Bonnell Flats Campground, Salladasburg, PA

Introduction / Overview

For those Pennsylvanians seeking a genuine, rugged outdoor experience, Bonnell Flats Campground provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the state’s natural beauty. Located in the magnificent Tiadaghton State Forest, near Salladasburg, PA, Bonnell Flats is not a modern RV park but a designated, rustic camping area managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). It is defined by its stunning natural setting, offering "Beautiful campsite, great views and spacious" sites, as noted by visitors.

This location is the ideal retreat for the self-sufficient camper—the hiker, biker, or kayaker—who prioritizes scenic solitude over modern amenities. Nestled deep within the vast State Forest lands, the campground offers a taste of the authentic Pennsylvania Wilds. The overall tone here is one of peaceful remoteness, where the sound of Little Pine Creek often replaces the noise of traffic. Unlike more developed campgrounds, Bonnell Flats emphasizes a traditional, “pack in/pack out” philosophy, ensuring the preservation of the forest's pristine condition for all local users to enjoy.

As part of the Tiadaghton State Forest system, a required State Forest camping permit is necessary to reserve and use a site. This small prerequisite helps manage usage and maintain the rustic character of the area, making it a sustainable retreat for Pennsylvania’s dedicated outdoor enthusiasts.

Location and Accessibility

Bonnell Flats Campground is officially located near Salladasburg, PA 17740, USA, but its true geographical anchor is the Tiadaghton State Forest. This vast public land spans parts of Lycoming, Tioga, Potter, and Clinton counties, placing the campground squarely in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Accessibility to Bonnell Flats is a key characteristic of its rustic appeal. The site is often categorized as a "Trailside campsite" or a "walk-to" site, meaning that while there may be nearby parking, the final access is primarily intended to be by foot, bicycle, or boat. Visitors are often encouraged to "Walk/float/ or bike to it," which enhances the quiet and remote nature of the camping experience.

The campground’s proximity to major recreational features is a significant advantage. It is situated in the vicinity of Little Pine Creek, offering water access for fishing, kayaking, or floating. It also serves as an important junction or access point for the extensive Tiadaghton Trail system, a popular network for long-distance hikers and backpackers, and is within the region of the celebrated Pine Creek Rail Trail (PCRT).

For Pennsylvania residents accustomed to roadside camping, it is important to note the difference here: access may involve a short or medium walk from a designated parking area, a factor that contributes directly to its beauty and seclusion.

Services Offered

As a State Forest rustic campsite, Bonnell Flats offers a foundational set of services designed to support a traditional, self-contained camping trip, aligning with the DCNR’s commitment to low-density, primitive recreation. Modern amenities like electric, water, and sewer hook-ups are generally not available at State Forest campsites, which encourages a true wilderness immersion.

The services and provisions typically found at Bonnell Flats Campground include:

Designated Campsites: The area consists of marked, designated campsites that are clearly reservable through the state’s permit system, allowing for proper planning.
Camping Permit Requirement: A free or low-cost camping permit and reservation is required from the DCNR/Pennsylvania State Forest system for motorized or roadside camping, including sites like Bonnell Flats. This permit is essential for a legal stay.
Basic Site Amenities: Each designated site typically includes minimal improvements, such as a picnic table and a fire ring or fireplace for cooking and campfires (when permitted).
Sanitation Provision: While most State Forest roadside sites do not have flush facilities, some rustic camping areas may include a pit latrine or a vault toilet. Campers are strongly advised to be prepared to follow strict Leave No Trace principles regarding waste disposal if facilities are not present.
Parking for Access: Designated parking areas are typically available near the campground, though sites often require a walk-in, bike-in, or boat-in approach, as noted by the "Walk/float/ or bike to it" characteristic.
Dead Wood Gathering: Campers are generally permitted to gather and burn dead and down wood found on the forest floor for campfires, provided fire conditions are safe and restrictions (such as the spring wildfire season ban) are not in effect.

Features / Highlights

Bonnell Flats Campground’s highlights are entirely centered on its exceptional natural location and the authentic outdoor opportunities it unlocks for local Pennsylvanians.

The core features and highlights of this State Forest destination include:

Exceptional Natural Beauty: Visitors consistently praise the "Beautiful campsite" with "great views." The flat is nestled in a highly scenic portion of the Tiadaghton State Forest, surrounded by deep woods and mountain vistas.
Water Trail Access: Its location near Little Pine Creek means the campground is perfectly suited for water activities. It is a favored stop for those floating, kayaking, or canoeing the local waterways.
Hiking and Biking Hub: As a Trailside site, Bonnell Flats offers unparalleled access to major hiking and biking trails. The area is connected to the Tiadaghton Trail, and is in the vicinity of the Pine Creek Rail Trail, making it an excellent base camp for multi-day expeditions.
Rustic and Spacious Sites: The campsites are noted as "spacious," which is a hallmark of State Forest camping that provides more privacy and room to breathe compared to commercial parks. The rustic nature ensures a truly primitive and quiet experience.
Fishing Opportunities: The nearby creeks and waterways are renowned in Central PA for trout fishing and other angling sports, making this an ideal location for local fishermen.
Embracing Leave No Trace Ethics: The requirement to "Pack in/ pack out please" is a central feature, promoting stewardship and ensuring that the natural environment remains unspoiled for future generations of Pennsylvania campers.

Contact Information

Bonnell Flats Campground is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as part of the Tiadaghton State Forest. Direct inquiries about permits, fire regulations, or specific site conditions are best directed to the Tiadaghton State Forest District Office.

Address: Salladasburg, PA 17740, USA (This is the general vicinity; the site is deep within the State Forest.)

Phone: (570) 753-5409 (Tiadaghton State Forest Resource Management Center, which manages the area)

Mobile Phone: +1 570-753-5409

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Bonnell Flats Campground holds a special significance for Pennsylvania residents who value the state’s commitment to preserving wild lands. For local users, this destination offers an accessible yet deeply immersive wilderness experience that is increasingly rare.

Firstly, the campground is a true, authentic escape into the Pennsylvania Wilds. It demands that campers be self-sufficient and respectful of the "Pack in/ pack out" ethic, which resonates with the state’s outdoor-loving community. This is camping for those who consider "rustic" a feature, not a drawback.

Secondly, the accessibility by trail—the ability to "Walk/float/ or bike to it"—makes it a perfect, multi-sport base for day trips or longer excursions on the Pine Creek Rail Trail or Tiadaghton Trail. It is the ideal place to park the car, unload the gear, and spend a week hiking or paddling through the central mountains.

Finally, as a DCNR-managed site, its continued low-cost availability, managed by a simple permit process, ensures that this stunning piece of Central Pennsylvania’s natural heritage remains available to all residents who seek quiet contemplation, rigorous activity, and "beautiful campsite" views.