Camping in Pennsylvania's State Forests

State Forests are Pennsylvania's hidden recreational gems. With more than 2,500 miles of trails, outdoor enthusiasts find endless opportunities for hiking and camping.

Camping on State Forest lands is defined as overnight lodging using standard camping equipment, and is categorized into three different types: primitive camping, motorized camping, and group camping.

Primitive Camping is defined as overnight camping where all equipment is transported in limited trips by non-motorized vehicle methods and where a motorized vehicle is not located near or part of the camping experience.
Please view the Primitive Camping Guidelines and Ethics.
Virtually all State Forest lands are open for primitive camping.

Primative Camping Guidelines and Ethics PDF - Brochure - Adobe PDF format (979 Kb)

If you are planning to have an open fire while camping, first check the County Burn Ban site to see if open fires are permitted.

Motorized Camping is defined as overnight camping in or near the vehicle where the vehicle continues to be used for storage or transportation.
Please view the Motorized Camping Guidelines and Ethics.
Many designated campsites are available on State Forest lands.

Motorized Camping Guidelines and Ethics PDF - Brochure - Adobe PDF format (554 Kb)

Group Camping is defined as more than 10 people in a unit, overnight motorized or primitive camping. A Letter of Authorization must first be obtained from the District Forester. A Camping Permit and Letter of Authorization are issued to the group.

A designated campsite is a relatively small, distinctly defined area, accessible from a State Forest road or drivable trail, to accommodate one vehicle, a fire ring, and space for the camping unit. Each site is identified with a vertical post indicating the site number at its entrance.

There is no fee for a Camping Permit

Camping Permits - Primitive campers spending no more than one night at a campsite do not need a Camping Permit. However, a Camping Permit is required if:

• You desire an emergency point-of-contact
• You stay at a campsite more than one night
• A campfire is desired during spring or fall fire seasons
• You camp using a vehicle for storage or transportation
• You are "group camping"
• You camp within the Pine Creek Gorge in Tiadaghton or Tioga State Forests

If you are interested in camping on State Forests lands, choose a State Forest you are interested in, and contact the district office to determine where to camp or if designated campsites are available. The district office will issue a camping permit, if needed.

A limited number of motorized camping sites are available through the Camping Permit Online Application