Cook Forest State Park

Star4.45
317 reviews
PO Box 120 River Road, COOKSBURG, Pennsylvania, 16217, United States
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

1,181 ft

Price

$32.5/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

No explicit open or ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Cook Forest State Park Office site

Official Website
Get Directions
Cook Forest State Park
$32.50 - $32.50 / night
Campsite Fees
Sites cost $32.5 per night, which includes an additional $2 fee for pets. Rates apply primarily to non-hookup tent sites.
Standard Site Fee$32.50
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Reserve America
Provider
8147448407
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 317 reviews

279 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietshowerswaterwell-maintained

"User reviews for Cook Forest State Park are generally positive, with many highlighting the beauty of the old growth forest and variety of outdoor activities. Common complaints include outdated and poorly maintained facilities, limited privacy in some areas, and strict enforcement of camp policies."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO Box 120 River Road, COOKSBURG, Pennsylvania, 16217, United States

Cook Forest State Park

PO Box 120 River Road, COOKSBURG, Pennsylvania, 16217, United States

Driving directionsFrom the east, take Exit 78 off of I-80, then PA 36 north directly to the park in Cooksburg. From the west, take Exit 60 off of I-80, then take PA 66 north to Leeper. From Leeper, follow PA 36 south, seven miles to the park. Ridge Campground: From Cook Forest Park Office: Take a right onto Route 36 North and continue for approximately one-mile. Ridge Camp is located on the right-hand side of the road directly across from Fire Tower Road. From Leeper: Take Route 36 South for 7 miles. Ridge Camp is located on the left-hand side of the road directly across from Fire Tower Road. Indian Cabins: Cabins are located behind the Cook Forest Park Office near the children's fishing pond. River Cabins: From the intersection of River Road and Route 36, travel approximately one-mile on River Road. Cabins are located on the left-hand side of the road near Henry Run.
Accessible year-round via state roads. PA 36 is paved and leads directly to the park. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain noted.
Nearby places
Leeper (7 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Clarion (10 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Gas station with grocery basics and ice cream nearby (exact distance unclear). Firewood available for purchase on-site. Nearest camp store outside the campground mentioned but exact distance unavailable.

Best Time to Camp at Cook Forest State Park

Each season paints Cook Forest with its own distinctive palette. Spring arrives with a whisper of warming breezes and the forest floor carpeted in wildflowers, while summer wraps the campground in comfortable warmth perfect for riverside adventures. Autumn transforms the landscape into a masterpiece of gold and crimson, with crisp air that makes every hike invigorating. Winter brings its own quiet magic, with freezing temperatures that transform the forest into a crystalline wonderland. Throughout the year, the park enjoys relatively dry conditions, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts in any season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers lush greenery and family activities but can be crowded according to reviews.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Fall foliage frequently lauded by reviewers; autumn is a highlighted season for scenic color.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and warming breezes though some reviews warn of damp conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Winter activities not described; park likely quieter but winter-specific amenities aren't documented.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: No explicit open or closed seasons provided in the source materials.
  • Current Alerts: None explicitly stated in the source materials.

About Cook Forest State Park

Step into a living cathedral where ancient giants touch the sky at Cook Forest State Park's enchanting 8,500-acre wilderness. Here, centuries-old trees create a natural sanctuary that has earned the Forest Cathedral its prestigious designation as a National Natural Landmark. Your camping adventure unfolds beneath the protective canopy of these towering sentinels, where wooded sites offer intimate communion with nature. Miles of winding trails beckon explorers deeper into the forest's mysteries, while the gentle waters of the Clarion River provide a refreshing counterpoint to your woodland retreat.
Cook Forest State Park accommodates various camping preferences, including tent camping, RV sites, and cabin lodging. Both primitive and developed camping options are available, with designated pet-friendly areas.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
  • No formal check-in process mentioned
  • campers are instructed to find their reserved spot upon arrival.
Check-out
No formal check-out process mentioned.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is not explicitly detailed.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Cook Forest State Park is renowned for outdoor recreation, from hiking in its old growth forest and exploring trails to engaging in water sports on the Clarion River. Wildlife viewing and stargazing are popular due to the quiet and natural setting.
HikingMultiple trails, including some leading to notable landmarks like the Fire Tower. Reviewers describe the trails as varied in difficulty and scenic, with access directly from the campground.
FishingFishing is available, with opportunities at the children's fishing pond near the cabins.
BoatingActivities such as kayaking, canoeing, and rafting are popular on the Clarion River, which is readily accessible from the campground.
Wildlife viewingFrequent sightings of raccoons, chipmunks, deer, and other woodland creatures. Reviewers mention raccoons being particularly bold around campsites.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRaccoons and other wildlife may pose minor nuisances such as food theft. Seasonal flooding is reported at site 186 during heavy rains.
Active AlertsNone explicitly stated in the source materials.

Weather at Cook Forest State Park

Reviews

4.5
317 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Cook Forest State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Cook Forest State Park are generally positive, with many highlighting the beauty of the old growth forest and variety of outdoor activities. Common complaints include outdated and poorly maintained facilities, limited privacy in some areas, and strict enforcement of camp policies.
Review Summaries
Based on 317 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers praise the scenic old growth forest, abundant recreational opportunities, quiet nights, and well-maintained sites. Hot showers and good water pressure were frequently noted.
Based on 317 reviews

Common Concerns

Common criticisms include outdated restrooms and showers, lack of privacy in some areas, and strict enforcement of rules by park rangers. Wet or green firewood was also a concern.
Based on 317 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood as on-site options may be damp. For better cell service, utilize the dump station area. Book sites in the back loops for more privacy.
Based on 317 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visitors appreciated the lush greenery and family-friendly atmosphere, but noted crowded conditions. Fall reviews frequently lauded the autumn foliage. Winter activities were not mentioned.
Based on 317 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The 300+ year-old trees are definitely a sight to see!" - Aubrey Freeze; "Quiet at night and good for stargazing or watching fireflies." - Christopher Field; "Great for tent camping to full hook up....
Show more
Based on 317 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 186 is noted for its privacy but is prone to flooding. Site 215 reportedly offers limited space between neighbors.
Based on 317 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA sites and restrooms were mentioned, but there is limited specific feedback from users with disabilities.
Based on 317 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-friendly sites are appreciated, but strict enforcement of pet rules was highlighted as a drawback.
Based on 317 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Cook Forest State Park? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Pennsylvania

Campgrounds
Cook Forest State Park