Cabins & Campgrounds To Escape To In The Allegheny National Forest
Ready to explore Mother Natures playground? The Allegheny National Forest offers rustic cabins and scenic campgrounds with full amenities and many nearby attractions for the entire family to enjoy. Pick your pleasure at any of these outdoor camping sites.
Know before you go: We recommend contacting your destination before your visit for their latest rules and regulations. Find up-to-date COVID-19 traveler resources on the visitPA website.
Can You Hunt In Allegheny National Forest
If youre a hunter, weve got some good news for you. You can hunt in Allegheny National Forest! You must have the appropriate state hunting licenses and obey bag limits and a handful of hunting rules specific to the national forest.
Knowing the national forest will be very important to ensure you follow the rules regarding distance from recreation areas. If you plan to hunt in Allegheny National Forest, youll want to be familiar with the hunting guidelines for NFS lands.
Visit The Interactive Eldred World War Ii Museum
The Eldred World War II Museum in Eldred, Pa., is an educational stop in the National Forest. It has many interactive components, such as mock battles. There are also large model displays of ships and more. And youll find various artifacts from the war.
Theres a World War II museum in Eldred because there used to be a munitions plant in the town during the war. At the peak of its production, 1,500 people worked at the facility, 95% were women, and the plant was about 1,800 acres. Munitions assembled there were British three-inch trench mortars, bomb fuses, and more.
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Bald Eagle State Forest
Named after the famous Native American chief, Bald Eagle, Bald Eagle State Forest covers 193,424 acres of high, sharp ridges and tracts of old-growth forest with miles of refreshing mountain streams. Due to its location within the ridge and valley section of Pennsylvania, Bald Eagle State Forest has breath-taking sights you cant find anywhere else in the state.
From the Allegheny Mountains in the northwest to the limestone-rich Susquehanna Valley in the southeast, the Bald Eagle forest district spotlights a series of striking sandstone ridges. Some of Bald Eagle State Forests peaks reach heights of up to 2,300 feet above sea level.
Each year, visitors flock to Bald Eagle State Forest for its numerous trails and natural areas. From the Mid State Trail to the old-growth forests, vistas and countless other multiple areas, Bald Eagle State Forest has something to offer every nature enthusiast. The Poe Paddy area is a particularly popular spot among visitors because of its scenic canyons and rugged ridges.
And with 45 designated motorized camping sites, there is no shortage of space for overnight guests. These motorized campsites each come with off-road parking, a fire ring and a picnic table. Despite the many campsites available, it is still recommended that campers call ahead to reserve a spot and request a permit for no charge.
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Visitor Tips And Best Time To Visit
At Allegheny National Forest you can explore the trails on your own, but its best to start your visit at the ANF Visitors Bureau, which promotes “Geo-Tourism” and sustainability and provides an abundance of information on all the activities and tours available. You will find details about local attractions, places to stay, restaurants, museums, and things to see and do while visiting.
You can visit Allegheny National Forest year-round, and since Pennsylvania experiences the four seasons, you will find that this worthwhile destination offers something different each time you visit. For example, in winter, youll find its great for snowmobile riding as well as cross-country skiing.
Be sure to visit check out the ANF website in advance for information about seasonal activities, trail closures, tours, camping, kids programs, and other special events. Admission is free, but at certain sites, there may be a day use fee of $5 dollars that may be paid on site. There are many camping sites here and prices change, depending on the accommodations and the season. Be sure to reserve your campsite and purchase permits in advance .
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Choose Your Mode Of Travel
When planning your time in Allegheny National Forest, choosing your mode of travel before going will help you maximize your time. If youre RVing, determine which campgrounds youll stay at and how to get around once youre there.
For example, you can drive through Alleghany, but if you have a big rig, you may want to plan your exploration days with your tow vehicle and leave the RV at a campground.
Perhaps youll be tent camping, backpacking, horseback riding, or biking. In these cases, do your research to know where you can go and where the park allows tents. Allegheny also has motorized trails for ATVs and OHVs. Youll need a permit to utilize the trails.
Where Is Allegheny National Forest
Allegheny National Forest sits in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains and is approximately 100 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. This 500,000-acre national forest is the only national forest in the entire state of Pennsylvania.
The northern park border is the state line between Pennsylvania and the state of New York. Once you cross the border into New York, the forest becomes New Yorks Allegheny State Park.
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Is Allegheny National Forest Worth Visiting
Spending a bit of time in the beauty and simplicity of Allegheny National Forest is a great way to disconnect from the rest of the world. Relax in the thick forest and listen to the wind blow through the treetops.
Watching the wildlife galavanting around the forest will help you forget about the stresses at work or back home. With so much to see and do in this national forest, youll likely be planning your next trip while packing up your gear.
Have you ever been to the Allegheny National Forest? Tell us about your experience in the comments!
Woodhaven Acres Campground & Cabins
Bradford
Surround yourself in quiet, shaded lots at the campsites at Woodhaven Acres Campground & Cabins, conveniently located only five minutes from the shoreline of the Allegheny Reservoir in the Allegheny National Forest. The campsite is also pet friendly, so bring your furry pals along for the trip, and then roast some tasty marshmallows around the fire ring to end your day of adventures.
