Erie Site

For those living in Pennsylvania who yearn for a true escape from the noise of modern life, Erie Site Campground offers an authentic "back-to-basics" outdoor experience. Located in the heart of Huston Township within the expansive Moshannon State Forest, this campground is a far cry from the crowded, amenity-heavy RV resorts found elsewhere in the state. Instead, it serves as a gateway to the rugged, untouched wilderness that Pennsylvania is famous for. For local residents, this site represents an opportunity to experience the woods exactly as they are, providing a sense of solitude and peace that is becoming increasingly rare.

The "Erie Site"—often historically referred to as the old Erie Camp—is deeply embedded in the local landscape near the Quehanna Wild Area. This region is legendary among Pennsylvania outdoorsmen for its vast, high-plateau forests, unique white birch stands, and the occasional sighting of the majestic Pennsylvania elk herd. Because it is managed as part of the state forest system, the focus here is on low-density, dispersed recreation. This means you won’t find paved pads or swimming pools; rather, you will find a quiet spot under a canopy of hemlocks and hardwoods where the primary entertainment is the crackle of a campfire and the rustle of the wind through the huckleberry patches.

Location and accessibility are important considerations for anyone planning a trip to this part of the state. The campground is situated in Huston Township, PA 15849, deep within the state forest boundaries. To reach the site, travelers typically navigate forest roads that wind through some of the most scenic territories in the PA Wilds. While accessible by most standard vehicles during the late spring, summer, and early fall, visitors should be aware that these are gravel forest roads that may be subject to limited maintenance in the winter months. It is highly recommended that campers carry a physical map and download directions in advance, as cell service in the Huston Township area is notoriously unpredictable.

As a primitive camping destination, the services offered at Erie Site are focused on self-sufficiency and the preservation of the natural environment. In accordance with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) guidelines for state forest camping, the site is designed for those who come prepared to "leave no trace." The services and management protocols include:

• Permit-based camping, ensuring that the number of visitors remains low to protect the ecosystem and provide privacy.
• Maintenance of designated fire rings to help prevent wildfires and manage campfire impact.
• Access to the Erie Camp Trail, a significant local trail that traverses through diverse forest types and crosses Twelve Mile Run.
• Carry-in, carry-out trash policy to ensure the wilderness remains pristine for future generations of Pennsylvania campers.
• Periodic patrols by state forest rangers to ensure the safety and security of the remote area.
• Provisions for equestrian camping in nearby designated zones, such as the Yellow Snake area, which connects directly to the Erie Camp Trail.

The features and highlights of Erie Site Campground are what draw seasoned hikers and nature lovers back year after year. This is a place where the landscape itself is the main attraction. Highlights of staying at this historic site include:

• Direct access to the Quehanna Wild Area, a 48,000-acre tract that offers some of the most remote hiking opportunities in the Eastern United States.
• Proximity to Twelve Mile Run, a beautiful mountain stream that provides a tranquil backdrop and opportunities for wading or observing local aquatic life.
• Excellent opportunities for wildlife photography, with frequent sightings of white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and the famous Pennsylvania elk.
• The Erie Camp Trail itself, which begins near the camping area and leads through open meadows, regenerating forests, and scenic huckleberry patches.
• Minimal light pollution, making the site one of the best locations in the region for stargazing and observing the Milky Way.
• A historic connection to the region’s logging and forest management history, evidenced by the old administrative roads and trail names.

Because Erie Site is located on state forest land rather than at a private business address, contact for information and permits is handled through the regional DCNR office. For those in Pennsylvania looking to secure a spot or inquire about the current condition of the forest roads in Huston Township, the following contact information is essential:

Address: Huston Township, PA 15849, USA (Located within Moshannon State Forest)

DCNR Moshannon State Forest District Office: (814) 765-0821

When considering where to spend your next weekend in the Pennsylvania wilds, Erie Site is worth choosing because it offers a level of immersion that modern campgrounds simply cannot match. If you value the sound of a nearby stream over the hum of an air conditioner, and if you prefer the challenge of a primitive site over the convenience of a full-hookup park, this is the destination for you. It is a place that forces you to slow down and appreciate the subtle changes in the forest—the way the light hits the white birch trees in the morning or the sound of an owl in the deep of the night.

Furthermore, it is worth choosing for the unmatched hiking access. The Erie Camp Trail connects to a massive network of trails, including the 75-mile Quehanna Trail loop. For backpackers and day-hikers alike, having a quiet home base in Huston Township allows for endless exploration of the "Big Woods." It is also an excellent choice for those who want to experience the beauty of the PA Wilds without the crowds often found at more popular state parks like Cook Forest or Cherry Springs. Here, the experience is personal, quiet, and deeply restorative.

Ultimately, a trip to the Erie Site is a tribute to the Pennsylvania tradition of self-reliance and love for the outdoors. It is a place where you can teach the next generation how to build a proper fire, how to navigate using a map and compass, and how to appreciate the vastness of our state's protected lands. For the local Pennsylvania user who wants to truly "get away from it all," the Erie Site in Huston Township remains one of the most honest and beautiful places to pitch a tent and watch the stars.