The best camping near Susquehannock State Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Susquehannock State Forest adventure.

Enter the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds at Susquehannock State Forest.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Susquehannock State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Susquehannock State Forest

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Camp Skipping Rock on Pine Creek

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Cammal, PA

Welcome to our little slice of heaven along Pine Creek at the southern end of the "PA Grand Canyon". It is an outdoor lover's dream. The camp lies inside of Tiadaghton State Forest on the west side of Pine Creek in the Pennsylvania Wilds. The property is 5 acres, embedded deep in public land. On the property there is this one very large campsite (approx 100 square ft) for rent and our small cabin. If we are there at the same time as our guests, we share the outhouse and shower, but our guests have their own private picnic table, fire pit and grill on the far side of the property. The area is beautiful for paddling, floating, fishing, hiking, biking, rock skipping, dipping your toes, swimming hole gems, searching for waterfalls, writing retreats. There are hundreds of miles of hiking, mountain bike and ATV trails, and some of the best fishing and stargazing on the East Coast. There is a 62 mile -rails-to-trails that runs along the other side of Pine Creek from Wellsboro to Jersey Shore, PA. Our camp is located on a secluded hill - a relaxing oasis removed from the rest of the world - read a book in a hammock, build campfires, grill yummy food, let the kids run around like crazy, play a lot of cards. It a 2 minute walk from the property to public access to Pine Creek. It is a 45 minute drive to paddle the Western Branch of the Susquehanna near Lock Haven, PA.

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Farm on the Creek

7 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Howard, PA

The active farm lays along the lazy Marsh Creek not far from where it collides with the mighty Bald Eagle. Campsites are spaced out along the creek, in the fields, and on the mountain. Fish on any of the three streams, relax by the water or enjoy view of the cattle and wildlife. Bald Eagle State Park, State College, and Lock Heaven are a short distance away.

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Endless views & star filled nights

4 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Covington, PA

ALL PROFITS FROM CAMPING ARE DONATED TO SECOND CHANCE ANIMAL SANCTURIES ! The best views in the area and super dark for night star watching! Even a hot tub. Very dog friendly, naturalist friendly and 420 friendly... plenty of privacy to enjoy freely. Ask bout renting the entire outdoor property (I can easily camp over 100 people). I am minutes from Route 15 in the center of 45 acres 240 feet above the road at 1680 feet with 30 mile views. My nearest neighbors are a half mile away. Get a 360 degree view from the lookout tower with a 10 x 10 platform. Plenty of room for your dogs to run and I have a 20 x 20 fenced in area with shelter that campers can use. If it fits our schedule, we maybe able to look after your dogs while you explore. Separate outdoor Electric 230v 30 amp service near my home for an RV and 115v available at all 3 tent sites. Wood fire pits at each site, wood available for purchase. There is sold ground for a small size camper or any size tent. Hot Tub and lookout tower are common areas for all to use. I am 25 minutes from Wellsboro PA and the Pa Grand Canyon with a 62 mile rail trail, bike and kayak rentals are 40 minutes away, one hour to Finger lakes, locally there is lots of hiking, fishing and exploring. 4 wheel drive maybe needed in winter for my driveway. If you would like someone to join you on an outdoor adventure when visiting, just ask, if my schedule is open I am always up for a hike, bike ride, kayak trip etc.

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Stargazing Field at Olga Farm

5 sites · Tents133 acres · Coudersport, PA

Olga Farm is a working organic vegetable farm with a Stargazing Field for primitive camping & it also offers a number of glamping options. Please contact us if you're interested in glamping at Olga Farm. The Stargazing Field at Olga Farm is perfect for camping, breathtaking sunrises, peaceful meditation, & you guessed it...stargazing in some of the darkest skies in the northeastern United States. It's adjacent to a working organic vegetable farm. Olga Farm is 4.4 miles from the charming town of Coudersport & its shops & eateries, including Olga Gallery, Cafe, & Bistro which is only 5.9 miles away. There's a great swimming hole less than 5.5 miles away. Cherry Springs State Park, a stargazing Mecca is 21 miles away. Olga Farm is a great base to explore the Pennsylvania Wilds. We are 36 miles from the Kinzua Skywalk & 46 miles from Leonard Harrison State Park, one of our favorite places to view the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. We're only 14 miles from the Austin Dam Ruins & 37 miles from Rock City Park just over the border in New York State.

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Camping at Cold Springs Domestead

3 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Cogan Station, PA

Hello fellow campers and outdoor lovers!!! We call our 10 acre, secluded property Cold Springs. We have spent 15 years here curating lovely areas to relax, party at and invite others to call it a home away from home. The camping areas are in the back of the property and are surrounded by woods and secluded from view of the house. There are paths leading to the pond which is a great reading area and fishing spot plus a canoe and paddleboat to enjoy. Last summer (2022) we added a tipi to the camping area. We are located right outside of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Our area is home to many amazing restaurants, several breweries and cute downtown shops.

