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Moshannon State Forest

United States

Overview

Brochure InfoMoshannon State Forest derives its name from "Moss-hanne", or "moose stream", the Native-American description of the waterway that runs through the area. The forest totals 190,031 acres on the Allegheny Plateau. Small tracts of the forest are found in Cameron and Clinton counties; however, most of the forest land lies in Clearfield, Elk, and Centre Counties. Moshannon is one of eight state forests located in the PA Wilds. For more information visit the Moshannon State Forest website or Facebook page.Brochure Info - OrientationMoshannon State Forest lies within the transition zone between the northern hardwood and Allegheny hardwood forests to the north and the mixed oaks and oak-hickory forests to the south. The state forest is mostly found in the Susquehanna Watershed and is mostly in the Pittsburgh Low Plateau Eco-region as well as in the Deep Valleys and Allegheny Front Eco-regions. The Pittsburgh Low Plateau can be characterized as having a smooth to irregular, undulating surface; with narrow and relatively shallow valleys. Part of the the Pennsylvania Elk Management Area falls within the Moshannon Forest District where a wild elk herd can be found. There are numerous unique natural ecological and geological features throughout the state forest such as Panther Rocks, Wolf Rocks, and the Marion Brooks Natural Area which contains an almost pure White Birch Stand.Brochure Info - RecreationBeing in the PA Wilds, the Moshannon State Forest offers over 244 miles of some of PA’s most remote wilderness trails, including the hiking-only Quehanna and Allegheny Front Trails. Most other roads and trails are also open to mountain biking and horseback riding. The 200+ miles of well-maintained, gravel public use roads serve as a gateway to the forest and allow for sightseeing, especially popular when brilliant fall foliage is present. The expansive forests with its diverse habitats are well known for their rewarding hunting and fishing opportunities. In the winter, there are 56 miles of cross country ski trails and over 200 miles of snowmobile trails. For more information visit the Moshannon State Forest website or Facebook page. Camping in the Moshannon State Forest is a great way to get away from it all and spend a night in the great outdoors. These designated, roadside campsites are identified by signpost and campsite name. There are no amenities, although some may have a fire ring and picnic table.Brochure Info - Facilities and RestrictionsMoshannon State Forest is primarily managed for low density and dispersed recreation, so facilities are limited throughout. There are developed wildlife viewing areas at Hoover Farm and Beaver Run. Designated campsites include: Medix Run Camping sites (Primitive sites along a mountain stream): Sites 1 thru 10 Shaggers Inn Campsites(Primitive sites near a mountain top lake): Sites 1 thru 3 Yellow Snake Equestrian Camping Area(Primitive sites for equestrian camping adjoining the Quehanna Wild Area): Sites 1 thru 6Brochure Info - Nearby AttractionsBlack Moshannon State Park, S.B. Elliot State Park, Parker Dam State Park, Quehanna Wild Area, Benezette Elk Viewing AreaKey InfoOccupants are also subject to the following permit conditions: 1. Campfires, when permitted, require that adequate precautions be taken to prevent the spread of fire into the forest. All other fires are prohibited. Campfires shall be attended at all times. Campfires in both fire rings and in fireplaces are prohibited when the forest fire danger is determined by the Department to be High, Very High, or Extreme and between March 1 through May 25 without authorization from the District Forester or designee. This prohibition does not apply to self-contained camp stoves when used in a safe manner. A person causing a wildfire, in addition to possible criminal penalty, is liable for all damages, costs of extinction and fines. 2. Dead and down wood may be gathered and burned when permitted but may not be removed from the site. Power tools and chain saws are not permitted. 3. Destruction of Property, damaging, defacing, or removing any sign, structure, equipment or other material is prohibited. 4. Occupants shall include at least one person 18 years of age or older. This permit may not be reassigned or transferred. 5. Pets are permitted on State Forest land if they are kept under control and attended at all times. Manure and pet waste must be disposed of properly. 6. Disorderly conduct including the following is prohibited. Fighting or other behavior that is threatening, violent or tumultuous; using obscene language or making obscene gestures; creating a hazardous or physically offensive condition by any act which does not serve a legitimate purpose of the actor; creating an unreasonable noise that may disturb other visitors to State Forest land. 7. Sanitation and Food Storage:Washing in a water outlet, spring, lake or waterway and discharging trailer, camper or motor home sewage, sink or bath water on or into ground or surface waters is prohibited. Toilets must be used where provided. In other locations, self-contained toilets must be used when required or human waste deposited in hole 4-6 inches deep, 200 feet from water, campsite, or trails and covered and disguised. Food must be stored properly to prevent interaction with wildlife. Littering or disposal of garbage, paper, household refuse, waste or other material is prohibited. 8. Parking which obstructs a gate, road, trail, footpath, bicycle path, access way, entrance, exit or road turnaround on State Forest land is prohibited. Parking in area designated for a person with a disability, by the Department, is prohibited unless the vehicle has a valid plate or valid placard. 9. Cutting, picking, digging, damaging or removing a living or dead plant, vine, shrub, tree or flower on State Forest land without written authorization of the District Foresters or a designee is prohibited. Edible wild plants or plant parts may be gathered without authorization if they are gathered for own personal or family consumption. 10. Removing or disturbing historical or archeological resources from State Forest land without written authorization of the District Forester or a designee is prohibited. 11.Target Shooting with firearms, bows arrows or devices capable of launching projectiles, causing injury to persons or property is prohibited. This includes paintball guns. Violations: Violations of forest rules and regulations, or violations of a condition of this permit could result in any or all of the following consequences: 1. The permit may be revoked. This would result in the occupants being required to vacate the facility immediately. 2. The occupants may be required to leave the forest. 3. The occupants may be cited for a violation of the forest rules and regulations, a summary offense. 4. The occupants are responsible for any damage to campsite and related facilities that occurred during or due to their occupancy.Important Information for Daily EntranceDirectionThe Moshannon State Forest District Office is located at 3372 State Park Road. From I-80, take Exit 111 and merge onto PA-153 N. In 1.0miles turn right onto Old Route 153 (State Park Road) to office on the right.Booking Window Product InfoFee Cancellation DescPlease read our Fees and Cancellation Policies

Campgrounds inside Moshannon State Forest

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