Best Free Camping in Pennsylvania

Free Camping the Pennsylvania Wilds

By Nathan Swartz

The northern stretches of the Keystone State from the Allegheny National Forest to the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania" officially known as Pine Creek Gorge, are full of state and national forestland offering free campsites.

In the national forest itself, spots exist at Millstone Creek near Loleta PA, as well as along the northern border's Forest Road 160 outside of Warren. Expect primitive camping, with a fire ring and picnic table at some of these sites, pit toilets at others, but otherwise more or less bare-bones camping sites.

Through the rest of this part of PA, state forest camping can be had in abundance. Elk and Moshannon State Forests are home to numerous, though unlike many a dispersed camping experience you may be used to elsewhere, some of these sites are reservable. Expect little to no cell service across the entire region.

Free Camping in the Poconos

Across the state, in the hot spot vacation destination for Philadelphians looking to escape the city, the Poconos and state forests extending from their foothills' sprawling reach are full of hiking trails, state parks to explore, and some of the best free camping in PA. Many of these sites--like those found in the Delaware State Forest and at Moon Lake Recreation Area--seem closer to organized campgrounds at first sight, and though they're free, they do require a camping permit, which is also free.

Free Camping Near Gettysburg

History has a tendency to come to life at the site of the largest battle of the Civil War, with miles upon acres of battlefields, museums, and the downtown area itself to explore. Free camping can also be found within twenty-five minutes of the city limits as well, throughout the Michaux State Forest. These primitive sites also require a permit, at no cost, and are spread across the woodlands west of Gettysburg itself.

Free Camping Near Pittsburgh

While finding a free spot to camp outside of the City of Champions isn't exactly abundant, anyone looking to explore the Three Rivers, its many bridges and burgeoning local scene leaving a Rust Belt history behind for one of green energy and technology, a couple of options do exist.

In Washington, PA, thirty minutes from downtown PGH, the Meadows Casino offers free camping to its patrons.

If a casino parking lot doesn't quite qualify as camping in your book, and you're up for trying something completely different, a private residence 40 minutes outside of the city, the name of Havityur Way Boondocking, offers free camping, too.

Free Camping the Pennsylvania Wilds

The northern stretches of the Keystone State from the Allegheny National Forest to the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania" officially known as Pine Creek Gorge, are full of state and national forestland offering free campsites.

In the national forest itself, spots exist at Millstone Creek near Loleta PA, as well as along the northern border's Forest Road 160 outside of Warren. Expect primitive camping, with a fire ring and picnic table at some of these sites, pit toilets at others, but otherwise more or less bare-bones camping sites.

Through the rest of this part of PA, state forest camping can be had in abundance. Elk and Moshannon State Forests are home to numerous, though unlike many a dispersed camping experience you may be used to elsewhere, some of these sites are reservable. Expect little to no cell service across the entire region.

Free Camping in the Poconos

Across the state, in the hot spot vacation destination for Philadelphians looking to escape the city, the Poconos and state forests extending from their foothills' sprawling reach are full of hiking trails, state parks to explore, and some of the best free camping in PA. Many of these sites--like those found in the Delaware State Forest and at Moon Lake Recreation Area--seem closer to organized campgrounds at first sight, and though they're free, they do require a camping permit, which is also free.

Free Camping Near Gettysburg

History has a tendency to come to life at the site of the largest battle of the Civil War, with miles upon acres of battlefields, museums, and the downtown area itself to explore. Free camping can also be found within twenty-five minutes of the city limits as well, throughout the Michaux State Forest. These primitive sites also require a permit, at no cost, and are spread across the woodlands west of Gettysburg itself.

Free Camping Near Pittsburgh

While finding a free spot to camp outside of the City of Champions isn't exactly abundant, anyone looking to explore the Three Rivers, its many bridges and burgeoning local scene leaving a Rust Belt history behind for one of green energy and technology, a couple of options do exist.

In Washington, PA, thirty minutes from downtown PGH, the Meadows Casino offers free camping to its patrons.

If a casino parking lot doesn't quite qualify as camping in your book, and you're up for trying something completely different, a private residence 40 minutes outside of the city, the name of Havityur Way Boondocking, offers free camping, too.

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Recent Pennsylvania Free Campsite Reviews

Wilkes-Barre, PA

Mohegan Sun Pocono

Jan 04, 2024

"Decent free parking lot for up to three nights."

active staractive staractive staractive starinactive star
They have you park in parking lot E, which is behind the casino. You still have access to the casino from the rear of the facility. Reasonably quiet, reasonably flat thumb areas. Do you have a bit of a incline to them. Parking lot is lit. There are stores and gas stations and restaurants within a mile of where you’re parked, not including the...
Read More

mikeh
1 review
Wilkes-Barre, PA

Mohegan Sun Pocono

Dec 20, 2023

"Very Convenient Place To Stay Overnight."

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Very easy to get here, and get back out on 81, plus there’s lots to do if you want to. Parking lot is sloped but there are a couple spots that are not bad. This time I got the best one!

camper-787981
7 reviews
Wilkes-Barre, PA

Mohegan Sun Pocono

Oct 29, 2023

"Great Place For A Stopover"

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We’ve stayed here two different times. The first time was basically just us and another RV and a few semis. The second time was probably 15 RVs and 10 semis. Both times we had no trouble finding a spot to park. Lot E is pretty uneven, so we used our leveling blocks. The gravel overflow lot looks flatter, but there are no lights. It’s much...
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Caleb
9 reviews
Hunlock Creek, PA

Moon Lake Recreation Area

Oct 28, 2023

"Great grounds, very happy to spend a few nights. "

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Full service Verizon, I was able to work remotely all day on Friday, including video calls. Only a few dead spots for T-Mobile, otherwise full coverage. Easy access to porta-potties. Inner ring campsites only have a field between them, so you can sometimes hear your neighbors. Note that all campsites require a fee to be paid online (it's not...
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camper-872417
1 review
Hunlock Creek, PA

Moon Lake Recreation Area

Oct 15, 2023

"Lots Of Space And Birds!"

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Great loop of sites at the end of the drive that feels secluded. Fire ring and picnic table. Arrived in the rain but had a gorgeous sunny walk around the lake in the morning. Ran into many birders and saw 2 hawks !

camper-880817
1 review