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Spiritual journey hollow

8 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Shinglehouse, PA

We bought our property in hopes of helping people learn how to live off the land and survive off grid, we are raising animals and gardening, hopeing one day to run a small community for people like us, smal summer kitchen and outdoor shower, outhouse accommodations, fresh water, use of garden veggies and fresh chicken eggs, 30 acres to walk on, small stream , come enjoy have fun, . GRAND OPENING AUGUST 25TH 2018Learn more about this land:Small areas to camp small walk to shared kitchen and shower, we are spiritual native americans we are here to teach how to garden your own food , raise your own beef and pork , we are starting a bardening shop wih clothes small items, may bring you small pets , leash required, will be building 2 small cabins also in case of no tent, looking to grow more over the years. We have 30 acres and plan on making more camping spots, most of the 30 acres is wooded , do have fire rings or rocks,

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Ruby's Rocks

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Wilcox, PA

Learn more about this land: Our property is located near the tiny village of Glen Hazel, our unique area offers close proximity to many watersports and hiking opportunities. Visitors can watch bald eagles and osprey as you enjoy kayaking, fishing and nature at this primitive campsite. We have just one site. Our campsite is very private and includes a fire ring, a picnic table a trash can and a swing. Parking is available right at the site. It's just a 2 minute walk to the northernmost kayak launch on the East Branch of the Clarion River. Here you will find a public porta potty for use during the summer only. Several small jack dams will make your kayak experience a delight. We have a private 1 acre pond just a stones throw from the campsite that visitors can enjoy. Fishing is permitted in the pond, no license needed. Fly fishermen will enjoy the thrill of catching native and stocked trout in the most beautiful section on the East Branch of the Clarion River (PA fishing license and trout stamp required). Nearby is Bendigo State Park that offers free use of picnic areas and swimming in an immaculately kept pool. Just 1 1/2 miles away is the Dam Inn where you can stop for a beer or for a nice dinner on the deck. Adjacent to the campsite is State Gamelands #25. This enormous tract of public land is open to all for hiking, biking and fishing the pristine native trout streams, including Middle Fork, Crooked Creek and several others. Only a 3 mile drive will land you at the East Branch Lake, a seven mile long lake where you can put your boat in and fish, kayak or water ski to your hearts content.

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Towner's Country Paradise

4 sites · Lodging, Tents500 acres · Addison, NY

Towner's Country Paradise started out as a wild forest and pasture for cows in the 1940's, owned by Llewellyn Towner. In the 1960s, Llewellyn's love for aviation led him to construct a small airstrip and hangar, and then his son Terry began to plant Christmas Trees (no more cows) and clear much of the land. By the early 1970's our main and largest pond was built and since that time our fully functional cabin, several more fish ponds, roads, trails, running water and generated electricity have been added. Christmas Trees are still grown and harvested by Terry's son Scott Towner. Green rolling hills, deep valleys, a waterfall, ponds stocked with fish, a fully functional cabin, herds of deer, flocks of turkey and Canada Geese, & well-maintained roads and trails here in Addison NY. It's so private that even most of the people who live in our small town don't know we're here! CHECK OUR REVIEWS!OPTION to camp/hike in the woods for a more wild experience. NEARBY: restaurants including Chinese, Subway, pizza/wings, & several excellent diners offering take out or eat-in. ALSO: Dollar General, Wal-Mart (15 min away), Dunkin Donuts (5 min away), & gas stations.Your jaw will *drop* when you see Towner's Country Paradise for the first time!

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Triple Dream Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents99 acres · Smethport, PA

