Some of the best Pennsylvania boondocking areas are featured in the extensive expanses of State and National Forests that are ideal for East Coast boondocking.
Jump directly to the 25 Eastern Pennsylvania Boondocking Areas
Jump directly to the 22 Western Pennsylvania Camping Locations
Pennsylvania Boondocking Areas
Boondocking (camping outside of developed campgrounds for free) could be the ideal camping experience for you. Start boondocking today and avoid the crowds as well as the RV connections.
Not only is it legal, but Pennsylvania boasts a large number of boondocking spots scattered around the state. In many circumstances, all you have to do is pull off the road and set up camp. While locating a suitable free campsite near Philadelphia or Pittsburgh can be difficult, the large stretches of state and national forest in between are ideal for boondocking.
The state woods of Pennsylvania are frequently lacking in amenities. Nonetheless, they make up for their lack of luxury with breathtaking landscape, rich wildlife, and plenty of peace and quiet. There aren’t many rules, but it’s always a good idea to check the website of the individual forest. Here are some of the best places in Pennsylvania to get away from it all.
Want more ideas to round-out your trip to the North-Eastern States?
► Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin ◄
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- 24 Free Ohio Boondocking Camping Areas Including Maps
- 47 Top Pennsylvania Boondocking Areas With Maps
- 47 Best Virginia Boondocking Sites Also Maps
- 19 Top West Virginia Boondocking Camp Sites And Maps
- 31 Favorite Wisconsin Boondocking Spots Plus Maps
25 Eastern Pennsylvania Boondocking Areas
Jump directly to the 22 Western Pennsylvania Camping Locations
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1. Delaware State Forest – Fire Tower Road
Address
Milford, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.369, -74.819
Elevation: 1309′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
The road in is Gravel. There are 6-15 Pennsylvania boondocking areas at this location. You may stay 7 at Delaware State Forest – Fire Tower Road. Delaware State Forest gives permits for primitive camping at several locations. Along Fire Tower Road there are approximately 5 camping areas separated by good distance. While I stayed at one called Dimmick Meadow there were a few other ones named along the road. No services in the camping areas. – A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
2. Edgemere – Delaware State Forestcampsite.
Address
Silver Lake Road
Porters Lake Club, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.268841, -75.033188
Elevation: 1380′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
Wide open field on the left. You will need insect repellent and know how to deal with bears. Pennsylvania camping locations was visited by a black bear while I was cooking . I was told the next morning at the store that the warden releases them near by at another site across the road. Sign is posted that law only allows for one night free. – A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
3. Delaware State Forest
Address
Swiftwater, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.24403, -75.020981
Elevation: 1347′
Management: Public – State Forest (Unofficial)
The road in is Dirt and 4 miles from a paved road. The area that is now Delaware State Forest was clear cut in the late 1800s. The ground is rocky so even though more than 100 years have passed, the trees aren’t very big and the underbrush is dense. There are very few places to pull off the road and camp. Free Pennsylvania boondocking areas. – A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
4. White Deer
Address
Blooming Grove Township, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.393962, -75.137513
Management: Public – State Forest (Unofficial)
There are 1-5 Pennsylvania camping locations at this site. Very nice single campsite near White Deer Lake on PA-402 south of Hwy 6 and north of I-84. Picnic table and fire ring. Big enough for a Ford E250 van, might want to think about going in with a larger vehicle. Permit is required, (free), call 570-895-4001, M-F, 8-4. – A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
5. Rest Area on 84
Address
Greentown, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.356445, -75.22135
Elevation: 1700′
Management: State Rest Area
6. Delaware State Forest
Address
East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.113684, -75.220546
Elevation: 709′
Management: Public – State Park (Official)
The road in is Dirt and .5 to 4 miles from a paved road. Pennsylvania camping locations are free, however a permit is required to use the campsites. There are many there with rings and space for cars.
7. Dauphin County Rest Area
Address
Interstate 81
Grantville, Pennsylvania
GPS: 40.374889, -76.677063
Elevation: 522′
Management: Public – Rest Area (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 30 or more Pennsylvania boondocking areas at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay Unknown at Dauphin County Rest Area.
