Masten Camping Area, Canton, PA

Introduction / Overview

For Pennsylvania residents who prefer the quiet solitude of the forest over the modern amenities of a private resort, the Masten Camping Area offers a perfect, authentic solution. Located deep within the breathtaking Loyalsock State Forest, and utilizing the former site of the historic lumber mill town and Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp S-80 known simply as Masten, this location provides a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. It is not a typical modern campground; Masten Camping Area is a state forest rustic campsite area, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), offering a primitive yet established basecamp experience.

This destination is particularly beloved by local backpackers, hikers, and those seeking true wilderness immersion. The campsite’s primary appeal lies in its direct access to the globally-renowned Old Loggers Path (OLP) and its proximity to some of the most scenic waterways in the Commonwealth, including Pleasant Stream and the legendary Rock Run. For a Pennsylvania native, Masten represents the rugged, conservation-minded spirit of the state’s forest system—a place to truly disconnect, where the remnants of the past meet the preserved beauty of the present. Visitors can expect a quiet, no-frills setting that foregrounds the natural environment and provides a gateway to multi-day hiking and deep-woods exploration, making it an essential local resource for serious outdoor enthusiasts.

Location and Accessibility

Masten Camping Area is geographically centered in a highly remote and spectacular section of the Loyalsock State Forest, near Canton, PA 17724. It is situated in the rugged terrain of north-central Pennsylvania, primarily within Lycoming County, though the Loyalsock region spans parts of Sullivan and Bradford Counties as well. This area is characterized by steep slopes, forested plateaus, and deep stream gorges.

Accessibility, while generally manageable for most vehicles, requires a commitment to forest driving. The area is accessed via a network of maintained, yet often narrow, gravel forest roads (such as Pleasant Stream Road), making a higher-clearance vehicle advisable, especially during inclement weather or winter months. It is important for locals to understand that this is deep forest travel, and cell service is reliably non-existent in the immediate area. The main Masten site serves as a vital trailhead and parking area for the 27.8-mile Old Loggers Path loop, making it a critical hub for regional recreation. The drive from larger regional centers like Williamsport is under an hour, making it an excellent option for residents willing to sacrifice easy road access for true seclusion and unparalleled trail proximity. The phone number provided, (570) 946-4049, connects to the Loyalsock State Forest District Office, which is the official point of contact for permits, maps, and current conditions.

Services Offered

Masten Camping Area is officially designated as a CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) Rustic Campsite within the State Forest system, meaning services are purposefully limited to maintain a primitive, low-impact experience. Campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient stay. The services offered, based on DCNR public information and camper reviews, include:

Rustic Campsites: Established sites, sometimes utilizing the old foundations of the former town, that accommodate vehicles (car camping) and tents.
Vehicle Accessibility: Sites are roadside or closely accessible by vehicle, distinguishing them from remote backcountry/primitive camping.
Latrine Access: Basic sanitation is provided, often in the form of seasonal, vault, or portable toilets (port-a-potties), especially near the main parking/trailhead area.
Designated Fire Rings: Sites include a fire ring or old stone fireplace remnants for campfires, though local DCNR fire restrictions (especially March 1st through May 25th) must be strictly observed.
Parking: A designated, ample parking area at the historic Masten site serves as the primary access point for both campers and Old Loggers Path hikers.
Permit Requirement: A free, but mandatory, permit and reservation from the Loyalsock State Forest Office is required for motorized/roadside camping (such as Masten), ensuring proper land management and hiker accountability.

Features / Highlights

Masten Camping Area’s features are all tied to its unique position within the Loyalsock State Forest and the specific trails and waterways that define the region. These highlights are what draw discerning Pennsylvania locals:

Old Loggers Path (OLP) Trailhead: The campground is the main, and most popular, starting point for the 27.8-mile OLP loop, a moderate but rewarding multi-day backpacking trip across historic logging grades and beautiful stream valleys.
Pleasant Stream and Rock Run: The area is on Pleasant Stream, and offers close proximity to Rock Run, widely cited by local hikers as one of the "prettiest streams in Pennsylvania," featuring waterfalls, cascades, and excellent swimming holes.
Historical Significance: The site is the former location of Masten, a lumber mill town (a "ghost town") and a CCC camp. Campers often find remnants of old foundations and chimneys, adding a layer of historical exploration to the wilderness experience.
Water Access: Excellent and generally reliable natural water sources (Pleasant Stream, Yellow Dog Run, Rock Run) are available nearby, though all water must be filtered or purified for safe consumption.
Secluded Wilderness: Despite having defined sites, the location is deep in the State Forest, ensuring a quiet, true-wilderness experience with high chances of encountering local wildlife and experiencing minimal light pollution for stargazing.
Backcountry Shelters: The OLP trail, accessible from Masten, features two well-maintained Adirondack-style shelters (Sprout Point and Doe Run), which are first-come, first-served camping options for OLP backpackers.

Contact Information

For reservations (required for this State Forest Camping Area) and the most up-to-date information on fire restrictions, trail closures, and conditions, contact the managing agency.

Loyalsock State Forest District Office (Managing Agency):

Address: Located within the jurisdiction of the Loyalsock State Forest, near Canton, PA 17724, USA.

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

Mobile Phone: +1 570-946-4049

Note: A mandatory permit is required for camping at the Masten Camping Area. Please call the district office to reserve your site and have the permit sent to you prior to your trip.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Masten Camping Area is uniquely suitable for Pennsylvania residents because it provides an accessible entry point into the state's rugged, cherished public lands without the crowds or commercialization often found elsewhere. For the local Pennsylvanian, this location is a touchstone for the state's rich history—camping on the site of an old logging town and CCC camp—and a direct connection to its world-class wilderness.

It is particularly valued by the experienced outdoor user. The comments from real customers, who speak of hiking the entire 27.1-mile Old Loggers Path and exploring streams like Yellow Dog and Rock Run, underscore its reputation as a serious, yet beautiful, hiking base. While one review noted the rustic nature and the fee, this is precisely what the target audience—locals seeking primitive, DCNR-regulated camping—expects and appreciates. The cost supports the maintenance of these vital state forest resources, and the "quiet site... with the old fireplace" offers a specific type of historic, tranquil seclusion that a commercial campground cannot replicate. Masten Camping Area provides Pennsylvania residents with a guaranteed, authentic, and historically rich wilderness experience, making it a critical part of the state's local outdoor recreation landscape and an ideal choice for a truly rugged escape.