Pinchot State Forest

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1841 Abington Rd, North Abington Twp, Pennsylvania, 18414, United States

Quick Facts

1,020 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Camping prohibited f...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens State Forest Department site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,020 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Camping prohibited f...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens State Forest Department site

Official Website

Get Directions

Pinchot State Forest

$0.00 - $7.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No detailed fee structure provided beyond State Forest Campsite Permit information, which may range from $0 to $7.

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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Campground Map

1841 Abington Rd, North Abington Twp, Pennsylvania, 18414, United States

Pinchot State Forest

1841 Abington Rd, North Abington Twp, Pennsylvania, 18414, United States

Driving directionsDistrict Office located 13 miles north of Scranton. Seven miles off I-81, take Exit 199 (Scott Exit) and head West. Follow signs for Lackawanna State Park/Pinchot Forest District office.

Easily accessible off I-81, with clear signage directing to the forest office. Seasonal closures or challenging terrain not mentioned.

Nearby places

Scranton (13 miles), Lackawanna State Park (approximately 7 miles from I-81).

Nearby supplies

Supplies availability explicitly mentioned near Moon Lake and Manny Gordon Recreation Areas, but exact locations for groceries, fuel, etc. are not detailed.

Best Time to Camp at Pinchot State Forest

Experience four distinct seasons that transform the forest throughout the year. Spring arrives with refreshing rains that awaken wildflowers and fill the waterfalls to their peak flow. Summer brings warm, comfortable days perfect for hiking and camping under the forest canopy. Autumn paints the mountains in brilliant golds and crimsons as temperatures cool to ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, where freezing temperatures create ice formations and frost-covered vistas that take your breath away.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers hiking, biking and boating; waterfalls flow may be lower than spring.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Rolling mountains and overlooks make fall foliage season particularly appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring brings peak waterfall flows and wildflowers, though camping is restricted Mar 1–May 25.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter snowmobiling noted; conditions can be harsh and some access may be limited.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season timing not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Camping prohibited from March 1st to May 25th without authorization from the District Forester, or when fire danger levels are high, very high, or extreme.

About Pinchot State Forest

Discover 50,000 acres of pristine wilderness in northeastern Pennsylvania's Pinchot State Forest, where towering trees and rolling mountains tell the story of America's conservation movement. Named for Gifford Pinchot, the visionary who helped save our nation's forests, this expansive natural sanctuary invites you to explore the very landscapes that inspired a conservation revolution.

Pinchot State Forest caters to campers seeking primitive and backcountry camping experiences. The forest emphasizes dispersed recreation over developed campgrounds.

Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of Gifford Pinchot, America's first Chief Forester and the architect of modern conservation. His pioneering vision tripled our nation's forest reserves and established the principles that protect these wild places today. Every trail you explore and vista you witness stands as a living monument to his legacy, reminding us that these forests exist not just for today's adventurers, but for generations yet to come.

Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons that transform the forest throughout the year. Spring arrives with refreshing rains that awaken wildflowers and fill the waterfalls to their peak flow. Summer brings warm, comfortable days perfect for hiking and camping under the forest canopy. Autumn paints the mountains in brilliant golds and crimsons as temperatures cool to ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Winter transforms the landscape into a serene wonderland, where freezing temperatures create ice formations and frost-covered vistas that take your breath away.

ElevationJourney through Pennsylvania's dramatic mountainous terrain, where elevation changes create diverse ecosystems and breathtaking viewpoints. The varied topography offers everything from gentle valley walks to challenging summit climbs, ensuring adventures for every skill level.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape of cascading waterfalls and panoramic vistas that showcase nature's artistry. Feel the mist from Choke Creek Falls and Rattlesnake Falls as they tumble over ancient rock faces. Marvel at the Seven Tubs, where swirling waters have carved perfect cylindrical pools into solid rock over millennia. Climb to spectacular viewpoints like Tillbury Knob and Pine Run Vista, where the forest stretches endlessly before you. From the heights of Montage Mountain Overlook to the sweeping Mocanaqua and Joe Palooka overlooks, each vista reveals a new perspective on this magnificent wilderness. Don't miss the mysterious Spruce Swamp Natural Area, where rare ecosystems harbor unique plant and animal species found nowhere else in the region.

Geological RegionExplore the dramatic meeting point of the mighty Susquehanna and Lackawanna rivers, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of incredible diversity. From the rugged Pocono Plateau to the distinctive Northern Ridge and Valley formations, and across the Glaciated High Plateau, you'll traverse terrain shaped by millions of years of natural history. This unique position straddling both the Susquehanna watershed and the Delaware-Mid Atlantic Coastal watershed creates an extraordinary tapestry of ecosystems, each supporting its own remarkable array of wildlife and plant communities.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Limit of 7 continuous days of camping, with a 48-hour gap required before resuming camping.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Minimum of one person aged 18 or older per site. Number of additional guests not specified.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsState Forest Rules and Regulations available online at https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/RulesAndRegulations/Pages/default.aspx. No specific reservation platform like a website or phone app mentioned.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific mention of walk-up/first-come-first-serve availability.

Cancellation PolicyPermit becomes null and void if canceled or transferred prior to arrival date. Occupants must follow specific permit conditions or risk revocation.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the authoritative source.

Site SizeCampground facilities emphasize dispersed recreation, with no mention of standard campsite sizes.

PrivacySites are dispersed across multiple tracts and recreation areas, which likely contributes to a sense of privacy. However, specific site-level privacy details are not provided.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Pinchot State Forest offers a variety of outdoor activities catered to nature enthusiasts, including hiking, mountain biking, birdwatching, and fishing. The area also supports kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding, and snowmobiling. Visitors may explore scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and unique geological formations.

HikingHiking is available throughout the forest, with trails in areas such as Thornhurst, Seven Tubs, Laurel Run, Moon Lake, Mocanaqua, and Elmhurst. Trails vary in difficulty from easy to difficult, offering options for hikers of all skill levels.

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

FishingFishing is supported within the forest, with access to rivers, streams, and lakes. Specific details about the types of fish available are not provided.

BikingMountain biking is featured, with the Moon Lake Recreation Area being highlighted as a notable location for trail biking enthusiasts.

BoatingKayaking and canoeing opportunities are available, providing water-based recreational options.

Wildlife viewingThe forest supports birdwatching and wildlife observation, making it an attractive destination for nature enthusiasts.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildfire risk during high fire danger levels (March-May). Prohibition against damaging living plants and historical or archeological resources.

Fire PolicyCampfires prohibited March-May without authorization. Dead and down wood may be burned but not removed. Generators creating excessive noise are prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Noise restrictions apply but specific quiet hours not outlined.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station and Resource Management Center within the forest. Closest hospital not explicitly mentioned.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are instructed to remove all garbage/waste/rubbish from the site and dispose of it properly, as littering is prohibited.

Water FeaturesWaterfalls and geological features like Seven Tubs, Choke Creek Falls, and Rattlesnake Falls.

Weather at Pinchot State Forest

Reviews

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Limited Reviews

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

User reviews are not available in the source materials.

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

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Common Concerns

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Pro Tips & Recommendations

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Seasonal Insights

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Camper Quotes

No user quotes are provided in the source materials.

Site-Specific Reviews

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Accessibility Features

No accessibility-related feedback is available from user reviews.

Pet-Friendly Features

No user reviews are available to discuss experiences with the campground's pet policies.

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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