Header Menu Button mobile Header Separator mobile

Tuscarora State Forest, PA

Description

Tuscarora State Forest gets its name from Tuscarora Mountain, named for the Iroquois tribe that once inhabited the area, and spans 96,025 acres ...[more]
Status: Open year round.   Season Dates
Max reservation window:   View all
Alerts and Important Information

Book a Campsite at Tuscarora State Forest, PA

Enter Dates

Narrow Results


Common Attributes Group
Campground Map
Campsite Search Results: 1-25 of 44 Previous | Next
Max # of people
Equip length/ Driveway
Amenities
North Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-Through
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
North Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
North Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
North Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
North Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
North Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-Through
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
North Block
Roadside
10
25 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
North Block
Roadside
10
25 Parallel
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
North Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
North Block
Roadside
10
25 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
North Block
Roadside
10
25 Back-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
North Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
North Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-Through
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
North Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
North Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
North Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
South Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
South Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
South Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
South Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
South Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
South Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
South Block
Roadside
5
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
South Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
South Block
Roadside
10
25 Pull-In
Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
Pets Allowed Near Water - no
Campsite Search Results: 1-25 of 44 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

Tuscarora State Forest gets its name from Tuscarora Mountain, named for the Iroquois tribe that once inhabited the area, and spans 96,025 acres across multiple counties.


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

Geography:

Tuscarora State Forest lands cover the narrow valleys and steep, rocky ridges of the ridge and valley region of southcentral Pennsylvania. These fertile, well-watered sites are ideal for growing majestic oak and hemlock forests.


There are abundant populations of most wildlife species native to this region. Forests of the lower slopes are essentially mixed-oak communities with pockets of white pine among black birch, sugar maple, beech, hickories, basswood, and tulip trees.


There are many unique natural features in the Tuscarora State Forest and there are several State Forest Natural Areas that include some of the most noteworthy. The Hemlocks Natural Area consists of 120 acres of virgin hemlock in a narrow ravine of about one and a half miles in length. The Hoverter and Sholl Box Huckleberry Natural Area is a true treasure and one of the most unique sites in the state. This isolated 10-acre tract contains a rare colony of box huckleberry which is a single plant estimated to be 1,300 years old.

Recreation:

The Tuscarora and its contiguous blocks of state forest offer opportunities for primarily dispersed recreation in remote and mountainous terrain. Hiking and backpacking are popular activities with 23 miles of the Tuscarora Trail passing through the district. Other popular destinations include the one-mile Tunnel Trail and the10-mileIron Horse Trail. There are an additional 167 miles of district trails, many of which are also open to horseback riding and mountain biking.


The beauty of the Tuscarora can be taken in at three scenic vistas and touring of the forest is popular on its 157 miles of public use roads. These are excellent locations to view wildlife and brilliant fall foliage and can also serve as access and gateways to additional recreation.


Hunting and fishing are traditionally important with the diverse forests and clear cool streams providing excellent habitat.


In winter there are over 100 miles of snowmobile trails and 11 miles of cross country ski trails.


Camping in the Tuscarora 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. Most are remote, designated sites with no amenities although some may include a fire ring and picnic table. Some sites may require a short walk-in from the road while others can be immediately accessed by vehicle.


For trail maps visit the Tuscarora State Forest Map webpage.

Facilities:

The Tuscarora State Forest is managed primarily for dispersed recreation and there are minimal facilities, however picnic facilities are offered at Karl B. Guss State Forest Picnic area in Juniata County. Trailheads and parking is available throughout the forest and the Resource Management Center has information and maps.

Nearby Attractions:

Colonel Denning State Park, Little Buffalo State Park, Fowlers Hollow State Park, Big Spring State Park, and State Game Lands 88, 169, 215, and 251.

Booking Window

Roadside

Tue May 14 2024 - Sun Apr 13 2025

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

Roadside Hike-in

Tue May 14 2024 - Sun Apr 13 2025

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

State Forest Equestrian

Tue May 14 2024 - Sun Apr 13 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
  • Bird Watching
  • Boat Launch Ramp
  • Camping, Backcountry
  • Camping, Equestrian
  • Camping, Primitive
  • Fire Rings
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hiking Difficult
  • Hiking Moderate
  • Hiking Trail
  • Horseback Riding
  • Hunting
  • Kiosk
  • Mountain/Trail Bicycling
  • Office/Ranger Station
  • Picnic Area
  • Picnic Pavilion
  • Picnic Tables
  • Picnicing
  • Scenic Driving Routes
  • Sightseeing
  • Stargazing
  • Trails Hiking/Walking, Easy
  • Trails, Difficult Hiking
  • Trails, Moderate Hiking
  • Trails, Mountain Bike
  • Water Access, River/Stream
  • Wildflower Viewing
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • river/stream
  • trails - equestrian
Fees and Cancellation Policies
Getting There
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
40.30222, -77.58944
40°18'8"N, 77°35'22"W

The Tuscarora Resource Management Center is located on PA-274 about 5 miles west of Blain.


GPS: 40 18 08, 77 35 22

Contact Information

Mailing Address:

Tuscarora State Forest
4455 Big Spring Road
Blain  PA  17006
Phone Number:
Information:  (717)536-3191
Additional Information
Photos

Nearby Parks

CONTACT US