Shoshone Site

- Huston Township, PA 15849

For Pennsylvania residents seeking an authentic and uncrowded wilderness experience, the Shoshone Site offers a compelling retreat. Located in the heart of the Commonwealth's natural treasure, the Moshannon State Forest, this site is a prime example of a Designated Motorized Roadside Campsite managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

The Moshannon State Forest, whose name is derived from the Native American term "Moss-hanne," or "moose stream," spans over 190,000 acres, offering a haven for low-density, dispersed recreation. The Shoshone Site caters specifically to local adventurers who desire the seclusion of primitive camping while retaining the convenience of having their vehicle nearby. This is not a heavily developed campground with modern amenities; rather, it is a designated spot to pitch a tent or park a small trailer, providing a true escape from the bustle of everyday life.

The core appeal of the Shoshone Site is its raw, natural setting. Unlike the more structured state park campgrounds, this roadside site encourages self-reliance and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. Campers must come prepared with everything they need, including drinking water and a plan for waste management. This necessity for preparation is precisely what keeps the site's atmosphere wild and pristine, preserving the environment for all to enjoy.

Motorized roadside camping, which requires securing a permit and reservation through the DCNR, is an invaluable resource for Pennsylvanians. It allows access to the deepest parts of the state forest, serving as an excellent base camp for activities like hunting, fishing, and accessing the extensive 244-mile hiking and multi-use trail system, including sections of the renowned Quehanna Trail. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker looking for easy vehicle access or a family ready to introduce the kids to rustic camping, the Shoshone Site offers the solitude you crave.

Embrace the challenge and reward of a true Central Pennsylvania wilderness getaway at the Shoshone Site. It’s a place where the sounds of the forest replace the sounds of traffic, and the vast, dark night sky reminds you just how far you’ve traveled from the city lights.

The Shoshone Site is situated within Huston Township, PA 15849, USA, placing it geographically within the expansive Moshannon State Forest. This area is part of the scenic Allegheny Plateau, known for its dense hardwood forests and gravel forest roads.

Access to this designated campsite is via the State Forest's network of gravel roads. Campers must be aware that these roads are not typically maintained in the manner of public highways. Conditions can be rugged, especially during inclement weather, and may require caution and a suitable vehicle. It is critical for all visitors to have a detailed map and understand their route before arrival, as GPS and cell service are notoriously unreliable in the remote Moshannon State Forest.

The nature of motorized roadside camping means the vehicle is parked either on a designated pull-off or a short driveway right at the site, providing convenient access to supplies. However, the exact location and directions are confirmed upon receiving the mandatory DCNR camping permit, a necessary step to ensure you can locate this secluded spot and comply with local forest district regulations.

Campers should plan to travel with a printed copy of their permit and a paper map of the Moshannon State Forest to maintain safety and navigation throughout their stay in this beautiful but remote Pennsylvania environment.

Consistent with the DCNR’s mission to manage State Forests for low-density recreation, the Shoshone Site offers minimal, rustic services. The facility is designed to provide a base camp without the modern conveniences found at developed State Parks, demanding self-sufficiency from all users.

• Designated Motorized Campsite: A reserved and permitted location specifically for camping in or near a vehicle, which is used for storage and transportation.
• Vehicle Access: Space is provided for one or two vehicles to be parked directly adjacent to the camping area, as specified by the permit.
• Basic Site Amenities: Depending on the specific site, it may be furnished with a picnic table for outdoor dining and/or a metal fire ring for contained campfires.
• Pet Permitted: Pets are allowed on State Forest land, provided they are kept under control, attended to at all times, and their waste is properly disposed of according to DCNR guidelines.
• Permitted Campfires: Campfires are allowed in the provided fire rings, or safely built on bare ground (if a ring is absent and local forest regulations permit), using dead and down wood found nearby. They are prohibited during the spring fire season (March 1st–May 25th) or when fire danger is high/very high/extreme without special authorization.
• No Hookups: There are no electric, water, or sewer hook-ups available. Campers must bring all water for drinking, cleaning, and fire suppression.
• Strict Waste Management: The site operates on a "Carry In, Carry Out" policy. All trash and refuse must be completely removed from the site upon departure.

The Shoshone Site's primary highlights are its deep connection to the natural world and its strategic location within one of Pennsylvania's largest public wilderness areas.

• Ultimate Solitude: The site is remote and isolated, perfect for those seeking quiet contemplation, away from the crowds of more developed recreation areas.
• Access to the Quehanna Wild Area: Located near or within the Moshannon State Forest, the site provides easy access to the extensive trail networks and natural features of the Pennsylvania Wilds.
• Prime Hunting and Fishing Base: Its remote forest location makes it an ideal base camp during legal hunting seasons for deer, turkey, and bear, as well as for accessing remote fishing streams.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The dense, managed forest is home to abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, various bird species, and is within the range of the wild elk herd that roams parts of the Moshannon Forest District.
• Longer Stay Option: With a mandatory permit, motorized roadside camping allows for a continuous stay of up to seven consecutive nights, enabling multi-day excursions into the forest.
• Unrivaled Stargazing: The minimal light pollution of the Central Pennsylvania forest offers an exceptional opportunity for viewing the night sky.

As a designated, remote location within the State Forest, the Shoshone Site does not have a physical on-site contact office. All management, permits, and official inquiries are handled by the Moshannon State Forest District Office.

The general location for navigation is:

Address: Huston Township, PA 15849, USA

For DCNR Permits and Official Inquiries (Moshannon State Forest District Office):

Phone: The Moshannon State Forest District Office can be contacted directly for non-emergency inquiries. The general DCNR State Park and Forest Reservation line is: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757).

Reservations: All reservations and the mandatory camping permit for the Shoshone Site must be secured online through the official Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation website well in advance of your trip.

The Shoshone Site is an exemplary choice for the self-reliant Pennsylvanian seeking a true immersion in the state's natural beauty. It’s an adventure that starts with a commitment to preparedness, ensuring a responsible and deeply personal connection with the landscape. For local residents, this site is a readily accessible yet entirely removed piece of the Central Pennsylvania Wilds.

This designated roadside campsite offers the much-desired balance: the primitive feel and solitude of backcountry camping, coupled with the security and storage capacity of a nearby vehicle. It serves as a superior base camp for engaging in popular local pastimes, from lengthy day hikes on forest trails to extended hunting trips during established seasons. By choosing the Shoshone Site, you are actively participating in the ethos of State Forest preservation—embracing a raw, rustic experience that keeps the Pennsylvania wilderness wild. It provides an essential and tranquil escape, affirming the value of the Commonwealth's vast, publicly accessible forest lands for all its residents.

Shoshone Site

Huston Township, PA 15849, USA