Tuscarora State Forest

About

Tuscarora State Forest spans 96,025 acres across six Pennsylvania counties and offers a remote, rustic camping experience for those seeking solitude. The forest provides 43 motorized roadside campsites, 5 roadside hike-in tent-only sites, and 5 equestrian sites at the Showaker Camping Area. Roadside campsites are accessed via unpaved state forest roads that do not receive winter maintenance and may include a fire ring, picnic table, and off-road parking area. This is primitive camping with no developed facilities, potable water, or modern conveniences. Campers must pack out all trash and be self-sufficient. Campfires are permitted in fire rings except during wildfire season (March 1 through May 25) unless authorized by the district office. The forest offers over 167 miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, and access to the Juniata River Water Trail. Reservations and permits are required for all motorized roadside sites. Bookings can be made through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system up to 11 months in advance. Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights, with a 48-hour vacancy required between visits. Check-in and check-out time is 3:00 PM.

Directions

From Blain, PA, the Tuscarora District Office is located at 4455 Big Spring Road. Individual campsites are dispersed throughout the forest along various dirt and gravel state forest roads. Consult the state forest maps for specific site locations.