Hipcamp hosts since 2017 on a 99 acre farm, we are located approximately 2 hours south from either Erie, PA or Buffalo, NY, 3 hours north of Pittsburgh, PA and just west of Potter County, PA, our Open Pasture Campsite offers the peace, privacy and relaxation to campers looking to be out in the PA Wilds on our 99 acre family horse farm. Our Boondocking Site offers a inexpensive, safe and quiet alternative for those looking to stay 1 - 2 nights with a self-contained RV. OPEN PASTURE SITE: A row of trees, underbrush, small forest area and bridge over a creek separates your open pasture campsite from the main area of the farm, further providing a semi-private separation and an unbelievable clear angle of the southern night sky. Our camping site affords you the opportunity to play with your children, guests and pets without disturbing other campers or vice versa. The open pasture campsite is perfect for outdoor games, hiking and dog walks up the trails or just relaxing and decompressing from your hectic schedule to reconnect with family and friends. BOONDOCKING: This option affords you a inexpensive place to park your self-contained RV to relax on our farm. Please know that parking for your RV will be dependent on weather, time of the year, farm activities and safety. Before booking, please communicate your arrival dates and needs so we can accommodate them. OUR FARM: We are a recognized 501(c)(3) for the rescue, daily care of equines and related activities and community outreach. We are close to the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk with breathtaking views and beautiful year-round hiking, the Kinzua Dam for boating and other water activities abundant outdoor activities at the nearby Allegheny National Forest will insure that you will have plenty to do during your stay! We are 30 minutes from Bradford, PA, home of the Zippo/Case Museum and Flag Ship Store and Penn-Brad Oil Museum. Lumber Museum, Rock City Park and hidden gems of small town Americana such as Smethport, Coudersport, Wellsboro, Kane PA as well as Olean, NY are well worth the short drive. These towns boast various festivals all year long for your enjoyment as well. Scenic views can be had at Rim Rock, various trails in the Allegany National Forest and all along U.S. Route 6 - a popular drive! The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is a short 2 hour drive for additional hiking and other outdoor activities along with wondrous views and activities. * Although you will not hear traffic, horns or sirens, please remember that nature can be loud during the night (crickets, frogs, sometimes coyote in the distance or even our sometimes resident Screech Owl) as well as our roosters, ducks or horses calling to each other.

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Lake Life @ The Elders

1 site · RV2 acres · Howard, PA

We are located on the outskirts of the adorable Howard, PA lake town! We live on a little over 2 acres. We have a large backyard, dining patio, pool, sunbathing spot and a creek. The RV site available is on the side of the home that does not have windows (for added privacy) and gives you access to the backyard if you wish to use any of the downstairs patios/pool area. We have plenty of space for any size RV, plus space for a car or boat. We have one 50amp and four 20amp hookups. BPA/Lead free water hose, plus filter (optional). We are 2 minutes away from the Bald Eagle boat launch and 7 minutes from the main park with a marina, beach, hiking, and fishing. We are 15 minutes from the beautiful Bellefonte historic downtown (restaurants, shopping, breweries, parks). We are only 24 minutes from Beaver Stadium if you are in town for a Penn State game! We have two dogs, so you may see or hear them from time to time. They are kept indoors primarily. We are friendly, love to host, and are happy to help answer questions about the area!

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Jara Farms

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents60 acres · Andover, NY

Jara Farms is located just south of Alfred, NY. The 80-acre rolling terrain is about 30 acres of woods and 50 acres of open fields and pastures. This is an active farm with many animals lounging in the pastures. For now we don't have cows. Come and enjoy our beautiful farm with us. We might even put you to work.

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Mountain Springs Wellness

2 sites · RVs, Tents21 acres · Snow Shoe, PA

Tranquil 21 acres of mountain/farmland right off Interstate 80. Large pond and walking trails, surrounded by state forest land. Numerous wildlife including chickens, guineas and peafowl as well as all the forest animals. Wellness center with teas, herbs, infrared sauna, red light, halotherapy booths and detox foot baths!

The best camping near Susquehannock State Forest guide

Overview

About

Susquehannock State Forest preserves 265,000 acres of dense hardwood forests, dark skies, and headwater streams in northern Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains. Some 550 miles of trails interlace the park, granting hikers, backpackers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders access to some of the most unspoiled wilderness in the state. Turkey and deer hunting, fishing (many streams contain native trout), and ATV riding are also popular. The park’s unique camping system features over 40 individual, primitive campsites all over the park, ensuring every visitor gets a corner of the forest all to themselves. If you’re looking for larger campgrounds with more amenities, the Susquehannock State Forest encompasses several state parks such as Cherry Springs State Park, Lyman Run State Park, and Ole Bull State Park.

Notable campgrounds

Best for backpackers: Find a campsite along the 85-mile Susquehannock Trail, which traverses the remote Hammersley Wild Area.
Best for stargazing: Cherry Springs State Park is an International Dark Sky Park.
Best for families: Lyman Run State Park’s campground has the most amenities.

Tips for snagging a campsite

All roadside campsites operated by the state forest are reservable 11 months in advance. Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) 727-2757.
Backpackers who wish to camp for multiple nights at the same campsite will need a free permit, available by calling the ranger office at (814) 274-3600.
The park also operates equestrian campsites.

When to go

Most visitors come to Susquehannock State Forest for summer camping or autumn fall foliage visits, though the park and its campgrounds are open year-round. Winter recreation includes cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing—just be prepared to drive and camp on snow and ice.

Know before you go

For current park conditions, call the rangers office at (814) 274-3600.
All of the state forest’s roadside campgrounds are primitive, with no hookups or drinking water. Bring all of your own supplies, and pack out your garbage.
The state forest features exceptionally dark skies, and Cherry Springs State Park has an International Dark Sky Park designation. Keep an eye on the aurora borealis forecast in winter, when you may have a chance to see the northern lights.