Black Walnut Bottom Campground

- Pine Creek Rail Trail, Cammal, PA 17723

For residents of Pennsylvania seeking an authentic, nature-focused camping adventure, Black Walnut Bottom Campground is a well-known, albeit rustic, destination deep within the Tiadaghton State Forest. This State Forest rustic campsite is primarily designed for tent campers, particularly those utilizing the famous Pine Creek Rail Trail. Unlike heavily developed campgrounds, Black Walnut Bottom offers a primitive, low-density recreational experience, appealing to those who prioritize quiet seclusion and direct access to the Pine Creek Valley’s natural assets.

The campground is situated directly along the course of the Pine Creek, which flows through the dramatic Pine Creek Gorge, often nicknamed the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania." The geography here is characterized by level ground on the creek's floodplain, offering excellent tent-pitching areas that are only a short walk from the dedicated parking area. This "walk-to" site access—often requiring a walk or ride of up to a mile, as noted by local users—is what contributes to the campground’s peaceful atmosphere, keeping the sounds and sightlines of vehicle traffic distant from the campsites.

Black Walnut Bottom is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), ensuring adherence to the state forest's mission of providing pure water, scenic beauty, and a range of recreational opportunities. It is a favored stopover for bikepackers and families alike, providing basic amenities to enjoy the surroundings without excess distraction. However, as is common with popular state forest sites, local users should be fully prepared for a self-sufficient stay and be aware of the need to respect reservations and fellow campers to preserve the area's natural integrity.

Black Walnut Bottom Campground is officially located along the Pine Creek Rail Trail, near the village of Cammal in Lycoming County, PA. It is deeply embedded within the Tiadaghton State Forest, placing it centrally within the stunning Pennsylvania Wilds region.

Its physical address is often referenced as Pine Creek Rail Trail, Cammal, PA 17723, USA. The key aspect of this campground’s accessibility is its "walk-to" designation. Vehicle parking is provided in a designated area, but campers must then transport their gear—either by walking or cycling—to their reserved site. For some sites, this hike-in distance can be substantial, upwards of a quarter-mile or more. This walk-in requirement contributes significantly to the campground's quiet, secluded character, making the surrounding forest feel more remote.

Its location is a major draw for local cyclists, as the site is directly on the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a converted railroad bed famed for its gentle grade and scenic beauty. This makes it an ideal central stop for multi-day bikepacking trips across the 62-mile trail. While hiking trails like the Golden Eagle Trail and Black Forest Trail are in the vicinity, they typically require a short commute by car or bicycle from the parking area to their respective trailheads.

As a DCNR-managed 'rustic' camping area, Black Walnut Bottom provides minimal, essential services. Campers should view this as primitive camping with a few structured conveniences.

• Campsites: Offers designated, tent-only campsites within a campground setting. Sleeping in vehicles (RVs, vans, cars) at the site is prohibited, emphasizing a true tent-camping experience.
• Site Furnishings: Each reserved site includes a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires (when permitted by fire danger regulations).
• Water and Power: No modern amenities such as electric, water, or sewer hookups are available. Campers must bring all necessary drinking water or be prepared to filter and treat water from Pine Creek. There are no water faucets or dump stations.
• Sanitation: The campground includes a vault toilet or pit latrine facility. Note that while restrooms are provided, users are strongly advised to pack their own supplies, such as toilet paper, due to the inconsistent stocking at high-use State Forest sites.
• Access: Designated parking is provided for vehicles, but the actual campsites are walk-to, requiring gear to be carried or wheeled in, with some sites being nearly a mile from the parking area.
• Waste Management: The campground operates on a strict ‘carry in, carry out’ principle. All trash and waste generated during your stay must be removed from the State Forest property entirely.
• Reservations: Permits and reservations are required for all motorized/roadside camping (which includes this walk-in site) and can be made through the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation system up to eleven months in advance.

The primary appeal of Black Walnut Bottom lies in its immediate proximity to premier recreational features and its characteristic quiet atmosphere.

• Direct Rail Trail Access: The campground is directly on the Pine Creek Rail Trail, allowing cyclists to literally ride into their camping adventure. It is an excellent base for exploring the trail north toward Slate Run or south toward Cammal and Waterville.
• River Proximity: The sites are located close to Pine Creek, providing easy access for cold-water fishing, particularly for trout. The creek is also popular for canoeing and kayaking, with soft launch access nearby (note: non-motorized boats only).
• Secluded Camping: Because the sites are walk-in, the campground maintains a quieter, more secluded feel than drive-up campgrounds, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful retreat in the woods.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Despite the rustic setting, the flat terrain and access to the easily manageable rail trail make it a great spot for families, as evidenced by positive customer reviews noting it as a "Great spot to camp, quiet and right along the bike trail."
• Star Gazing: Due to the deep forest location and distance from major towns, the night sky viewing can be exceptional, a highlight of the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Black Walnut Bottom Campground is a part of the Tiadaghton State Forest and is managed by the DCNR. For reservations and official inquiries, please use the following information.

Address (Campground Vicinity): Pine Creek Rail Trail, Cammal, PA 17723, USA (Use for GPS to the general parking area, note the sites are walk-to)

Reservations and General Information:

Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation System:

Phone: (888) PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) (Monday–Saturday, 7:00 A.M.–5:00 P.M.)

Tiadaghton State Forest District Office (for permits and specific site inquiries):

Phone: (570) 753-5409

Black Walnut Bottom Campground is uniquely suitable for local Pennsylvania residents who are experienced with or seeking to try primitive, self-sufficient camping. It serves as a perfect base camp for two of the region's signature activities: bicycling the Pine Creek Rail Trail and fishing the legendary Pine Creek. For the dedicated outdoors-person, the slightly extended walk to the campsite is a feature, not a bug, ensuring a quiet, less-trafficked experience that truly lets the sounds of the forest take over.

The location within the Tiadaghton State Forest encourages locals to practice strong environmental stewardship, adhering to the ‘Leave No Trace’ principles that are vital to preserving the region's wild character. While occasional issues with site management and unpermitted users can arise—as noted in honest customer reviews—this is a characteristic of remote, unpatrolled State Forest settings, underscoring the necessity for all users to respect the permit system and rules. For Pennsylvania families and adventurers who value the rustic, quiet atmosphere of the Pine Creek Valley and are prepared to be self-reliant, Black Walnut Bottom offers an invaluable, deeply rewarding, and traditional PA Wilds camping experience.

Black Walnut Bottom Campground

Pine Creek Rail Trail, Cammal, PA 17723, USA