8. Moon Lake State Forest Recreation Area
Address
Pinchot State Forest District Office, 1841 Abington Road, North Abington, Twp., PA 18414
Hunlock Creek, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.25148, -76.04146
Elevation: 1266′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 1 mile miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 Pennsylvania camping locations at this site and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 7 days at Moon Lake State Forest Recreation Area. Pinchot State Forest is managed on a leave no trace philosophy that is a CARRY IN, CARRY OUT approach. Depositing any refuse on State Forest Lands is prohibited. – A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
9. Michaux State Forest –
Address
10099 Lincoln Way East
Fayetteville, Pennsylvania
GPS: 39.906543, -77.480075
Elevation: 958′
Management: Public – State Forest (Unofficial)
You need to go to the ranger’s office and get a free permit before you can car camp (RV, van, motorcycle, vehicle, bicycle, etc.) in this forest. Once you do, they will tell you where you are allowed to camp. The marker points to the forest office. Free Pennsylvania boondocking areas.
10. Worlds End Loyalsock Forest
Address
Forksville, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.46452, -76.58856
Elevation: 1736′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
Pennsylvania camping locations. Motorized camping without a permit is prohibited. Motorized camping is overnight camping in or near a vehicle when the vehicle is used for storage or transportation during the camping experience.
11. Twin Sluice
Address
Mainesburg, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.722927, -76.894487
Elevation: 1923′
Management: Public – State Forest (Unofficial)
The road in is Dirt and 20 miles from a paved road. Twin Sluice is open Spring, Summer, Fall. There are 1-5 Pennsylvania boondocking areas at this location. You may stay Open at Twin Sluice. Free camping with new dirt road to site. Camp next to your car in a tent next to a small stream. Easy to find and stay.
A free permit is required to camp in the Tioga State Forest. The permit cannot be obtained onsite. You must get it before heading out. Call the office for more information
12. Tiadaghton Campground
Address
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.647294, -77.444859
Elevation: 996′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 6-15 Pennsylvania camping locations at this site. You may stay 7 at Tiadaghton Campground. This is a 8 site camping area beautifully located along Pine Creek Trail. This is an old railroad converted to a hiking biking trail. It can be found by going to the end of Tiadaghton Road off of 414 on the east side of Pine Creek
13. Tuscarora State Forest Campsite 22
Address
West Licking Creek Drive
Mount Union, Pennsylvania
GPS: 40.357034, -77.798018
Elevation: 787′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 1-5 Pennsylvania boondocking areas at this location. A free permit is required to camp at this location. It can be obtained at the Ranger Station (4455 Big Spring Road, Blain, PA 17006 | 40.30239, -77. 589262) or online. Other free campsites are available in this forest. Talk to rangers for more info about them. A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
14. Seven Mile Campground – Tridaghton State Forest
Address
Francis Rd
Gaines, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.54316, -77.54748
Elevation: 1148′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 7 miles from a paved road. Seven Mile Campground – Tridaghton State Forest is open unknown. There are 6-15 Pennsylvania camping locations at this site and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 7 at Seven Mile Campground – Tridaghton State Forest. – A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
15. Morris Run
Address
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.523955, -77.529085
Elevation: 1043′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
2 Pennsylvania boondocking areas next to where Morris Run empties into Slate Run. Fairly tight forest road leads into these spots and the need to cross a small bridge over Slate Run with a 6 ton limit. One site is not much more than a pull off with a fire ring and picnic bench. – A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
16. Pump Station Site Tiadaghton State Forest
Address
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.469914, -77.56577
Elevation: 2100′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
There are 1-5 Pennsylvania camping locations at this site. It is free, but requires you to get a pass from the State Forest. They e-mail it and you print it off. This was near some state forest buildings and had some machinery in it, but it was quiet and had some trails through the forest. It is a site typically used for horse trailers. – A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
17. Duck Pond Road
Address
Kane, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.73302, -78.71554
Elevation: 2103′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
Free primitive campsite all over the forest roads. Free Pennsylvania boondocking areas in Allegheny National Forest
18. Red Mill
Address
Forest Road
Ridgway, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.490107, -78.792765
Elevation: 1519′
Management: Public – Forest Service
Red Mill is open all year. Free Pennsylvania camping locations in the Allegheny National Forest’s Marienville Ranger District. First come -> first camped. No reservations are accepted.
