Cornplanter State Forest
00 review323 N. State Street, Warren, Pennsylvania, 16365, United States
Cornplanter 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
No fees are charged for the roadside campsite, as facilities are very limited.
About this campground
Escape to the serene solitude of Cornplanter State Forest, where a single designated roadside campsite awaits those seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This hidden gem invites adventurers to embrace dispersed camping in its purest form, surrounded by pristine forest that whispers tales of history through its ancient trees. While amenities remain refreshingly minimal, the rewards are boundless—from the untouched natural beauty to the profound sense of connection with Pennsylvania's storied past.
Cornplanter State Forest offers primitive camping at one designated roadside campsite. The site has no amenities and aligns with its focus on dispersed recreation.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in Native American heritage, where every trail carries the legacy of Chief Cornplanter, the visionary Seneca leader whose diplomatic wisdom helped forge nearly three decades of peace between the Iroquois Confederacy and the young United States. From 1784 to 1812, this remarkable statesman's efforts shaped the region's destiny, and today, the forest bearing his name stands as a living monument to his enduring influence on American history.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the forest's enchanting transformation through four distinct seasons, each painting the landscape with its own spectacular palette. Spring awakens the forest floor with a breathtaking carpet of native wildflowers, while summer's warmth peaks at a comfortable 79.5°F, perfect for hiking and exploration. As autumn arrives, the canopy explodes in brilliant colors, and winter's snow—with temperatures dipping to 33.8°F—transforms the trails into a cross-country skier's paradise, offering miles of pristine powder through silent, snow-laden woods.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a botanical wonderland where spring transforms the forest floor into nature's own gallery, showcasing spectacular displays of native wildflowers that draw photographers and nature lovers from across the region. At the heart of this ecological treasure lies a magnificent 99-acre sanctuary of old-growth hemlock and white pine—towering giants that have stood sentinel for centuries, their ancient branches creating cathedral-like groves that inspire quiet reverence and wonder.
Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic landscapes of the High Plateau and Northwestern Glaciated Plateau Ecoregions, Cornplanter State Forest serves as a vital green corridor connecting the Muddy Creek, Sugar Creek, and Upper Allegheny River watersheds. This unique geographical position nurtures an extraordinary diversity of plant communities, including the crown jewel—a rare 99-acre old-growth hemlock-white pine forest that offers visitors a glimpse into Pennsylvania's pre-settlement wilderness, where time seems to stand still among these ancient sentinels.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for the campground.
Sites SizeOne roadside campsite is available, but size specifications are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe campsite is primitive and roadside. Privacy details are not explicitly mentioned.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAccess via Neiltown Road and Jamison Run Road for ease of navigation.
Best CampsitesOnly one campsite available, making it the best by default.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Limit of 7 continuous days of camping.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Occupants shall include at least one person 18 years or older.
Groups
No group camping options are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutContains one designated roadside campsite; dispersed recreation is encouraged.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but fire restrictions apply seasonally (March 1 - May 25).
Reservation PlatformsReservations required via DCNR State Forest Permits system; details found online.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot available; reservations are required for the roadside campsite.
Cancellation PolicyThe permit is null and void if canceled or transferred prior to arrival date. Violations of permit conditions may result in immediate revocation, removal from the forest, or citation.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Cornplanter State Forest supports a range of outdoor activities within its 1,585 acres. Popular activities include hiking, cross-country skiing, hunting, and picnicking. The area's unique natural features, such as the 99-acre old-growth hemlock-white pine forest in the Anders Run Natural Area, enhance the recreational experience.
Hiking
The forest offers 13.5 miles of hiking trails across several tracts, which vary in difficulty from easy to moderate. The Anders Run Natural Area is highlighted as a particularly scenic area for nature walks.Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on some trails. Specifics about trail difficulty or length are not provided, and campers are advised to contact the forest district for more information.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife observation is a noted activity within the forest. A user review highlights the presence of diverse wildlife: 'A beautiful place to bring the dog and hike. Usually lots of wildlife to observe too.'Winter Activities
The forest is well-known for cross-country skiing during winter months, taking advantage of significant seasonal snowfall.Water Sports
There is no mention of non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are prohibited March 1 to May 25 without special authorization; only dead and down wood may be gathered for fires when permitted.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours were listed, but disorderly conduct and excessive noise are prohibited.
Hazards
General hazardsFire hazards due to restrictions during high fire danger, wildlife risks, and terrain challenges.
Active alertsFire restrictions apply March 1 to May 25 without special authorization.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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 are likely available in Warren, which is 1.5 miles north of the management center, but specific facilities are not listed.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates listed.
Trash and recyclingGarbage, waste, and rubbish must be removed from the site and disposed of properly. Littering is prohibited, and there is no mention of trash or recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresThe State Forest is part of watersheds such as the Muddy Creek, Sugar Creek, and Upper Allegheny River.
Common complaintsComplaints were not explicitly mentioned.
HostNo campground host details provided.
Campground Map
323 N. State Street, Warren, Pennsylvania, 16365, United States
Driving directionsTo reach the Cornplanter State Forest Resource management center from US-BUS-6 in Warren, follow Market Street North for 1.5 miles before taking a slight right onto State Street for another 1.9 miles to the district office on the left. GPS: 41.887859, -79.145483. Access to the Cornplanter Motorized Campsite is off State Route 36. Turn off State Route 36 onto the Neiltown Road. Take the first right off Neiltown onto Jamison Run Road. Campsite is located on the state forest on the right. The campsite is inaccessible from the other end of Jamison Run Road (directly off State Route 36). GPS: 41.538070, -79.475720.
The campsite is accessible via paved roads but requires turning onto Jamison Run Road from Neiltown Road, which is adjacent to State Route 36. Access from the other end of Jamison Run Road is not possible.Nearby places
Warren is approximately 1.5 miles north of the management center
other nearby cities were not listed with distances.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies were not explicitly listed, but Warren is the nearest city where essential items may be purchased.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Cornplanter State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the natural beauty and wildlife observation opportunities within the Cornplanter State Forest. A review from Chad Burdette states, 'A beautiful place to bring the dog and hike. Usually lots of wildlife to observe too.'
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
The forest is praised for its wildlife, scenic beauty, and hiking opportunities. The Anders Run Natural Area, with its old-growth forest, is a highlight for nature lovers.
Common Concerns
No specific complaints are noted in the source materials.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations are mentioned in the source materials.
Seasonal Insights
While no user reviews highlight seasonal trends, the forest's winter snowfall makes it a popular destination for cross-country skiing during colder months.
Camper Quotes
'A beautiful place to bring the dog and hike. Usually lots of wildlife to observe too.'
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground has only one designated roadside campsite, so no site-specific reviews are available.
Accessibility Features
Accessibility is not addressed in user reviews or authoritative content.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed as long as they are under control and attended at all times. A review notes the forest is 'a beautiful place to bring the dog and hike.'
Last updated August 10, 2025