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Attention:
  • Campsite: This campsite does not receive routine maintenance and may not accommodate all types of camping. Check site details, notes, and photos to help determine if site is suitable for your equipment and desired experience
  • Be Prepared: State forests are managed to provide primitive, low-density recreation opportunities within large tracts of forest land and have limited or no amenities. Campsites are often remote and isolated from other sites. Campsite may be located on a remote dirt and gravel forest road. Carry a paper map and study directions prior to trip.
  • Restrooms and Sanitation: Restroom facilities are not receive available at most campsites. Where they are not, campers are encouraged to store or remove waste using a holding tank, portable toilet or other means; or, follow other Leave No Trace principles. Some campsites may require use of self-contained portable toilets.
  • No Modern Amenities: There are no electric, water, sewer hook-ups, or dump stations on state forest land. Campers are advised to bring their own water.
  • Trash and Litter: All campsites are carry in, carry out. Please be prepared to take your trash with you.
  • Communication: Cell phone coverage is not receive available or reliable in most state forests.
  • Wildlife: Bears and other animals frequent state forests. All food must be stored appropriately.

Moshannon State Forest, PA

Description

Moshannon State Forest derives its name from "Moss-hanne", or "moose stream", the Native-American description of the waterway ...[more]
Status: Open year round.   Season Dates
Max Reservation Window:   View all
Alerts and Important Information

Book a Campsite at Moshannon State Forest, PA

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Common Attributes Group
Campground Map
23 site(s) found
23 site(s) found
Campsite Search Results: 1-19 of 19 Previous | Next
Max # of people
Equip length/ Driveway
Amenities
Medix Run Camping Area
Roadside
10
65 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Medix Run Camping Area
Roadside
10
75 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Medix Run Camping Area
Roadside
10
45 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Medix Run Camping Area
Roadside
10
35 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Medix Run Camping Area
Roadside
10
42 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Medix Run Camping Area
Roadside
10
50 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Medix Run Camping Area
Roadside
10
65 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Medix Run Camping Area
Roadside
10
Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Medix Run Camping Area
Roadside
10
Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Shaggers Inn Camping Area
Roadside
10
60 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Shaggers Inn Camping Area
Roadside
10
60 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Shaggers Inn Camping Area
Roadside
10
60 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Medix Run Camping Area
Roadside
10
45 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Yellowsnake Camping Area
Roadside
10
50 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Yellowsnake Camping Area
Roadside
10
60 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Yellowsnake Camping Area
Roadside
10
60 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Yellowsnake Camping Area
Roadside
10
60 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Yellowsnake Camping Area
Roadside
10
50 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Yellowsnake Camping Area
Roadside
10
40 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Campsite Search Results: 1-19 of 19 Previous | Next
Footnotes: (applicable only where specifically marked above)
** Arrival dates earlier than the online-reservation-window may also be available at the campground.
*** Some sites may be available only from the campground on a first-come-first-served basis.
Overview

Description

Moshannon State Forest derives its name from "Moss-hanne", or "moose stream", the Native-American description of the waterway that runs through the area. The forest totals 190,031 acres on the Allegheny Plateau.


Small tracts of the forest are found in Cameron and Clinton counties; however, most of the forest land lies in Clearfield, Elk, and Centre Counties. Moshannon is one of eight state forests located in the PA Wilds.


For more information visit the Moshannon State Forest website or Facebook page.

Geography:

Moshannon State Forest lies within the transition zone between the northern hardwood and Allegheny hardwood forests to the north and the mixed oaks and oak-hickory forests to the south. The state forest is mostly found in the Susquehanna Watershed and is mostly in the Pittsburgh Low Plateau Eco-region as well as in the Deep Valleys and Allegheny Front Eco-regions. The Pittsburgh Low Plateau can be characterized as having a smooth to irregular, undulating surface; with narrow and relatively shallow valleys. Part of the the Pennsylvania Elk Management Area falls within the Moshannon Forest District where a wild elk herd can be found. There are numerous unique natural ecological and geological features throughout the state forest such as Panther Rocks, Wolf Rocks, and the Marion Brooks Natural Area which contains an almost pure White Birch Stand.

Recreation:

Being in the PA Wilds, the Moshannon State Forest offers over 244 miles of some of PA’s most remote wilderness trails, including the hiking-only Quehanna and Allegheny Front Trails. Most other roads and trails are also open to mountain biking and horseback riding. The 200+ miles of well-maintained, gravel public use roads serve as a gateway to the forest and allow for sightseeing, especially popular when brilliant fall foliage is present. The expansive forests with its diverse habitats are well known for their rewarding hunting and fishing opportunities. In the winter, there are 56 miles of cross country ski trails and over 200 miles of snowmobile trails. For more information visit the Moshannon State Forest website or Facebook page.


Camping in the Moshannon State Forest is a great way to get away from it all and spend a night in the great outdoors. These designated, roadside campsites are identified by signpost and campsite name. There are no amenities, although some may have a fire ring and picnic table.

Facilities:

Moshannon State Forest is primarily managed for low density and dispersed recreation, so facilities are limited throughout. There are developed wildlife viewing areas at Hoover Farm and Beaver Run.


Designated campsites include:

Medix Run Camping sites (Primitive sites along a mountain stream): Sites 1 thru 10

Shaggers Inn Campsites(Primitive sites near a mountain top lake): Sites 1 thru 3

Yellow Snake Equestrian Camping Area(Primitive sites for equestrian camping adjoining the Quehanna Wild Area): Sites 1 thru 6

Nearby Attractions:

Black Moshannon State Park, S.B. Elliot State Park, Parker Dam State Park, Quehanna Wild Area, Benezette Elk Viewing Area

Booking Window

Roadside

Thu May 16 2024 - Tue Apr 15 2025

Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 11 Month(s) in advance.

State Forest Equestrian

Thu May 16 2024 - Tue Apr 15 2025

Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 11 Month(s) in advance.

Season Dates

Season Schedule

Park Season
Start
End
Peak
Mon Jan 01 2024
Tue Dec 31 2024
Peak
Wed Jan 01 2025
Wed Dec 31 2025
Services and Amenities
Within Park
  • Camping, Backcountry
  • Camping, Equestrian
  • Camping, Equestrian Group
  • Canoeing
  • Fire Rings
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hiking Trail
  • Historic Sites
  • Hunting
  • Kayaking
  • Parking
  • Picnic Tables
  • Scenic Driving Routes
  • Trails, Mountain Bike
  • Viewing Platform/Overlk
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • trails - equestrian
Fees and Cancellation Policies
Getting There
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
41.12136, -78.53275
41°7'17"N, 78°31'58"W

The Moshannon State Forest District Office is located at 3372 State Park Road. From I-80, take Exit 111 and merge onto PA-153 N. In 1.0miles turn right onto Old Route 153 (State Park Road) to office on the right.
Contact Information

Mailing Address:

Moshannon State Forest
3372 State Park Road
Penfield  PA  15849
Phone Number:
Information:  (814)765-0821
Additional Information

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