19. Dark Hollow and Gas Well Equestrain Camping Areas – A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
Address
Belle Draft Rd, Driftwood, PA 15832
Driftwood, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.379872, -78.34005
Elevation: 1351′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 5 miles from a paved road. Dark Hollow and Gas Well Equestrain Camping Areas is open 5/1 – 12/1. There are 6-15 Pennsylvania boondocking areas at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 7 at Dark Hollow and Gas Well Equestrain Camping Areas.
20. Hicks Run Campground
Address
W Hicks Run Rd, Driftwood, PA 15832
Driftwood, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.387, -78.303933
Elevation: 1333′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 4 miles from a paved road. Hicks Run Campground is open 5/1 – 12/1. There are 6-15 Pennsylvania camping locations at this site and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 7 at Hicks Run Campground. – A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
21. Medix Run
Address
Weedville, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.25048, -78.41558
Elevation: 1224′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
Nice Free Pennsylvania boondocking areas on the side of Medix Run Creek with two fire pits.
22. Moshannon State Forest
Address
Frenchville, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.20234, -78.36235
Elevation: 1978′
Management: Public – State Forest
There are reservable sites in Medix and Shaggers Inn areas. Pennsylvania camping locations – these sites are rustic and have gravel parking & fire pits.
23. Bald Eagle State Forest , Woodward
Address
Woodward, Pennsylvania
GPS: 40.916431, -77.295898
Elevation: 1955′
Management: Public – State Forest (Unofficial)
The road in is Gravel and 1 mile miles from a paved road. The maximum RV length at Bald Eagle State Forest , Woodward is 30. You may stay 7 days at Bald Eagle State Forest , Woodward. Pennsylvania boondocking areas in a state forest. Motorized camping is allowed at approximately 40 designated locations throughout the Bald Eagle State Forest.
24. Kennedy – Hobo Hill
Address
Plymptonville, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.086532, -78.510176
Elevation: 1985′
Management: Public – State Park (Official)
You may stay 14 days at KENNEDY RD – Hobo Hill. Great Pennsylvania camping locations just down the road from the state park campsites after Road turns gravel a few others faces further down chose this one because of solar access. – A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
25. Rothrock State Forest
Address
Barree, Pennsylvania
GPS: 40.59986, -78.08505
Elevation: 889′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
I stayed at campsite #1 on Maguire Rd. You do have to call the Rothrock SF office to get a permit and print a hard copy, but it is free. Free Pennsylvania boondocking areas. Nice big open area away from the road, it’s a dirt road and not very busy. I camped one night and maybe 3 cars drove past the whole time I was there. A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
22 Western Pennsylvania Camping Locations
Jump directly to the 25 Eastern Pennsylvania Boondocking Areas
1. Montour Trail Campground (hike-in)
Address
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
GPS: 40.31243, -80.171701
Elevation: 1096′
Management: Private – Privately Owned Campground (Official)
Two Adirondack sites, 3 Free Pennsylvania boondocking areas for tents with picnic tables, plenty of room for about 10 more tents. On the Peter’s creek with good fishing, but catch and release only. Train run overhead. 2 day limit strongly enforced by local volunteers. Very nice and peaceful. On privately owned land.
2. Deer Creek Clarion River Confluence
Address
Knox, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.17155, -79.47977
Elevation: 997′
Management: Public – River Access (Official)
The road in is Dirt. You may stay three nights in Pennsylvania camping locations at Deer Creek Clarion River confluence. No man’s land. Perhaps it belongs to the gas company. They have a huge tract of land just across the road. Or it’s slotted as public river access. There’s no signs deterring you from staying the night.
3. Clarion River Laurel Rd
Address
Sligo, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.17279, -79.4682
Elevation: 1043′
Management: Public – State Forest (Unofficial)
Pennsylvania boondocking areas in Clarion River Laurel rd is open year round. Off of Huckleberry Ridge Rd. (as you cross the bridge) is Laurel Rd. a second smaller bridge crosses Piney creek, (the locals call this spot the double bridge). It’s a dirt and gravel Road. A hundred yards on the left is a parking spot for a truck or van.
