Off a gravel road in the Allegheny National Forest, Red Mill Pond operates as a dispersed camping area where campers can set up near a small pond and creek. The US Forest Service maintains this free site with basic fire rings, though several reviewers note the rings show wear from heavy use and limited maintenance. Access requires navigating what one visitor describes as a "bumpy" road with potholes, particularly challenging after rain.
The forested setting accommodates larger RVs despite the rough access road. Campers find space to maneuver among the trees, with the pond offering fishing opportunities for those who bring gear. The site operates without facilities—no restrooms, water, or trash collection. Kevin C. notes "Overall a nice secluded camping spot," highlighting the area's isolation from crowds.
Hunters frequently pass through during season, but camping traffic remains light. The lack of signage means visitors should arrive with clear directions and realistic expectations for primitive conditions. Weather can significantly impact the experience, with wet conditions making the already challenging road access more difficult and potentially waterlogging camping areas.
For those comfortable with true dispersed camping, the combination of free access, pet-friendly policies, and proximity to places to camp around Ridgway makes this a functional overnight option for self-sufficient campers.
Description
Red Mill Pond camping area is a dispersed camping area located along a trout stream. There are no facilities.
Dispersed camping is permitted in the Red Mill Pond area and along FR 143.
Occupancy and Use: Sites are first-come, first-served. Sites cannot be “reserved” by leaving equipment on the site. All sites must be occupied the first night and in each 24 hour period afterwards. Sites may be occupied for 14 days in a 30-day period. After 14 days, visitors must leave the Allegheny National Forest until the 30th day has passed.
Campfires are permitted as long as fires are maintained in a fire ring and fully extinguished when leaving. Wood that is dead and down on the ground is available for use at the site. Standing dead trees should be left for wildlife habitat. Wood cannot be taken from the site without a firewood permit. Please do not bring wood from home – wood from outside the 4-county National Forest area is not permitted, to prevent the spread of insects and forest diseases. Do not chop or saw on live trees.
Sanitation: All trash must be packed out. Do not place in fire ring to burn. Partially burned trash attracts wildlife and may make the site hazardous to future campers. Body waste should be buried in a shallow pit off-site. Pack out toilet paper, sanitary products, and diapers.
Parking: Vehicles may not be more than 50 feet from a hard road. Please park on the spur provided if one exists.
Fee Info
No permit required, No fee
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRed Mill Pond is located in Pennsylvania near Ridgway
Coordinates
41.49000033 N
78.7930004 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Red Mill Pond needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 40 min from State College, PA
- 1 hr 50 min from Altoona, PA
- 2 hrs 4 min from Erie, PA
- 2 hrs 24 min from Johnstown, PA
