Forest Camping in Pennsylvania

Forest Camping in Pennsylvania

Discover the best forest camping across Pennsylvania. Immerse yourself in the forest. Towering trees, dappled sunlight, and the sounds of nature.

20+ Campgrounds4.7★ AverageBest: Year-round
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Hearts Content Recreation Area
Star
4.7
(270)
Hearts Content Recreation Area
Bradford
Allegheny National Forest

Towering white pines and ancient hemlocks create a living cathedral where dappled sunlight filters through centuries-old canopy onto moss-covered forest floors.

Tents
RVs
2
Cherry Springs State Park
Photo coming soon
Star
4.8
(326)
Cherry Springs State Park
Galeton

Dense canopy of black cherry, maple, oak, and hemlock creates a highland forest sanctuary where black bears roam and barred owls call through the darkness.

Tents
RVs
3
Ole Bull State Park
Photo coming soon
Star
4.7
(253)
Ole Bull State Park
Cross Fork

Ancient hemlocks and hardwoods tower overhead, forming a cathedral-like canopy where morning mists drift through shadowy glens and deer emerge along Kettle Creek's winding banks.

Tents
RVs

About Forest Camping in Pennsylvania

Forest camping Pennsylvania offers some of the most enchanting woodland experiences in the eastern United States, where ancient trees tower overhead and pristine wilderness stretches for miles. From the old-growth giants of Allegheny National Forest to the mysterious Black Forest region of Potter County, Pennsylvania's forest campgrounds provide intimate connections with nature that few states can match.

Best Time

Late spring through early fall offers the most comfortable forest camping in Pennsylvania, with May through October providing the best weather and full campground operations. Summer months of June through August deliver warm days perfect for exploring forest trails, though this is also peak season with higher campground occupancy—reserve popular spots like Cherry Springs and Hearts Content several months in advance.

Scenery Highlights

  • Towering tree canopies
  • Shaded, cool campsites
  • Diverse wildlife viewing
  • Peaceful woodland atmosphere

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Forest Camping in Pennsylvania

Map of campgrounds near Forest Camping in Pennsylvania
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Map Key
1
Hearts Content Recreation Area
2
Cherry Springs State Park
3
Ole Bull State Park
4
Kettle Creek State Park
5
Sproul State Forest
6
Clear Creek State Park
7
Hills Creek State Park
8
Sinnemahoning State Park
9
Raymond B Winter State Park
10
Tuscarora State Forest
11
Poe Paddy State Park
12
Greenwood Furnace State Park
13
Lyman Run State Park
14
Oil Creek State Park
15
Promised Land State Park
16
Tobyhanna State Park
17
Laurel Hill State Park
18
Cowans Gap State Park
19
Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground
20
Trough Creek State Park
View all 20 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Forest hiking and nature walksWildlife watching and bird identificationPhotography of old-growth trees and forest landscapesMountain biking on forest roads and trailsFishing in forest streams and creeksStargazing under dark forest skies

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve campsites early for popular forest campgrounds, especially Cherry Springs, Ole Bull, and Clear Creek, which can book solid months ahead for summer weekends and fall foliage season.
  • 2Pennsylvania state forest camping requires free permits available online or at forest district offices—print your permit before arrival as cell service is limited in remote areas.
  • 3Bring extra layers even in summer as forest campgrounds at higher elevations experience significant temperature drops at night, often 20-30 degrees cooler than valleys.
  • 4Pack a quality rain fly and ground tarp since the dense forest canopy holds moisture and morning dew is heavy.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Forest Camping in Pennsylvania

Forest Camping in Pennsylvania FAQ

We've ranked 20+ forest campgrounds in Pennsylvania based on tree coverage, wildlife viewing, and hiking access. Top options offer shaded sites and peaceful woodland settings.
Forest campgrounds in Pennsylvania are home to diverse wildlife including deer, various bird species, and small mammals. Store food properly and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Pennsylvania offers excellent forest camping with diverse woodland ecosystems, well-maintained trails, and shaded campsites perfect for summer escapes. Many sites offer both developed and primitive options.
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