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Dispersed Camping

Red Mill Pond

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

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Location

Red Mill Pond is located in Pennsylvania

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

41.49000033 N
78.7930004 W

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Connectivity

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Clarion Heights

Clarion Heights

25 min away

Kelly Pines Campground

Kelly Pines Campground

37 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park 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.


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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 6, 2024

Nice disbursed spot

Came in on a Sunday afternoon and nobody was there. Several hunters drove past but no other campers.

There is no vaulted toilet at this site any more. Repeated vandalism resulted in its closure.

Overall a nice secluded camping spot.

Sitemain lot
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Red Mill Pond by Kevin C., October 6, 2024
  • Review photo of Red Mill Pond by Kevin C., October 6, 2024
  • Review photo of Red Mill Pond by Kevin C., October 6, 2024
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 28, 2023

Plenty of space for a van

Pro: There was a pond, campfire rings, and a big spot to maneuver a van. Neutral: No amenities Con: the road in was bumpy with a lot of pot holes

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 20, 2021

Dispersed, remote...and ill-kept

Missed the words "dispersed" and "no facilities" on the USFS website... Fire circles are falling apart, there's effectively no signage, and I had the bad luck to show up after a substantial rainstorm rolled through, and both ground and grass were soaked. I bailed on this camp. If your liking for EXTREMELY rustic car camping, there's a mood for it, but it doesn't seem to be worth backpacking in, and I wouldn't recommend car camping under most circumstances. The fishing looks pretty good, but i don't fish.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Red Mill Pond by Matt J., August 20, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there fishing available at Red Mill Pond Campground?

Yes, fishing is available at Red Mill Pond Campground. The campground is named for the pond that's on site, which provides opportunities for fishing. While it's a small body of water, you can enjoy some casual fishing during your stay. Consider bringing your own fishing gear as this is a primitive camping area without any rental facilities or bait shops nearby. Be sure to check local fishing regulations and secure any necessary fishing licenses before your visit.

How do I get to Red Mill Pond Campground?

Red Mill Pond Campground is accessible by vehicle, though the access road has some challenges. Be prepared for a bumpy drive with numerous potholes, which might be difficult for low-clearance vehicles. There's no significant signage directing visitors to the campground, so having GPS coordinates or detailed directions is recommended. The site does offer ample space to maneuver larger vehicles like camper vans once you arrive. Four-wheel drive or higher clearance vehicles will have an easier time navigating the access road, especially after rainfall.

When is the best time to camp at Red Mill Pond?

The best time to camp at Red Mill Pond is during dry weather in late spring through early fall. The site can become very soggy after rainfall, with both the ground and grass becoming waterlogged and potentially uncomfortable for camping. Late summer tends to offer more reliable dry conditions. Be aware that hunting seasons (particularly fall) bring more traffic as hunters pass through the area, which might affect the peaceful atmosphere. Weekdays typically see fewer visitors than weekends, offering more solitude for those seeking a quiet camping experience.

What amenities are available at Red Mill Pond Campground?

Red Mill Pond Campground is a primitive, dispersed camping area with very minimal amenities. The site features basic fire circles/rings, though some may be in deteriorating condition. There are no facilities like running water, electricity, trash service, or restrooms. The vault toilet that was previously on-site is no longer available. This is truly a back-to-basics camping experience where you'll need to bring everything you need and pack everything out. The campground offers a quiet, secluded environment with enough space to maneuver larger vehicles like camper vans.