063 Hoofnagle Road Campsite

For those seeking a true departure from the bustle of modern life, the 063 Hoofnagle Road Campsite offers a raw and authentic wilderness experience in the heart of Central Pennsylvania. Located within the vast and rugged expanse of the Bald Eagle State Forest, this specific campsite is designed for the minimalist camper who values solitude over luxury. Unlike commercial holiday resorts or even developed state park campgrounds, this site provides a "primitive" setting where the primary entertainment is the whispering of the wind through mature hemlocks and the occasional glimpse of local wildlife. It serves as a quiet sanctuary for those who wish to practice their bushcraft skills, enjoy the dark night skies of the Pennsylvania wilds, or simply find a peaceful basecamp for exploring the surrounding forest lands.

The 063 Hoofnagle Road site is part of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) motorized roadside camping program. This means that while the site is remote, it is accessible by vehicle, allowing for "car camping" where your car or small trailer remains at the site for storage and transportation. Because it is situated in a state forest rather than a state park, the experience is decidedly more rugged. There are no bathhouses, no electric hookups, and no camp stores within miles. This is a place where self-reliance is the rule, and the reward is an unparalleled sense of connection with the natural world. For families looking to teach their children about "leave no trace" ethics and the beauty of an unplugged life, this campsite provides the perfect outdoor classroom.

Location and accessibility are key considerations for anyone planning a trip to this part of Pennsylvania. The campsite is located on Hoofnagle Road in the Cherry Run area, specifically within the New Lancaster Valley loop of the Bald Eagle State Forest. Navigating to this remote spot requires a bit of preparation, as cell phone reception is famously unreliable or nonexistent in the deep valleys of the forest. The roads leading to the site are typically dirt and gravel forest roads, which can be steep and winding. While many of these roads are passable in a standard vehicle during dry weather, a high-clearance or 4WD vehicle is often recommended, especially after heavy rains or when the roads are less frequently maintained.

Accessing the site requires a permit from the DCNR, which can be reserved through the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests online system. Once you arrive at the designated coordinates in the 17063 ZIP code, you will find a small, shaded clearing tucked away from the main forest road. The layout is simple: a level spur or driveway where you park your vehicle, and a slightly elevated or adjacent area for pitching a tent. This specific site is shaded by a heavy canopy, providing excellent protection from the summer sun and a cool, damp forest microclimate that stays refreshing even in the peak of July. It is located near the Weikert Run bridge, making it a strategic spot for those who want to be close to the small streams that crisscross the valley.

The services offered at 063 Hoofnagle Road are minimal by design, emphasizing the primitive nature of the state forest experience. There are no onsite staff, no running water, and no trash collection. Campers must come prepared to be entirely self-sufficient, bringing in everything they need and taking everything out when they leave.

• Designated parking spur capable of accommodating vehicles and equipment up to 25 feet in length.
• A single, rustic picnic table provided at the site for dining and gear organization.
• A sturdy metal fire ring for contained campfires (subject to seasonal forest fire alerts).
• Integrated lantern hooks to help light your campsite during the exceptionally dark forest nights.
• Permit-based reservation system ensuring your site is secured before you make the long drive in.
• Proximity to DCNR Ranger patrols, although response times are subject to the vastness of the forest.
• Access to the broader network of Bald Eagle State Forest trails and drivable trails.

The features and highlights of this campsite are found in its natural surroundings rather than man-made amenities. This is a "good for kids" location in the sense that it offers a safe, contained area for children to experience a true forest environment without the distractions of a playground or swimming pool. The highlight for many is the sheer seclusion; you are unlikely to hear anything other than the forest's own inhabitants for the duration of your stay.

• Large, shaded site area (approximately 40 by 40 feet) providing a spacious feel under the trees.
• Unrivaled opportunities for wildlife viewing, including frequent sightings of white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and the occasional black bear.
• Dark sky conditions that make for incredible stargazing through the gaps in the tree canopy.
• Direct access to the New Lancaster Valley area, known for its beautiful forest vistas and serene environment.
• Close proximity to the Mid State Trail and other major hiking routes for serious trekkers.
• Excellent "basecamp" potential for hunters and anglers exploring the nearby state forest lands and streams.
• A quiet, respectful atmosphere enforced by the forest's 7-day maximum stay limit.

Contact information for the 063 Hoofnagle Road Campsite is managed through the Bald Eagle State Forest District Office. Because the site is remote, the best way to get information is via the central reservation system or by speaking with a forest ranger during business hours.

• Address: RM79+54, Cherry Run, PA 17063, USA (Hoofnagle Road)
• Reservations: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) or via the DCNR website.
• District Office: Bald Eagle State Forest, Laurelton, PA.

What is worth choosing about the 063 Hoofnagle Road Campsite is the opportunity to experience Pennsylvania's "endless mountains" in their most natural state. It is worth choosing for the sense of accomplishment that comes from a successful primitive camping trip—where you fetch your own water (brought with you), cook over a real fire, and sleep under a true forest canopy. For local Pennsylvania families, it offers a nearly free way to escape the digital world and focus on the basics of life. The site is a premier choice for those who want to be close to the trails of the Bald Eagle State Forest while still having their vehicle right at hand.

Choosing this site also means participating in the preservation of the forest. By following the "carry in, carry out" rules and respecting the seasonal fire bans, you help ensure that these roadside gems remain available for future generations. If you are a seasoned camper who prides yourself on a minimal footprint and a deep love for the woods, 063 Hoofnagle Road is a destination that will not disappoint. It provides a level of peace and quiet that simply cannot be found in a traditional campground. Would you like me to help you check the current fire danger level for the Bald Eagle State Forest or find a map of the nearby Mid State Trail segments?