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead. A lot of spots right by the river. Great spot to camp and then wake up to hike to tabletop/ peekamoose mountain."
"You have to work a bit to find info on the Whaupaunaucau state forest as a camping destination, but for primitive campers that is part of the appeal!"
"This is a relatively new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods State Forest."
LegendYou have to work a bit to find info on the Whaupaunaucau state forest as a camping destination, but for primitive campers that is part of the appeal! This is a relatively unknown oasis outside of the county, but this state forest has a network of miles of trails for both hiking and criss country skiing. There is an offifical lean-to shelter and developed campsite on trail 20 (see map) but there are several primitive sites with tent site and stine fireplace, plus dispersed leave-no-trace camping is allowed anywhere in the state forest, and the possibilities are endless. Lovely hilly vistas, pondside glens, and lots of clearings near clear streams deep in this old stately forest. A great place to get away from it all for hiking and camping but it is also a fantastic place to go if you enjoy botanizing or birding, lots of unusual species to see. Just beware of ticks, they are invading the region
LegendThis is a relatively new location for primitive camping in the Pharsalia Woods State Forest. There is a parking area just off the Plymouth Reservoir Rd that allows you to access a network of trails that traverse the state preserve around the unique Round Pond and adjacent bog. Primitive camping is allowed anywhere in the vicinity as long as you are 150 feet from the waters edge and away from the parking lot. The parking lot has an info kiosk with a map of the trail network and info about the unique bog ecosystem. You need to sign in at the kiosk, but otherwise there are no permits needed and no fees. One amazing aspect at this site is a beautiful and accessible raised boardwalk to a unique overlook that has a beautiful vista over the bog and is an amazing place for birdwatching especially during spring migration. You can also access the bog pond here if using kayaks or canoes. It is like a unique wilderness location fir primitive camping, but only 15 minutes from the village of Norwich!
For more info on the Pharsalia Woods in general, and the Round Pond in particular, visit this link on the DEC website: https://dec.ny.gov/places/pharsalia-woods-state-forest Be sure to also click on the link on that page regarding primitive camping at this site
LegendUpdate: since my original visit, there have been some good upgrades including new portapotty. Some of the campsites are still in need of some TLC. The location is beautiful, but the campground seems to get heavy use and has some wear and tear. Balsam Pond has a reputation as a good local fishing spot featuring trout, bass, and even tiger muskies. The pond itself is beautiful and Is one of the larger state forest ponds in the area preserved in a natural state with no shoreline development other than the small campground and the public boat launch. If you are coming for a good fishing or boating experience, you wont be disappointed as the newly built boat launch can accommodate trailers for easy access and also has a well built handicapped accessible fishing pier. Once out on the water you will enjoy good fishing or wildlife watching or paddling.
However, if you are coming here primarily for the camping experience you may be disappointed. Though the natural setting is picturesque and secluded, the campground is not well maintained. Some of the sites have new picnic tables, some have old tables that are falling apart, and some have none at all. Some have official steel fire rings, some have stone fire rings that are crumbling. All are drive in sites, some meant for trailers and others with green space for tents. A few sites are much too close to the entrance road, most are set back further in the woods, and a few are right by the lake. Unfortunately, when we were there, previous campers had strewn garbage around most of the sites; it seemed to have been there for a while so it seems there is not regular maintanence by the DEC. There is also supposed to be an outhouse at the campground, but there isnt one now. Hence my low ranking of the campground despite its nice setting.
if you would like to camp at Balsam Pond but prefer a better option than the campground, there is one paddle-in site set away from the campground where you can Leave No Trace and hopefully other like-minded campers have done the same. You are also allowed to make your own dispersed campsite at any location of your choice within the Balsam Swamp State Firest, as long as you are more than 150 feet from the lakeshore.
ScoutI drove in thinking that there would be flat places to park a very rugged camper in my full ton diesel pickup. The road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping but you could conceivably drive up to the spots and pull off the road to put up a small tent somewhere. Very gorgeous but not rv friendly.
ScoutThis state forest is beautiful but not easily accessible in the winter. After a certain point, the road is not maintained in the winter and I was unable to get cell reception with Verizon.
GuideThere are only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping. Bring everything with you. It's a hike back to town... there is a small town 10 minutes away. Eldred, NY. Really is a nice quiet place. It's Labor Day weekend, see how many people try to cram in to the very limited camping area. Where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake. Need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county.
TravelerGreat camping spots about 1.5 mile hike in from Denning Trailhead. A lot of spots right by the river. Great spot to camp and then wake up to hike to tabletop/ peekamoose mountain. (near the top of tabletop there is also a lean-to for camping).
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Starlight, Pennsylvania, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots to unwind and connect with the great outdoors. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, there's something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Starlight, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Starlight, PA is Beals Pond State Forest with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 9 dispersed camping locations near Starlight, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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