Elk State Forest

Overview

Brochure Info Elk State Forest encompasses more than 217,000 acres of northern hardwood and mixed oak forests, mainly in Elk and Cameron counties. It derives its name from the great number of elk that once thrived in the area. Today, a large portion of Pennsylvania’s wild elk herd still resides in the area from Benezette east to the Hicks Run watershed. For more information visit the Elk State Forest website or Brochure Info - OrientationElk State Forest is one of the eight forest districts in the PA Wilds region. The area is characterized by deep river valleys, steep sidehills, long views from the many vistas, and high quality stands of hardwoods on the ridgetops.Brochure Info - Recreation Hiking, horseback riding, sightseeing, elk viewing, hunting and fishing are all popular on the Elk State Forest. In the winter, there are approximately 100 miles of maintained snowmobile trails and 23 miles of cross-country ski trails. For trail maps visit the Elk State Forest Maps webpageBrochure Info - Facilities and RestrictionsThe Elk State Forest is managed primarily for dispersed recreation and facilities are generally limited. Hicks Run campground is located approximately 2 miles from the intersection of Hicks Run Road and SR 555Key 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 District Office is located in the town of Emporium, 1/4 mile north of the intersection of SR 120 and SR 155. Emporium is approximately 19 miles east of the city of St Marys. The District Office is approximately 1 hour north of the DuBois and Snow Shoe/Clearfield exits of Interstate 80. GPS:41°30'39.9"N 78°13'02.7"WBooking Window Product InfoFee Cancellation DescPlease read our Fees and Cancellation Policies