Forbes State Forest

1 review

1291 Route 30, P.O Box 519, Laughlintown, Pennsylvania, 15655, United States

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

3,213 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Forbes State Forest Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,213 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Forbes State Forest Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Forbes State Forest

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping is free at roadside designated sites within Forbes State Forest.

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

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 1 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

"The limited user reviews mention the park's natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities. "Beautiful state park with camping and a free beach," was noted in one review, though the beach reference conflicts with the official information."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1291 Route 30, P.O Box 519, Laughlintown, Pennsylvania, 15655, United States

Forbes State Forest

1291 Route 30, P.O Box 519, Laughlintown, Pennsylvania, 15655, United States

Driving directionsFrom I-76, take Exit 110 and continue onto PA-601 North and then follow PA-985 North for 7.2 miles. Turn left onto US-30 and continue 7.7 miles.

Roads are accessible year-round but may require caution during winter or severe weather conditions. Roads are primarily paved.

Nearby places

Laughlintown (0 miles), Somerset (~15 miles, 25 minutes), Ligonier (~8 miles, 15 minutes), Donegal (~12 miles, 20 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Basic supplies can be sourced from Somerset (~25 minutes) or Ligonier (~15 minutes). Larger retail options can be found in Greensburg (~35 minutes).

Best Time to Camp at Forbes State Forest

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of Pennsylvania's highlands throughout the year. Winter blankets the forest in pristine snow and crystalline cold, creating a wonderland for hardy adventurers. As spring awakens the wilderness, summer arrives with gentle breezes and comfortable temperatures that make outdoor exploration a joy. Each season paints the landscape in new colors, though campers should always check current fire restrictions before setting out on their journey.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers extensive trails and dispersed camping; favorable weather and peak use likely.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Dramatic seasonal transformations and Laurel Highlands vistas make fall especially appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Trails open for spring use but fire restrictions (Mar 1–May 25) and muddy conditions may limit comfort.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 7% in PA

Winter recreation (snowmobiling, XC skiing) is popular; forest offers snowy landscapes.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Due to year-round access and free camping, peak seasons may align with favorable weather conditions or holidays.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; fire restrictions apply from March 1st to May 25th.
Current Alerts: Seasonal fire restrictions from March 1st to May 25th.

About Forbes State Forest

Escape to the solitude of Forbes State Forest, where six secluded roadside camping sites offer the perfect wilderness retreat. These free, dispersed camping spots invite adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry experience, complete with crackling fire rings and rustic picnic tables beneath towering forest canopies. Leave the crowds behind and embrace the simplicity of remote camping, where the only amenities you'll need are the ones nature provides.

Forbes State Forest provides six designated roadside campsites, which are primitive in nature. These sites are remote and focus on a minimal impact camping experience.

Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of history at Forbes State Forest, where echoes of colonial America still resonate through the trees. Named in honor of General John Forbes, whose legendary 1758 British expedition marched through these very lands to challenge French forces at Fort Duquesne, this forest serves as a living monument to the struggles that shaped our nation. Every trail and ridge tells a story of courage, conflict, and the birth of the American frontier.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of Pennsylvania's highlands throughout the year. Winter blankets the forest in pristine snow and crystalline cold, creating a wonderland for hardy adventurers. As spring awakens the wilderness, summer arrives with gentle breezes and comfortable temperatures that make outdoor exploration a joy. Each season paints the landscape in new colors, though campers should always check current fire restrictions before setting out on their journey.

ElevationStand atop Pennsylvania at Mt. Davis, where the forest reaches its spectacular crescendo at 3,213 feet above sea level. This lofty perch offers more than just bragging rights as the state's highest point—it's a gateway to alpine-like conditions and breathtaking vistas that stretch across multiple counties. The thin mountain air and expansive views remind visitors why Pennsylvania's highlands rival any eastern mountain destination.

Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a landscape that captures the wild heart of the Laurel Highlands in all its untamed glory. From the mysterious wetlands of Spruce Flats Bog to the commanding heights of Mt. Davis, Forbes State Forest showcases nature's incredible diversity. Rocky outcroppings frame panoramic views that stretch for miles, while ancient forests harbor rare plants and wildlife. This rugged sanctuary attracts naturalists, photographers, and anyone drawn to places where wilderness still reigns supreme.

Geological RegionJourney through the dramatic terrain of the Laurel Highlands, where Forbes State Forest sprawls across ancient ridges that tell a story millions of years in the making. These long, parallel ridges march northeast like frozen waves, creating a landscape of stunning complexity and rugged beauty. At the crown of this geological wonderland sits Mt. Davis, Pennsylvania's 3,213-foot summit, offering visitors a chance to literally stand on top of the Keystone State while surrounded by the raw, irregular terrain that defines this remarkable highland region.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at any time when the site is unoccupied.

Check-out

Check-out required after 7 continuous days or before reoccupation within 48 hours.

Stay Limit

Limit of 7 continuous days of camping on state forest land. Camping cannot be resumed until 48 hours have passed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Occupants shall include at least one person 18 years of age or older.

Groups

No group camping options are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutDesignated roadside campsites are remote and dispersed.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not required; roadside campsites are free and identified by signposts.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll campsites are walk-up and operate on a first-come-first-served basis.

Cancellation PolicyPermit is null and void if reservation is canceled or transferred prior to the date of arrival.

AccessibilityInformation on accessibility features is not provided.

Site SizeThe six roadside campsites are described as designated and remote, but no specific details about their size are available.

PrivacyThe campsites are remote roadside locations, which may suggest some level of privacy, but no explicit information is provided.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites based on personal preference for proximity to trails or scenic viewpoints.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Forbes State Forest supports a wide variety of recreational activities including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, hunting, fishing, and sightseeing. It offers four-season recreation and includes over 360 miles of shared-use trails and scenic vistas.

HikingThe forest features over 360 miles of shared-use trails that are popular for both summer and winter hiking. Key trails include those in the Laurel Highlands Trail System, Roaring Run Natural Area, and Quebec Run Wild Area.

FishingFishing is permitted within the state forest, but no specifics about fish types or fishing conditions are provided.

BikingMountain biking is supported, with extensive trails suitable for various skill levels.

Wildlife viewingThe forest's diverse habitats, including features like Spruce Flats Bog, support wildlife viewing opportunities, but specific species are not listed.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential dangers include wildlife, rugged terrain, and seasonal fire hazards.

Active AlertsSeasonal fire restrictions from March 1st to May 25th.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted outside of March 1-May 25 if attended and precautions are taken to prevent spread.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Disorderly conduct and unreasonable noise are prohibited.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services are located in Somerset (~25 minutes), including hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to remove all garbage, waste, and rubbish from the site and dispose of it properly. No specific trash or recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesSpruce Flats Bog is a major water feature; additional streams and small bodies of water are scattered throughout.

Camp HostNo campground hosts are specified.

Weather at Forbes State Forest

Reviews

0.0

1 reviews

Limited Reviews

Forbes State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

The limited user reviews mention the park's natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities. "Beautiful state park with camping and a free beach," was noted in one review, though the beach reference conflicts with the official information.

Review Summaries

Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

Natural beauty, extensive trails for hiking and biking, and opportunities for dispersed recreation are common praise points.

Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of amenities such as potable water, showers, and restrooms may be potential concerns, though not directly stated in reviews.

Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions, including bringing their own water and waste disposal solutions.

Based on 1 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park offers year-round recreation, with winter activities like snowmobiling and cross-country skiing being popular during colder months.

Based on 1 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful state park with camping and a free beach." – While this review mentions a beach, no such amenity is officially listed.

Based on 1 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite numbers or reviews are provided.

Based on 1 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not mentioned in the available materials.

Based on 1 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, provided they are controlled and attended at all times. Proper disposal of animal waste is mandatory.

Based on 1 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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