Forbes State Forest
Open for the season. Roadside campsites operate from April 2 through the last day of regular rifle deer season (typically early December). Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights, after which campers must vacate for 48 hours. No developed facilities; pack out all trash.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued June 11 at 1:21PM EDT until June 11 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Pittsburgh PA
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 312 IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN OHIO THIS WATCH INCLUDES 9 COUNTIES IN EAST CENTRAL OHIO BELMONT CARROLL COLUMBIANA GUERNSEY HARRISON JEFFERSON OH MONROE NOBLE TUSCARAWAS IN PENNSYLVANIA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 15 COUNTIES IN NORTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA FOREST MERCER VENANGO IN SOUTHWEST PENNSYLVANIA ALLEGHENY FAYETTE GREENE WASHINGTON WESTMORELAND IN WEST CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA ARMSTRONG BUTLER CLARION INDIANA JEFFERSON PA IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA BEAVER LAWRENCE IN WEST VIRGINIA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 8 COUNTIES IN NORTHEAST WEST VIRGINIA PRESTON IN NORTHERN WEST VIRGINIA MARION MONONGALIA WETZEL IN THE NORTHERN PANHANDLE OF WEST VIRGINIA BROOKE HANCOCK MARSHALL OHIO THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALIQUIPPA, AMBRIDGE, BEAVER FALLS, BROOKVILLE, BUTLER, CADIZ, CALDWELL, CAMBRIDGE, CANONSBURG, CARROLLTON, CLARION, COLUMBIANA, CONNELLSVILLE, DOVER, EAST LIVERPOOL, ELLWOOD CITY, FAIRMONT, FOLLANSBEE, FORD CITY, FRANKLIN, GREENSBURG, GROVE CITY, HERMITAGE, INDIANA, KINGWOOD, KITTANNING, LATROBE, MARTINS FERRY, MASONTOWN, MONACA, MORGANTOWN, MOUNDSVILLE, MURRYSVILLE, NEW CASTLE, NEW KENSINGTON, NEW MARTINSVILLE, NEW PHILADELPHIA, OIL CITY, PITTSBURGH METRO AREA, PUNXSUTAWNEY, SALEM, SHARON, ST. CLAIRSVILLE, STEUBENVILLE, TERRA ALTA, TIONESTA, UNIONTOWN, WASHINGTON, WAYNESBURG, WEIRTON, WELLSBURG, WHEELING, AND WOODSFIELD.
About
Forbes State Forest spans over 60,000 acres across Westmoreland, Fayette, and Somerset counties in southwestern Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands. The forest offers six designated motorized roadside campsites positioned along remote dirt and gravel forest roads, providing solitary camping experiences away from developed facilities. Each campsite includes a fire ring and picnic table, with sites varying in their ability to accommodate different camping setups from tents to small RVs. Campers must be self-sufficient as there are no restrooms, potable water, electric hookups, dump stations, or trash service on state forest land. All trash must be packed out. Campfires are permitted in the provided fire rings except when fire danger is high or extreme, and during the spring wildfire season (March through May) a free permit is required for campfires. Some sites may require high-clearance vehicles to access, and many do not accommodate larger RVs or trailers. The forest also permits dispersed primitive camping for backpackers in most areas without a permit if staying no more than one night in any location. The surrounding landscape offers extensive hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the seasons.
Directions
From Pittsburgh, access the Laurel Highlands area of Forbes State Forest via Ligonier, entering the forest via Laurel Summit Drive from State Route 30.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| fd04@pa.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (724) 238-1200 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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