Manny Gordon Pavilion

- Thornhurst Township, PA 18424

Introduction / Overview

For Pennsylvania residents who value a truly authentic and "rustic" camping experience, the Manny Gordon Pavilion Recreation Area, located deep within the Pinchot State Forest, is a premier destination. This is not a commercial campground; it is a carefully managed State Forest recreation site overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). Named in honor of the late forester and conservationist Manny Gordon, the area serves as a welcoming forest escape that perfectly blends natural preservation with low-impact public use.

The focus at Manny Gordon is on providing simple, back-to-nature opportunities. It is an ideal spot for those who are prepared for a traditional, minimally-developed camping stay. The campground offers a small, concentrated cluster of just three designated State Forest Rustic Campsites, making it a low-density experience for overnight visitors. This limited number of sites ensures a high degree of privacy and a quiet atmosphere, which is highly prized by local campers. Alongside the camping area, the site features pavilions for daytime use, cementing its role as a key community and recreational hub within the Thornhurst Township region of the Poconos. Visitors should be aware that this is a State Forest facility, meaning the amenities are deliberately limited to maintain a rustic, wilderness character, offering a stark contrast to highly-developed RV parks.

Location and Accessibility

Manny Gordon Pavilion Recreation Area is nestled within the expansive Pinchot State Forest, an approximately 50,000-acre tract spread across several counties in Northeast Pennsylvania. The specific location is in Thornhurst Township, PA, a picturesque area known for its dense woods and tranquil environment, placing it within a comfortable driving range for many residents in Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and other major Pennsylvania cities.

The property’s address is in the general vicinity of: Thornhurst Township, PA 18424, USA. More specifically, the facility is located on Pavillion Road. The recreation area is part of the Thornhurst Tract of Pinchot State Forest. Access typically involves navigating well-maintained state forest dirt and gravel roads, which contributes to the remote feel of the area. Given its location within a State Forest, visitors are encouraged to carry a paper map and fully understand the directions before traveling, as cell phone coverage can be limited or unreliable in forest settings, a common characteristic of deep woods camping in Pennsylvania. The area's proximity to larger natural features like Choke Creek Falls and the Spruce Swamp Natural Area makes it an excellent basecamp for exploring the wider State Forest.

Services Offered

The services at Manny Gordon are kept intentionally rustic, aligning with the DCNR’s mission for State Forest lands. Campers should arrive fully self-sufficient and prepared for a primitive experience.

• Designated Campsites: Only three State Forest Rustic Campsites (Manny Gordon 1, 2, and 3) are available, requiring a reservation and permit through the state system.
• Restroom Facilities: Basic pit toilets or vault toilets are provided in the recreation area, as confirmed by customer reviews that describe them as "basic pit toilets, they're usable." There are no modern bathhouses, running water, or showers.
• Day-Use Pavilions: Two covered pavilions are available, typically on a first-come, first-served basis, providing a communal space for picnics and gatherings.
• Campsite Amenities: Each designated campsite is equipped with a fire ring and a picnic table, accommodating basic outdoor cooking and dining needs.
• Campfire Allowance: Campfires are generally permitted, subject to State Forest rules and seasonal fire restrictions. Dead and down wood may be gathered for burning, but power tools are prohibited.
• Limited Capacity: Each designated site has a maximum occupancy limit, typically ten people, and space for two vehicles or one vehicle with a small trailer (up to 16 feet in length), ensuring a private experience.
• No Utility Hookups: Crucially, there are no electric, water, or sewage hookups on-site, consistent with the rustic classification. Campers must bring their own potable water.
• Carry In, Carry Out Policy: Campers are responsible for removing all trash and refuse generated during their stay from the State Forest land.

Features / Highlights

The primary appeal of the Manny Gordon Recreation Area lies in its unadulterated State Forest setting and its provision of large, private sites for traditional camping.

• Authentic Rustic Camping: The sites offer a genuine, traditional camping experience, ideal for tents and small RVs, set among the mature forests of the Pinchot State Forest.
• Large, Private Campsites: Customer reviews consistently highlight the "large private sites," which is a significant draw for those seeking maximum separation from neighbors.
• Dedicated Recreation Area: The inclusion of day-use pavilions and facilities alongside the campsites makes it a versatile spot for both overnight campers and day visitors.
• Access to Pinchot State Forest: Visitors have direct access to one of Pennsylvania's vast and beautiful State Forests, offering extensive opportunities for hiking, fishing, hunting (outside of the recreation area), and quiet forest recreation.
• Tribute to Conservation: The area honors Manny Gordon, a key Pennsylvania conservationist, adding a layer of historical and environmental significance to the visit.
• Seasonal Operation: The campsite operates seasonally, typically closing for the winter from November 15th to April 1st, ensuring the facilities and surrounding environment are protected during colder months.

Contact Information

Management and reservations for Manny Gordon Pavilion campsites are handled by the Pinchot State Forest District Office of the DCNR.

Address: Thornhurst Township, PA 18424, USA (Manny Gordon Recreation Area is located off Pavillion Road)

Phone: (570) 945-7133 (Pinchot State Forest District Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 570-945-7133 (Pinchot State Forest District Office)

Note: The Pinchot State Forest Office hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Customers should be aware that on-site, there is "absolutely 0 customer support on the weekends" and no emergency resources other than 911, which reflects the self-reliance required for State Forest camping.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Manny Gordon Pavilion is an invaluable resource for Pennsylvania locals seeking an authentic, affordable, and accessible State Forest experience. It represents the very best of rustic Pennsylvania camping, offering a true immersion in the natural environment of the Poconos. For seasoned local campers who prefer "roughing it" and desire solitude, the commitment to just three large, private sites within the Pinchot State Forest is a major advantage. It is a place for locals to truly unplug, set up their tent in a quiet forest setting, and enjoy the peace that comes with minimal development.

While the noted lack of weekend customer support and basic amenities means it requires a high degree of camper self-reliance, this is precisely what appeals to the experienced Pennsylvania outdoor enthusiast who understands and respects State Forest regulations. It is an ideal spot for hiking the Pinchot Trail, enjoying a quiet picnic, or teaching family members the basics of responsible, primitive camping within a protected state resource. Manny Gordon offers the local community a preserved, low-impact recreational space that celebrates Pennsylvania's conservation legacy and provides an essential break from modern life.

Manny Gordon Pavilion

Thornhurst Township, PA 18424, USA