Campsite 81

- Toboyne Township, PA 17241

For seasoned Pennsylvania outdoor enthusiasts, the mention of "Campsite 81" in Toboyne Township, PA, immediately conjures images of deep woods, quiet nights, and the satisfaction of a self-sufficient camping trip. This site is unequivocally identified as a designated motorized, primitive roadside campsite located within the vast expanse of the Tuscarora State Forest. Located in the South Block of the forest, the site offers an antidote to the busy, amenity-rich commercial campgrounds by providing a secluded, no-frills wilderness experience.

Locals who know and respect the State Forest system understand that these sites are not just a place to park; they are a gateway to immersive outdoor adventure. Campsite 81 has been noted by visitors as a "Nice roomy quiet campsite," a testimonial to the privacy and space afforded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in managing these low-density recreational areas. This designation ensures that the site maintains its rustic character, remaining remote and isolated from other campsites, making it perfect for those seeking peace and tranquility.

Preparing for a stay at Campsite 81 is part of the experience. It is crucial to understand that this is a primitive site, meaning no modern infrastructure is provided. Campers must bring their own water, manage their waste according to strict "Leave No Trace" guidelines, and be prepared for potential limited cell service. This level of self-reliance is what draws the dedicated Pennsylvania local who views camping as an opportunity to truly disconnect and test their outdoor skills against the backdrop of one of Central Pennsylvania's most beautiful and rugged State Forests.

Campsite 81 is officially located within the Tuscarora State Forest, in the South Block loop, near Toboyne Township, PA 17241. The site’s approximate coordinates point to a remote location along an internal State Forest road, specifically referenced as being along the Ant Hill Trail, a short distance north of North Fork Trail.

The address, Toboyne Township, PA 17241, places the site in Perry County, an area renowned for its dense mountain ridges and valleys. Accessibility is via a dirt and gravel State Forest road. While designated as a "motorized, roadside campsite," implying you can drive to the site, visitors should be keenly aware that these roads are minimally improved and winter maintenance is not performed. Driving can be challenging, and four-wheel-drive or high-clearance vehicles may be recommended, especially during adverse weather conditions. Local users are strongly encouraged to carry a paper map of the Tuscarora State Forest and study directions prior to their trip, as reliance solely on GPS or mobile apps can be unreliable in this remote terrain. Access is not guaranteed, and being confident in your driving capabilities on rugged forest roads is essential for a smooth arrival and departure.

The services at Campsite 81 reflect the DCNR's commitment to maintaining a true primitive camping environment, prioritizing the preservation of the forest over guest convenience. The focus is on the essential framework needed for responsible, permitted camping.

• Designated Roadside Camping: This is a secured, legal, and reserved spot for overnight camping in or very near a vehicle, marked by a DCNR signpost.

• Generous Space and Layout: Reflecting the customer feedback of being "roomy," the site offers ample space (with reported dimensions like 100 feet wide and a long spur) for setting up tents and enjoying privacy.

• Basic Camp Furniture: The site includes a single picnic table for meal preparation and a fire ring for authorized campfires (permits and seasonal restrictions apply, especially March 1st through May 25th).

• Self-Contained Sanitation Requirement: Absolutely no modern restroom facilities are provided. Campers are explicitly required to use a self-contained portable toilet or rigorously follow Leave No Trace principles by burying human waste at least 200 feet from water, trails, and the campsite.

• No Modern Hookups: There are zero electric, water, or sewer hook-ups. Campers must bring all potable water supplies and be prepared to manage their own waste (gray water disposal is prohibited on the ground).

• Mandatory Carry In, Carry Out: All trash, refuse, and litter generated during the stay must be removed from the site and the State Forest upon departure, ensuring the preservation of the natural area.

For the local seeking an authentic 'Pennsylvania Wilds' feel without driving hours to the northern tier, Campsite 81 provides unique and highly desirable natural features and highlights.

• Exceptional Quiet and Low-Density Recreation: The main feature, as noted by visitors, is the tranquility. The remote location and limited number of State Forest campsites guarantee minimal interaction with other campers, offering a truly peaceful retreat.

• Proximity to Extensive Trail Systems: Campsite 81 serves as a direct access point to the network of trails and forest roads within the South Block of Tuscarora State Forest, perfect for local hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.

• Stunning Appalachian Ridge & Valley Scenery: The Tuscarora State Forest encompasses the steep, rocky ridges and narrow valleys of this central Pennsylvania region, providing dramatic scenery and high-quality habitat for diverse wildlife.

• Hunting and Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The surrounding State Forest land is open to hunting in season. For the wildlife enthusiast, this deep-woods location provides excellent opportunities for observing native fauna, including deer, turkey, and various raptors.

• Off-Grid Digital Detox: Cell phone service is noted as unreliable or completely unavailable, providing a complete break from digital life—a significant draw for locals looking to genuinely unplug.

All reservations and site-specific inquiries for Campsite 81, as part of the Tuscarora State Forest's primitive camping system, are handled through the DCNR.

Site Location Address: Near Toboyne Township, PA 17241, USA (Exact coordinates available upon reservation)

Mailing Address (Tuscarora State Forest District Office): 4455 Big Spring Road, Blain PA 17006

Phone Number (Tuscarora State Forest District Office): (717) 536-3191

Reservations for this motorized roadside campsite are mandatory and must be made in advance. Local campers can secure their permit online through the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation website or by calling the DCNR's toll-free line at 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757). Always contact the district office for the most current information regarding road closures, fire restrictions, and permit regulations before your visit.

Campsite 81 stands out as an exceptional destination for Pennsylvania residents—particularly those in the Central PA region—who understand and embrace the ethos of primitive, public land camping. It is not an urbanized "glamping" resort; it is a true backcountry experience made accessible by a forest road, and this authenticity is its primary value proposition for the local user.

Its location within the Tuscarora State Forest provides the perfect blend of easy access from major Central PA hubs like Carlisle or Harrisburg with the immediate feeling of deep wilderness isolation. The "roomy quiet campsite" feedback confirms its suitability for those seeking privacy and space away from crowded areas. For the responsible local camper, Campsite 81 offers the best of both worlds: a convenient base for exploring Pennsylvania's vast trail systems and a guaranteed quiet spot under the stars. It is an ideal setting to practice wilderness skills, teach the next generation about the importance of Leave No Trace, and appreciate the raw, unspoiled beauty of the Appalachian Ridge and Valley province—a cherished local resource.

Campsite 81

Toboyne Township, PA 17241, USA