Elk State Forest

Closed — The campground is currently closed for the winter season. State forest roads do not receive winter maintenance and motorized roadside camping access is not guaranteed during winter months.

About

Elk State Forest provides diverse camping opportunities across its 217,000 acres in north-central Pennsylvania. The Hicks Run Camping Area offers 15 designated sites (four non-electric tent and 11 non-electric motorized) along West Branch Hicks Run, about 2.2 miles northwest of Route 555. Equestrian campers can access Dark Hollow (10 sites) and Gaswell (5 sites) camping areas along Bell Draft Road near Benezette. For those seeking solitude, 11 roadside campsites are dispersed throughout the forest along dirt and gravel roads. All motorized and roadside camping requires permits and reservations, with stays limited to seven nights. Primitive backpack camping is permitted in most areas without a permit for one night stays, though restrictions apply near roads, trails, streams, and Natural Areas. The forest is managed for dispersed recreation with no electric hookups, dump stations, or trash disposal facilities. Dark night skies, the sounds of nature, and access to trails like the Quehanna Trail and Bucktail Path make this an ideal destination for those seeking a true backcountry experience.

Directions

From Emporium, PA, take PA-120 east for approximately 1 mile. Turn left onto Sizerville Road (PA-155) and continue for about 0.25 miles to reach the Elk State Forest District Office.

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