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Spongy Moth Treatment:
  • The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry will be conducting a Lymantria (new common name-Spongy Moth; former common name: Gypsy Moth) suppression project in portions of this state forest. Aerial treatment by plane and/or helicopter will be made with a natural insecticide and could occur from May 1, 2024, through mid-June 2024. Please contact the forest office for a better estimate of when the treatment will occur. If desired, you may request a copy of a fact sheet for the insecticide to be used by contacting the forest office.

  • 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
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    Book a Campsite at Tuscarora State Forest, PA

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    Campsite Search Results: 1-25 of 54 Previous | Next
    Max # of people
    Equip length/ Driveway
    Amenities
    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
    Showaker
    State Forest Equestrian
    5
    25 Back-In
    Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
    Pets Allowed Near Water - no
    Showaker
    State Forest Equestrian
    5
    25 Back-In
    Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
    Pets Allowed Near Water - no
    Showaker
    State Forest Equestrian
    5
    25 Pull-Through
    Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
    Pets Allowed Near Water - no
    Showaker
    State Forest Equestrian
    5
    25 Pull-Through
    Electric Hookup - no Full Hookup - no
    Pets Allowed Near Water - no
    Showaker
    State Forest Equestrian
    5
    25 Pull-Through
    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 54 Previous | Next
    ** Arrival dates earlier than the online-reservation-window may also be available at the campground.
    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

    Mon Apr 29 2024 - Sat Mar 29 2025

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

    Roadside Hike-in

    Mon Apr 29 2024 - Sat Mar 29 2025

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

    State Forest Equestrian

    Mon Apr 29 2024 - Sat Mar 29 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

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