How much does camping cost at Elk State Forest?

Camping fees at Elk State Forest range from $7/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Elk State Forest first-come first-served or reservation?

Elk State Forest accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Elk State Forest before I book?

Yes! Elk State Forest has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Elk State Forest?

Elk State Forest is open No explicit information regarding specific open/closed seasons; refer to State Forest regulations.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Elk State Forest?

Elk State Forest does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Elk State Forest?

Yes, pets are allowed at Elk State Forest. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Elk State Forest?

Elk State Forest offers: Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Elk State Forest?

Popular activities at Elk State Forest include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Elk State Forest

Q: Can I have a campfire at Elk State Forest?

Fire policies at Elk State Forest: Campfires are prohibited from March 1 through May 25 without authorization from the District Forester. Self-contained camp stoves are allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4 reviews

258 Sizerville Road, Emporium, Pennsylvania, 15834, United States

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Hiking Camping Pennsylvania

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

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Quick Facts

1,027 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

No explicit informat...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Elk State Forest District Office Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,027 ft

Price

$7/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

No explicit informat...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Elk State Forest District Office Official Website

Get Directions

Elk State Forest

$7.00 - $7.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The reservation fee for the campsite is $7 as indicated for dispersed camping purposes.

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

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

148 Google reviews

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews generally praise Elk State Forest for its natural beauty and dispersed recreational opportunities. The spotty cell service and lack of elk sightings were noted by some."

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Campground Map

258 Sizerville Road, Emporium, Pennsylvania, 15834, United States

Elk State Forest

258 Sizerville Road, Emporium, Pennsylvania, 15834, United States

Nearby places

Emporium (0 miles), St Marys (19 miles, ~30 min drive), DuBois (~1 hour drive), Snow Shoe (~1 hour drive), Clearfield (~1 hour drive)

Nearby supplies

Emporium provides access to basic supplies

closest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel specifics are not detailed.

Driving directionsThe District Office is located in the town of Emporium, 1/4 mile north of the intersection of SR 120 and SR 155. Emporium is approximately 19 miles east of the city of St Marys. The District Office is approximately 1 hour north of the DuBois and Snow Shoe/Clearfield exits of Interstate 80.

Road access involves paved routes through SR 120 and SR 155 to Emporium. Seasonal closures or challenging terrain are not mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Elk State Forest

Fall delivers the best camping conditions, with daytime highs between the mid-40s and mid-60s°F. Peak hardwood foliage usually arrives in mid- to late October. The elk rut runs from September through early October, offering prime wildlife viewing when bugs thin out and summer crowds disappear. Expect moderate weekend traffic from leaf-peepers and hunters during regulated seasons. Winter brings snow and cold temperatures that suit winter activities but require preparation.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall foliage and likely elk-viewing season boost appeal and scenery.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: No explicit information regarding specific open/closed seasons; refer to State Forest regulations.

About Elk State Forest

Elk State Forest offers dispersed primitive camping across 217,000 acres of Pennsylvania wilderness near Emporium. Sites cost $7 per night and include basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables. Cell service is spotty throughout the forest.

Elk State Forest offers a variety of camping experiences, including primitive backcountry camping and improved sites. However, the focus is primarily on dispersed and rustic camping.

Historical Significance

The forest takes its name from Pennsylvania's wild elk herd, which roams these valleys today. The herd's presence connects visitors to the state's wilderness heritage, though campers report that elk sightings aren't guaranteed despite the population.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best camping conditions, with daytime highs between the mid-40s and mid-60s°F. Peak hardwood foliage usually arrives in mid- to late October. The elk rut runs from September through early October, offering prime wildlife viewing when bugs thin out and summer crowds disappear. Expect moderate weekend traffic from leaf-peepers and hunters during regulated seasons. Winter brings snow and cold temperatures that suit winter activities but require preparation.

ElevationThe forest's varied topography creates an ever-changing landscape of ridges and valleys, offering hikers and outdoor enthusiasts diverse terrain to explore at multiple elevations throughout their journey.

Natural Features and SceneryNorthern hardwood and mixed-oak forests cover steep sidehills and climb toward ridgetops at roughly 1,027 feet elevation. Deep river valleys carve through the terrain, creating dramatic corridors between the hills. Premium hardwood stands dominate the higher elevations, where vistas open across the rugged landscape. The forest's 217,000 acres provide extensive solitude for dispersed camping.

Geological RegionNestled within Pennsylvania's spectacular Northcentral Forests region, this geological wonderland tells an ancient story through its dramatic topography. Deep river valleys have carved their way through millennia, creating steep-sided hills that challenge and reward hikers in equal measure. From the ridgetops, where premium hardwood stands reach skyward, sweeping vistas unfold across this rugged landscape, revealing the raw beauty of a region shaped by time, water, and the persistent forces of nature.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Limit of 7 continuous days of camping on state forest land.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Occupants shall include at least one person 18 years of age or older.

Groups

No details provided about group camping or site capacities.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutDispersed camping means no organized loops or designated site numbers. You'll find fire rings and picnic tables scattered throughout the forest, but spacing and terrain vary by location.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are managed through Pennsylvania's State Forest websites and district offices.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit information regarding walk-up/first-come-first-served availability is provided.

Cancellation PolicyThe permit is null and void if the reservation is canceled or transferred prior to the date of arrival.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features such as ADA-compliant facilities are mentioned.

Site SizeNo data is provided regarding the sizes of campsites in Elk State Forest.

PrivacyNo specific information is given about the privacy level of campsites.

Need help booking Elk State Forest?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

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Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Elk State Forest provides numerous activities primarily centered around its natural features. Hiking, horseback riding, fishing, elk viewing, hunting, and sightseeing are all highlighted as popular activities. In the winter, the forest becomes a hub for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears and elk. User reviews mention spotting bears with cubs.

Fire PolicyCampfires are prohibited from March 1 through May 25 without authorization from the District Forester. Self-contained camp stoves are allowed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Disorderly conduct and unreasonable noise are prohibited; generators creating excessive noise are explicitly banned.

Emergency ServicesEmporium features the District Office and likely local emergency facilities, though explicit listings of hospitals or police stations are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingCampers are required to remove all garbage, waste, and rubbish from the site, which must be disposed of properly offsite.

Water FeaturesCreeks and rivers are mentioned among within-facility amenities.

Weather at Elk State Forest

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Elk State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally praise Elk State Forest for its natural beauty and dispersed recreational opportunities. The spotty cell service and lack of elk sightings were noted by some.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the ease of navigation to various scenic stops, the opportunity to camp in solitude away from crowds, and the beauty of the area.

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

Spotty cell service and the occasional difficulty in spotting elk were mentioned as drawbacks.

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest taking advantage of the solitude during hiking or camping and being prepared for limited cell reception.

Based on 4 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter activities such as snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are noted as popular. The fall season likely sees increased interest due to elk viewing, but this is not explicitly mentioned by users.

Based on 4 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Love this place, love this area. A must-see, easy to navigate to different stops.' - Cody Morgan 2. 'Thank goodness for public land. Did a little hiking and camped far from the madding crowd. Saw...

Based on 4 reviews