Clear Creek State Forest

Open — Open year-round for camping with reservations available. State forest roads are not plowed in winter, so access to roadside campsites is not guaranteed during winter months. Campfires restricted March 1 through May 25 unless authorized.

About

Clear Creek State Forest comprises 16,716 acres across Jefferson, Clarion, Venango, Forest, and Mercer Counties in the Pennsylvania Wilds region. The forest offers two types of camping experiences: five designated motorized roadside campsites located in the Callen Run Tract, and dispersed primitive backpack camping throughout the forest. The roadside sites are singular, remote locations along dirt and gravel forest roads with pull-offs or short driveways suitable for tents, small RVs, or trailers. No developed facilities, electric hookups, dump stations, or modern conveniences are available at any state forest campsites. Primitive backpack camping is permitted throughout most of the forest without a permit for stays of one night or less, except in designated Natural Areas, within 200 feet of forest roads, within 25 feet of trails, or within 100 feet of water sources. The Danner Primitive Camping Area along the Allegheny River in the Kennerdell Tract offers a vault toilet, picnic table, and fire ring for water trail users. All motorized roadside sites require advance reservations through the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation system and can be reserved up to eleven months in advance with a seven-night maximum stay.

Directions

From I-80, take Exit 62 and follow PA-68 E for 1.9 miles. Turn left onto South Street and continue for 0.3 miles, then take a left onto South 2nd Avenue to reach the Clear Creek State Forest District Office.

Nearby Campgrounds