The best camping in Susquehannock State Forest, PA

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

Camper favorites near Susquehannock State Forest

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Top-rated campgrounds

Elk Run Maples

97%
(16)
16mi from Susquehannock State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV · Gaines, PA
A gorgeous property at the foot of Elephant mountain with the Elk Run creek edging the back private area, provides hours of relaxation listen to the stream, fishing and wading in the creek. Huge maple trees where a maple sugar shack was once on the property provides a wooded area by the stream where you can set up a tent or sleep in hammocks and listen to the stream. We are renovating a barn into a large beautiful house will be available soon. We provide a picnic table, and a fire ring. Fire wood available for additional fee. There could be two sites, one has electric and both have water. If you are camping together, contact me for additional information and fee for more than one RVs. Bring a water filter, water is safe but has the sulfur smell. A charcoal filter is recommended. The circular driveway provides easy access. Toy hauler or horse trailers welcome. ATV can get in the DCNR connector trail right from the driveway. Hunters are welcome to hunt the many acres of public land in the area. Not permitted on our property. There is wildlife including bear, deer and Turkey we often see ducks, eagles, gross beaks, and cardinals just to name a few. This is the place to come to park you RV and retreat to the creek in back of property if you want time to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. There may be other people on the property if we are there or if the house is rented. There is plenty of space for all.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night

Austin Dam Memorial Park

98%
(804)
24mi from Susquehannock State Forest · 56 sites · Tents, RVs · PA
Just outside the quaint town of Austin sits a vivid reminder of one of Pennsylvania's worst disasters – the Austin Flood. In 1909, the dam was constructed on Freeman Run to power the Bayless Papermill downstream. Many wondered if the dam was safe. On September 30, 1911, Austin found out. Poor construction, coupled with torrential rain, resulted in the dam's collapse. Nearly 400 million gallons of water were released, destroying everything for 8 miles. At least 78 people perished in the tragedy. It was the second worst flood disaster in Pennsylvania's history and sixth worst dam failure in U.S. history. The tragedy sparked new legislation to improve dam safety, and the Austin Dam was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The ruins of the dam still stand, surrounded by a 76-acre park, as a tribute to the lives lost in the Austin Flood. Don't miss one of Potter County's best kept secrets!
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$16
 / night

Stargazing Field at Olga Farm

99%
(360)
29mi from Susquehannock State Forest · 5 sites · Tents · 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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Campfires
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from 
$63
 / night

Endless views & star filled nights

97%
(51)
36mi from Susquehannock State Forest · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Covington, PA
ALL PROFITS FROM CAMPING ARE DONATED TO SECOND CHANCE ANIMAL SANCTURIES ! Over $2,000 has been donated since August 2024! They thank you for your support. Please note the hot tub is closed to campers until we add an outdoor shower. Open year round but message before booking in winter months to check for driveway conditions. The best views in the area and super dark for night star watching! 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. Plenty of room for your dogs to run. All 3 sites have elect extention cords strung to them providing 15 amp 115v electric Wood fire pits at each site with wood available for purchase. All sites have string lights and picnic tables. There is sold ground for a small size camper or any size tent. The lookout tower us 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.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Campfires
from 
$10
 / night

RV Hook Up at The Barn

100%
(12)
37mi from Susquehannock State Forest · 1 site · Tent, RV · Loganton, PA
You won’t forget the peaceful surroundings of this rustic destination. This ad is for an RV hook-up only, located behind a beautiful rustic barn and silo. Perfect for a restful night's sleep in your RV with all the hookups. Power, (30 amp 120). water and septic. This location is 45 minutes from the Penn State football stadium. 20 minutes from Pine Creek Rail Trail. And only 5 minutes off of Interstate 80. NOTE: RV NOT INCLUDED. The space This RV hook-up is a perfect quiet place to park your RV for the night or however long you want to stay. Parked behind a beautiful rustic Barn you’ll have the whole place to yourself. Guest access The area around the RV Hook up. Other things to note Local attractions: Penn State Beaver Stadium. 45 minutes Pine Creek Rail Trail. 20 minutes Ravensburg State Park. 8 minutes Local Amish farm country. Hardwear stores and markets. Penns Cave: 30. Minutes
Pets
Campfires
Full Hookups
from 
$62
 / night

Triple Dream Farm

100%
(117)
38mi from Susquehannock State Forest · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · 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. We offer 2 camping experiences on the farm - Open Pasture Campsite (May 1st - October 31st) AND Boondocking RV Camping (year-round, but dependent on weather and availability). Please chose the camping experience/site that will suit you and your groups needs. We are close to the Kinzua Bridge Skywalk with breathtaking views and beautiful year-round hiking, the Kinzua Dam for boating and 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 & Jakes's Rocks/Allegany National Forest are all a short drive. The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is nearby for day trip for additional hiking and other outdoor activities along with wondrous views and activities. We are a recognized 501(c)(3) equine rescue and all fees go directly to the daily care of rescued equines and related activities as well as community outreach and education.
Pets
Toilets
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from 
$25
 / night

The Bellefonte Campground

97%
(18)
39mi from Susquehannock State Forest · 11 sites · Lodging · Bellefonte, PA
Bellefonte Campground is situated on close to 40 acres in the heart of central Pennslyvania, just minutes from State College and near some of the best fishing spots in Pennsylvania, including Fisherman's Paradise on Spring Creek. At Bellefonte Campground, you'll have plenty of space to enjoy! Our expansive campground offers lots of wide-open Pennsylvania acreage for you to explore. Each site features a picnic table and fire ring, providing the perfect setting for family gatherings. And don't forget: We are a pet-friendly campground. Bellefonte Campground is your gateway to a host of exciting local attractions. Experience the thrill of a Penn State football game: Beaver Stadium is about 15 minutes away. Looking for something a little more relaxing? Nearby Spring Creek offers excellent fly fishing opportunities. Or head out to Bald Eagle State Park, where you'll find an abundance of scenic trails and fascinating wildlife. With such an array of activities, your stay at Bellefonte Campground promises to be a truly unforgettable one.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$180
 / night

The best camping in Susquehannock State Forest, PA 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.
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