Primitive camping sites around Westport, Pennsylvania offer access to the region's remote woodlands within the extensive Susquehannock and Tiadaghton State Forest systems. These camping options typically sit at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet in the Appalachian Plateau, creating cool overnight temperatures even in summer months. The camping areas feature typically Pennsylvania mixed hardwood forests dominated by oak, maple, and birch trees, with tent sites situated on relatively level forest terrain.
What to do
Hiking forest trails: Several primitive sites connect to longer trail systems. At Ravensburg State Park Campground, visitors can access both short and extended hiking options. According to one camper, "There are few hiking trails that take you to beautiful views along the creek with a couple of places deep enough to swim." The park is dog-friendly, making it suitable for hiking with pets.
Night sky viewing: Patterson State Park Campground sits near Cherry Springs Dark Sky Park. A visitor notes, "You can still observe the stars, but difficult for telescopes since trees cover Polaris in most of the sites." The location offers reasonable stargazing despite some tree coverage.
Canyon exploration: Colton Point State Park Campground offers access to the Pine Creek Gorge. "The Turkey trail is much more manageable even without them [built-up steps]. You can connect to the West Rim Trail if you'd like," shares one camper who appreciates the less developed trails.
What campers like
Secluded atmosphere: Ravensburg State Park Campground offers a quiet experience with natural barriers between sites. "It's rarely busy and it's first come first serve. They have tent pads which are nice but we have a 10x20 tent so we pick a site that the pad is flush with the surrounding ground. There are bushes and trees between the sites and it feels very private," explains one regular visitor.
Walk-in campsites: Patterson State Park Campground provides a small camping area with basic amenities. "It has around 8 small, open campsites around a small gravel loop," notes one visitor, mentioning its proximity to the STS trail system makes it a convenient base for hikers.
Water features: Several sites offer stream access for cooling off during summer months. Ravensburg has sites positioned near moving water, with one camper noting, "There are plenty of trees that are good for hammocking. And in a few sites, you can set them up right by the creek, which is my favorite part."
What you should know
Access challenges: Some forest roads can be difficult to navigate. "Mine did not, and I ended up down a seasonal road that did not end at the park entrance. With the right directions, it's easy to find. You will be driving down into the valley, which can feel very steep at times," warns a visitor to Ravensburg State Park about GPS directions.
Variable amenities: Colton Point State Park Campground offers walk-in sites requiring some planning. "I love the walk in sites. They take a small hike so don't over pack! There is so much that this park has to offer," explains one visitor who appreciated the less developed experience.
Water sources: Patterson State Park provides manual pumps for water. "It has a really nice water well with a manual pump. Restroom is the typical hole with no flush, but is very clean," notes one camper, highlighting the rustic facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Noise considerations: Some sites experience unexpected noise sources. At Ravensburg, one camper points out, "If you camp on the sites by the river, be prepared for lots of noise from the rapids. It had been raining quite heavily all day, so this may have impacted the volume levels. Nature noise is not something I would normally complain about, but this seemed noticeably loud."
Campsite selection: For the best tent camping near Westport, Pennsylvania with families, seek more open areas. "It's our favorite place to tent camp. It's rarely busy and it's first come first serve. They have tent pads which are nice but we have a 10x20 tent so we pick a site that the pad is flush with the surrounding ground," shares a regular at Ravensburg State Park.
Ranger presence: Patterson State Park offers occasional ranger check-ins. "This is rustic camping, no electric, a pump for water but it is also pet friendly and has cell service. 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!"
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most state forest sites accommodate smaller RVs only. Colton Point requires careful site selection as many areas require walking to reach tent pads.
Road conditions: Access roads to several sites require careful driving. "Park is easily accessible from I-80, just be aware of your directions and make sure they're taking you to the park via Rocky Road," advises a visitor to Ravensburg, noting the steep valley descent.
