Sproul State Forest

4.74

19 reviews

15187 Renovo Road, Renovo, Pennsylvania, 17764, United States

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Primitive Camping Pennsylvania#1 Fishing Camping Pennsylvania Forest Camping Pennsylvania +5 more

Quick Facts

768 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Sproul Forest District Forester site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

768 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Sproul Forest District Forester site

Official Website

Get Directions

Sproul State Forest

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campsite permits are $35 and must be retained as proof during occupancy. Transfer or re-assignment voids the permit.

Standard Site Fee$35.00

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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Provider

5709236011

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What Campers Say

4.74

Top-Rated

Based on 19 reviews

638 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewssceneryhiking

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews are generally positive, emphasizing the forest’s natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and kayaking."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

15187 Renovo Road, Renovo, Pennsylvania, 17764, United States

Sproul State Forest

15187 Renovo Road, Renovo, Pennsylvania, 17764, United States

Driving directionsFrom US-220 take Exit 111 and follow PA-120W for approximately 32 miles. The Sproul State Forest Resource Management Center is located just outside Renovo at 15187 Renovo Road, Renovo, PA 17764.

Access via PA-120W is available, but the area is rugged and roads are managed minimally throughout the forest.

Nearby places

Renovo (closest city), nearby population centers not explicitly listed.

Nearby supplies

Fuel and supplies are available within the forest area

specifics regarding proximity not included.

Best Time to Camp at Sproul State Forest

Experience the dramatic dance of Pennsylvania's seasons in this mountain wilderness. Winter transforms the forest into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures plunge below freezing, creating a serene landscape perfect for cold-weather camping enthusiasts. As spring awakens the forest floor, summer arrives with comfortable temperatures ideal for hiking and stream exploration. Each season paints the forest in new colors, with precipitation patterns shifting throughout the year and occasional snow dusting the ridges well into spring.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer supports hiking, fishing and paddling; dispersed campsites available year-round.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall foliage viewing is popular; numerous scenic vistas enhance autumn visits.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Spring offers birding but has fire prohibitions Mar 1–May 25 and likely muddy trails.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling reported; forest becomes snowy and rugged in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not explicitly listed.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round with fire prohibitions in effect March 1st through May 25th unless authorized.
Current Alerts: Fire restrictions March 1-May 25 annually.

About Sproul State Forest

Escape into Pennsylvania's vast wilderness at Sproul State Forest, where 305,450 acres of untamed beauty await your discovery. This expansive forest sanctuary invites adventurous souls seeking solitude and connection with nature through its unique dispersed camping experience. Designated roadside campsites dot the landscape, offering motorized travelers the perfect basecamp for exploring one of the largest contiguous wild areas in the state.

Sproul State Forest caters to motorized unit camping with remote, roadside campsites. Tent camping is explicitly prohibited, and other types of accommodations such as cabins or glamping are not offered.

Historical SignificanceStep into a living monument to conservation named for Governor William C. Sproul, whose vision helped preserve this natural treasure for future generations. These ancient forests tell a story of resilience and renewal, rising from the ashes of 19th-century deforestation that once stripped Pennsylvania bare. Today, Sproul State Forest stands as a testament to the power of conservation, where century-old trees grow where stumps once dominated the landscape.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic dance of Pennsylvania's seasons in this mountain wilderness. Winter transforms the forest into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures plunge below freezing, creating a serene landscape perfect for cold-weather camping enthusiasts. As spring awakens the forest floor, summer arrives with comfortable temperatures ideal for hiking and stream exploration. Each season paints the forest in new colors, with precipitation patterns shifting throughout the year and occasional snow dusting the ridges well into spring.

ElevationThe forest's varied topography creates diverse microclimates and ecosystems throughout its expansive territory, offering camping experiences at different elevations across the rugged terrain.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a tapestry of mixed-oak forests that cascade down steep ridges and shelter crystal-clear mountain streams. These pristine waters serve as nurseries for native brook trout, their presence a testament to the forest's ecological health. Officially recognized as an Important Bird Area, the canopy above resonates with the songs of countless species, making this a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers seeking to capture Pennsylvania's wild heart.

