Pinchot State Forest
The campground is currently open for reservations and camping. Season typically runs from late March through mid-December. Campfires are prohibited March 1 through May 25 unless specifically authorized, and during periods of high fire danger. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservations. Maximum stay is 7 nights per reservation with a mandatory 48-hour vacancy between stays.
About
Pinchot State Forest spans approximately 54,000 acres across Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wyoming, Susquehanna, and Wayne counties in northeastern Pennsylvania. Named after Gifford Pinchot, the father of American forestry, this working forest offers a backcountry camping experience for those seeking solitude and self-sufficiency. Designated camping is available at several locations. The Thornhurst Tract features three roadside campsites: Fireline, Carvolth, and Sassafras. The Manny Gordon Recreation Area has 3 rustic sites, while Moon Lake Recreation Area offers 12 rustic sites plus a group campsite for organized groups. Each site includes a fire ring, picnic table, tent pad, and parking for two vehicles or one vehicle with trailer. Some sites feature a vault toilet, but no other amenities exist. Primitive backpack camping is permitted throughout most of the forest without a permit for single-night stays, with restrictions near roads, trails, streams, natural areas, and recreation areas. The forest is dual-certified under Forest Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative standards.
Directions
From Scranton, take I-81 North to Exit 199 (Clarks Summit). Follow PA-6 West to PA-407 North. Continue on PA-407 to North Abington Township. The district office is located at 1841 Abington Road, North Abington Township, PA 18414.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 40ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| fd11@pa.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (570) 945-7133 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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