Cook Forest State Park RV & Campground Guide
Pennsylvania
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The Cook Forest State Park contains over 8,500 acres of wilderness in northwestern Pennsylvania. The adjacent Clarion River Lands add another 3,000 acres to explore. The park is best known for its breathtaking old-growth hemlock and white pine timber. These stands of virgin forest have earned the park the nickname the "Black Forest" of Pennsylvania. Adding to the park's allure is the scenic Clarion River, which borders the park's southern boundary.
Spring 26 - 72 F
Summer 55 - 82 F
Fall 33 - 74 F
Winter 19 - 37 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Cook Forest State Park
The Ridge Campground within Cook Forest State Park has 210 campsites, including ADA-accessible options. It offers RV sites with pull-through and back-in parking. Spots with full and partial hookups are available. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet long, and a dump station is on site. Amenities include potable water, showers, flush toilets, and a coin-operated laundry room. The camping season is between mid-April and mid-October.
What to Do at
Cook Forest State Park
This forest wonderland offers nearly endless outdoor activity. The old-growth forest, trails, and river provide ample opportunities to enjoy nature. You can experience the solitude of the deep forest on a day hike or mountain bike ride. Or, test your angling skills in the Clarion River. The park also houses the Sawmill Center for the Arts, where you can attend live theater performances and buy hand-crafted items.
Whether you love the water or prefer to explore Pennsylvania's outdoors on land, an adventure awaits you at this state park.
Fishing
There are two opportunities for fishing in the park. There is a small fishing pond near the park office which is stocked with trout, making it an ideal way to introduce young anglers to the sport. In addition, the Clarion River is home to trout, pan fish, and other warm-water game fish.
Geocaching
The Pennsylvania State Parks System embraces geocaching. You can use your smartphone to find one and take a prize. However, remember to bring an item to leave in the container for the next treasure hunter.
Nature Watching
The forests of Appalachia are renowned for their wildlife. Mammals common to the park include river otters, muskrats, porcupines, deer, and black bears. Old-growth forests are also a birdwatcher's paradise. The list of birds spotted in the park is extensive and includes wild turkeys, kingfishers, grouse, great blue herons, and bald eagles.
Stargazing
The park is a great place to view the stars. Far from the lights of civilization, the night sky reveals the Milky Way and other celestial marvels. You can find a quiet corner of the park on any moonless night and spend hours spotting your favorite star, planet, or constellation.
Flora
Cook Forest State Park is famous for its old-growth forest. There are eleven designated old-growth areas in the park. While white pine and hemlock dominate the area, ancient under-story trees like chestnut oak, black cherry, red maple, and cucumber trees populate the park. Scientists believe some trees in the park date back to the 1500s.
Hiking
The park boasts over 47 miles of hiking-only trails and 4.3 miles of multi-use trails within its boundaries. The Clarion River Lands are adjacent to the park and include an additional eight miles of hiking and 24 miles of multi-use trails.
Boating
The Clarion River is a Class 1 river. Experienced and novice kayakers or canoers can take a leisurely trip along the park's 120 miles of waterway. Tubing is also a popular way to enjoy the waterway. Bring your own craft, or rent one from a nearby vendor.
Biking
There are 13 miles of lightly traveled park roads that are open to bicyclists. In addition, the park and adjacent Clarion River Lands have multi-use trails open to mountain biking enthusiasts.
How to Get to
Cook Forest State Park
Cook Forest State Park is in northwestern Pennsylvania. From the east, take Interstate 80 west to Brookville and then take Exit 78 to PA-36 north. You will reach the park in approximately 23 miles.
If traveling from the west, take I-80 to PA-66 north at exit 60. Remain on PA-66 for about 19 miles. At Leeper, turn south on PA-36. The park will be on your left in about 7 miles.
Entering Cook Forest State Park
The Ridge Campground is on the north side of PA-36 on Fire Tower Road. The Cook Forest State Park ranger station and day-use area is on the east side of PA-36, just north of the Clarion River crossing, and has parking suitable for RVs.
There are no day-use or park entry fees at Pennsylvania State Parks. RV campsites range from $20 to $40 per night. There are nominal fees for some amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cook Forest State Park
Camping season at the Ridge Campground is from mid-April to mid-October. Summer is the most popular time to visit the park for watersports. However, the park is open in winter for activities like cross-country skiing and sledding.
The old-growth forest is home to squirrels, skunks, foxes, deer, porcupines, and black bears. Muskrats and river otters make their homes in and around the river. Birds include a variety of ducks, turkeys, blue herons, and bald eagles.
The Ridge Campground in Cook Forest State Park has 120 RV campsites. Sites range from rustic to full hookup camping.
Reservations are recommended but not required. Summer months can be busy. There is a $6 reservation fee, and sites range from $20 to $40 per night.
Your pets are welcome at Cook Forest State Park. However, if staying overnight, you must select a pet-friendly site, and there is an additional fee.