Weiser State Forest
00 review16 Aristes Lane, Aristes, Pennsylvania, 17920, United States
Weiser State Forest
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
About this campground
Escape into the tranquil wilderness of Weiser State Forest, where adventure seekers and solitude lovers discover a pristine backcountry experience. This expansive forest embraces the spirit of dispersed recreation, inviting you to forge your own path through untamed Pennsylvania woodlands. While facilities remain intentionally minimal, designated roadside campsites offer peaceful spots to pitch your tent under towering canopies, and scattered picnic areas provide perfect perches for afternoon meals surrounded by nature's symphony.
The campground supports dispersed and primitive camping with limited facilities. Designated roadside campsites and equine camping areas are available.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore lands once walked by Conrad Weiser, the forest's namesake and legendary Pennsylvania pioneer. Throughout these wooded acres, remnants of the region's coal mining heritage emerge like whispers from the past. Ancient miners' trails wind through the forest, their well-worn paths now serving modern adventurers while telling stories of the hardworking souls who carved out livelihoods from these hills generations ago.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic oak forests reign supreme across this diverse landscape, their mighty branches creating cathedral-like canopies overhead. Scattered throughout, rare pitch pine-scrub oak habitats add ecological richness and visual variety to your journey. The crown jewel of the forest awaits at Jakey Hollow Natural Area, where ancient giants have stood sentinel for centuries, their gnarled trunks bearing witness to countless seasons. Meanwhile, the enchanting Sheets Island Archipelago serves as a vital sanctuary where waterfowl dance across the water and songbirds fill the air with melodious serenades.
Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic ridge and valley region of eastern Pennsylvania, Weiser State Forest showcases the stunning topography that defines this corner of the Keystone State. As part of the vast Chesapeake Bay Watershed, every stream and spring here begins a journey that ultimately flows toward the Atlantic, connecting this mountain refuge to a larger ecological tapestry that spans multiple states.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccess can be challenging as some tracts are only accessible by foot. However, improved trails like the Roaring Creek Trail enhance accessibility for families.
Sites SizeStandard-sized campsites with enough space for a parking pad, picnic table, and fire ring.
Sites PrivacySites are remote and dispersed, providing a fair level of privacy.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Limit of 7 continuous days of camping on state forest land.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Cancellation PolicyPermit is null and void if reservation is canceled or transferred prior to the date of arrival.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Weiser State Forest offers diverse recreational opportunities, including mountain biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, kayaking, and canoeing. "The Rattling Creek Trail System is a premier destination for mountain biking," noted as an Epic trail system by the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA). Hiking is popular on trails like the Split Rock Trail and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which passes through some tracts.
Hiking
Hiking trails vary in difficulty and include well-known routes like the Roaring Creek Trail and Split Rock Trail. The Appalachian Trail also crosses through certain forest tracts.Fishing
Fishing is a permitted activity in the forest's streams and water bodies.Biking
Mountain biking is highly popular, especially on the Rattling Creek Trail System and the trails in the Roaring Creek Tract.Boating
Boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing are available on streams within the forest.Wildlife viewing
Opportunities to observe diverse ecosystems and wildlife, including waterfowl and songbirds, especially in areas like the Sheets Island Archipelago.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned specifically, but the forest's rugged terrain may allow for hiking and other low-density winter recreation.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are popular water sports in the forest.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are prohibited March 1st through May 25th without authorization from the District Forester.
Hazards
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 12.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to remove all garbage/waste/rubbish from the site and dispose of it properly elsewhere.
Proximity to water featuresNearby attractions include river islands and the Susquehanna River Trail.
Campground Map
16 Aristes Lane, Aristes, Pennsylvania, 17920, United States
Driving directionsThe Weiser State Forest Resource Management Center is located in the Roaring Creek Tract along PA-42 between Aristes and Numidia.
Access can be challenging; some tracts are accessible only by foot.Camper Reviews
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Last updated August 10, 2025