Pinchot State Forest

Closed — Closed for the season. Designated campsites close in mid-December and reopen in late March. Primitive backpack camping is permitted year-round where allowed by regulations.

About

Pinchot State Forest comprises approximately 50,000 acres across Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, and Susquehanna counties in northeastern Pennsylvania. The forest offers two distinct camping experiences: designated roadside campsites and primitive backpack camping. Designated roadside camping includes three remote sites on the Thornhurst Tract (Fireline, Carvolth, and Sassafras), three rustic campsites at Manny Gordon Recreation Area, and 12 rustic campsites at Moon Lake Recreation Area, plus one organized group site. All designated sites provide fire rings, picnic tables, tent sites, and parking but lack modern conveniences such as hookups or running water. Some areas include pit latrines or vault toilets. Primitive backpack camping is permitted throughout most of the forest without a permit for single-night stays, with restrictions prohibiting camping within 200 feet of forest roads, 25 feet of trails, 100 feet of water sources, and within designated Natural Areas or recreation areas. The Pinchot Trail on the Thornhurst Tract is particularly popular for backpacking trips. Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all trash. The forest also provides limited water trail camping opportunities along the North Branch Susquehanna Water Trail on Bureau of Forestry managed islands.

Directions

Pinchot State Forest is located in northeastern Pennsylvania, encompassing parts of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, Susquehanna, and Wayne counties. The main office is situated at 1841 Abington Rd., North Abington Township, PA 18414. Access to various tracts and camping areas is via local roads; specific directions depend on the chosen campsite. For detailed directions, consult the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation website or contact the district office.

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