Fire Tower, Callen Run Tract

For those in the Pennsylvania region seeking a truly disconnected and rugged outdoor experience, the Fire Tower campsite within the Callen Run Tract offers a unique opportunity. Located in the sprawling expanse of the Clear Creek State Forest, this destination is not your typical developed campground. Instead, it is a motorized, roadside campsite designed for those who prefer solitude over amenities. The name itself is a nod to the area's history; while a fire lookout tower once stood on this ground to protect the vast hardwoods of Jefferson County, today only the quiet clearing and the legacy of the site remain, repurposed into a sanctuary for backcountry campers.

The Callen Run Tract is known among local Pennsylvania outdoorsmen as a prime example of the "big woods" character that defines the northern tier of the state. Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the forest here is thick with second-growth hardwoods and hemlocks, providing a dense canopy that feels worlds away from the urban centers of Pittsburgh or Erie. Choosing to camp at the Fire Tower site means embracing the primitive nature of the Pennsylvania Wilds. It is a place where the primary entertainment is the crackle of a campfire and the rustle of wind through the oaks, making it an ideal choice for backpackers, hunters, and adventure travelers who carry their own gear and supplies.

Located in the rural community of Munderf, Pennsylvania, the Fire Tower site at Callen Run Tract is situated at the geographic coordinates of approximately 41.30473, -78.98225. Accessing this remote location requires a journey through the scenic backroads of Jefferson County. From PA Route 28, visitors typically take Egypt Road for nearly five miles before turning onto Richardsville Road. The final leg of the trip involves navigating Dixon Road and Fire Tower Road itself. Because these are state forest roads, they are largely unpaved and consist of dirt and gravel, which can become slick or impassable during the winter months when maintenance is limited.

Despite its remote feel, the site is surprisingly accessible for those with a standard high-clearance vehicle, though four-wheel drive is always recommended during the rainy spring season. It is important for Pennsylvania travelers to note that this site is located within the Clear Creek State Forest, not the nearby Clear Creek State Park. While the state park offers more traditional facilities like flush toilets and electricity, the state forest sites like Callen Run are intended for low-density, primitive recreation. There is on-site parking available, typically as a pull-in or side-by-side spot, allowing campers to keep their vehicle close to their setup for convenience and safety.

The services at the Fire Tower campsite are intentionally minimal to preserve the wilderness character of the Callen Run Tract. Visitors should arrive fully prepared to be self-sufficient, as there are no modern utilities or staff located on-site. The services provided by the DCNR for this specific location include:

• Motorized roadside camping permits available through the centralized Pennsylvania State Forests reservation system.
• A designated campsite area that supports a maximum of ten people and up to a 60-foot equipment length.
• Permitted seasonal campfire use, subject to local fire danger ratings and seasonal prohibitions (typically March through May).
• Authorized wood gathering of "dead and down" timber for use in the on-site fire ring.
• Periodic patrols by DCNR Rangers to ensure site integrity and visitor safety across the forest district.
• A "carry-in, carry-out" waste management policy, ensuring the forest remains pristine for the next guest.

The highlights of the Fire Tower site at Callen Run Tract lie in its simplicity and its proximity to the natural wonders of the Pennsylvania Wilds. While the tower itself no longer stands, the site offers specific features that appeal to the adventurous camper:

• Large, well-spaced site dimensions (approximately 100 feet by 60 feet) that offer partial shade and a sense of privacy.
• An integrated fire ring with a grill top, perfect for traditional outdoor cooking.
• Direct access to the unpaved forest road network, which is popular for "green" (easy) off-roading and scenic drives.
• Proximity to the Callen Run stream and the Clarion River, providing opportunities for nearby fishing and kayaking.
• Abundant wildlife viewing, with frequent sightings of black bears, whitetail deer, and a variety of forest birds.
• Pet-friendly environment, allowing dogs to join the camping trip provided they are kept under control and attended.
• Extreme low-light pollution, making it one of the better spots in the region for stargazing and night photography.

Because the Fire Tower campsite is part of the state forest system, all administrative inquiries and permit reservations are handled through the Clear Creek State Forest District Office. It is highly recommended to check current forest alerts and fire danger signs before heading into the Munderf area.

Address: 8239+V2G, Munderf, PA 15825, USA (Coordinates: 41.30473, -78.98225)

District Office Phone: (814) 226-1901

If you are a Pennsylvania resident who values silence and the raw beauty of the forest over the convenience of a heated bathhouse, the Fire Tower site at Callen Run Tract is worth choosing. It represents the best of "dispersed-style" camping while still providing a designated, legal spot to park your rig and set up your tent. Reviewers often note that this specific site is "very quiet" and offers a nostalgic connection to the history of the region. Without the crowds of a major state park, you are free to enjoy the "tinnitus-testing quiet" of the woods, as one local camper described the area.

This site is particularly worth choosing for those who enjoy the "overlanding" lifestyle or those who are passing through the region on a multi-day trek through the Allegheny Plateau. The ability to reserve the site in advance through the DCNR website provides peace of mind that your spot will be waiting for you, even in a location this remote. If your idea of a perfect weekend involves a heavy-duty cooler, a sturdy tent, and the ability to see the Milky Way from your campsite, Fire Tower at Callen Run Tract is an essential Pennsylvania destination. Just remember to bring your own water, pack out your trash, and enjoy the rare privilege of sleeping where the fire wardens once watched over the trees.