Best Dispersed Camping in Pennsylvania

Fireflies illuminate Pennsylvania summer nights. Cricket song fills the air. In Autumn, a motley blaze of red and yellow leaves streaks the hillsides as a rich, earthy scent permeates the woods. Through all seasons, gurgling brooks and creeks weave their way through the countryside. Secret glens and mossy pools await. For centuries this landscape has attracted lovers of the outdoors, and there's no limit to opportunities for camping in Pennsylvania.

An indescribable yet unmistakably ancient energy fills Pennsylvania's wildernesses. It can be felt clearly in places like Bushkill Falls. There, in the "Niagara of Pennsylvania," explorers of all ages find fun and discovery.

A broad network of trails leads to and around eight beautiful waterfalls. The Twin Lakes wait for anglers. Curious travelers can explore three different historical exhibits, sluice for gemstones, or try their luck in the Bushkill Falls Mining Company Maze. Some people claim that if you stand still, close your eyes, and listen, you can feel the history ebbing and flowing around your feet at Bushkill Falls.

Pennsylvania's enormous population of majestic whitetail deer offer great surprises for nature-lovers camping in Pennsylvania. With a closely monitored population ranging from 1 to 1.5 million, Pennsylvania's white tail are famous for their size, grace, and beauty. Alert hikers and campers will likely catch a glimpse of these wonderful animals.

The Pennsylvania landscape is diverse and full of variety. With the Appalachian Mountains bisecting the state, the eastern and western halves are distinctive both culturally and geographically, but neither is lacking for natural wonders.

To the east, you can find camping near popular destinations like the Delaware Water Gap at the border between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. To the west, there's the fantastic Laurel Caverns, where visitors can experience a three-hour-long tour that goes 46 stories deep into the mountainside.

Pennsylvania has plenty of rivers for the aquatically inclined. Chief among them is the Susquehanna, the longest East Coast river draining into the Atlantic Ocean. This impressive waterway offers many opportunities for fishing, boating, and exploration. Folks camping in Pennsylvania may enjoy pitching their tent or parking their camper on the Susquehanna riverside.

All of this is just a small part of what the Keystone State offers to explorers of all kinds. Many more secrets wait nestled in the countryside, waiting to be discovered.

Best Dispersed Sites in Pennsylvania (11)

    1. Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    11 Reviews
    Ludlow, PA

    "Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me."

    "This spot is a boondocker’s delight! Big open spots with established fire rings. Quiet except for the distant rumble of a train passing the town down in the valley."

    2. Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

    9 Reviews
    Marienville, PA

    "I believe there are several dispersed spots along this road. This one was close enough to the road to feel safe but far enough away to have privacy."

    "This is my first time dispersed camping and the spot is nice for a first go. Was able to drive in which I why I chose this area."

    3. Red Mill Pond

    4 Reviews
    Ridgway, PA
    Website
    +1 (814) 927-6628

    "Been there with camper van No facilities, only some fireplaces. Good for a short stay, quiet"

    "Neutral: No amenities Con: the road in was bumpy with a lot of pot holes"

    5. Clarion River Campground

    2 Reviews
    Clarington, PA

    "We had direct River access! Quite road-We were able to walk. There were some people kayaking in the river. Dispersed spot-no cell service."

    6. Thunder Swamp Trailhead

    2 Reviews
    Unity House, PA

    "Trailhead parking was chill for a night. No trouble. Tons of hiking. Went down Saw Creek trail to a marsh."

    "Plenty of shade. No one bothered me."

    7. Millstone Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Clarington, PA

    "This was a great spot for my first dispersed camping experience. Hard, fairly flat parking surface right off of paved road. Rock fire ring. Vault toilets were open. Sites are well spaced."

    "Size od camping spots ranges from large open fields with fire pits to spots on the shoulder of the road

    We came in on a Saturday and found one of the road side sites open."

