Best Dispersed Camping near West Sunbury, PA
Primitive dispersed camping is available near West Sunbury, Pennsylvania, primarily at two documented locations: Millstone Creek Campground and Salmon Creek Dispersed. Despite the "campground" designation, Millstone Creek functions as a dispersed camping area with multiple sites spread along a river over several miles. These areas offer no amenities or facilities, maintaining the primitive nature expected of dispersed camping. Both locations are situated in forested areas approximately 40-50 miles northeast of West Sunbury in western Pennsylvania.
Access to these dispersed camping areas varies considerably. Millstone Creek provides drive-in access suitable for both tents and RVs, with sites ranging from large open fields with fire rings to spots along the shoulder of the road. Salmon Creek requires hike-in or walk-in access and appears to have road restrictions. According to visitor feedback, "The road is out though so don't take a big rig." Both sites permit campfires, though Millstone Creek prohibits pets while Salmon Creek allows them. Neither location provides drinking water, toilets, trash service, or hookups of any kind, requiring campers to be fully self-sufficient.
The camping experience at these locations offers significant solitude and natural surroundings. Millstone Creek features camping alongside a river, though water quality may be questionable. A visitor noted the river was "basically brown like pudding" with minimal signs of aquatic life beyond insects. The area provides "tremendous solitude" according to another camper, particularly during weekdays and off-season periods. Sites at Millstone Creek are described as well-spaced with mature forest canopy, though some trees appear diseased. Salmon Creek is characterized as a "pretty nice area" with a few dispersed spots. Both locations appear to attract minimal traffic, creating quiet camping experiences with friendly encounters from other visitors in the area.