Tent campsites near Westline, Pennsylvania sit within the Allegheny Plateau region at elevations ranging from 1,400 to 2,300 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with heavy winter snowfall often exceeding 100 inches annually and humid summer conditions. Winter camping is possible but challenging, with nighttime temperatures regularly dropping into the low teens during December through February.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Hector Falls offers a 2-mile round trip hike accessible from Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite. "Nice little 2 mile hike. Some good exploring. Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me," notes camper Ian B. The trail features rock formations with steep 20-foot cliff drops requiring careful navigation.
Winter recreation: The region transforms with snow coverage from December through March. "It was freezing, quite literally, with nights in the low teens. The melting and refreezing had made the roads and surrounding trails a little slippery so I would be cautious if traveling alone," reports camper Ian B. about winter camping at Forestry Road.
Trail connections: Patterson State Park Campground provides access to the Susquehannock Trail System. "If Hiking is your thing, the STS trail system runs right through it. On one side of the road (they must allow horse back riding on that section of the trail as we saw trailers of horses pull in to trail ride)," shares Paula L.
What campers like
Natural seclusion: Primitive sites in the Allegheny National Forest provide genuine isolation. At Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite, camper Dylan H. reports, "I've been camping here for 5 years now and it's always a good time." Another camper, Brittney W., adds: "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!"
Stargazing opportunities: The region offers dark skies for night sky viewing. "You can still observe the stars, but difficult for telescopes since trees cover Polaris in most of the sites," explains Fernando V. about Patterson State Park. The nearby Cherry Springs State Park is known for exceptional stargazing conditions.
Wildlife encounters: The forest supports diverse wildlife populations. "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!" warns camper Mystic S. at Forestry Road.
What you should know
Seasonal access limitations: Spring conditions often create challenging terrain. "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," reports Anne W. about Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite.
Water availability: No drinking water exists at dispersed sites, requiring advance planning. Most established sites use pump systems. Patterson State Park features "a really nice water well with a manual pump," according to Fernando V.
Navigation challenges: Forest roads can be confusing without proper directions. "A little hard to find, decided not to stay. On the same road as hector falls," notes Evan about Forestry Road Dispersed. Another reviewer cautions: "Apple Maps brings you way far away, follow the pin and it will bring you."
Cell service: Connectivity varies throughout the region. "I managed to get an average of 3-4 bars of 5g every day," reports Mystic S. about Forestry Road. At Patterson State Park, "it is just next to the road, so its noisy at night when cars pass," but it "has cell service," notes a reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Space considerations: Patterson State Park Campground offers family-friendly camping areas. "One of the best features and why we will definitely be back is that at any given time you may have the whole park to yourself. If you are camping with children this can be a plus! They will have plenty of room to play, and it is a poke-stop," shares Paula L.
Seasonal activity planning: Match your visit timing with appropriate activities for children. "I have stayed in the summer with my sons and it is better," notes Ian B. about Forestry Road, comparing his winter and summer experiences.
Bug protection: Insect activity increases from May through September. "Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me," warns Ian B. after visiting Forestry Road Dispersed Camping.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed camping areas accommodate smaller rigs only. At Allegheny Wild and Scenic River, sites are "large sites well shaded," according to Laurie B., but access roads may limit larger vehicles.
Road conditions: Forest service roads require careful navigation. "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," advises a camper about Forestry Road. The access points near Westline tend to be unpaved and can become rutted after rainfall.
Setup preparation: The terrain requires leveling equipment. "It rains frequently here, keep your slip-on shoes handy near the door," suggests a camper who found "several suitable spots" for a 25-foot travel trailer on SF-160 near Forestry Road.
