State Forest Campsite #S001, East Stroudsburg, PA

Introduction / Overview

For residents across Pennsylvania, the vast, protected lands of our State Forests represent the ultimate opportunity for an authentic, secluded outdoor experience. State Forest Campsite #S001, located within the expansive Delaware State Forest, is a prime example of Pennsylvania’s commitment to providing low-density, primitive recreation. This is not a commercial campground with paved roads and swimming pools; rather, it is a designated "motorized, roadside campsite" offering a rugged, private connection with nature.

Campsite #S001 is a coveted spot for the local Pennsylvanian seeking solitude. It is one of a limited number of established sites for motorized camping in the forest, meaning it allows campers to keep their vehicle nearby for storage and transport—a crucial distinction from deep-backcountry primitive camping. The experience here is about self-sufficiency and enjoying the quiet of the Pocono Plateau. Visitor feedback consistently highlights the site's ample, flat space, perfect for multiple tents or campers, and its high level of privacy.

It is essential for interested users to understand that staying at Campsite #S001, like all State Forest motorized sites, requires a mandatory, non-transferable camping permit and reservation from the Pennsylvania State Park and Forest Reservation System. The absence of modern amenities such as electric, water, or restroom facilities is central to the primitive charm and necessitates proper preparation, including the commitment to a strict "Leave No Trace" policy.

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Location and Accessibility

State Forest Campsite #S001 is situated in the scenic and wild expanse of the Delaware State Forest, which spans across Monroe and Pike counties in the Pocono Mountains region of Pennsylvania. This location is particularly convenient for local users from the Scranton, Allentown, and greater Philadelphia metropolitan areas, offering a relatively short drive to a true wilderness setting.

The site's address is Laurel Run Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA 18326, USA. More specifically, the site is located along Laurel Run Road, an unimproved dirt and gravel State Forest road. For navigation, it is approximately 2.8 miles north of PA Route 447. As with many remote forest campsites, GPS coordinates are often the most reliable directional tool, but campers are always advised to consult official Delaware State Forest maps before their trip.

The motorized designation of Campsite #S001 means it is accessible by vehicle, though potential visitors should be aware of the nature of State Forest roads. These roads are often dirt and gravel, minimally maintained, and may require a vehicle with reasonable clearance, especially after rain or during inclement weather. The remote location ensures a deep sense of seclusion, making the drive well worth the effort for an undisturbed Pennsylvania forest retreat.

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Services Offered

As a designated primitive, motorized campsite within a Pennsylvania State Forest, Campsite #S001 offers a minimalist service model designed to maximize the natural experience while providing basic, designated infrastructure. Campers must be fully self-contained and prepared, as modern conveniences are intentionally omitted.

Designated Motorized Camping: The site is explicitly for motorized camping, meaning visitors can camp in or near their vehicle, which is used for storage. This is distinct from primitive backpacking.
Mandatory Permit and Reservation System: A valid, reserved permit is required at all times for this type of camping, which can be secured up to 11 months in advance through the state’s reservation system. Stays are limited to seven consecutive nights.
Basic Site Furniture: Each designated site, including #S001, is typically furnished with a standard State Forest kit: a fire ring for campfires (subject to seasonal restrictions and fire danger ratings) and a picnic table.
Capacity: Campsite #S001 is described by users as "big enough" for multiple tents and vehicles, with enough flat ground space to easily back in several cars and set up two small campers, though the official maximum occupancy should always be confirmed on the reservation permit (often limited to 10 persons and two vehicles).
Sanitation Responsibility: There are absolutely no electric, water, sewer hook-ups, or dump stations. Campers must be prepared to bring all necessary potable water and utilize a self-contained toilet or follow strict "Leave No Trace" principles for human waste disposal (digging a cat hole 200 feet from water/camp/trail).
Trash Management: All motorized State Forest campsites enforce a mandatory "carry in, carry out" policy. Visitors must remove all trash and refuse generated during their stay.

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Features / Highlights

The true highlights of State Forest Campsite #S001 are not manufactured amenities but the inherent natural characteristics and the specific camping style it offers:

Ultimate Seclusion: The Delaware State Forest is managed for low-density recreation, meaning Campsite #S001 is a remote, singular site separated from other designated campsites. This ensures exceptional privacy and tranquility, perfect for escaping crowds.
Flexible Camping Space: Customer reviews note the large, flat ground space, which is ideal for backing in vehicles, setting up multiple tents, or deploying hammocks among the trees.
Access to Delaware State Forest: The site serves as a perfect base camp for exploring the 84,214 acres of the Delaware State Forest. Visitors are minutes away from numerous trails, scenic streams, and other points of interest within the Pocono Plateau.
Dark Skies: Due to its remote location far from major light pollution, the area is known for spectacular dark night skies, providing an excellent opportunity for stargazing that is often lost in more developed areas.
Campfire Experience: The presence of a dedicated fire ring allows for traditional camp cooking and bonfires (outside of fire ban periods), essential for the full Pennsylvania camping experience.
Permitted Hammocking: The forested setting provides ample trees, making it suitable for hammock camping, which many outdoor enthusiasts prefer for sleeping or relaxing.

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Contact Information

As a State Forest campsite, reservations and primary inquiries are handled by the centralized Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) system, and the local Delaware State Forest District Office.

Address: Laurel Run Rd, East Stroudsburg, PA 18326, USA (Approximate site location within the forest.)

Delaware State Forest District Office (For general forest inquiries, policies, and Letters of Authorization for large groups):

Phone: (Official number for state forest information varies, but all reservation queries should use the toll-free number below.)

Reservation & Permit Booking:

Phone: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) – Monday through Saturday, 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Excluding holidays.)

Note: All motorized camping stays at Campsite #S001 require an online or phone reservation to secure the mandatory permit.

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Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

State Forest Campsite #S001 is ideally suited for the Pennsylvania local who values true wilderness immersion over resort-style amenities. For residents across the Commonwealth, particularly those in the heavily populated eastern half, this site offers a readily accessible yet completely secluded retreat into the wild Poconos.

This campsite is perfect for locals because it represents an economical and authentic way to utilize our publicly managed State Forests. It caters to the self-sufficient camper, the small family, or the friend group who desires a private, rugged base camp for hiking, wildlife viewing, and unplugging. The permit system, which is easy to navigate through the DCNR, guarantees a reserved spot, eliminating the uncertainty of traditional dispersed camping.

In a state where developed campgrounds can often be noisy and crowded, Campsite #S001, with its minimal infrastructure, spacious layout, and mandate for 'pack it in, pack it out' responsibility, embodies the true spirit of Pennsylvania outdoor ethics. It offers a unique opportunity to secure a personal piece of the Delaware State Forest—a quiet, private corner where the only disturbances are the sounds of nature.