Pennsylvania boondocking is an excellent option when visiting the state. Great conservation efforts are being made in the Southeast region of the state, especially along the Delaware River Valley near Philadelphia. Northeast Pennsylvania, including the Pocono and Endless Mountains, offers miles of hiking trails. The central part of the state is home to the Susquehanna River, with great kayaking and fishing spots, and dominating northwest Pennsylvania is the Allegheny National Forest.
Each region offers fantastic options for booondocking in Pennsylvania.
Boondocking Sites in Pennsylvania
Sproul State Forest
You can find plenty of spots for boondocking at Sproul State Forest. This forest in north-central Pennsylvania offers a double-loop trail that is 50 miles long through the Allegheny Plateau and a separate 90-mile trail connecting to the Susquehannock Trail System.
Seasonally, this state forest is a great place to go black bear, whitetail deer, and wild turkey hunting. There are also over 100 miles of fishable streams and creeks at this state forest near Renovo. As far as camping goes, you can stay overnight in a designated boondocking site with a permit.
Clarion River Campsites
There are 17 sites along the Clarion River and nine sites along Millstone Creek where you can go boondocking in Pennsylvania. Each of the Clarion River Campsites numbered sites comes with a fire ring and some can accommodate RVs up to 31 feet long.
A nearby canoe launch makes it easy to launch your vessel. Vault toilets are available at these sites within Allegheny National Forest and near Cook Forest.
Buchanan State Forest
There are over 157 miles of hiking trails in Buchanan State Forest near Hewitt. Going boondocking in the south-central part of the state gives you easy access to the Mid State and Tuscarora trails. There are several creeks to go fishing in, and the state stocks some of them with trout.
You can camp at a number of designated roadside sites in this state forest, but you will need to get a permit in advance, so be sure to do that before you head out!
Loyalstock State Forest
Loyalstock State Forest is an excellent place to go boondocking in Pennsylvania. There are no hookups, but RV spaces are available. These can be used by anyone, but you will need a permit!
Old Logger’s Trail is a beautiful 27-mile trail through this state forest, and it offers the chance to see several waterfalls. Many shorter hikes are also available. Sandy Bottom Access Area on the southern part of Loyalstock Creek is an excellent place for a family canoeing adventure.
Tioga State Forest
Tioga State Forest is home to the canyon known as Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon, and it is a beautiful place to go hiking. Additionally, the River Creek Canyon runs from this state forest near Wellsboro to Tiadaghton State Forest. Further, you can go deer, turkey, grouse, and black bear hunting during various times of the year.
Camping at this state forest, including along the Pine Creek Gorge, is super cheap. You will need a permit, so keep that in mind.
Bald Eagle State Forest
While you will need to get a permit, you can boondock in a motorized camper or RV at Bald Eagle State Park near Laurelton. This forest has over 150 miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking. You can also go fishing in this forest’s 14 streams. Seasonally, deer, turkey, grouse, squirrel, rabbit, and black bear hunting is available. Once the snow starts falling, there are over 300 miles of trails for snowmobiling.
Where to Boondock in Pennsylvania
- The vast majority of boondocking in Pennsylvania are found in the state forests.
- You can also find free camping in Pennsylvania in the Allegheny National Forest.
- Some rest areas allow free overnight parking, including many along I-76 in south Pennsylvania.
- As always, Walmart stores and Cracker Barrel locations may allow overnight parking in some parts of the state.
The best way to go boondocking in Pennsylvania is in an RV. If you do not have one, rent one with RVshare.com. Once you have an RV, all you have to do is load up, hit the road, and have an amazing time camping in Pennsylvania!
