Allegheny National Forest Dispersed Campsites
About Allegheny National Forest Dispersed Campsites ....
Allegheny National Forest Dispersed Campsites (shown on this map with a round Yellow Camp logo) are free-to-use with a 14-day stay limit in any 30 day period. Many of these campsites are informal areas used for camping, others like along Forest Road 160 and 259 near Jakes Rock;s and along Lolita Grade have enhanced gravel pads/parking areas. Unlike New York State, they do not have formal markings at the sites.
In the Allegheny National Forest there are a variety of back country roads, offering primitive roadside camping.
- Campsites are free to use, and have no facilities except for a fire ring and a pull-off from the road, and sometimes a site reinforced with gravel.
- As noted below, some campsites have additional facilities.
- Don't make a mess of campsites, pack out any garbage left over.
- Burn only dead and down trees, don't bring in wood from out of state.
- You can camp up to 14 days per 30 day period in Allegheny National Forest -- no permits are required.
Updated 5/11/2020 - Additional sites along Loleta Grade shown on this map, this new map separated out from NYS campsite map and includes additional information about developed recreation areas, roads and trails.
Please see also information on dispersed, roadside and back-country camping in New York State, Pennsylvania (including DCNR's free-Motor Vehicle Camping program) and West Virginia.
Helpful Hint: While I suggest you look on blog for a downloadable PDF Map, you should be able to print or save this map by clicking the print button on the map above.
Data Sources
Google Earth Data - You can download the KMZ File used in creation of this map.
National Forest Lands - Forest Service Enterprise Data Service. WMS Service: https://apps.fs.usda.gov/arcx/services/EDW/EDW_BasicOwnership_02/MapServer/WMSServer?, Layer: 0
National Forest Recreational Opportunities - Forest Service Enterprise Data Service. WMS Service: https://apps.fs.usda.gov/arcx/services/EDW/EDW_RecreationOpportunities_01/MapServer/WMSServer?, Layer: 0
National Forest Roads - Forest Service Enterprise Data Service. WMS Service: https://apps.fs.usda.gov/arcx/services/EDW/EDW_RoadBasic_01/MapServer/WMSServer?, Layer: 0,1
National Forest Trails - Forest Service Enterprise Data Service. WMS Service: https://apps.fs.usda.gov/arcx/services/EDW/EDW_TrailNFSPublish_01/MapServer/WMSServer?, Layer: 0
3DEP Elevation Hillshade. LIDAR and legacy USGS DRG Topo Derived hillshades used as a background. DEM - WMS Service: https://elevation.nationalmap.gov/arcgis/services/3DEPElevation/ImageServer/WMSServer, Layer: 3DEPElevation:Hillshade Gray
Full List of WMS and ArcMap Services - CSV Spreadsheet with all web map services currently used on the blog.
More about Pennsylvania...
Pennsylvania, a diverse state in the northeastern United States, showcases a rich tapestry of landscapes, from the urban sprawl of Philadelphia to the scenic beauty of the Pocono Mountains and the rural charm of Amish country. This webpage zeroes in on free camping opportunities on both state and federal lands, including the renowned Allegheny National Forest. Alongside the allure of camping, Pennsylvania beckons outdoor enthusiasts with a plethora of activities. Hiking trails weave through lush woodlands, while biking routes traverse picturesque terrains. The state's waterways offer kayaking and boating adventures, from serene lakes to rushing rivers. With its blend of natural wonders and recreational possibilities, Pennsylvania entices adventurers to explore its diverse terrain, enjoy free camping, and engage in an array of outdoor activities within its breathtaking landscapes.
1,000 Comments
Please send me a map of free campsites in allegany National forest
Here are some maps: https://andyarthur.org/pennsylvania-dncr-motor-vehicle-and-dispersed-camping-opportunities-%f0%9f%8f%95.html
This is great info, but how can I get exact coordinates of each campsite if I want to use onX off-road for navigation? Thanks!
Very Helpful. I was considering driving up from Pittsburgh and driving around for a few hours trying to find the locations myself. This will be a huge time saver.
You’ll probably like the area around Jakes Rocks and Coal Knob FR 160 and FR 259 or if you are coming from the south, then Forest Road 131 along the Gurgling Run. The Coal Knob mountain bike trails are a lot of fun, and FR 131 along the Gurgling Run has a real wilderness feel to it, and Buzzard Swamp is a great place for birding.
I’ve been camping near ludlow Gibbs hill for 40 yrs would like some maps of 259 I turn on 259 between Sheffield and ludlow on rte 6 would like to see what 160 is about now iam 50 camping more to bring back memories and where is sugar run thanks
I’ve been camping near ludlow Gibbs hill for 40 yrs would like some maps of 259 I turn on 259 between Sheffield and ludlow on rte 6 would like to see what 160 is about now iam 50 camping more to bring back memories and where is sugar run thanks