Dispersed camping near Starlight, Pennsylvania requires navigating predominantly to New York state forests across the border. The area sits within the upper Delaware River watershed, with elevations ranging from 1,200-1,800 feet creating varied terrain and microclimates. Winter access becomes significantly limited as many forest roads close seasonally or remain unmaintained during snow accumulation.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Balsam Pond offers diverse fishing with "trout, bass, and even tiger muskies" according to campers. The pond includes a "newly built boat launch can accommodate trailers for easy access and also has a well built handicapped accessible fishing pier."
Birdwatching: Visit Round Pond during spring migration. The area provides "an amazing place for birdwatching especially during spring migration" with a unique bog ecosystem supporting diverse species.
Hiking options: At Denning Trailhead, campers can "wake up to hike to tabletop/peekamoose mountain" where "near the top of tabletop there is also a lean-to for camping." The 1.5-mile hike from the trailhead accesses riverside camping spots.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Whaupaunaucau State Forest receives praise for being a "relatively unknown oasis outside of the county" with "lovely hilly vistas, pondside glens, and lots of clearings near clear streams deep in this old stately forest."
Site placement: At Hickok Brook, campers note there are "only 3 spots where we are. No motor vehicles beyond where I'm camping." Sites offer lake proximity but require securing permits as "where I originally camped was not a spot, according to Ranger. Had to move next to the lake."
Boat access: Many sites allow various watercraft. One camper at Long Pond mentioned being "able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock. People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don't feel isolated."
What you should know
Winter accessibility: At Beals Pond State Forest, campers warn the area is "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."
Vehicle requirements: Roads to many sites require appropriate vehicles. At Hickok Brook, one visitor explained "the road is very rough with huge potholes so good clearance is a must. It's not a good spot for car camping."
Permit regulations: Several forests require permits. At Hickok Brook, rangers enforce camping location restrictions and "need a permit on NY state land. Contact Rangers office of whatever county."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation: Sites near ponds provide swim and paddle options. Long Pond features "three accesses for fishing: a regular boat launch with parking lot and dock, a carry-in kayak access near campsite 6, and a handicapped accessible fishing pier."
Shade availability: Most sites offer good tree cover. At Long Pond, campers report "the trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel" but this provides excellent shade coverage during summer months.
Trail difficulty assessment: Before hiking with children, check trail ratings. Whaupaunaucau has "a network of miles of trails for both hiking and criss country skiing" suitable for various skill levels, though parents should watch for ticks as "they are invading the region."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Most dispersed sites accommodate small rigs only. At Long Pond, "campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer" but larger RVs will struggle to find suitable spots.
Limited amenities: Plan for complete self-sufficiency. One RVer at Long Pond noted the "site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal" requiring campers to bring all essentials.
Campsite selection: For RVs, arrive early to secure appropriate sites. One camper observed "most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers" and would "rate 5 stars if it had water and a garbage dumpster."
