Campsite #92

- 4485 Laurel Run Rd, Landisburg, PA 17040

For Pennsylvania locals who believe the best camping is found off the beaten path, Campsite #92 in the Tuscarora State Forest represents the perfect destination. Located along the winding Laurel Run Road near Landisburg, this designated site offers a genuine, rustic experience deep within the state's public lands. It is a coveted spot for those who seek the solitude of the forest while still needing to keep their vehicle nearby for supplies and gear.

Campsite #92 is part of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) system of Motorized Roadside Campsites within the Tuscarora State Forest, a vast expanse of forest land spanning over 91,000 acres across several counties, including Perry, Mifflin, and Juniata. This area is known for its rugged mountains, challenging hiking trails, and abundant wildlife, offering a stark contrast to the amenities-heavy environment of State Parks.

The core philosophy of camping at sites like #92 is self-sufficiency and minimal impact. This is a primitive experience; campers should not expect modern conveniences like restrooms, running water, or electrical hookups. Instead, you are provided with a permitted, secluded space—often featuring a small cleared area, a fire ring, and a picnic table—where you can establish a true, temporary home in the wilderness. This commitment to 'roughing it' ensures that the natural integrity of the surrounding State Forest is maintained for generations of Pennsylvanians.

Securing a reservation and a DCNR Camping Permit is mandatory for an overnight stay at Campsite #92. This simple process guarantees that your spot is legally designated and helps the forest district manage the dispersed recreation load across the Tuscarora State Forest. By choosing a designated site, you are supporting responsible land stewardship and reserving your access to one of the most tranquil outdoor experiences Central Pennsylvania has to offer.

Whether you're planning a multi-day hiking excursion, a hunting trip, or simply a getaway to enjoy the unparalleled night sky and forest silence, Campsite #92 offers the ideal, uncommercialized base camp for your Pennsylvania Wilds adventure.

Campsite #92 is officially located at the address 4485 Laurel Run Rd, Landisburg, PA 17040, USA. This address places the site within the South Block of the Tuscarora State Forest, an area famed for its Appalachian Ridge and Valley topography.

Access to the campsite is via Laurel Run Road, which is typical of State Forest thoroughfares—a remote, dirt and gravel road that is minimally maintained, especially outside of peak seasons. The approach emphasizes the site's seclusion, but requires all visitors to be mindful of road conditions. While many vehicles can navigate the forest roads, a high-clearance vehicle may be recommended, and four-wheel drive might be necessary, particularly after heavy rain or during the winter months when roads are not plowed.

Since the campsite is a "motorized roadside" site, its great advantage is that you can park your vehicle directly at or very near your camping area. This allows for convenient loading and unloading of heavier gear, making a primitive experience manageable for small groups, families, or those with more substantial equipment for activities like hunting or mountain biking.

Campers are strongly advised to download or print a map of the Tuscarora State Forest before departure, as reliable cell phone service is rare in this deep-woods location. The ability to navigate offline is crucial for a safe and enjoyable trip to Campsite #92.

In line with the DCNR’s commitment to providing low-density, dispersed recreation, Campsite #92 is a rustic site with minimal development, necessitating preparedness from every camper.

• Designated Camping Area: A pre-approved, legally reserved space for a tent, small trailer, or small RV, with your vehicle parked directly at the site.
• Basic Site Amenities: The site is equipped with essential outdoor furnishings, typically including one picnic table and one metal fire ring to contain campfires.
• Vehicle Access: Parking is available either in a designated pull-off area or a small, minimally improved driveway specific to Campsite #92.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are generally permitted on State Forest land, provided they are kept under control and attended to at all times. All pet waste must be properly disposed of.
• Firewood Gathering: Dead and down wood may be gathered and burned for campfires, but it is prohibited to remove wood from the site or to bring outside firewood into the forest to prevent the spread of invasive insects.
• No Modern Utilities: The site does not provide any electric hookups, potable water sources, or sewage/dumping facilities. Campers must pack in all necessary water and utilize self-contained toilets or follow DCNR guidelines for human waste disposal (burying solid waste 4–6 inches deep, 200 feet from water/camp/trails).
• "Carry In, Carry Out" Management: All trash, refuse, and gray water must be carried out of the State Forest. The responsibility for leaving the site pristine rests entirely with the permit holder.

Campsite #92’s most valuable features are its integration into the wilderness and the exceptional recreational opportunities presented by the surrounding Tuscarora State Forest.

• Deep Forest Seclusion: The site’s remote location along Laurel Run Road ensures a tranquil experience, far removed from the noise and light pollution of urban centers.
• Gateway to the Tuscarora Trail: The State Forest is crisscrossed with numerous trails, providing unparalleled access for day hikers, long-distance backpackers, and mountain bikers.
• Excellent Hunting and Fishing: The area is renowned among locals for its rewarding opportunities for seasonal hunting and cold-water fishing in the streams and runs of the forest.
• Ideal for Extended Stays: With a mandatory DCNR permit, the site allows for a continuous stay of up to seven consecutive nights, making it perfect for an immersive wilderness vacation.
• Wildlife Observation: The dense habitat provides frequent opportunities to observe Pennsylvania's native wildlife, including white-tailed deer, various bird species, and possibly black bear, making proper food storage essential.
• Stargazing Haven: The low level of ambient light in this part of Perry County makes Campsite #92 a spectacular spot for astronomy and simply enjoying the vast, dark night sky.

As a remote, designated site within the State Forest system, all formal contact, reservations, and official inquiries for Campsite #92 are managed by the overseeing DCNR office.

Campsite Location (for GPS reference only—do not rely on cell service):

Address: 4485 Laurel Run Rd, Landisburg, PA 17040, USA

For DCNR Permits, Official Inquiries, and Group Authorization (Tuscarora State Forest District Office):

Phone: 717-536-3191

Reservations: All reservations and the mandatory camping permit for Campsite #92 must be secured online through the official Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation website, or by calling the toll-free reservation line: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757).

Campsite #92 is uniquely suited for Pennsylvania residents who are passionate about authentic outdoor recreation and conservation. Its location in the Tuscarora State Forest is easily reachable for a long weekend, yet remote enough to truly feel like a getaway. This site appeals to the local spirit of self-reliance and responsibility, as campers must strictly adhere to primitive camping ethics, bringing everything they need and carrying out everything they pack in. For the seasoned Central Pennsylvanian hiker, hunter, or nature photographer, Campsite #92 provides a crucial, reliable, and permitted access point to the deepest parts of the state's public wilderness.

By choosing this designated motorized roadside site, you are securing an exclusive piece of Pennsylvania nature for your family or small group, all while contributing to the sustainable management of our invaluable State Forest system. It is more than just a place to sleep; it is a sanctioned opportunity to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the rugged, beautiful landscapes that define the Commonwealth.

Campsite #92

4485 Laurel Run Rd, Landisburg, PA 17040, USA