New Lancaster Valley Roadside Campsites — Bald Eagle State Forest

Bald Eagle State Forest, named for the famous Native American Chief, Bald Eagle, includes 194,602 acres in Snyder, Union, Centre, Mifflin, and Clinton Counties.

For more information visit the Bald Eagle State Forest website and Facebook Page

Geography: w

This state forest spans the high, sharp ridges of central Pennsylvania and features miles of pristine mountain streams and numerous tracts of old-growth forest.

Bald Eagle forest district lies in the beautiful ridge and valley section of the state. From the limestone-rich Susquehanna Valley in the southeast to the Allegheny Mountains in the northwest, the forest district is dominated by a series of sandstone ridges, some of which reach 2,300 feet above sea level.

The confluence of the west and north branches of the Susquehanna River occurs on the eastern boundary of the district, opposite the town of Northumberland. Many streams within the area originate in its forested ridges and flow in several directions, eventually emptying into the Susquehanna River.

Recreation: w

The Bald Eagle’s expansive forests offer limitless recreational opportunities. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders alike will find over 300 miles of trails to explore. Just a few highlights include the old-growth forest of Snyder-Middleswarth Natural Area, the large, remote and undeveloped Hook Natural Area, and the Stony Run Forest Demonstration Area. There are 26 vistas throughout the forest that overlook the stunning valleys.

Hunters and fishermen will find rewarding opportunities in the nearly 200,000 acres of forest where there are numerous fishable streams including the acclaimed Penns Creek and White Deer Creek.

For those with an interest in motorized recreation, the Bald Eagle offers 20 miles of ATV trails, as well as dual sport motorcycle and off-highway motorcycle trails. In the winter there are over 250-miles of state forest roads and trails open for snowmobiling.

Families can picnic at the four State Forest Picnic Areas and at other trailhead locations where picnic tables and grills are offered.

Camping in the Bald Eagle State Forest is a great way to get away from it all and spend a night in the great outdoors. The designated, roadside campsites are identified by signpost with campsite number. They are remote, designated sites with no amenities other than a fire ring and picnic table

For trail maps and more visit the Bald Eagle State Forest Map web page.

Facilities: w

The Bald Eagle State Forest is managed primarily for dispersed recreation and facilities are limited. The several State Forest Picnic Areas offer the most improvements including pavilions, picnic tables, grills, and restrooms. Trailheads and parking are available throughout the forest. The designated, roadside campsites offer no amenities other than a picnic table and fire ring.

Nearby Attractions: w

Bald Eagle State Park, Poe Paddy State Park, Poe Valley State Park, RB Winter State Park, Reeds Gap State Park

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This confirmation serves as your State Forest Campsite Permit for the campsite listed above. This permit is null and void if the reservation is cancelled or transferred prior to the date of arrival. You must have a copy of the permit on person during your stay.

Occupants are subject to the following permit conditions:

1. Campfires, when permitted, require precautions be taken to prevent spread of fire to the forest. Campfires shall be attended at all times. Campfires are prohibited March 1st through May 25th without authorization from the District Forester, or when fire danger is high, very high, or extreme. This prohibition does not apply to self-contained camp stoves when used in a safe manner. A person causing a wildfire, in addition to possible criminal penalty, is liable for all damages, costs of extinction and fines.

2. Dead and down wood may be gathered and burned when permitted but may not be removed from the site. Power tools and chain saws are not permitted. Destruction of Property, damaging, defacing, or removing any sign, structure, equipment or other material is prohibited.

3. Occupants shall include at least one person 18 years of age or older. This permit may not be reassigned or transferred.

4. Pets are permitted on State Forest land if kept under control and attended at all times. Animal waste must be disposed of properly.

5. Disorderly conduct is prohibited, including creating unreasonable noise that may disturb other campers and visitors to state forest land. Generators that create excessive noise are prohibited.

6. Limit of 7 continuous days of camping on state forest land. Camping cannot be resumed until 48 hours have passed. All vehicles and equipment must be removed from state forest land during this time. Members of this camping party may not reserve a campsite until 48 hours have passed.

7. Washing in a water outlet, spring, lake or waterway and discharging sewage, or gray water on or into ground or surface waters is prohibited. Toilets must be used where provided. In other locations self-contained toilets must be used when required or human waste deposited in hole 4-6 inches deep, 200 feet from water, campsite, or trails and covered and hidden.

8. Littering is prohibited. Garbage/waste/rubbish must be removed from site and disposed of properly. Parking which obstructs a gate, entrance, exit or road turnaround on State Forest land is prohibited. Parking in area designated for a person with a disability, by the Department, is prohibited unless the vehicle has a valid plate or placard.

9. Damaging/removing a living or dead plant on State Forest land is prohibited. Edible wild plants or plant parts may be gathered if for personal use. Removing or disturbing historical/archeological resources from State Forest land is prohibited. Target Shooting of any kind is prohibited.

10. Occupants are subject to State Forest Rules and Regulations, found online at https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/RulesAndRegulations/Pages/default.aspx, posted onsite, or by contacting the district office. Occupants are subject to any other information and instructions included in the campsite or facility notes, alerts, and important information.

Violations : Violations of forest rules and regulations, or violations of a condition of this permit could result in any or all of the following consequences:

1. The permit may be revoked. This will result in the occupants being required to vacate the facility immediately.
2. The occupants may be required to leave the forest.
3. The occupants may be cited for a violation of the forest rules and regulations, a summary offense.
4. The occupants are responsible for any damage to campsite or facilities that occurred during or due to their occupancy.