EXPLORE · FREE CAMPING

Free Camping in Pennsylvania

8 No-Fee Sites 1 with Restroom 1 with Water

Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest in the northwest corner of the state permits dispersed camping throughout its 513,000 acres. The Kinzua area and the Tionesta Scenic Area have accessible dispersed sites on forest roads. The Hickory Creek Wilderness allows backcountry dispersed camping. Pennsylvania's state forests also allow dispersed camping — the Pennsylvania Wilds region has extensive options.

No reservations needed for dispersed camping. Check fire restrictions at fs.usda.gov before your trip — restrictions change frequently in summer. Stay limit is typically 14 days at any one location. Find free camping on the Trek4Free map →

Before You Go

Gear up for dispersed camping — no hookups, no camp store, no running water

💧
Water Filter
Sawyer Squeeze or Katadyn — essential when no water provided
🏕️
Leave No Trace Kit
WAG bags + trowel for sites without restrooms
🗺️
Offline GPS
Cell service is rare at dispersed sites
🐻
Bear Canister
Required in many dispersed zones in bear country

Free Camping Sites in Pennsylvania

TWIN LAKES CAMPGROUND
Restroom Water 490 sites

Twin Lakes was once the site of factory buildings, stores and row houses owned by the McKean Chemical Company which made wood alcohol. A company splash dam, use…

📍 41.6142, 78.7556°W
NCT-BIG BOULDER SHELTER
5 sites

NCT-BIG BOULDER SHELTER (Campground)

📍 41.5334, 79.2168°W
NCT-CHAPPEL FORK SHELTER
5 sites

NCT-CHAPPEL FORK SHELTER (Campground)

📍 41.8000, 78.8668°W
NCT-GIBBS SPRING SHELTER
5 sites

NCT-GIBBS SPRING SHELTER (Campground)

📍 41.7167, 78.8825°W
NCT-HAMMOND RUN SHELTER
5 sites

NCT- HAMMOND RUN SHELTER (Campground)

📍 41.8668, 78.8502°W
NCT-HUNTER STATION SHELTER
5 sites

NCT-HUNTER STATION SHELTER (Campground)

📍 41.6336, 79.1000°W
NCT-QUEEN CREEK SHELTER
5 sites

NCT-QUEEN CREEK SHELTER (Campground)

📍 41.6501, 79.2334°W
NCT-TRACY RUN NORTH SHELTER
5 sites

NCT-TRACY RUN NORTH SHELTER (Campground)

📍 41.9620, 78.9182°W