Campsite #86

- Newville, PA 17241

For the dedicated Pennsylvania outdoor enthusiast, or the local user seeking a genuine break from the fast-paced world, Campsite #86 near Newville, PA, represents the epitome of rustic, secluded wilderness camping. Unlike large, amenity-rich commercial campgrounds, Campsite #86 offers a deeply immersive and off-grid experience. Located near the rugged terrain of what is strongly suggested to be the Tuscarora State Forest, this destination is tailored for those who prioritize quiet solitude, direct access to nature, and the self-reliance that comes with primitive camping.

This particular site is not about electric hookups or modern plumbing; it is about the quiet satisfaction of a well-pitched tent, the crackle of a campfire in a designated ring, and the complete absence of digital noise. The feedback from real campers underscores its primary appeal: a perfect, remote, and quiet area with a comfortable, flat space for tents. It’s an essential destination for locals who understand and appreciate the raw, unspoiled beauty of Pennsylvania's state forests and want to experience nature without the typical distractions of modern life. It is the ideal spot for a personal or small-group retreat where the sounds of the forest replace the ring of a cell phone.

The experience at Campsite #86 promises both tranquility and adventure. With hiking trails immediately accessible, it serves as a superb basecamp for exploring the Cumberland County wilderness. Prospective visitors should be prepared to embrace the rustic nature of the site, which means bringing all necessary supplies and respecting the wild environment, which includes being aware of native wildlife, such as the local timber rattlesnake population. Campsite #86 offers an authentic slice of the Pennsylvania wilderness—secluded, quiet, and profoundly connected to the natural world.

Campsite #86 is officially associated with the Newville, PA 17241 zip code. Based on the descriptive user feedback mentioning rugged, remote conditions, a nearby creek trailhead, and the local presence of the Tuscarora State Forest (which borders Colonel Denning State Park in the same area), it is highly likely that Campsite #86 is one of the designated primitive campsites within the State Forest lands managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). These sites are typically scattered throughout the State Forests and are accessed via dirt or gravel forest roads.

The campsite is noted to be "right off the dirt road," indicating vehicle accessibility, but it retains a "very quiet and secluded" feel. Its location provides immediate access to the surrounding forest. A significant local landmark mentioned is a "lookout point 3 miles away on Cowpens Road" which offers the nearest cell phone signal. Cowpens Road is known to locals as a key access road within the Tuscarora State Forest, further solidifying the remote, state forest location. The park's remote nature means campers must be prepared for a drive on unpaved roads and should ensure their vehicles are ready for this kind of travel. The nearby community of Newville provides the closest points for gas and essential resupply before venturing into the forest.

Campsite #86 is defined by its rustic, primitive nature, meaning its "services" are limited to the fundamental infrastructure provided at a maintained wilderness site. This environment is highly appealing to experienced campers in Pennsylvania who seek a minimal-impact experience.

• Designated Primitive Site: The site is officially marked and maintained for camping, ensuring a legal and environmentally responsible location to set up camp.

• Fire Ring: A permanent fire ring is provided for safe and responsible campfires, a quintessential part of the Pennsylvania camping experience.

• Picnic Table: A sturdy picnic table is available, offering a dedicated, flat surface for meal preparation and dining.

• Plenty of Flat Tent Area: Campers report ample flat space, which is crucial for comfort, especially in the uneven terrain often found in the mountains of the Tuscarora region.

• Ample Parking Space: Sufficient space is available for parking vehicles, which is convenient given the remote nature of the site where gear and supplies must be brought in.

• No Hookups or Running Water: It is explicitly noted that the site has "No electric. Running water or hookups." This is a key feature, as it means campers must pack in all drinking water and be prepared for true off-grid sanitation.

The features of Campsite #86 are its rugged solitude and immediate connection to the wild environment, which are major draws for local Pennsylvania residents looking to truly disconnect.

• Extreme Seclusion and Quiet: The most notable highlight is the remote location, which provides an unmatched level of quiet solitude, far from traffic, crowds, and urban noise.

• Immediate Hiking Access: Hiking trails are located within "100 ft" of the campsite, offering instant access to the extensive trail networks of the surrounding state forest, likely including sections of the Tuscarora Trail or nearby trails in Colonel Denning State Park.

• Off-Grid Digital Detox: The complete lack of cell phone signal at the campsite—requiring a three-mile drive to the Cowpens Road lookout for service—forces a beneficial digital detox, allowing for true relaxation and focus on the natural surroundings.

• Creek Access for Trailheads: Campers can drive down the road a mile to park next to a creek at another trailhead, offering diversity in hiking options and scenic natural water features for viewing.

• Authentic PA Wilderness Experience: This is a location for seasoned campers, with the presence of local wildlife like timber rattlesnakes reinforcing the sense of being deep within the wild, unmanaged landscape of the Appalachian foothills.

Since Campsite #86 is a specific, likely primitive campsite within a State Forest system (given its description), direct reservations for State Forest campsites are typically managed through the Pennsylvania DCNR. While a specific phone number for the site itself is not available, the mailing address and the general phone for the managing State Park in the area, Colonel Denning State Park, provide the closest local point of contact for related information and reservations for the general area's camping permits.

General Area Address (Colonel Denning State Park - Local DCNR Office): 1599 Doubling Gap Rd, Newville PA 17241

General Area Phone (Colonel Denning State Park Office): (717) 776-5272

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding reservations or required permits for rustic/primitive campsites, especially for specific sites like #86, local users are strongly advised to consult the Pennsylvania DCNR website or contact the Colonel Denning State Park office, which oversees a section of the Tuscarora State Forest.

Campsite #86 is tailor-made for the Pennsylvania local user who has a passion for authentic wilderness recreation and respects the demands of true primitive camping. This is not a tourist spot filled with RVs and organized activities; it is a genuine retreat into the quiet heart of the state’s forest lands. Local users, already familiar with the Appalachian mountain environment and the need for self-sufficiency, will appreciate the immediate access to quality hiking and the rare opportunity for a true digital disconnect. The seclusion and quietness of this specific site offer a mental and physical break that is increasingly hard to find, all within a reasonable driving distance of Central Pennsylvania’s population centers.

Furthermore, the location in the rugged hills near Newville—a region rich in natural beauty and outdoor tradition—makes it a quintessential Pennsylvania camping experience. It’s an ideal spot for responsible campers who are prepared to respect the environment, including the local wildlife. Campsite #86 provides the perfect basecamp for exploring the extensive regional trail systems and enjoying the profound peace that only the deeper parts of the Tuscarora State Forest can offer. For the local resident seeking a high-value, high-solitude camping adventure, this quiet, secluded, and trail-adjacent site is simply perfect.

Campsite #86

Newville, PA 17241, USA