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Willow Creek Cabin Rentals
Bradford
Be at peace with nature without the noise of technology at Willow Creek, an internet and cellphone service free zone. While staying at Willow Creek Cabins, you can enjoy year-round outdoor activities, such as world class fishing and hunting, hiking, sightseeing, or riding ATVs through the forest.
Campground Camping In The Allegheny National Forest
First of all you need a base camp for exploring so you might be wondering what is available for camping. I am only going to address the campgrounds that you can van camp or park an RV at so I wont be including locations that have just tenting.
Here are a few quick camping rules:
You may camp only 14 days in the Allegheny National Forest and quiet time for campers is from 10:00 PM to 6 AM. You are permitted to have eight people at a campsite.
When building a fire only build in designated fireplaces and only when fires are permitted. Bringing firewood from outside of the Allegheny National Forest is prohibited due to invasive species. Firewood is available at or near camping areas.
You must keep all pets on a leash at all times and they arent allowed on the beaches or in the water.
To help ensure you get a campsite when you want one make a reservation at recreation.gov however all campgrounds do not have online reservations.
Dewdrop Campground has 70+ campsites with fire rings, picnic tables and tent pads. It is located on the Longhouse National Scenic Byway about four miles south of the intersection with SR 59 on the western shore of Kinzua Bay.
- Some sites have electric and there are no sewer hookups.
- Daily camping fee $17.00 per site
- Daily camping fee on waterfront $19.00 per site
- Campground amenities include: Flush toilets, hot showers, drinking water, playground, dump station and a concrete boat launch.
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Pennsylvanias Only National Forest A Recreational Paradise
The majestic Allegheny National Forest , offers four seasons of outdoor recreation including camping, fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, cycling, birding, snowmobiling and ATV Trails. Located within northwestern Pennsylvania, it is a convenient drive for more than one-third of the nations population.
Open to free public access year round, the ANF is approximately 517,000 acres and includes land within McKean, Elk, Warren and Forest counties. Over 463,000 acres are forested, 42,000 acres are non-forest, and 11,000 acres are covered by water, primarily the Allegheny Reservoir formed by the Kinzua Dam, which impounds the Allegheny River. Highlights include the Longhouse National Scenic Byway, Rimrock and Jakes Rock Overlooks, Kinzua Beach, and over 600 miles of multi-use motorized and non-motorized trails. A diverse hardwood forest offers stunning fall foliage, with prime color the last two weeks of September and the first two-weeks of October.
Camping & Cabins
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Multiple Benefits Sustainability And The Future
Today, the Forest Service carries out a variety of management and research activities, providing multiple benefits with a strong scientific basis.
Defining the way a National Forest is to be managed can be controversial. The National Forest Management Act of 1976 required each National Forest to implement a Forest Plan with extensive public involvement, outlining a vision for how and where management activities will be emphasized. The ANFs initial Forest Plan, which was approved in 1986, is currently undergoing revision. The revision process began in the fall of 2003, and was expected to be complete by early 2007. Additional parcels of the ANF are expected to be recommended to Congress for permanent protection as wilderness areas under the Wilderness Act of 1964 as a result of the Forest Plan revision process. rel=nofollow> The Wilderness Society, who grew up in the ANF town of Tionesta.)
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Siuslaw National Forest: Oregon
The Siuslaw National Forest encompasses the magic of Oregons mountainous forests to its rugged coast. This national forest has some unique things to do, from spectacular mountain views to beach combing, from whale watching to exploring the forest or dunes.
Old World Gingerbread Village Mapleton, OR
This family-style restaurant is a local favorite. Not only do they specialize in homemade gingerbread products, but they also serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Come fill your belly before or after a day in the nearby national forest. This Harvest Hosts location offers three pet-friendly sites for RVs of any size.
New Camping Restrictions In The Works Near Moab
We also recently learned that the Moab Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management in Utah is looking to impose new camping restrictions in the popular dispersed camping areas around Moab. These proposals are in the initial stages of planning, and they havent yet opened the proposal for public feedback. We will let you know when they do. here are links to the two proposals:
The Dispersed Camping Access Alliance is a special Project of the BlueRibbon Coalition. In addition to keeping you informed about issues related to dispersed camping access, we engage with management agencies on the issues we share with you. Our organization has also been successfully defending recreation access to public land in the courts since 1987. We are able to fight because of the generous contributions from our members and supporters. We hope youll consider a donation to support our efforts.
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White River National Forest: Colorado
Within its two million acres, White River National Forest visitors will find eleven ski resorts, ten peaks over 14,000 feet, and plenty to do. Fall through Spring offers an excellent time for winter sports, while the summer months give way to incredible hiking, camping, fishing, and scenic driving opportunities.
Stoneyard Distillery Dotsero, CO
The Stoneyard Distillery uses Colorado beet sugar and water from the Rockies to produce their spirits. Currently, they produce a great variety of spirits, and even sell bitters, shooters, and merch, as well. This Harvest Hosts location offers fifteen pet-friendly sites for RVs of any size.
