Cherokee Site

The Cherokee Site is a tranquil and deeply secluded campground located in the rural expanse of Huston Township, Pennsylvania. Situated within the boundaries of the Moshannon State Forest, this destination is a premier choice for outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize solitude and a direct connection with the natural world. As part of the sprawling Pennsylvania Wilds region, the Cherokee Site serves as a vital gateway to some of the most rugged and untouched landscapes in the Commonwealth. It is specifically designed for campers who appreciate the simplicity of a primitive experience, offering a quiet alternative to the more crowded, amenity-heavy state parks found in more developed areas.

Steeped in the quiet majesty of the Allegheny Plateau, the area surrounding the Cherokee Site is characterized by vast stands of mixed hardwood and evergreen forests. This part of Pennsylvania is famous for its "big woods" feel, where the only sounds you are likely to hear are the rustle of leaves and the occasional call of native wildlife. For local Pennsylvanians, a trip to Cherokee Site is more than just a camping excursion; it is an opportunity to step back into a simpler time and experience the forest as it was centuries ago. Whether you are an avid hiker, a dedicated birdwatcher, or simply someone looking to disconnect from the digital world, this site provides the perfect backdrop for a restorative wilderness retreat.

Location and accessibility are important considerations for anyone planning a visit to this remote corner of Clearfield County. The Cherokee Site is situated on forest land in Huston Township, accessible via a network of well-maintained dirt and gravel forest roads typical of the Moshannon State Forest system. While these roads are generally navigable by standard passenger vehicles during the summer and fall, they are not plowed during the winter months, making seasonal accessibility a key factor. Travelers should be prepared for limited or non-existent cell phone service and are encouraged to carry physical maps of the forest district. The site is conveniently located near the Quehanna Wild Area, a 50,000-acre wilderness preserve that offers some of the best backcountry exploration in the Eastern United States.

• Motorized roadside camping for single vehicles, small trailers, or tent setups.
• Designated fire rings for safe and controlled campfires.
• Access to the expansive Moshannon State Forest trail network for hiking and biking.
• Primitive sites designed for low-impact, leave-no-trace camping.
• Proximity to high-quality trout streams and seasonal hunting grounds.
• Self-service reservation system through the official DCNR portal.

The features and highlights of the Cherokee Site revolve around its status as a "motorized roadside" campsite. Unlike backcountry backpacking, this type of camping allows you to bring your gear in your vehicle, yet it retains the primitive charm of being miles away from modern facilities. One of the greatest draws of this specific site is its location within the "Elk Country" of Pennsylvania. It is not uncommon for campers to spot white-tailed deer, black bears, or even members of the state's famous free-roaming elk herd in the early morning or late evening hours. The lack of light pollution also makes the Cherokee Site an exceptional location for stargazing, where the Milky Way is often visible to the naked eye on clear nights.

• Prime location for viewing Pennsylvania's wild elk herd in their natural habitat.
• Direct access to the Quehanna Trail and other remote hiking loops.
• Total immersion in a deep-woods environment with maximum privacy between sites.
• Proximity to unique geological features like Panther Rocks and Wolf Rocks.
• Breathtaking fall foliage views during the peak months of September and October.
• Located near the Benezette Elk Viewing Area for additional educational opportunities.

For those interested in booking the Cherokee Site, it is important to remember that all motorized camping in Pennsylvania State Forests requires a permit. Reservations can be made up to eleven months in advance through the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests online reservation system. Because this is a primitive site, there is no running water, electricity, or trash disposal available. Campers must adhere to the "carry-in, carry-out" policy to protect the forest ecosystem. It is also advised to bring your own potable water for drinking and cooking, as natural water sources in the forest require filtration or boiling before consumption.

Contact Information:
Cherokee Site / Moshannon State Forest
Huston Township, PA 15849, USA
District Office Phone: 814-765-0821

What is worth choosing about the Cherokee Site is the unparalleled sense of freedom and peace it offers to the modern traveler. While commercial campgrounds provide convenience, Cherokee Site provides a true escape. It is worth choosing for its strategic location between the Benezette elk heartland and the vast Quehanna Wild Area, allowing you to enjoy world-class wildlife viewing and hiking within minutes of your campsite. By choosing this site, you are supporting the conservation efforts of the Bureau of Forestry while treating yourself to a primitive camping experience that is increasingly rare in the busy Northeast.

Ultimately, a stay at the Cherokee Site is an invitation to slow down and observe the subtle rhythms of the Pennsylvania Wilds. Whether you are warming yourself by a fire as the sun sets behind the ridges or waking up to the mist rising off the forest floor, the memories made here are rooted in the authentic beauty of the Commonwealth. For the local Pennsylvanian seeking a weekend of true solitude, there is no better choice than this quiet patch of forest in Huston Township.