Know the Rules : Boondocking - Dispersed Camping Continues to Grow in Popularity
For primitive campers planning to stay more than one night in a particular dispersed camping area , and campers using an RV or other motor vehicle , a permit is required . The state forest camping permit is free and must be obtained within 90 days of the planned trip . To obtain a permit , you must be 18 or older . The permit is valid for a maximum of seven nights and permits are not issued for more than 30 days in a calendar year .
Dispersed campers also need a permit for the following :
• Listing a person to contact in case of an emergency
• For campsites that say “ permit required ”
• Campers who want to build a fire during spring fire season . Permission is required to build a campfire from March 1 - May 25 . Campfires are not permitted when the forester deems forest fire danger to be high , very high or extreme .
• Camping with an RV or other motor vehicle .
• Camping within the Pine Creek Gorge along the Pine Creek Rail Trail in the Tiadaghton or Tioga State Forests .
BE A RESPONSIBLE
CAMPER
Dispersed camping can be a lot of fun , but it also comes with a responsibility to leave the forest as just as you found it or better .
Plan Ahead – obtain any permits in advance .
Your Campsite – select an area that is well drained and has a durable surface free of vegetation . Keep your campsite small .
DO NOT LITTER – Litter is awful to look at and harmful for the environment and the wildlife inhabiting the forests . Please be careful to not leave garbage around your campsite .
Dispose of Human Waste Properly – Deposit solid human waste in cat holes dug 4-6 inches deep at least 200 feet from water , camp and trails . Cover and disguise the cat hole when finished . Self-contained portable toilets are encouraged and may be required to be used at designated dispersed campsites . Use a container to wash yourself , your dishes and your clothing . Washing in a spring , lake or waterway is prohibited . Dispose of waste water at least 200 feet from water resource .
Be careful with fire – Fire permits are required and may not be granted if it ’ s a high risk time for forest fires . Use a camp stove or grill for a fire . Charcoal fires must be in an appliance designed for it and disposed of in a facility designed for charcoal disposal . Campfires are permitted in a non-combustible fire ring ( less than two feet in diameter ) or fireplace . Do not bring firewood with you . Utilize the wood available in the forests , so you don ’ t introduce any non-native insects into the forest .
Be Respectful of Wildlife – Do not feed wildlife and make sure to store your food and trash securely . Observe wildlife from a distance . If you bring pets , please keep them away from wildlife and in your control .
Be Respectful of Others – The popularity of camping grew considerably during the pandemic . You may run into other people while camping . Please be respectful and let others enjoy the sounds of nature .
Visit dcnr . pa . gov for more information .
Other Sites that Allow Boondocking
Pennsylvania has great campgrounds ( see pages 39-51 ) with wonderful amenities , but if you just need a quick overnight stay during your travels , boondocking might be the solution .
RVers who boondock , utilize the parking lots at retail establishments to stay overnight . These locations to not have hook-ups or amenities , but are convenient for a fill-in night on the way to a campground .
Before you plan to stay at a retail location , check in with them to make sure they allow RVs to stay overnight and check to make sure there aren ’ t city ordinances prohibiting overnight RV parking . Here are some stores that have allowed RV parking :
• Bass Pro Shops
• Cabela ’ s
• Casinos
• Cracker Barrel
• The Home Depot
• Lowes
• Travel Centers
• Truck Stops
• Wal-Mart Always check in with the business before parking overnight and be respectful of the property .
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