Stop By The Bradford Brew Station
What would a trip to Allegheny National Forest be without some good eats? The Bradford Brew Station is the perfect stop. Its the first legal brewery to open in Bradford, Pa., since 1945. Theyre a craft brewery with 14 different brews on tap. And they have a great food menu that includes burgers, salads, wraps, and desserts.
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Help Stop Campsite Closures In Allegheny National Forest
Sep 10, 2021 | Action Alert, Dispersed Camping |
The picture above is near one of the campgrounds that the Forest Service is planning to close in a Recreation Site Analysis in the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania. It appears that the FS is using a new tool to take public comment on this proposal where you can go comment on each specific site on a map.
This tool lets you read the other comments. Here is a sampling of what some people are saying about the plan to close this campground:
Further proving how out of touch the ANF is. Basically anything anyone actually uses they decide to close!?!? Boat access camping is overpacked and needs expanded not closed! Have we thought about management change with someone who really wants people to use the land the tax payers pay for? Before we close a site especially a visitor center or even a bathroom facility it may be time to shorten ANF staff, office buildings or vehicles so the people can enjoy their own land.
They are also proposing to restrict what appears to be the only area open to primitive dispersed camping. Heres the FS proposal:
The Forest Service is proposing to remove the vault toilet. Restrict camping to the east side of the road, with designated campsites between the road and the creek. Install a kiosk with camping and fishing information. Prohibit camping on the east side of the road to discourage large groups from using the area, restrict access and restore vegetation and ground cover.
Red Bridge Recreation Area
Bradford
The Red Bridge Recreation Area is located nine miles northwest of Kane, PA and is on the eastern shore of Kinzua Bay, a southern branch of the Allegheny Reservoir. A fun little fact for the history buffs out there: The recreation area is located near the site of a former Civilian Conservation Corps unit known as Camp #3. During World War II, it was used as a German Prisoner-of-War Camp.
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Kaniksu National Forest: Idaho
Located on the Idaho Panhandle, this national forest is usually lumped in with the Coeur dAlene and St. Joe National Forests to make up the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. The entire area is known for its gorgeous lakes and rivers. Visitors love boating, swimming, fishing, and tubing throughout.
Copper Belt Wines Baker City, OR
This quaint, family-owned winery uses all local Oregon grapes for their wines. They produce a variety of whites, reds, rosé, and sparkling wines. This location offers three pet-friendly spaces for RVs of any size.
Almosta Farm at Cove Cove, OR
This little farm has a lot to offer with its dwarf goats, chickens, organic produce, honey bees, and more. The best way to support this host is by purchasing any of the incredible goods from their shop, including candles and other beeswax products. This Harvest Hosts location offers one pet-friendly site for RVs up to thirty feet in length.
Dixie National Forest: Utah
This national forest is situated between the Great Basin and the Colorado River in southern Utah, spanning across almost two million acres. The scenery here ranges from desert canyon gorges of amber, rose, and sienna to high mountain forests, plateaus, and alpine lakes. Visitors enjoy some of the prime fishing and hunting spots, horseback riding, and winter sports.
Red Acre Farm Cedar City, UT
This farm is the product of an incredible story. Wanting to escape Los Angeles, two parents brought their daughter, Sara, to Utah where she fell in love with the idea of farming. As a teen, she single-handedly farmed produce, raised animals, expanded the farm, started a community-supported agriculture program, and founded the first Utah Farm & Food Conference. She still stays busy today running the Red Acre Farm and has even expanded to provide farm kitchen offerings. This Harvest Hosts location has one space for an RV under thirty-five feet in length.
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History Of The Reservoir
The reservoir was created in the 1960s when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed the Kinzua Dam on the upper Allegheny River. The reservoir water level and water surface is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Only a few private landowners exist on the New York shoreline. The Allegheny Reservoir is unique because very little private commercial development exists along its shoreline. The majority of the existing developed recreation sites on the PA portion of the Reservoir are operated and maintained by the Allegheny National Forest.
Flathead National Forest: Montana
Located near Flathead Lake and tucked away in the Rocky Mountains of Montana lies Flathead National Forest. Within the national forest, there are several other notable lakes and rivers that provide excellent canoeing or whitewater rafting opportunities. The mountains make for incredible hiking or skiing as well.
Trixi Saloon Ovando, MT
Trixis is a restaurant and saloon that is a local favorite. It is located within close proximity to town and nearby outdoor recreation. Here, they serve Montana beers, local beef, and homemade pies. This Harvest Hosts location offers two pet-friendly sites for RVs of any size.
Blackfoot Commercial Co Ovando, MT
Its always so neat when small towns have more than one Harvest Hosts location, allowing guests a minimum two-night stay without having to miss out on local experiences. Blackfoot Commercial Co is a local staple. Its a general store, gas station, and tiny motel all in one. Here, you can stock up on everything you need to explore the nearby national forest. This Harvest Hosts location offers two pet-friendly sites for RVs up to thirty feet in length.
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