Established Camping
Bald Eagle State Forest
About
State Park
Bald Eagle State Forest, named for the famous Native American, Chief Bald Eagle, includes 193,424 acres in Snyder County, Union County, Centre County, Mifflin County, and Clinton County.
It spans across the high, sharp ridges of central Pennsylvania and features miles pristine mountain streams and numerous tracts of old growth forest.
Bald Eagle forest district lies in the beautiful ridge and valley section of the state. From the limestone-rich Susquehanna Valley in the southeast to the Allegheny Mountains in the northwest, the forest district is dominated by a series of sandstone ridges some of which reach heights of 2,300 feet above sea level.
The confluence of the west and north branches of the Susquehanna River occurs on the eastern boundary of the district, opposite the town of Northumberland.
The many streams within the area have their origin in the forested ridges and flow in several directions eventually emptying into the Susquehanna River.
Public watersheds comprise over one-third of the Bald Eagle State Forest, making the wise management of this land essential.
Reservation Info
Backpack campers are permitted to camp in the forest without a permit if staying no more than one night in any location. Backpack camping does not allow for access to motorized vehicles during overnight stays. A permit is required if the backpacker desires an emergency point-of-contact or if a campfire is requested during the annual spring wildfire season.
Motorized campsites may be reserved up to 90 days in advance. Site check-in begins at 12:00 P.M., and the permit holder must occupy the campsite listed on the permit within 24 hours of the booked arrival date. Check-out is no later than 12:00 P.M. on the end date. No more than two camping permits will be issued at any one time and no permits will be issued until those issued expire. A permit will not be valid for more than seven consecutive nights. Any individuals or groups who have received permits which total a sum of 30 days in a calendar year will not be issued more for that calendar year. A camping permit will not be issued to anyone under the age of 18.
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Pets
- Fires
GuideMotorized Campsite
Overall Bald Eagle State Forest was an amazing location and beautiful place to explore. We had an amazing stay, and the trails were tons of fun to drive. The only downside of our campsite was that it was listed as “motorized”. These sites are advertised as drive-up and occupy your vehicle sites, however there were two giant boulders blocking the pathway to the actual site. The fire ring and picnic table were tucked away in the woods, and about 100 yards away was the road and a pull off for the vehicle. Luckily we drive a 4x4 SUV and were able to drive over said boulders, but for someone in a regular car or with a trailer, this would be impossible. There were a few cars that passed during our whole stay, but overall it was peaceful and quiet. These sites are primitive and spread out, but absolutely free if you have a permit! We will definitely visit the area again, but choose a different site with photos before hand.
- (6) View All
GuideVery secluded quiet spot
Nice little spot with no one around. Maybe 2-3 cars passed on the SF road each day. Primitive camping with picnic table and fire ring - that’s it. Have to carry your gear from your car a little ways. Very close to the MST. Only complaint was that there was a beautiful creek behind it with no trail. Don’t count on it being an easy water source. Free, just need to get a permit and reserve through state forest
- (5) View All
GuideDispersed Site #13; Pretty, loud, not accessible for pop up campers
Husband and I set off for a weekend of boon docking at Bald Eagle State Forest in our little pop up camper. We stayed at site #13, which is a dispersed site- not in the campground.
Picture a lovely large, round grassy meadow surrounded by trees at the end of a long gravel road. Picnic table, fire ring, one pretty tree in the center, and a babbling brook down below the site. It looks so perfect! Now picture large boulders preventing any wheeled vehicle (including a light little pop up) from rolling into said field. Add in that the I-80 interstate is so close that you can see trucks through the trees in some places- not to mention hear them all.night.long. Would we camp here again? Nope. We would not. Would this be right for some? Probably yes- especially tent campers, loud groups, and those who feel safer with road noise in the background.
This site was not listed as"tent only", and I suppose being able to set up on the gravel road did work. But I was majorly bummed we couldn't set up at the back of the actual site itself. The road set up was not nearly as nice. You can see in my photos the size of the site, and the boulders, and where we ended up setting up.
I will also mention that the road getting here involved a hairpin turn (from Long Run Rd. onto Ransaires Rd.) that large set ups would not be able to make. We made it work and we had a great trip.
Not what we expected, but we still had a good time. We will try again at Bald Eagle State Forest, but would not choose this site again.
Location
Bald Eagle State Forest is located in Pennsylvania
Coordinates
40.798319 N
77.389987 W