Tuscarora State Forest
Open — Open year-round for camping with reservations available up to 11 months in advance. Campfires are prohibited March 1 through May 25 without authorization from the District Forester. State forest roads are not plowed in winter, so motorized camping access is not guaranteed during snow season.
Special Weather Statement issued April 12 at 4:55AM EDT by NWS State College PA
The combination of drying fine fuels and leaf litter, low relative humidity of around 35 percent and a southerly wind gusting between 20 and 25 mph during the late morning and afternoon hours, will create an elevated risk of wildfire spread across the southern half of Pennsylvania today. Residents are urged to exercise caution if handling any potential ignition sources, such as machinery, cigarettes, or matches. If dry grasses and tree litter begin to burn, the fire will have the potential to spread rapidly. For more information about wildfire danger and wildfire prevention and education, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website at http://dcnr.pa.gov/Communities/Wildfire.
About
Tuscarora State Forest spans 96,025 acres across the ridge and valley region of southcentral Pennsylvania, named for the Tuscarora Mountain and the Iroquois tribe that once inhabited the area. The forest offers approximately 55 primitive motorized roadside campsites marked with red fiberglass posts, providing a true backcountry experience without developed facilities or modern conveniences. Camping options include traditional roadside pull-off sites accessible by vehicle, roadside hike-in sites requiring a short walk from parking areas, and the Showaker Camping Area with five equestrian-specific sites featuring hitching posts and manure pits. Most sites may include a fire ring, picnic table, and off-road parking, though amenities vary. All designated sites require advance reservations through the Pennsylvania State Parks system, with stays limited to seven consecutive nights. The forest features diverse recreation opportunities including 23 miles of the Tuscarora Trail, over 167 miles of additional trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking, plus 100+ miles of winter snowmobile trails. The terrain consists of steep rocky ridges and narrow valleys covered in majestic oak and hemlock forests. Notable natural areas include the Hemlocks Natural Area with virgin hemlock and the unique Hoverter and Sholl Box Huckleberry Natural Area containing a 1,300-year-old plant colony. Wildlife viewing, hunting, and fishing are popular activities in this remote mountainous landscape.
Directions
From PA 274 in Blain, turn south at the east end of town, then drive one-quarter of a mile. Turn right after the bridge onto Fowlers Hollow Road and follow it for 5.7 miles to the park.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 30ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 25ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (717) 536-3191 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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