4. Cornplanter State Forest
Address
Tionesta-Neilltown Rd. (SR 4001)
Tionesta, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.531391, -79.484268
Elevation: 1484′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
There are 1-5 Pennsylvania camping locations at this site. One motorized campsite is available for public use at the Hunter Run Division. Anyone wishing to reserve this site should contact the district office for further details and a permit. A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
5. Millstone Creek Sites
Address
Sigel, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.35587, -79.07037
Elevation: 1224′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 1 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 Pennsylvania boondocking areas at this location. You may stay 14 days at Millstone Creek Sites. 9 Designated sites along Millstone Rd. Must stay in designated sites. Road is well traveled and campsites are busy and right on the road. Most are suitable for tent camping, some for small RVs, but people seem to squeeze their rigs in the spots when they have to.
6. Clarion Creek Campsites
Address
Sigel, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.36, -79.047222
Elevation: 1673′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 6-15 Pennsylvania camping locations at this site. You may stay 14 at Clarion Creek Campsites. Free dispersed camping in the Allegheny National Forest. A handful of large, deep sites along the Clarion River. Definitely large enough for big groups – we saw several big families with multiple tents and vehicles staying in them.
7. River Rd Campsites
Address
Sigel, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.35926, -79.00565
Elevation: 1230′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 16-29 Pennsylvania boondocking areas at this location. You may stay 14 days at River Rd Campsites. Designated campsites along River Rd and Spring Creek Rd. Some are large enough for RVs. Two are located at an information center with vault toilets. Seemed very busy even in the off-season, and the paved road is well traveled for being where it is.
8. Minister Creek
Address
Sheffield, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.614327, -79.161596
Elevation: 1243′
Management: Public – National Park Service (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 6-15 Pennsylvania camping locations at this site and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. About a dozen sites along the Tionesta River. No restrooms or tables etc but stone fire rings are there. Nice place for hiking etc. Minister Creek Campground is not far along with the trailhead.
9. Dispersed Camping Along Mayburg Rd
Address
Clarendon, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.6765, -79.22677
Elevation: 1873′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Gravel. You may stay 14 days in Pennsylvania boondocking areas along Mayburg Rd. Many dispersed sites along Mayburg Rd. The only amenity my site had was a fire ring. It was also close to the road/intersection so it was a tad noisy as cars drove by.
10. Hector Falls Road
Address
Sheffield, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.69999, -78.97286
Elevation: 1955′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
Several Pennsylvania camping locations along Forest Road 258 leading to Hector Falls. As with all ANF 14 day limit. No picnic tables or amenities. Some have stone fire rings. Most can fit a small RV some could fit bigger rigs. Roads are forest roads so conditions will vary.
11. Allegheny National Forest Rte 321
Address
Kane, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.77336, -78.880506
Elevation: 1381′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
You may stay 14 days at Allegheny National Forest Rte 321. Lots of Pennsylvania boondocking areas along this road. They vary in size and many are near springs and creeks. Stays are limited to 14 days. Only amenities are fire rings (stone). New bike paths and hiking trails. There are other roads in this area that also offer free camping.
12. Forest Road 120 Dispersed Sites
Address
Kane, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.76664, -78.92396
Elevation: 1998′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Dirt and 2 miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 Pennsylvania camping locations at this site. You may stay 14 days at Forest Road 120 Dispersed Sites.
13. Forest Road 259 – Allegheny National Forest
Address
Kane, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.779085, -78.944431
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
This whole road is full of great spots. Pennsylvania boondocking areas.
14. Forest Road 259
Address
29 Forest Service Drive
Sheffield, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.790301, -78.98405
Elevation: 1995′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 4 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 Pennsylvania camping locations at this site and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 days at Forest Road 259. Many sites along this road, all free and many are large enough for RVs and it is very quiet here.