Geological RegionPerched atop the ancient Allegheny Plateau in Northcentral Pennsylvania, Sproul State Forest showcases nature's architectural mastery. Expansive ridges crowned with mixed-oak forests stretch to the horizon, their roots anchored in geological history millions of years in the making. As part of the greater Susquehanna watershed, the forest's streams and springs feed into one of America's oldest river systems, connecting campers to a vast aquatic network that has shaped the region for millennia.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not explicitly listed.

Check-out

Not explicitly listed.

Stay Limit

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

Guests Allowed Per Site

At least one occupant must be 18 or older.

Groups

Information about group sites is not available.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutNo loops or sections; sites are dispersed and remote.

Reservation PlatformsReservations handled via DCNR website.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served availability not explicitly confirmed. Sites are remote and identified by signpost.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation voids permit. Violations of conditions may result in citation or revocation.

AccessibilityNo explicit accessibility features are mentioned in either the authoritative or user-generated content.

Site SizeNo specific information on campsite sizes is provided in the authoritative content or reviews.

PrivacyThe remote nature of the designated campsites suggests some level of privacy, but explicit details are unavailable.

Recommended SitesRemote sites suited for motorized units; avoid obstructing gates or roads.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sproul State Forest offers a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, kayaking, mountain biking, stargazing, and cross-country skiing during winter. The forest’s expansive trails cater to various preferences and skill levels, with notable trails like the Chuck Keiper and Donut Hole Trails. Scenic vistas and clear cool streams provide opportunities for native brook trout fishing and wildlife observation.

HikingSproul State Forest features 50-mile Chuck Keiper and 90-mile Donut Hole Trails designed for foot traffic. The Eagleton Mine Camp Trail is popular for mountain biking and hiking. User reviews highlight plentiful hiking trails and beautiful vistas. One user specifically praised the Mid State Trail.

FishingFishing is highly recommended, with the clear, cool streams supporting native brook trout. User reviews confirm rewarding fishing opportunities, with one stating, 'Great vista elk native fishing.'

BikingTrails, such as the Eagleton Mine Camp Trail, cater to mountain biking enthusiasts. User reviews also confirm biking as an activity within the forest.

BoatingCanoeing and kayaking are available from state forest access points. A user review emphasized the enjoyment of kayaking.

Wildlife viewingThe forest supports abundant wildlife, including elk, deer, bear, and turkey. User reviews highlight the diversity of wildlife, with one noting, 'All of PA's wildlife can be found here.'

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRemote area with risks including wildfire potential, wildlife encounters, and minimal facilities.

Active AlertsFire restrictions March 1-May 25 annually.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires prohibited March 1-May 25 without District Forester authorization.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Generators that create excessive noise are prohibited; disorderly conduct is disallowed.

Emergency ServicesDistrict Forester contact available at 5709236011; nearest hospital specifics are not included.

Trash & RecyclingGarbage, waste, and rubbish must be removed from the site and properly disposed of, per authoritative permit conditions.

Water FeaturesClear, cool streams providing habitat for native brook trout.

Camp HostManaged by Sproul Forest District Forester; contact at 5709236011.

Weather at Sproul State Forest

Reviews

4.7

19 reviews

Top-Rated

Sproul State Forest is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are generally positive, emphasizing the forest’s natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and kayaking.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews praise the forest’s hiking trails, wildlife diversity, scenic vistas, and suitability for hunting and fishing. One user noted, 'My ABSOLUTE favorite place to be. Beautiful scenery.'

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited amenities and cell phone reception are noted. One user stated, 'Good place to get away, no TV, little cell phone service.' Another mentioned the challenging nature of some trails.

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest enjoying the night sky and wildlife viewing. 'Leave no trace' is emphasized.

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight seasonal activities such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling during winter months. Fall foliage viewing is popular during autumn.

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'For over 50 years, I belong to a hunting and fishing cabin located in God’s country called Sproul State Forest!! Beautiful!!' – John McClintock 2. 'Love it here. All of PA's wildlife can be found...

Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific campsite reviews are available.

Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews address accessibility features.

Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted, provided they are controlled. One user mentioned positive experiences related to camping with pets.

Based on 19 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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