Best Dispersed Camping in Pennsylvania
Searching for a dispersed campsite in Pennsylvania? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. Search nearby dispersed campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Dispersed Sites in Pennsylvania (10)
1. Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite
Marienville, Pennsylvania8 Reviews•17 Photos•178 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
2. Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite
Ludlow, Pennsylvania8 Reviews•16 Photos•339 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
3. Red Mill Pond
Ridgway, Pennsylvania4 Reviews•9 Photos•65 SavesRed 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
- Alcohol
4. Old Logger's Path
Shunk, Pennsylvania2 Reviews•13 Photos•26 Saves- Pets
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
5. Buchanan State Forest
Wells Tannery, Pennsylvania3 Reviews•15 Photos•11 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
7. Salmon Creek Dispersed
Marienville, Pennsylvania1 Review•15 SavesDispersed foot traffic and primitive tent camping within the Forests is allowed almost anywhere, unless otherwise posted closed and/or "No Camping". Downloadable Guidelines (pdf): https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd503142.pdf
Occupancy and Use All dispersed sites are available on a first come, first served basis. At least one person must occupy a campsite during the first night Equipment left unattended for more than 24 hours is subject to removal by the Forest Service Camping or leaving camping equipment (such as, but not limited to tents, camper trailers and/or tarps) is allowed in the same location for up to 14 days. After 14 days the camp and equipment MUST be moved off of Forest Service System lands. Excavations are limited to those required to make safe campfire rings and sanitary pit toilets. Any excavation will be re-leveled prior to vacating your campsite. Do not put nails in picnic tables, or other government property.
- Pets
- Fires
- Dispersed
8. FR437 dispersed campsite
Irvine, Pennsylvania1 Review•5 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Dispersed
Recent Dispersed Reviews in Pennsylvania
29 Reviews of 10 Pennsylvania Campgrounds
- M
Margaret Y.
Guide
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.
- Todd H.
Scout
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.
Kevin C.
Ranger
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.
Eliezera M.Scout
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!
- Ian B.Guide
Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite
Nice, peaceful and free
If you don’t mind roughing it a bit, it’s really quite nice. Sites are first come first serve and there is a bit of day traffic to get to Hector Falls. Which is a nice little 2 mile hike. Some good exploring. Bring tick/bug spray. Found several on my boys and me.
- Kevin C.Ranger
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.
- SSomadNomad M.Guide
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.
- SSomadNomad M.Guide
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.
- AAnnie K.Guide
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
Anne W.GuideLoleta 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
Brittney W.
TravelerLoleta 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!
Noah D.TravelerBuchanan State Forest
skinwalker heaven
very sketched out my girlfriend and i had to leave. just didn’t feel welcomed there was no one around
- GGeorgia R.Scout
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
derek O.ScoutLoleta 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.
Mieszko M.ScoutRed Mill Pond
Good place for one night
Been there with camper van No facilities, only some fireplaces. Good for a short stay, quiet
- bbrentTraveler
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.
- Scott C.Traveler
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
Mystic S.GuideForestry Road Dispersed Campsite
Pretty goof spot! Easy to find
Sometimes I read other people's reviews, and I just don't understand how we went to the same spot. This place is fine. Easy enough to find (found it first try without ever once wondering where am i).
Apparently the entire area is a natural gas reserve, so there are these blue and orange posts signifying gas lines, those are actually the hiking trails. They don't look like normal trail heads. There is spotty cell service through the forest, usually you can walk around for a couple minutes and find some. I managed to get an average of 3-4 bars of 5g every day.
So!! My car battery died while I was out there, the company that helped me jump start found me with no problems, they do it a lot. So that's cool!
Also... there's black bears that live in the several caves in the area. I was meditating in my car one evening and a bear stood up and pushed against my window. Definitely be sure to pack up all food and trash at night. The bears are skittish, but they will find you if there's food in you camp!!
- Mike D.Traveler
Old Logger's Path
Great One or Two night Backpack
Great area. Beautiful views and nice Forrest
Aliza N.
LegendForestry 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.
- Ian H.Traveler
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.
Dylan H.ScoutLoleta Road Dispersed Campsite
My favorite spot
I’ve been camping here for 5 years now and it’s always a good time.
- Scott K.Traveler
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!
Bob J.ScoutForestry 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.
Matt J.TravelerRed 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.
John S.RangerOld 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.
Mark M.TravelerForestry 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.
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.