Loyalsock State Forest campsite #360, Trout Run, PA

Introduction / Overview

For Pennsylvanians who view camping as a way to truly immerse themselves in the deep woods, Loyalsock State Forest Campsite #360 is a premier, designated destination. Tucked away on Ellenton Ridge Road near the community of Trout Run, this site falls under the classification of "Motorized Roadside Camping" within the expansive Loyalsock State Forest. It is important for local users to understand that this is not a developed, full-amenity campground. Instead, it offers a designated, single, primitive campsite where you can park your vehicle and set up a tent nearby, providing a crucial balance between vehicle access and a genuine wilderness experience.

Campsite #360 is one of the many dispersed, numbered sites managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to provide low-impact, low-density recreation. This area is celebrated by those who prefer the sounds of a nearby stream to the sounds of generators and crowded loops. As one reviewer noted, the beauty lies in the ability to "fall asleep to the sound of water," a feature that speaks directly to the tranquil, natural atmosphere Loyalsock State Forest is known for. The essential nature of this camping is "carry in, carry out," emphasizing personal responsibility and adherence to Leave No Trace principles—a hallmark of authentic Pennsylvania state forest use. A mandatory, though free, permit is required to reserve this site, ensuring all visitors are aware of the regulations designed to protect this pristine environment.

Location and Accessibility

Campsite #360 is strategically located along Ellenton Ridge Road, a state forest road in the heart of Loyalsock State Forest, with the mailing address referencing Trout Run, PA 17771, USA. This places the site within Lycoming County, a region famous for its rugged terrain, dense northern hardwood forests, and sweeping vistas in the Endless Mountains.

Accessibility is a key feature of the site, as it is a roadside designation. However, local campers should prepare for traveling on unpaved, dirt and gravel state forest roads, which are meticulously maintained but can be subject to seasonal weather conditions, including snow and mud. A vehicle with adequate clearance is always recommended when venturing deep into the Loyalsock. This commitment to the drive is a deliberate trade-off for the peace and isolation the site offers. Crucially, the campsite is located in an area renowned for its lack of reliable cell phone service, making pre-trip preparation—including downloading maps, obtaining the required permit, and informing others of your itinerary—absolutely necessary. Its location on Ellenton Ridge Road provides excellent, though indirect, access to various major forest attractions, including the famous Old Loggers Path hiking loop.

Services Offered

As a DCNR Motorized Roadside Campsite, the services offered at Site #360 are minimal and focused on facilitating a self-sufficient, primitive camping experience. The site is provided to the public primarily as a legal, designated place to park a vehicle and set up camp. Campers should assume they must bring everything they need, including all water and sanitation equipment.

Designated Vehicle Parking: The primary service is providing a legal, reserved spot directly off the forest road for vehicle/car camping.
Primitive Campsite Pad: A cleared or level area adjacent to the vehicle pull-off suitable for tent setup.
Fire Ring: Typically, a crude fire ring is provided to allow campfires when fire danger levels permit. Local fire bans, especially from March 1st through May 25th, must be confirmed with the forest district office.
Absence of Modern Amenities: Importantly, there are no electrical hookups, no potable running water, no sewer connections, and no dump stations.
Sanitation Requirement: There are no restroom facilities (vault toilets, outhouses, or flush toilets) provided at this single roadside site. Campers must pack out all trash and are required to use Leave No Trace principles for human waste disposal (burying 4–6 inches deep and 200 feet from water, trails, and camp) or use a self-contained portable toilet system.
Permit System: The site is reservable and requires a free DCNR permit, obtainable through the State Parks and Forests Reservation website or by contacting the district office, which ensures the site is properly managed and monitored.

Features / Highlights

The true value of Campsite #360 lies not in its infrastructure, but in its natural surroundings and the recreational opportunities it enables for the local outdoor community.

Stream Proximity: One of the most cherished features is the high probability of the site being near a natural stream or run—a common trait of roadside sites in this forest—allowing campers to "fall asleep to the sound of water" and providing a reliable, though filter-necessary, water source.
Old Loggers Path Access: The site’s location on Ellenton Ridge Road places it near the Old Loggers Path (OLP) loop, a famous 27.8-mile backpacking trail. This location is ideal for hikers wanting a comfortable basecamp before or after tackling sections of the OLP or other forest trails like the Loyalsock Trail.
Stunning Fall Foliage: As noted in a customer review, the area is spectacular during the autumn months, known for the vast expanses of northern hardwoods and sweeping views characteristic of the Endless Mountains region, providing rich "Fall leaves" viewing.
Wildlife Viewing: The Loyalsock State Forest is home to a robust population of Pennsylvania wildlife, including black bears, deer, and the shy timber rattlesnake (as noted in a customer review of the Cherry Ridge Trail, which is nearby), offering a genuine wildlife encounter opportunity for prepared campers.
True Seclusion: Unlike the concentration of sites at developed campgrounds, this single roadside designation offers a far greater degree of solitude and peace, allowing for a more intimate connection with the state forest environment.
Access to Natural Areas: Ellenton Ridge Road is in proximity to other unique features in the Loyalsock, such as designated Natural Areas or vistas like Sharp Top or the Haystacks, though they require further exploration via trail or forest road.

Contact Information

To ensure proper compliance with state forest regulations and to secure the mandatory camping permit, please use the following contact information for the managing agency, the Loyalsock State Forest District Office.

Address: Ellenton Ridge Rd, Trout Run, PA 17771, USA (General Area)

Managing Office Phone: (570) 946-4049 (Loyalsock State Forest District Office)

Note: All campers must obtain a free, but required, permit for this motorized roadside campsite. Reservations can be made through the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation System, or by contacting the Loyalsock State Forest District Office directly.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Campsite #360 on Ellenton Ridge Road is perfectly suited for Pennsylvania locals because it represents the purest form of public land recreation the state forest system offers. It is a genuine step up from casual backyard camping and a true test of self-reliance, which many Pennsylvanians value in their outdoor pursuits. For locals who have explored the more developed State Parks, Loyalsock offers a return to a more rugged, less-traveled wilderness.

The site caters specifically to the resident hiker, backpacker, and nature photographer seeking proximity to major trail systems like the Old Loggers Path without the formality of a full-scale campground. The primitive nature—the "No bathroom facilities FYI" warning and the mention of seeing a rattlesnake—is understood by the local, prepared user as part of the authentic, rugged charm of the Loyalsock State Forest. It provides a quiet, affordable, and essential service: a legal, designated base of operations for exploring the spectacular, remote wildlands of the state’s northern tier. By reserving Campsite #360, local residents are choosing seclusion, tranquility, and direct access to the trails and natural features that define the unique beauty of the Pennsylvania Wilds.