Broadhead creek designated camp site 3, Cresco, PA

For Pennsylvanians seeking a genuine, rugged outdoor experience, the **Broadhead Creek Designated Campsite 3** offers a prime gateway into the natural beauty of the Pocono Mountains region. Located on Laurel Run Road near Cresco, PA, this site is not a bustling commercial campground but rather a designated camping area managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), typically falling within the vast and scenic bounds of the Delaware State Forest. It represents the quintessential Pennsylvania state forest camping experience: remote, natural, and minimally developed, making it perfect for those who embrace the "Leave No Trace" ethos.

The region surrounding Broadhead Creek is steeped in history and outdoor tradition. The creek itself is a 21.9-mile-long tributary of the Delaware River, renowned throughout the Commonwealth for its exceptional quality waters. It is one of the most historically significant fly-fishing destinations in the United States, drawing anglers for generations. This rich natural setting ensures that any stay at Designated Campsite 3 is more than just an overnight stop—it’s an immersion in a cherished Pennsylvania landscape. However, because it is a designated site for motorized (roadside) camping, a **permit is always required** for an overnight stay, and visitors must understand the regulations regarding primitive forest camping. This approach helps conserve the environment and ensures a remote, low-density recreational opportunity for all local users.

**Location and Accessibility**

Broadhead Creek Designated Campsite 3 is nestled deep within the Pocono Mountains in Monroe County, offering a truly secluded feel while still being accessible via state forest roads.

Address: Laurel Run Rd, Cresco, PA 18326, USA

The site is located on Laurel Run Road, which is generally a dirt and gravel state forest road. As is common with DCNR-managed roadside campsites, access can be remote and requires careful driving. Prospective campers should be aware that, while the site is considered "motorized" or "roadside" camping, the roads leading to it are minimally maintained. This means a vehicle with high clearance or four-wheel drive may be recommended, especially during inclement weather, to safely navigate the remote setting.

The nearest town is Cresco, which provides access to limited supplies and basic services. For more extensive amenities, residents can travel to larger nearby towns in the Poconos, such as Stroudsburg or East Stroudsburg, which are within a reasonable driving distance. The overall accessibility of Campsite 3 is defined by its ability to offer a remote experience that is still reachable by personal vehicle, allowing local campers to easily transport their gear for a short or long stay in the wilderness.

**Services Offered**

As a designated motorized/roadside campsite in a state forest, the provided services are deliberately minimal to maintain the primitive nature of the experience and promote self-sufficiency. Campers should not expect the modern conveniences of a commercial campground. The services typically available at such a state forest site include:

Designated Camping Spur: A reserved, defined space on a dirt or gravel pull-off where campers may set up a tent or park a small RV/camper, with a typical site length that may accommodate vehicles up to around 30 feet.
Permit-Required Overnight Stay: Official permission from the Pennsylvania DCNR is required for all overnight stays at this designated site, which must be reserved in advance through the state’s reservation system.
Fire Ring: The site is equipped with at least one metal fire ring or designated rock ring, often with a grill attachment, for controlled campfires (subject to seasonal fire bans and regulations).
Primitive Campsite Layout: The site is a singular, remote spot located along a state forest road, offering solitude and distance from other campers.
Waste Management Responsibility: This is a **carry-in, carry-out** location. No trash disposal services or dump stations are provided; all refuse must be packed out upon departure.
No Modern Hookups: There are **no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups** available. Campers must bring their own water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.

**Features / Highlights**

Broadhead Creek Designated Campsite 3’s highlights are rooted in its location and the pure, rustic Pennsylvania outdoor adventure it facilitates.

Direct Access to Brodhead Creek: The primary highlight is its proximity to the Brodhead Creek, famous for being a **world-class fly-fishing stream**. This provides unparalleled opportunities for local anglers to fish for trout in a historically significant and ecologically valuable water body.
Primitive & Remote Experience: For Pennsylvanians who value **solitude and disconnection**, this site offers a truly rustic and low-density camping environment, distinct from crowded commercial parks.
Motorized Camping Convenience: Although primitive, the site allows for **roadside camping**, meaning campers can park their vehicle (and a small trailer or RV, where suitable) directly at the site. This allows for easier storage of gear and supplies, which is essential given the lack of on-site amenities.
Gateway to Delaware State Forest: The location is a superb base camp for **exploring the expansive Delaware State Forest**, which offers numerous opportunities for hiking, hunting, mountain biking, and general wildlife viewing within the Poconos.
Designated Parking: The site typically features a **hardened parking spot** on a dirt surface, ensuring a designated area for vehicle parking and setup.

**Contact Information**

All official communication, including reservations and inquiries about current road or weather conditions, must be directed to the Pennsylvania DCNR or the specific State Forest District Office responsible for the area.

Address: Laurel Run Rd, Cresco, PA 18326, USA (Located within the region of the Delaware State Forest)

Phone: Prospective campers should utilize the central DCNR Reservation Line for booking and the relevant State Forest District Office for local information, as direct phone service for the specific site is unavailable. The DCNR reservation line is generally: (888) PA-PARKS or (888) 727-2757.

**Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for Locals**

Broadhead Creek Designated Campsite 3 is an ideal destination for Pennsylvania residents—particularly those from the eastern and central parts of the state—who prioritize an **authentic, self-reliant outdoor experience**.

It provides **cost-effective recreation** managed by the state, requiring only a modest permit fee rather than high commercial rates, making wilderness access affordable.
The location in the **famous Pocono Mountains** offers unparalleled recreational opportunities, from fly-fishing the legendary Broadhead Creek to hiking the extensive trails of the surrounding State Forest.
It allows for a **necessary retreat from the stresses of urban life**, offering genuine solitude and a chance to practice essential outdoor and “Leave No Trace” skills, all while remaining within a manageable drive from major PA metro areas.
It supports the **local tradition of hunting and angling** by providing dedicated, permitted access to prime habitat areas.

For the Pennsylvanian seeking a rustic basecamp for fishing, hunting, or simply enjoying the tranquil forest, Campsite 3 provides the perfect balance of motorized access and deep wilderness immersion. It is a place to connect with the state's natural heritage and rugged beauty.