Rothrock State Forest Campsite #4

- Petersburg, PA 16669

For seasoned Pennsylvania outdoor enthusiasts, the mention of Rothrock State Forest Campsite #4 evokes a specific kind of tranquility—one that comes with deep woods solitude and a break from the crowds of more developed parks. Located within the vast 97,000 acres of Rothrock State Forest, Campsite #4 is designated by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as a "motorized, roadside campsite." This means it’s one of a limited number of singular, remote sites where campers can park their vehicle and pitch a tent, or set up a small trailer, directly off a public-use forest road.

This is not a traditional campground with bathhouses, hookups, or convenience stores. Instead, Campsite #4 offers a genuinely rustic, low-density recreation experience. It is a favored spot for those who prize self-sufficiency and easy access to the unparalleled network of mountain biking, hiking, and hunting opportunities that make Rothrock State Forest a Central Pennsylvania legend. If your ideal weekend involves packing in your own water, managing your waste responsibly, and waking up to the sounds of the forest rather than other campers, this site is perfectly aligned with your passion for the outdoors. A reservation is mandatory, securing your private piece of the Pennsylvania forest.

The philosophy governing this site is one of conservation and minimal impact. Visitors are expected to rigorously follow all State Forest rules and the “Leave No Trace” principles to ensure this valuable resource remains pristine for all future Pennsylvanians.

Campsite #4 is geographically situated near the community of Petersburg, PA, though its true landmark is the famed Bear Meadows Road, which traverses a scenic and recreationally important section of the State Forest.

General Area Address: Petersburg, PA 16669, USA

The site’s coordinates place it directly along Bear Meadows Road, making it a highly desirable location for those looking to access the area's iconic trails, including the two International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) Epic Rides that pass through the forest. Directions provided upon reservation will specify the necessary turns from major state routes like US-322. Visitors are typically instructed to follow Bear Meadows Road for a considerable distance on dirt and gravel surfaces.

It is crucial for local users to understand the road conditions. State Forest roads are minimally maintained, especially outside of peak seasons. The driveway to Campsite #4 itself is a moderately sloped gravel spur, suggesting that while accessible by vehicle, larger RVs or those without sufficient ground clearance may encounter difficulty. Visitors should always check road and weather alerts before traveling, especially in late fall, winter, and early spring when snow and ice can render the roads impassable. Cell service is generally unreliable in this remote section of the forest, necessitating a paper map and a well-informed travel plan.

As a primitive, designated roadside campsite, Campsite #4 is designed for maximum seclusion and minimal development. The services and facilities reflect a "bring everything you need, pack everything out" ethos.

• Designated Parking Spur: The site features a specific gravel parking area, noted for a lengthy spur that provides a secluded pull-off from Bear Meadows Road. This is key for legally camping near your vehicle.

• Basic Site Furnishings: Public data indicates the site is improved with essential rustic facilities to enhance the primitive experience, including a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and warmth.

• Capacity and Size: The site is relatively spacious, with a length of approximately 100 feet and a width of 60 feet. While the maximum occupancy is generally limited to 10 people, the physical size can accommodate tents and potentially a small trailer or recreational vehicle, provided it can safely navigate the forest roads.

• Pet-Friendly Policy: Pets are permitted on State Forest land, but must be kept under control and attended to at all times, with proper disposal of animal waste required.

• Campfire Permissions: Campfires are allowed within the provided fire ring (or a safely constructed pit less than two feet in diameter) using dead and downed wood found immediately at the site. Note the strict prohibition on fires between March 1st and May 25th unless expressly authorized by the District Forester, or when fire danger is high or extreme.

• Zero-Impact Policy (No Modern Amenities): There are no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups. Campers must bring all their drinking and washing water. Furthermore, there are no restroom facilities, necessitating the use of a self-contained portable toilet or proper burial of solid human waste at least 200 feet from water sources, camp, and trails, adhering to "Leave No Trace" principles. All trash must be carried out.

The true value of Campsite #4 is not in its amenities, but its location, placing you at the doorstep of Central Pennsylvania's best-known natural areas.

• Premier Mountain Biking Access: Campsite #4 sits in an area renowned for challenging mountain biking. From this location, riders have direct access to forest roads that serve as connectors to some of the most technical and rewarding singletrack trails in the eastern United States, including sections of the famous IMBA Epic Routes.

• Proximity to Natural Areas: The site is a short distance from the globally recognized Bear Meadows Natural Area, a rare boreal bog ecosystem, and the Alan Seeger Natural Area, home to old-growth hemlock and white pine. These spots offer exceptional opportunities for quiet nature study and photography.

• Hiking and Backpacking Basecamp: The campsite is ideal for setting up a multi-day basecamp for exploring longer trails, including sections of the Mid State Trail (MST) and the Standing Stone Trail, which traverse the rugged ridge and valley terrain of Rothrock.

• Wildlife Viewing and Hunting: The seclusion increases opportunities for wildlife observation. As the forest is open to regulated hunting, campers visiting during hunting seasons (especially deer and bear) should wear fluorescent orange for safety, as is standard PA practice.

• Genuine Seclusion: As one of a handful of designated roadside sites, Campsite #4 provides a sense of deep-woods isolation that is hard to find in the increasingly popular Pennsylvania outdoors, allowing for a truly peaceful escape.

All reservations and permits for motorized, roadside camping are processed through the state system. For inquiries about rules, conditions, or fire restrictions, contact the local district office.

Address (General Area): Petersburg, PA 16669, USA

Rothrock Forest District Office Phone (for permits, questions, and emergency contact): 814-643-2340

Online Reservations: Visit the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation website.

For Pennsylvania residents, Campsite #4 in Rothrock State Forest is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a vital part of the state's conservation heritage and a sanctuary for genuine outdoor adventure. It caters specifically to the local camper who is experienced, prepared, and looking to disconnect fully from the demands of modern life. Unlike commercial sites or highly developed State Parks, Campsite #4 demands self-reliance but rewards you with unmatched solitude, unpolluted air, and immediate access to some of the best mountain trails in the entire Commonwealth.

The mandatory reservation system, while requiring planning, ensures that this limited resource is managed responsibly, preserving the quiet, low-density atmosphere that makes it so unique. By choosing this site, you're not just booking a weekend trip; you are participating in the tradition of responsible primitive camping in a world-class natural setting. For those living in the Central PA region, it's a convenient, rugged, and essential local gem for finding true wilderness retreat. Remember your paper map, your bear bag, and your commitment to Leave No Trace—Campsite #4 awaits the prepared and respectful adventurer.

Rothrock State Forest Campsite #4

Petersburg, PA 16669, USA