Clear Creek State Forest
00 review158 South Second Avenue, Clarion, Pennsylvania, 16214, United States
Clear Creek 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
Camping does not appear to have a direct fee; however, a State Forest Campsite Permit is required.
About this campground
Spanning an impressive 16,716 acres across Northwestern Pennsylvania's wilderness, Clear Creek State Forest beckons adventurers to explore where the mighty Clarion and Allegheny Rivers carve their paths through ancient woodlands. This natural sanctuary serves as your personal basecamp for legendary trails, including the epic North Country Scenic Trail and the challenging Baker Trail, while diverse tree species create a living cathedral overhead.
Clear Creek State Forest prioritizes a primitive and backcountry camping experience. Motorized campsites are explicitly mentioned as being located in the Callen Run Tract within Jefferson County.
Historical SignificanceThe forest takes its name from the pristine waters of Clear Creek, a crystal stream that has flowed through these lands since time immemorial. This waterway stands as a testament to Pennsylvania's enduring natural heritage, its clarity unchanged despite centuries of human presence—a rare gem in our modern world.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Pennsylvania's dynamic seasons in all their glory. Winter transforms the forest into a crystalline wonderland with temperatures dancing between 18-36°F, perfect for snow-dusted adventures. As summer arrives, the mercury climbs to a comfortable 60-80°F, though late summer brings that distinctive Pennsylvania humidity that makes creek swimming irresistible. Pack your rain gear—the forest's frequent showers keep everything lush and streams flowing clear.
ElevationRolling terrain creates an ever-changing landscape of discovery throughout the forest.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a realm where wildlife thrives among vibrant plant communities, and every trail reveals new wonders. Deep valleys plunge dramatically between rounded uplands, creating a landscape of contrasts. The crown jewel? Beartown Rocks—a geological marvel that will leave you speechless as massive sandstone formations rise from the forest floor like nature's own sculpture garden.
Geological RegionPerched on the southern edge of the High Plateau Section within the ancient Appalachian Plateau Province, Clear Creek State Forest showcases Northwestern Pennsylvania's geological drama. Here, rounded and flat uplands give way to deep, angular valleys carved over millennia. The landscape drains into both the Allegheny and Upper Ohio Watersheds, making this forest a vital contributor to two of America's great river systems.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are described in the provided materials.
Sites SizeNo specific size information for campsites is provided.
Sites PrivacyNo explicit details about the level of privacy at campsites are available.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Limit of 7 continuous days of camping on state forest land. Camping cannot be resumed until 48 hours have passed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
At least one person must be 18 years of age or older.
Groups
No specific information about group site capacity or features is provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNo specific site layout information provided; motorized campsites are located in the Callen Run Tract.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal details not specified, but a permit is required for camping.
Reservation PlatformsReservations likely made via State Forest website or District Office.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo first-come-first-served availability mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyThis confirmation serves as your State Forest Campsite Permit. The permit is null and void if the reservation is canceled or transferred prior to the date of arrival.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
Clear Creek State Forest offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, making it a versatile destination for nature enthusiasts. With extensive hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and other recreational pursuits such as mountain biking and horseback riding, the forest attracts visitors looking to immerse themselves in the outdoors. Winter activities like cross-country skiing are also popular.
Hiking
The campground features a network of 77 miles of trails, including the Clear Creek, Pine Run Loop, Silvis, Trap Run, Bear Town Rocks Trails, and the North Country National Scenic Trail. These trails vary in difficulty, offering something for hikers of all skill levels.Fishing
Fishing is described as rewarding, with opportunities spread throughout the diverse forests. Specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are not provided.Biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity, with trails available for enthusiasts to explore the forest's terrain.Wildlife viewing
The forest is home to abundant wildlife, making it an excellent location for wildlife observation. Specific species are not identified.Winter Activities
Cross-country skiing is a noted winter activity within the forest.Water Sports
Opportunities for canoeing and kayaking are implied but not elaborated upon.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are prohibited March 1st–May 25th without authorization, except for self-contained camp stoves.
- Quiet hours are Disorderly conduct, including unreasonable noise, is prohibited.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildfire risks, given the campfire restrictions during high fire danger periods. Noise complaints about excessive generator use may also pose disturbances.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 58%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services location not specified; however, the District Office is located at the entrance to the State Forest.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak seasons not specified.
Trash and recyclingCampers are required to remove all garbage, waste, and rubbish from the site and dispose of it properly. Littering is explicitly prohibited.
Proximity to water featuresThe forest is adjacent to the Clarion and Allegheny Rivers.
Campground Map
158 South Second Avenue, Clarion, Pennsylvania, 16214, United States
Driving directionsThe Clear Creek State Forest District Office is located at 158 South 2nd Ave in Clarion. From I-80, take Exit 62 and follow PA-68 E for 1.9 miles. Turn left onto South Street and continue for 0.3 miles and take a left onto South 2nd Avenue.
The campground can be accessed by paved roads with straightforward navigation from Interstate 80. However, seasonal closures or challenging terrain are not mentioned.Nearby places
Clarion (0 miles), Jefferson, Venango, Forest, Mercer counties (distances not specified)
Nearby supplies
Supplies locations are not specified
the nearby city of Clarion (0 miles) likely offers access to groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Clear Creek State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are provided in the source material to summarize or analyze.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No user reviews are available to extract positive highlights.
Common Concerns
No user reviews are available to identify common complaints.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations are available.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal review data from users is provided.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from user reviews are available.
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to particular campsites or areas within the campground are provided.
Accessibility Features
No reviews addressing accessibility or experiences from users with disabilities are included.
Pet-Friendly Features
No user reviews related to pets or pet policies are included.
Last updated August 10, 2025