Bald Eagle State Forest Planning

[ERod718]

Hey everyone. Just wanting some advice for exploring BESF in PA. Would like to spend 3 to 4 days their in October. Any advice about planning best routes and camp sites? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Dusther210]

Hi Ernesto! I’m sorry I don’t have any info on BESF. I saw you’re from Brooklyn, I used to live in Fort Greene. Just wanted to say hi. I think someone on here has GPX files for trails over there

 

[DevilDodge]

I have been exploring Bald Eagle State Forest for about a year now. I have lived in the surrounding area for 42 years.

I just found out about the dispersed/motorized camping in the last 2 years.

Will gladly help you with planning. Questions...just ask, we can find the answers together.

Bald Eagle State Forest in a RAM or 2

We are planning an off pavement travel/dispersed camping trip to BESF this year. Nothing fancy with tents and stock trucks. We will be using our 2015 RAM 2500, BUT may also trek out with our 03 or 99 Dodge 2500s. We camp every weekend from start of fishing season in April til November in...

www.overlandbound.com

Members with information/experience/interest in Pennsylvania State Forests for off pavement travel/dispersed camping

I have been keeping track of people who have helped with or shown interest in my ramblings and in the Pennsylvania State Forests in genral. The 4 most popular Forests seem to be Bald Eagle Michaux Moshannan Rothrock The Allegheny National Forest is also popular...being in the Susquehannok...

www.overlandbound.com

Rothrock to Bald Eagle connection

This will be the trip planning for a extended trip with overnight stays and daily exploring that will be an attempt to off pavement travel from the begining of one to the end of the other. Looks like it is possible according to the maps I have. Will need to get some tires in the mud to see for...

www.overlandbound.com

https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/pennsylvania-bald-eagle-state-forest.22173/

And I need to finish the trip report here

Off pavement travel/dispersed camping Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forest in Pennsylvania.

Not going to be as spectacular as some, just a 2 day one night trip with my son.(age 7) Starting in Rothrock and headed to Bald Eagle where we we will spend the night. Vehicle will be a 2015 RAM 2500 Tradesman. Camping in a ground tent. Can not wait to go. Got the permit and the gas in the...

www.overlandbound.com

 

[ERod718]

Hi Ernesto! I’m sorry I don’t have any info on BESF. I saw you’re from Brooklyn, I used to live in Fort Greene. Just wanted to say hi. I think someone on here has GPX files for trails over there

Hi Ernesto! I’m sorry I don’t have any info on BESF. I saw you’re from Brooklyn, I used to live in Fort Greene. Just wanted to say hi. I think someone on here has GPX files for trails over there

Dustin, thanks for the reply and good to meet you. I'm in Fort Greene and if you ever make it back to Brooklyn let me know. Would be good to meet up.

 

[ERod718]

I have been exploring Bald Eagle State Forest for about a year now. I have lived in the surrounding area for 42 years.

I just found out about the dispersed/motorized camping in the last 2 years.

Will gladly help you with planning. Questions...just ask, we can find the answers together.

Bald Eagle State Forest in a RAM or 2

We are planning an off pavement travel/dispersed camping trip to BESF this year. Nothing fancy with tents and stock trucks. We will be using our 2015 RAM 2500, BUT may also trek out with our 03 or 99 Dodge 2500s. We camp every weekend from start of fishing season in April til November in...

www.overlandbound.com

Members with information/experience/interest in Pennsylvania State Forests for off pavement travel/dispersed camping

I have been keeping track of people who have helped with or shown interest in my ramblings and in the Pennsylvania State Forests in genral. The 4 most popular Forests seem to be Bald Eagle Michaux Moshannan Rothrock The Allegheny National Forest is also popular...being in the Susquehannok...

www.overlandbound.com

Rothrock to Bald Eagle connection

This will be the trip planning for a extended trip with overnight stays and daily exploring that will be an attempt to off pavement travel from the begining of one to the end of the other. Looks like it is possible according to the maps I have. Will need to get some tires in the mud to see for...

www.overlandbound.com

https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/pennsylvania-bald-eagle-state-forest.22173/

And I need to finish the trip report here

Off pavement travel/dispersed camping Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forest in Pennsylvania.

Not going to be as spectacular as some, just a 2 day one night trip with my son.(age 7) Starting in Rothrock and headed to Bald Eagle where we we will spend the night. Vehicle will be a 2015 RAM 2500 Tradesman. Camping in a ground tent. Can not wait to go. Got the permit and the gas in the...

www.overlandbound.com

Duatin, wow! I will need to read through your posts because you definitely know the area! Thanks for the help. I'll definitely have questions.

 

[Dusther210]

Hi Ernesto! I’m sorry I don’t have any info on BESF. I saw you’re from Brooklyn, I used to live in Fort Greene. Just wanted to say hi. I think someone on here has GPX files for trails over there

Hi Ernesto! I’m sorry I don’t have any info on BESF. I saw you’re from Brooklyn, I used to live in Fort Greene. Just wanted to say hi. I think someone on here has GPX files for trails over there

Dustin, thanks for the reply and good to meet you. I'm in Fort Greene and if you ever make it back to Brooklyn let me know. Would be good to meet up.

