Best Dispersed Camping in Pennsylvania

Recent Dispersed Reviews in Pennsylvania

30 Reviews of 10 Pennsylvania Campgrounds

• 

  Aliza N.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 26, 2022

  Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

  Free dispersed camping in the Allegheny

  We camp in a lot of primitive dispersed camping, but finding a spot like this in the east is challenging! So for that…YAY, we love it. But, it’s not perfect. The road is behind the town of Ludlow (or Sheffield depending on which direction you are coming from). From Ludlow take the “Scenic Dr” and it turns into the forestry road. Lots of pull offs off this main road and you could prob find some more private ones if you explored the smaller dirt roads off the main forestry road. No services here obvi since it’s primitive camping. Road is in good condition and most any car would have no problem driving down it.

• 

  Todd H.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 13, 2024

  Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

  Dispersed with a vehicle

  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. Currently finish up the night and once the fire dies down I’ll head to bed. As some one has mentioned the only real downside is the road near by, but the traffic is at a minimum.

• 

  Ian H.

  Traveler

  

  May. 23, 2022

  Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

  A slice of Allegheny Heaven

  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. The road is definitely hidden behind the town of Ludlow but we were able to find it at 2am after a long drive from cape cod.

• 

  Kevin C.

  Ranger

  

  Oct. 6, 2024

  Red Mill Pond

  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.

• 

  Matt J.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 20, 2021

  Red Mill Pond

  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.

• 

  Kevin C.

  Ranger

  

  Aug. 11, 2024

  Millstone Creek Campground

  Camping by the river

  Many disbursed spots along the river over several miles. 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. Not much traffic and very friendly people in the area.

  The river was basically brown like pudding the only signs of life were insects. While a very beautiful area, the river was king of yucky looking.

• S

  SomadNomad M.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 9, 2024

  Buchanan State Forest

  Dyrt is wrong , AGAIN

  just pulled in and 1st spot looks great except it says on the sign THAT YOU NEED A PERMIT , DYRT So F'ing glad I paid for pro to show me the free campsites OH WAIT I JUST PAID $51.50 FOR 3 NIGHTS TO STAY AT THIS "FREE" SITE. Greed Is Killing America. Dyrt should give refunds.

• C

  Caitlin

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 12, 2020

  Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

  Decent spot

  A few dispersed spots on this road a bit overgrown but fine for setting up a tent

• 

  Scott C.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 1, 2023

  Salmon Creek Dispersed

  Salmon Creek

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

• C

  Caitlin

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 12, 2020

  Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

  Good spot

  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.

• 

  Brittney W.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 27, 2023

  Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

  Relaxing and remote!

  Great little roadside campsite to get away. We spent the night during a tropical storm and got the pleasure of hearing the rain on the tent out in this peaceful spot!

• 

  Eliezera M.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 28, 2024

  Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

  Quiet little campground

  I have a 25-foot travel trailer and found several suitable spots on SF-160. Since it rains frequently here, keep your slip-on shoes handy near the door. This area offers great hiking and biking opportunities. The campsite next to the hiking trail has WiFi about 70% of the time. Experience duck life right now!

• M

  Margaret Y.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 27, 2024

  Buchanan State Forest

  Interesting and Rustic

  This was my first experience camping with no hookups. The park is very large, with interesting trails to explore. I had not been aware of the abandoned PA turnpike that runs through the park; very interesting and haunting. It’s extremely quiet, with not a whole lot to do, but very peaceful. A terrific place to see the stars. And while it’s not free, it’s only $10/night.

• 

  Scott K.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 12, 2021

  Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

  Love the forest

  I stayed a lot deeper in the woods than this road but all the roads in the forest are drivable gravel with many pull of spots for camping!

• S

  SomadNomad M.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 22, 2024

  FR437 dispersed campsite

  FR437

  nice little hideaway , it is however right across from where people have made a make shift shooting rang, which I thought to bea bonus.

• 

  Mieszko M.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 8, 2023

  Red Mill Pond

  Good place for one night

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

• 

  derek O.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 12, 2023

  Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

  Of the gridish

  Love it. I pulled off about a half mile past the noted google maps pinpoint. Great time for the dogs and I.

• 

  Noah D.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 23, 2023

  Buchanan State Forest

  skinwalker heaven

  very sketched out my girlfriend and i had to leave. just didn’t feel welcomed there was no one around

• 

  Anne W.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 10, 2024

  Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

  Nice site, close to road and super muddy

  We stayed here in March, so there weren’t leaves back on the trees yet which meant we could see the road (and the road could see us). Not a huge deal, just not very private. It was also extremely muddy. Not bad on the main track in and out but swampy everywhere else. Overall it’s a nice spot if you’re passing through but not groundbreaking

• A

  Annie K.

  Guide

  

  May. 27, 2024

  15377

  Melvins paradise lake farm

  This place is so beautiful so peaceful the fish in the lake a huge. Small fee for fishing. It’s catch and release only. The owners of the property are very caring and helpful and friendly

• 

  John S.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 21, 2021

  Old Logger's Path

  An excellent weekend

  Last year I had convinced my wife to go on a backpacking trip with me but of course Covid-19 got in the way because of child care issues. Finally this year it happened. She got to the end realizing that maybe she didn't pick the right boots (blisters) and her ankles were sore as well but she said she loved it and would do it again.

• 

  Dylan H.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 2, 2022

  Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

  My favorite spot

  I’ve been camping here for 5 years now and it’s always a good time.

• G

  Georgia R.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 28, 2023

  Red Mill Pond

  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

• 

  Mike D.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 27, 2022

  Old Logger's Path

  Great One or Two night Backpack

  Great area. Beautiful views and nice Forrest

• b

  brent

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 19, 2023

  Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

  Nice place to camp

  Living in a van looking for spots to stay this wasn’t a bad one at all, good bit off the road, couple trails.

• 

  Mark M.

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 20, 2020

  Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

  Beautiful fall

  I have a 25 foot travel trailer. I found numerous spots on SF-160. It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door. Great hiking/biking. The spot next to the hiking trail has WiFi 70% of the time. I would give this a 5 star if it didn’t rain so much. Howe’s ace hardware is about 10 miles away with a dollar general across the street. The site seeing is second to none. The forest is enchanting. To get here, take Hwy 6 just east of Warren. Turn left on Kinzua road. Go about 8 miles. Stop at the Kinzua dam about 5 miles in. Turn right. Go about a mile and a half, turn right towards Jakes Rocks. When you come to a T, turn left (Jakes Rocks turn right). Start looking for a site. The last site on SF 160 has weekend partiers. They knock off at 11pm and are far enough away from the next site that they aren’t a nuisance. I know, I stayed there a week. Once set up, make sure you hike and drive back to Jakes Rocks. Beautiful views and drive.

• 

  Bob J.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 1, 2021

  Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

  Comes as advertised! Really nice spot!

  The spot I stayed is right on the marker.  There are multiple spots along the main forest road. Some you can drive your car in and tuck it back. Other spots you cant take your car at all.   There are tons of logging roads that split off the main forest road. They mostly have gates that say "Logging road, no public motor vehicles allowed" but they also say "Foot travel is welcome" I went down a few of these roads and almost always found a few spots that would be great places to set up camp if you are willing to walk a little bit from your car. There is a really cool place called Hector Falls. The trailhead is about a mile down the road from this spot. It's about 3/4 a mile hike into the woods. The falls are really cool to look at, and has some cool rock formations. Be careful the cliffs are about a 20 ft straight drop. Other than that this spot is not a bad spot at all. Fire wood can be found all around.