North River Campsite (SRTA)

- Halifax Township, PA 17032

For outdoor enthusiasts and paddlers across Pennsylvania, the Susquehanna River offers a unique and unforgettable camping experience, distinct from the typical drive-in state parks. The North River Campsite, an integral part of the network stewarded by the Susquehanna River Trail Association (SRTA), is one of these special spots. It provides a true primitive camping adventure, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate the tranquility of the wilderness and the adventure of traveling by water. Unlike commercial campgrounds with extensive amenities, this site is tailored for a rugged, leave-no-trace experience, connecting local users directly with one of Pennsylvania's most historically and ecologically significant waterways.

The SRTA network is comprised of numerous remote, publicly-owned islands and shorelines along the Middle Section of the Susquehanna River Water Trail, running from Sunbury to Harrisburg. These sites, including North River Campsite, are typically primitive—meaning they have minimal facilities—and are maintained by a dedicated volunteer organization. The very nature of this location makes it a haven for those who love to kayak, canoe, or use small, shallow-draft motorized boats, offering a genuine 'blueway' experience right here in the Commonwealth. The limited public information on the specific name 'North River Campsite' suggests it is one of the smaller, access-by-water primitive sites, emphasizing its secluded and nature-focused appeal.

This type of camping encourages a deep respect for the environment and strict adherence to outdoor ethics, which is a significant draw for seasoned Pennsylvania campers and conservation-minded locals looking for an authentic escape from everyday life.

The North River Campsite (SRTA) is located within the geographic area of Halifax Township, PA 17032, USA. Critically, its true accessibility is defined by its position on the Susquehanna River Water Trail. This is not a roadside campground you can drive a car or RV directly to; rather, it is a boat-in or paddle-in site, making it a truly remote experience despite being located near a populated area.

This specific location falls within the Middle Section of the Susquehanna River Water Trail, a stretch maintained by the SRTA. The campsite would be accessed via public boat launches along the river in the general vicinity. Common nearby access points for local users would include public launches maintained by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) in towns such as Halifax, Amity Hall, or Fort Hunter, depending on the paddler's trip length and direction. For local kayakers and canoeists, this means a convenient launch from Dauphin County gives them access to an entire chain of river campsites.

The proximity to Route 147 and other local roads in Halifax Township makes the initial access point convenient for loading and unloading gear, as mentioned in customer reviews. Once on the water, however, users must be prepared to navigate the river itself, including accounting for water levels, currents, and potential navigational hazards, making knowledge of river safety essential for any local intending to use this site.

As a primitive SRTA campsite, the services are intentionally minimal to preserve the natural environment and provide a wilderness-style experience. The primary "services" are the maintenance and availability of the physical site itself for public use, managed by the Susquehanna River Trail Association volunteers.

• Primitive Camping Plot: The core service is the provision of a designated, cleared, and relatively flat area suitable for pitching tents.

• Designated Fire Rings: Many SRTA campsites feature pre-existing fire rings built from river stones to safely contain campfires and minimize ground impact.

• Campsite Signage: SRTA works to clearly mark the campsite from the river, aiding paddlers in navigation and ensuring they are camping on a publicly-permitted site.

• River Access/Landing: The site offers a natural shoreline or small beach area suitable for safely pulling up and securing canoes, kayaks, or small boats.

• Visitor Logbook (Typically Available): Many SRTA sites include a logbook in a secured container, allowing visitors to log their journey and leave notes, a unique tradition for river trail users.

It is vital for Pennsylvania campers to understand that services such as potable water, restrooms, trash disposal, or electrical hookups are typically not provided at these primitive sites. Campers must be fully self-sufficient and adhere to strict Leave-No-Trace principles, including packing out all trash and solid human waste.

The appeal of the North River Campsite (SRTA) is found in the unique natural and recreational features it offers to the local Pennsylvania outdoor community:

• True Riverfront Primitive Camping: This is arguably the biggest highlight—an opportunity to camp directly on the banks of the majestic Susquehanna River, completely removed from vehicle noise and traditional crowds.

• Gateway to the Susquehanna Water Trail: The campsite serves as a launchpad or stopover point for multi-day paddling trips along the extensive SRTA water trail, offering a crucial rest point between launch access points.

• Convenience to Launch Points (Relative to Other River Sites): As one local review noted, the site is "not far from the road so it's very convenient" for a quick overnight trip. While boat-in, its location near Halifax means paddlers don't have to embark on an extremely long paddle to reach it, making it ideal for a weekend getaway.

• Prime for Kayaking and Canoeing: The very existence of this site caters directly to the local paddling community, offering a designated, safe place to overnight during a river excursion.

• Wildlife Viewing and Fishing Opportunities: The river environment is rich with Pennsylvania wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for birdwatching (including bald eagles and herons) and fishing directly from the campsite shoreline.

Since North River Campsite is a primitive, non-commercial site maintained by a volunteer organization, there is no dedicated office, public phone number, or direct campsite address for reservations. Access is generally first-come, first-served on public land. The correct entity to contact for general information, maps, safety guidelines, and to support the maintenance of this campsite is the Susquehanna River Trail Association.

• Campsite Location (General Area): Halifax Township, PA 17032, USA

• Administering Organization: Susquehanna River Trail Association (SRTA)

• SRTA Message Line (for general inquiries): 717-948-6780

• Address: The campsite does not have a mailing address; all correspondence related to SRTA should be directed through their official channels as listed on the river trail guide or website.

Local users are strongly advised to purchase the official SRTA map and guide, which provides GPS coordinates and crucial safety information for all river trail campsites, including North River Campsite.

For Pennsylvanians who already possess an appreciation for the outdoors and the state’s natural waterways, the North River Campsite (SRTA) offers a truly authentic and deeply rewarding recreational experience. It is perfectly suited for locals seeking more than just a picnic or a roadside stop—it caters to the desire for genuine, accessible wilderness camping. The ease of access from nearby Dauphin County communities makes it ideal for a spontaneous weekend river trip, requiring only a paddle craft and the necessary gear to be fully self-sufficient.

Furthermore, utilizing this site means supporting the efforts of the Susquehanna River Trail Association, a local volunteer group dedicated to preserving public access and stewardship of the river. For the local community, this campsite represents a unique piece of the state's recreational infrastructure, offering solitude, spectacular river views, and a low-cost opportunity to disconnect and immerse oneself in the historic and natural landscape of Central Pennsylvania. If you are a seasoned paddler or a local ready to graduate from traditional drive-up camping, the North River Campsite on the Susquehanna provides an unmatched 'blueway' experience right in your backyard.

North River Campsite (SRTA)

Halifax Township, PA 17032, USA