    8. Salmon Creek Dispersed

    1 Review
    Marienville, PA
    Website
    +1 (814) 723-5150

    "Theres a few dispersed spots back here. Its pretty nice area. The road is out tho so dont take a big rig"

    10. Bake Oven Knob

    1 Review
    Andreas, PA

    "This spot is both part of the Appalachian Trail and a day hiking area for the Bake Oven Knob, which is a high point on the Blue Mountain ridge of the Appalachian Mountains near Germansville, Pennsylvania"

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Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews in Pennsylvania

31 Reviews of 11 Pennsylvania Campgrounds



Guide to Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania offers a wealth of opportunities for those seeking the tranquility of dispersed camping, allowing nature lovers to immerse themselves in the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds.

Dispersed campers should check out Forestry Road Dispersed

  • Enjoy the freedom of camping at Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, where you can find suitable spots for both tents and RVs, and experience great hiking and biking opportunities nearby.
  • This site is well-reviewed for its peaceful atmosphere and the chance to see wildlife, including black bears, making it an exciting choice for adventurous campers.
  • With no permit required and the ability to have campfires, Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite is perfect for those looking to enjoy a rustic experience.

Tips for free and dispersed camping in Pennsylvania

  • For a unique experience, consider Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite, which offers a nice spot for first-time dispersed campers, despite being close to a road.
  • If you're looking for a secluded getaway, Old Logger's Path provides beautiful views and a peaceful environment, ideal for a one or two-night backpacking trip.
  • For those who enjoy fishing, Red Mill Pond features a pond and ample space for maneuvering, making it a great spot for a short stay.

Activities for dispersed campers

  • Hikers will appreciate the trails near Buchanan State Forest, which offers interesting paths to explore, including remnants of the abandoned PA turnpike.
  • If you're seeking a riverside experience, Millstone Creek Campground has numerous dispersed spots along the river, perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
  • For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, FR437 dispersed campsite is a hidden gem that allows for a unique camping experience, complete with established fire rings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between boondocking and dispersed camping in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the terms boondocking and dispersed camping are often used interchangeably, but with subtle differences. Boondocking typically refers to self-contained camping without hookups or facilities, often in remote locations. Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite is described by campers as a "boondocker's delight" with big open spots and established fire rings, perfect for those seeking to camp off-grid. Dispersed camping, meanwhile, refers to camping outside of designated campgrounds on public lands, such as at Red Mill Pond which offers primitive sites with only basic fire rings and no facilities. Both types require campers to pack in and pack out all supplies and waste, with no access to water, electricity, or restrooms.

What permits are required for dispersed camping in Pennsylvania?

For most dispersed camping in Pennsylvania, you'll need a free permit if staying longer than one night in state forests. These permits are available from district forest offices and can typically be obtained for up to 14 consecutive days. At Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite, campers can enjoy several dispersed spots along the road without advance reservations, but should still check permit requirements with the local forest district. Similarly, Bake Oven Knob is used by overnight visitors without reported permit issues, though as an Appalachian Trail section, special regulations may apply. Always check with the specific land management agency before your trip, as requirements can vary between state forests, game lands, and national forests.

Is free camping allowed in Pennsylvania state forests?

Yes, free camping is allowed in Pennsylvania state forests in designated dispersed areas, though with some restrictions. Most state forests permit primitive camping at no cost, but you'll need a free permit for stays longer than one night, available from district forest offices. FR437 dispersed campsite is one such free location accessible by vehicle. Thunder Swamp Trailhead provides another free option. State forest camping rules typically require sites to be at least 100 feet from water sources and 200 feet from roads. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in one location. Always practice Leave No Trace principles, and be aware that some areas may have seasonal restrictions or closures during hunting seasons.

Where can I find dispersed camping locations in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania offers several dispersed camping locations in state forests and public lands. Clarion River Campground provides riverside spots suitable for RVs with direct river access, though it can get busy during peak seasons. Millstone Creek Campground offers more solitude with well-spaced sites in a mature forest setting and vault toilets nearby. Other dispersed camping areas can be found along forest service roads in the Allegheny National Forest, Tioga State Forest, and Delaware State Forest. Look for established fire rings which often indicate designated dispersed sites. Many locations are first-come, first-served with varying accessibility, so arrive early especially during summer weekends and fall foliage season.