15. Forest Route 160 Campsites
Address
Forest Road 160, Warren, PA
Warren, Pennsylvania
GPS: 41.821295, -78.98513
Elevation: 2055′
Management: Public – Forest Service (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 2 miles from a paved road. Forest Route 160 Campsites is open 5/1 – 12/1. There are 16-29 Pennsylvania boondocking areas at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 at Forest Route 160 Campsites. There are 16 campsites along Forest Road 160 between the Jakes Rocks Day Use area and Kinzua Pump Storage Reservoir. They are spread out along approximately two miles of roads. There are additional campsites along Forest Road 259.
16. Forbes State Forest Campsite #1
Address
1291 Route 30 PO Box 519 Laughlintown, PA 15655-0519
Rector, Pennsylvania
GPS: 40.124291, -79.182243
Elevation: 2722′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
The road in is Dirt and 4/10th of a mile miles from a paved road. Forbes State Forest Campsite #1 is open April 2nd to the last day of regular antlerless deer season. There are 1-5 Pennsylvania camping locations at this site and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay from open to close of the campsite at Forbes State Forest Campsite #1. A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
17. Forbes State Forest Campsite #5
Address
Brethren Summit Road
Rockwood, Pennsylvania
GPS: 39.982772, -79.2958
Elevation: 2415′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
Pennsylvania boondocking areas located off Brethren Summit Road, which is an improved gravel road. Narrow width of the road may prohibit larger RV’s and horse trailers. Four wheel drive not necessary but might be helpful in good weather. No direct access to trails. A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
18. Stewart’s Crossing Campground
Address
Connellsville, Pennsylvania
GPS: 40.020746, -79.599166
Elevation: 866′
Management: Public – Regional Trail Corporation/Great Allegheny Passage (Official)
Stewart’s Crossing Campground is open Year round. There are 16-29 Pennsylvania camping locations at this site. You may stay Unknown at Stewart’s Crossing Campground. Not sure if one can drive into the campsite or one has to walk/bike into the capmsite.
19. Buchanan State Forest
Address
US 30
Crystal Spring, Pennsylvania
GPS: 40.014648, -78.162338
Elevation: 2009′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 1 miles from a paved road. The maximum RV length at Buchanan State Forest is 30+. You may stay 7 in 90 days at Pennsylvania boondocking areas in Buchanan State Forest.
20. Sideling Hill Ski Parking Area
The price is FREE – Called in Ranger Delivered
Address
Crystal Spring, Pennsylvania
GPS: 40.015198, -78.15149
Elevation: 2201′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
Turn South onto Bark Road off of Lincoln Hwy Rt30. Second Right into marked parking area. Call 717.485.3148 for up to 7 day FREE Permit to camp. Pennsylvania camping locations with vault toilets in picnic area. A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
21. Buchanan State Forest
Address
Waterfall, Pennsylvania
GPS: 40.07035, -78.09926
Elevation: 1965′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
Pennsylvania boondocking areas in Buchanan State Forest has (typically) open-access roads that run primarily along ridge-tops and afford several pull-off spots that will accommodate small groups while providing spectacular east or west-facing views. Many sites have established stone fire rings. The ridge roads also have side roads to explore.
22. Tower Road
Address
Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania
GPS: 39.949183, -77.93768
Elevation: 2454′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
You may stay 7 in 90 days in Tower Road. Pennsylvania camping locations in the state forest. The rules are almost the same as in a national forest.
Boondocking in Pennsylvania
There are many fantastic places to start boondocking in Pennsylvania, but state forests, wilderness regions, and major state recreation areas are your best chances. You’ll need to be completely prepared, as this is true bare-bones camping.
Pennsylvania is a great place to go boondocking in. In the state’s Southeast section, particularly along the Delaware River Valley near Philadelphia, significant conservation measures are underway. Many tiny villages in this region have a Dutch background, providing excellent opportunities to learn about various cultures while on vacation.
There are miles of hiking routes in Northeast Pennsylvania, including the Pocono and Endless Mountains. Many historic coal mining communities can be found in this area. The Susquehanna River, located in the state’s center region, offers excellent kayaking and fishing opportunities.
The Allegheny National Forest is located in south-central Pennsylvania and dominates northwest Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, each location has wonderful free camping choices.
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