Sounds great, feel free to message me if you’re in NJ. Also GMRS I usually monitor channels 2 (462.587) and 22 (462.725), callsign is WRJD392

 

[ERod718]

Sounds great, feel free to message me if you’re in NJ. Also GMRS I usually monitor channels 2 (462.587) and 22 (462.725), callsign is WRJD392

Good to know. I definitely needs to explore New Jersey as well!

 

[DevilDodge]

I do not know how you plan to come down to BESF, but if you like paper maps...get the Purple Lizard Maps...atleast for Bald Eagle...but if you get the central PA bundle...you can actually have maps for the entire trip down.

I hope to up date my first over night trip thread soon.

We also plan to get a second and third trip in for September.

The southern section of bald eagle has the most to explore...the northern the least.

Depending on how you plan to spend your time...in October there will be for sure a difference in temperature from North to south and at eleveation.

You can get the maps from the forest service too. They are free...but the Purple Lizard Maps put all the info they will send into one rugged weatherproof option.

I love maps though. I stare at them all the time.

There is always some where over the next hill to get cell service...but you can be without for miles.

There are plenty of small towns for supplies and gas stations are plentiful.

Anxious to hear more about your plans.

I also enjoy trip planning and scouting...so I will help the best i can.

 

[ERod718]

I do not know how you plan to come down to BESF, but if you like paper maps...get the Purple Lizard Maps...atleast for Bald Eagle...but if you get the central PA bundle...you can actually have maps for the entire trip down.

I hope to up date my first over night trip thread soon.

We also plan to get a second and third trip in for September.

The southern section of bald eagle has the most to explore...the northern the least.

Depending on how you plan to spend your time...in October there will be for sure a difference in temperature from North to south and at eleveation.

You can get the maps from the forest service too. They are free...but the Purple Lizard Maps put all the info they will send into one rugged weatherproof option.

I love maps though. I stare at them all the time.

There is always some where over the next hill to get cell service...but you can be without for miles.

There are plenty of small towns for supplies and gas stations are plentiful.

Anxious to hear more about your plans.

I also enjoy trip planning and scouting...so I will help the best i can.

Thanks for the advice! Maps will be on order! I'll be coming in on 80 from New York most likely.

Lots to review and mull over this week. the plan its to take a few long weekends this fall where we leave early Friday morning and leave on a Monday. Drive through forrest during the day to explore and see the sites then find a camp spot in the evening.

We are very self sufficient in my truck now but since the setup is new these will still be some shakedown runs for longer trips out west.

 

[DevilDodge]

You have to have the sites reserved before you stay at them. Need a permit to stay the night

Unless you are hiking...then you can camp one night without a permit.

You will have to call the office, emai,l or stop in during business hours to get one. You will need to be able to print it also...if you can not get to the office.

You could camp at one of the state parks by just pulling into an available site. Using the honor system you can stay for one night. Stays over one night require a reservation.

And I can tell you...you will want to reserve in advance for the weekend. Everyone is a camper this year...all the motorized sites and state parks have hit capacity this year.

October things tend to slow down...but all the regular camping folk will probably camp later into the year because of the high crowds.

I have a few of the sites scouted out. Let me know if you have one in mind.

The ones up by I80 are a bit less popular.

The southern ones have been full alot this year.

Keep us posted.

 

[Redbear]

Thanks for the advice! Maps will be on order! I'll be coming in on 80 from New York most likely.

Lots to review and mull over this week. the plan its to take a few long weekends this fall where we leave early Friday morning and leave on a Monday. Drive through forrest during the day to explore and see the sites then find a camp spot in the evening.

We are very self sufficient in my truck now but since the setup is new these will still be some shakedown runs for longer trips out west.

My GF and I spent a night there a couple weeks ago. I strongly suggest calling the ranger office and talk to them. They are very knowledgeable and helpful. Plus, as DevilDodge stated, you need to get the permits from them anyway. We stayed at campsite 1 because it was a huge campsite which accommodated our camper trailer easily.

The forest roads were well maintained, any road worthy car could handle them. We did come across Walters Rd which was open and not really maintained. It was rocky and unleveled. the drop offs were steep, the switch backs were sharp. It was a great little road.

i lost the gpx file but here’s an idea of where it is. Keep in mind this is just west of Mile Run Rd. Which was where campsite 1 was on.

 

[DevilDodge]

You can reserve your permit 90 days ahead. If you know the dates...you may want to call or email and see what is available.

If you have any particular questions about a site...let me know. Might be headed that way Sunday. But will definitely be there in the coming weekends

 

[SteveC-Pro4X]

My son and I spent last weekend at Bald Eagle SP, Poe Paddy campground. Good weather and quality father & son time.

 

[PennStateTaco]

If you are still looking for information on BESF. There is a thread over on Tacoma world started by another member there. I also added to that thread. You can get a good idea bout what sites are good and which ones to stay away from. Lots of pictures. If you have any questions hit me up!

Tacoma World BESF Thread