Camping in 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.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Susquehannock State Forest

98%
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Austin Dam Memorial Park

56 sites · RVs, Tents76 acres · 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!
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$16
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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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$36
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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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$63
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Lauder Family Campground

23 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Frenchville, PA
Discover the charm of Lauder Family Campground, a unique destination that offers a blend of serene nature and convenient amenities for both RV and tent campers, as well as cozy cabin rentals. Nestled near state game lands and the Mosquito Creek Sportsmen's Club, this campground is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors. With ample space for privacy and relaxation, Lauder Family Campground provides a peaceful retreat for families and friends alike. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing to exploring nearby swimming holes. The campground's proximity to Penn State University in Frenchville makes it an ideal spot for visitors and alumni seeking a tranquil getaway. In addition to its natural attractions, the area boasts local restaurants and shops, ensuring that you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Whether you're looking to unwind in a cabin or set up camp under the stars, Lauder Family Campground is your gateway to adventure and relaxation in a picturesque setting.
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$17
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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 ! Over $2,000 has been donated since August 2024! They thank you for your support. 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! Even a year round 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. Plenty of room for your dogs to run and I have a 20 x 20 fenced in area with shelter that campers can use. Separate outdoor Electric 230v 30 amp service near my home for an RV and 115v available at all 3 camp 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 etc.
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$29
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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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$29.75
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Canyon Country Campground Glamping

41 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Wellsboro, PA
**Welcome to Canyon Country Campground & Glamping in Wellsboro, PA!** Nestled in the heart of Tioga County, our RV sites offer the perfect blend of comfort and adventure, with direct access to the breathtaking Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Each site is equipped with essential amenities, including water, electricity, and sewer, ensuring a hassle-free stay for you and your family. At Canyon Country Campground, we pride ourselves on providing a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience. Unwind in our cozy barrel sauna after a day of exploring, gather around the communal fire pit for storytelling and s'mores, or enjoy a picnic at our designated tables while soaking in the stunning views that surround you. We are a dog-friendly campground, so your furry friends are welcome to join in on the fun! For your convenience, we also offer coin-operated laundry facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi to keep you connected during your stay. ****30.00 Dollars Dog fee.**** Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, Canyon Country Campground is the perfect base for your outdoor adventures. Experience the beauty of the PA Grand Canyon and create unforgettable memories in our serene and picturesque setting. Book your RV site today and discover the natural wonders of Wellsboro! Please note we have a 30 dollar fee x pet.
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$28.32
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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 horse farm. 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.
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$25
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(18)

Calm Mountain

2 sites · RVs20 acres · Lawrenceville, PA
Thanks for checking us out! We purchased our 20.5 Acres of land in the 1970's. We lived in a small dwelling and lived off the land for years; with a large garden and small farm animals. Now, our property has become our retirement sanctuary, for us to use with our RV. We developed 2 RV sites with full hookups, including 30, 50 Amp and 110 electric. There is water and sewage hookups, at both sites. We would like to share this sanctuary with others, who would appreciate it. You can book 1 site or add the second site at the extras section, in check out. We are only renting to one party at a time. You will have the campsites to yourselves. Our property is one mile from Cowanesque Lake, where there is fishing, boating, and swimming. You will enjoy wildlife, on our property and in the surrounding area such as deer, bald eagles, various birds, hoot owls at night, and others. It is also within driving distance from the Finger Lakes and wineries, Watkins Glenn, Corning Glass Museum, Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks, Hills Creek State Park, Mansfield University, Tioga Boar Hunting Reserve, and the adorable town of Wellsboro. There are no lights on our property and is very dark at night. It is best to arrive during daylight, for easier RV hook up. However, due to the darkness, stargazing is spectacular. We have been able to see the Milky Way, at times. There is only one other home visible from the campsites. Enjoy!
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$45
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Camping in 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.
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