Elk State Forest

Star0
4 reviews
258 Sizerville Road, Emporium, Pennsylvania, 15834, United States
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

1,027 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

No explicit informat...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Elk State Forest District Office site

Official Website
Get Directions
Elk State Forest
$7.00 - $7.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The reservation fee for the campsite is $7 as indicated for dispersed camping purposes.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
8144863353
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

148 Google reviews

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews generally praise Elk State Forest for its natural beauty and dispersed recreational opportunities. The spotty cell service and lack of elk sightings were noted by some."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

258 Sizerville Road, Emporium, Pennsylvania, 15834, United States

Elk State Forest

258 Sizerville Road, Emporium, Pennsylvania, 15834, United States

Driving directionsThe District Office is located in the town of Emporium, 1/4 mile north of the intersection of SR 120 and SR 155. Emporium is approximately 19 miles east of the city of St Marys. The District Office is approximately 1 hour north of the DuBois and Snow Shoe/Clearfield exits of Interstate 80.
Road access involves paved routes through SR 120 and SR 155 to Emporium. Seasonal closures or challenging terrain are not mentioned.
Nearby places
Emporium (0 miles), St Marys (19 miles, ~30 min drive), DuBois (~1 hour drive), Snow Shoe (~1 hour drive), Clearfield (~1 hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Emporium provides access to basic supplies
closest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel specifics are not detailed.

Best Time to Camp at Elk State Forest

Experience the dramatic beauty of changing seasons in Elk State Forest, where each time of year paints the landscape with its own unique palette. Winter transforms the forest into a serene wonderland, with crystalline snow blanketing the trails and temperatures that invite cozy campfire gatherings. As spring awakens the forest floor, summer arrives with warm, golden days perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, punctuated by refreshing afternoon showers that bring the scent of rain-washed earth and rejuvenated foliage.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer good for hiking, paddling (when creeks run) and dispersed camping.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Fall likely prime for elk viewing and foliage; scenic vistas highlighted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring likely provides higher creek flows for paddling plus hiking and fishing.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5

Winter offers snowmobiling and cross-country skiing; forest becomes serene.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: No explicit information regarding specific open/closed seasons; refer to State Forest regulations.

About Elk State Forest

Discover the breathtaking expanse of Elk State Forest, where 217,000 acres of pristine wilderness await your exploration. This magnificent forest sanctuary, cloaked in lush northern hardwoods and majestic mixed oak groves, offers adventurers a rare glimpse into Pennsylvania's untamed heart. Here, dispersed recreational facilities blend seamlessly with the landscape, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in nature alongside the legendary wild elk herd that calls these ancient woods home.
Elk State Forest offers a variety of camping experiences, including primitive backcountry camping and improved sites. However, the focus is primarily on dispersed and rustic camping.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Limit of 7 continuous days of camping on state forest land.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Elk State Forest provides numerous activities primarily centered around its natural features. Hiking, horseback riding, fishing, elk viewing, hunting, and sightseeing are all highlighted as popular activities. In the winter, the forest becomes a hub for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
HikingHiking opportunities include trails of moderate difficulty with scenic overlooks and the chance to explore deep river valleys. User reviews commend the area for its 'must-see, easy to navigate' paths.
FishingFishing in rivers and streams is available, but no specifics regarding fish species or fishing conditions are provided.
BoatingBoating opportunities are mentioned, specifically canoeing and kayaking. Details about specific water bodies or facilities are not provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a key attraction, with the area known for its elk herd. One user noted seeing a bear with two cubs.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears and elk. User reviews mention spotting bears with cubs.

Weather at Elk State Forest

Reviews

0.0
4 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Elk State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise Elk State Forest for its natural beauty and dispersed recreational opportunities. The spotty cell service and lack of elk sightings were noted by some.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the ease of navigation to various scenic stops, the opportunity to camp in solitude away from crowds, and the beauty of the area.
Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

Spotty cell service and the occasional difficulty in spotting elk were mentioned as drawbacks.
Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest taking advantage of the solitude during hiking or camping and being prepared for limited cell reception.
Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter activities such as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are noted as popular. The fall season likely sees increased interest due to elk viewing, but this is not explicitly mentioned by users.
Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Love this place, love this area. A must-see, easy to navigate to different stops.' - Cody Morgan 2. 'Thank goodness for public land. Did a little hiking and camped far from the madding crowd. Saw...
Show more
Based on 4 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews mention specific campsites by number or location.
Based on 4 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews were found.
Based on 4 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept under control and attended at all times. No user reviews directly address experiences with pets.
Based on 4 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

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


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Pennsylvania

Campgrounds
Elk State Forest