Rothrock State Forest

Open — Open year-round. Winter access not guaranteed as state forest roads are not plowed. Reservations required for roadside camping and available up to eleven months in advance. Limited to seven consecutive nights per stay.

About

Rothrock State Forest encompasses approximately 97,000 acres of rugged, rock-strewn ridges in central Pennsylvania, offering primitive camping experiences in a remote woodland setting. The forest provides designated roadside campsites located along dirt and gravel forest roads, designed for overnight camping in or near a vehicle. These singular, remote sites may accommodate tents, small recreational vehicles, or trailers depending on the specific site layout. The forest operates with a reservation system for all designated roadside campsites, requiring advance permits obtained through the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests reservation system. Stays are limited to seven nights with a mandatory 48-hour break before returning. There are no developed facilities whatsoever: no electric hookups, no water, no dump stations, and no trash disposal. Campers must be fully self-sufficient and practice Leave No Trace principles. Beyond the designated roadside sites, Rothrock State Forest also permits free primitive backpack camping in most areas without a permit for one-night stays, provided campers follow distance requirements from roads, trails, and water sources. The forest is known for its extensive trail network including the Mid State Trail and Standing Stone Trail, awe-inspiring vistas, and natural areas perfect for backcountry exploration.

Directions

From Huntingdon, PA, take State Route 26 north to the intersection with State Route 305. Follow SR 305 east into the forest. Specific campsite locations can be found on the Rothrock State Forest Public Use Map.

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