Moshannan State Forest in a RAM or 2

[DevilDodge]

Moshannon State Forest

Backpack the Quehanna. Hunt "big woods" spring gobblers. Snowmobile across the Allegheny Front.

www.dcnr.pa.gov

So, got the email sent to receive info about motorized camping here.

This will also be on the list to explore.

More info to come...if anyone has experience here please post.

 

[DevilDodge]

At first glance at the map...I notice it has many more driveable trails and very few gates.

That is promising

 

[DevilDodge]

Recieved my maps and information. Can not wait to head off to here. Still a bit confused as I didn't see a motorized camping map...but I just glanced through it so hopefully I missed it.

 

[LivForNov]

I know the area well. Please dont hesitate if you have questions.

 

[DevilDodge]

@LivForNov do you know any information about the motorized camping sites?

I recieved some maps and info from the Forest service, but I didn't get one showing the campsites.

Their website says they have the motorized campsites. Rothrock and Bald Eagle both sent me maps with the campsites, but Moshannan did not.

Curious if you had any first hand knowledge before I shot them another email.

Thank you.

 

[Wawa Skittletits]

@LivForNov do you know any information about the motorized camping sites?

I recieved some maps and info from the Forest service, but I didn't get one showing the campsites.

Their website says they have the motorized campsites. Rothrock and Bald Eagle both sent me maps with the campsites, but Moshannan did not.

Curious if you had any first hand knowledge before I shot them another email.

Thank you.

As far as I know the only primitive camping allowed is backpacking. The motorized camping is limited to Black Moshannon, SB Elliot, and Parker Dam State Parks.

 

[LivForNov]

There are many campsites designated for motorized camping in the Moshannon State Forest. You have SB Elliot and Parker Dam, but there are also close to a dozen along Medix Run, others on Shaggers Inn and I am sure there are others I am not aware of. Also, you do not have to camp in a designated spot. You can select your own location as long as you follow the regs ( http://www.docs.dcnr.pa.gov/cs/groups/public/documents/document/dcnr_007035.pdf ). Whatever direction you take, you still have to contact the park office -> 814.765.0821 and go over your plans to get a permit. They are great and will point you in the right direction.

 

[DevilDodge]

Thanks for the reply. I figured such, but just found it odd the other Forests replied with the camping regulations and the spots. I did notice the Shaggers inn on one of the maps they sent. Wasn't sure what it was.

I have camped at Parker Dam before.

Man, I really wish I had known about the primitive camping in the forests when I was younger.

I sure do hope to get alot of time to enjoy it now with my son, my best memories are from the outdoors and I am doing my best to give him many to choose from.

Thanks again.

 

[LivForNov]

Your welcome.... Medix Run has great spots also. You can base camp there and explore for other locations for the next run.

 

[Wawa Skittletits]

Key word... designated.

View attachment 138792

 

[DevilDodge]

@LivForNov I went back through the info they sent me.

I passed over the Quehanna trail map they sent...but now I see why it is important.

I found the motorized camping sites you spoke of.
View attachment 138830

So this will be an area I check out. Hopefully soon.

Thanks for the info.

 

[LivForNov]

Your welcome.... Also, Medix Run has a healthy trout population and is good fishing.

 

[DevilDodge]

The rest of the info I had requested showed up.

Got some better maps and info on the camping sites.

Will check it out later and give a report on what I learned.

 

[DevilDodge]

Got a chance to check out the info.

Medix Run was all that was covered although they sent another map with a few more spots.

Was hoping to get up here this weekend. Black Moshannan State Park was having their winter blast. But, all the snow is gone and the temps are to be in the single digits this weekend.

Maybe another weekend.
View attachment 139574View attachment 139575

 

[DevilDodge]

Since we are not allowed to camp right now (our firsr trip of regular camping season was this weekend) I decided to spend some time hiking this weekend.

Over the 3 day weekend I got in about 15 miles.

But my favorite excursion was finally taking advantage of the newest section of Moshannon State Forrest. It was even more welcome as it does not allow camping (watershed area).

Was a great time with nature and no people.

 

[DevilDodge]

View attachment 149170
The parking lot and trail head to Dawn Trail
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Another parking lot a bit further in. Trailhead to Shy Beaver Trail.

 

[DevilDodge]

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A wonderful pond and beautiful stream

 

[DevilDodge]

So. I sold a furnace and oil tanks to a family from Pennfield. I thought I would do a good deed and delivered them. That got me north of Clearfield and on the way back, I drove into Parker Dam State Park and headed into the Forest.

I got a few roads under my tires. Got to See some of the campsites.

There was alot of wildlife.

As compared to Bald Eagle, which showed very little wildlife and I felt I was the only person in the forest, here there were too many people, but an equal amount of wildlife to see.

This is a very popular fishing area. Lots of family cabins also.

Can not wait to get some more dirt on the tires here .

 

[DevilDodge]

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Some interesting information about the tornado that ripped through the area.

 

[DevilDodge]

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One of the campsites. With the usual sign of the times. No camping allowed