Cherokee Site

- Huston Township, PA 15849

For seasoned Pennsylvania outdoor enthusiasts and local campers who prioritize solitude and self-reliance over modern convenience, the Cherokee Site represents a unique opportunity. This location is not a bustling, amenity-rich commercial campground; rather, it is a designated, single-unit motorized roadside campsite nestled deep within the vast and rugged expanse of the **Moshannon State Forest**. Situated in the remote natural landscape of Huston Township, the Cherokee Site offers a genuine primitive camping experience governed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

Motorized roadside camping, as defined by the DCNR, is intended for individuals or small groups who require their vehicle for storage or transportation but seek to stay in an undeveloped, low-density recreational environment. The experience is rustic and intentionally minimal, requiring campers to bring everything they need, including water, and to be fully prepared to adhere to strict "Leave No Trace" principles.

As one of the few designated roadside spots available in Moshannon State Forest, the Cherokee Site is perfectly suited for those looking to disconnect from the daily rush. It serves as a quiet staging area for more intense exploration, including long-distance hiking, hunting, and remote wildlife watching across the hundreds of thousands of acres that comprise this Central Pennsylvania forest district. Securing a mandatory DCNR permit well in advance is the first step toward enjoying the tranquility and rugged beauty of this location.

The Cherokee Site is located in the general area of Huston Township, PA 15849. This specific geographic marker places the campsite in a remote section of the Moshannon State Forest, which spans parts of Centre, Clearfield, and Elk counties. The region is well-known to locals as part of the PA Wilds, a haven for true wilderness adventures.

Accessibility is a key characteristic of motorized roadside camping, meaning the site is directly adjacent to one of the State Forest's extensive network of gravel public-use roads. This allows campers to drive and park their vehicle—be it a tent-camping car, truck, or small RV/trailer—right at the site. However, the designation as a 'state forest road' means that maintenance is minimal. Visitors should be prepared for:

• P **Variable Road Conditions:** Roads are unpaved, often steep, and may be rough, muddy, or snow-covered outside of summer. A high-clearance or four-wheel drive vehicle is always advisable.
• P **Limited Navigation:** Cellular service is highly unreliable or non-existent throughout much of Moshannon State Forest. Campers must download or carry **printed DCNR maps** and precise directions provided with their permit. Relying on GPS alone can lead to navigation challenges.
• P **Seclusion:** The benefit of this location is its distance from populated areas. Huston Township is a rural, heavily forested region, ensuring a quiet, isolated stay far from the noise of civilization.

The site's location provides excellent access points to the vast network of hiking trails and forest service roads that crisscross the Moshannon forest, including routes that link up to the impressive Quehanna Trail system.

The Cherokee Site, consistent with its motorized roadside camping classification, is a primitive site. This means it is entirely undeveloped and lacks all modern amenities typically found at state park or commercial campgrounds. The 'services' provided are strictly those required to establish a legal and low-impact overnight stay.

The basic infrastructure provided at the Cherokee Site generally includes:

• P **Designated Vehicle Pull-off:** A defined, hardened area for parking one or two vehicles, allowing easy access to camping equipment.
• P **Fire Ring:** A basic, non-combustible steel or stone ring for contained campfires. Note that the use of campfires is strictly regulated and prohibited during high fire danger, especially between March 1st and May 25th, when special authorization from the District Forester is mandatory.
• P **Picnic Table:** A simple wooden or metal table provided to centralize cooking and dining activities, helping to protect the surrounding area.
• P **On-Site Firewood Collection:** Campers are generally permitted to gather and burn dead and down wood found on the forest floor, provided it is not removed from the site and no power tools are used for processing.

It is critical for local users to understand what is **not** provided, which defines the necessity of self-sufficiency:

• P **No Potable Water:** Campers must bring all necessary drinking and cleaning water. All washing (dishes, personal hygiene) must be conducted at least 200 feet from any water source, and wash water must be dispersed.
• P **No Utility Hook-ups:** There are no electric, sewer, or water hook-ups available for RVs or trailers.
• P **No Restroom or Toilet Facilities:** Campers must utilize Leave No Trace sanitation methods, burying human waste in catholes 4–6 inches deep and 200 feet from water, trails, and camp, or using a self-contained portable toilet.
• P **No Trash Disposal:** The site operates under a strict **Carry In, Carry Out** policy. All trash, refuse, and litter must be removed by the camper upon departure.

The primary appeal of the Cherokee Site lies in its location and the quality of the wilderness experience it affords. Moshannon State Forest offers unique natural and recreational features that make this primitive campsite highly desirable for prepared outdoor enthusiasts.

• P **Exceptional Seclusion and Quiet:** As a single, dispersed motorized site, the Cherokee Site delivers a level of privacy that simply cannot be found in state park campgrounds, making it an ideal choice for rest, contemplation, or uninterrupted wildlife observation.
• P **Proximity to the Quehanna Wild Area:** This area is closely situated to one of Pennsylvania's most remote and magnificent natural areas. The Quehanna Wild Area offers profound opportunities for backpacking, cross-country skiing, and viewing the remnants of historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and WWII-era industrial activity.
• P **Prime Hunting and Wildlife Viewpoint:** The Moshannon State Forest is renowned for its vast size and diverse wildlife habitats, offering excellent seasonal opportunities for licensed Pennsylvania hunters. It is also a key area for viewing deer, bear, and various bird species.
• P **Gateway to Forest Trails:** The location grants easy vehicular access to the starting points of various Moshannon State Forest trails, including extensive multi-use roads popular for mountain biking, snowmobiling (seasonally), and long-distance hiking.
• P **Authentic Forest Experience:** The area lies in the transitional zone between northern and Allegheny hardwood forests, providing a rich, biologically diverse environment that shifts dramatically with the seasons, offering particularly stunning, less-traveled views of the state’s famous fall foliage.

A permit is required for any stay at the Cherokee Site. All reservations, permit information, and critical safety updates for this location are managed through the Moshannon State Forest District Office.

Moshannon State Forest District Office Phone: (814) 765-0821

Address (Site General Area Reference): Huston Township, PA 15849, USA

*Local campers are advised to secure their permit online or by phone well in advance, check for any fire bans or road closures prior to arrival, and carry the District Office contact information for emergencies.*

The Cherokee Site is a perfect match for the discerning Pennsylvania resident who views camping not as a vacation with amenities, but as an immersion into the state's rugged, beautiful wildlands. Its location in Huston Township within the Moshannon State Forest places it at the center of the PA Wilds, offering isolation and a genuine opportunity to test one's outdoor preparedness. Local users who are knowledgeable about DCNR regulations, fully understand the commitment to **Leave No Trace**, and are capable of managing their own water, waste, and safety will find the Cherokee Site to be an invaluable and peaceful retreat. It is a premier location for hunters, serious backpackers, and anyone seeking the deep tranquility and starry night skies that only a truly primitive, remote Central Pennsylvania forest campsite can provide. By choosing the Cherokee Site, you embrace a tradition of responsible stewardship and access to one of the most untouched environments the Commonwealth has to offer.

Cherokee Site

Huston Township, PA 15849, USA