Slate Run Trestle Campsites

For Pennsylvania residents looking to escape the hustle of city life, the Slate Run Trestle Campsites offer an authentic immersion into the rugged beauty of the Tiadaghton State Forest. Located in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, this campground is a favorite among local hikers, backpackers, and fly-fishing enthusiasts. Unlike modern RV resorts, Slate Run Trestle is a dedicated primitive camping area that prioritizes the natural landscape over artificial amenities. It serves as a vital gateway for those exploring the legendary Pine Creek Valley and the challenging Black Forest Trail, providing a serene backdrop where the only sounds you’ll hear are the rustling leaves and the steady flow of Slate Run.

The atmosphere at these campsites is decidedly rustic and secluded. It is the type of place where Pennsylvanians go to truly disconnect, as cell service is nearly non-existent and the terrain remains largely untouched by major development. The area is named for the historical logging trestles that once traversed these mountains, and that sense of history is still palpable as you navigate the narrow hollows and rocky outcroppings. Whether you are using it as a base camp for a multi-day trek or just a quiet spot to skip stones and build cairns with the family, the Slate Run Trestle area provides a quintessential "deep woods" experience that is becoming increasingly rare.

Location and accessibility are unique for this site, as it requires a bit of local knowledge to find. Situated deep within Lycoming County, the campsites are positioned near the village of Slate Run. The primary access point is via Slate Run Road, but the sites themselves are tucked away from the main thoroughfare. For local users, the best way to reach the area is by parking at the Black Forest Trail (BFT) trailhead. From there, a short hike down to the "T" and a right turn will lead you to the designated spots. Alternatively, a footpath near the local cabins marked with a BFT Re-Route sign offers a direct, albeit steep, descent to the water's edge. It is important to note that these sites are not accessible by bicycle or traditional RVs; they are specifically designed for tent campers who can carry their gear a short distance from their vehicles.

While the accessibility may be challenging for some, the payoff is immediate. The sites are nestled right against the water, offering a level of intimacy with nature that roadside parks cannot match. Because the area is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the forest remains well-preserved. Travelers coming from Williamsport or State College will find the drive scenic, winding through some of the most beautiful mountain passes in North Central Pennsylvania before arriving at the remote village of Slate Run, which serves as the last stop for supplies and local information.

Services at Slate Run Trestle Campsites are minimal by design, catering to the "leave no trace" ethos of the Tiadaghton State Forest. This is a pack-in, pack-out facility where self-sufficiency is a requirement. The services provided are focused on basic campsite infrastructure rather than modern luxuries. Available services include:

• Designated cleared areas for tent placement to minimize impact on forest floor vegetation.
• Sturdy wooden picnic tables at several of the sites for outdoor dining and gear organization.
• Established stone grill pits for controlled campfires (subject to seasonal fire regulations).
• Access to the natural waters of Slate Run for cooling off or filtered water collection.
• Permit management through the Tiadaghton State Forest District Office for motorized or roadside-adjacent stays.
• Nearby parking at established trailheads within a reasonable walking distance of the sites.

The features and highlights of Slate Run Trestle are what keep Pennsylvania outdoorsmen returning season after season. The crown jewel of the area is undoubtedly the "swimming hole" located right next to the campsites. After a long day hiking the steep switchbacks of the Black Forest Trail, there is no greater local luxury than wading into the crisp, clear mountain water of Slate Run. The stream bed is filled with flat stones, making it a perfect spot for children to play or for adults to relax by the water's edge. The surrounding cliffs and dense hemlock forests provide a natural amphitheater of greenery that feels worlds away from the suburbs.

Notable highlights include:

• Direct access to the Black Forest Trail, a 42-mile loop renowned for its strenuous climbs and stunning vistas.
• Exceptional fly-fishing opportunities in Slate Run, a stream famous for its wild brook and brown trout.
• A secluded, quiet environment with very few sites, ensuring a private camping experience.
• Stunning natural scenery featuring moss-covered rocks, fern-filled hollows, and mature timber.
• Close proximity to the village of Slate Run, where you can visit the historic Hotel Manor for a post-hike meal.
• Wildlife viewing opportunities, with frequent sightings of bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and occasionally black bears.
• A "rustic" layout that encourages traditional camping skills and primitive outdoor living.

For those interested in visiting, it is highly recommended to contact the Tiadaghton State Forest District Office. While these specific sites are often used by hikers on the move, any motorized or roadside-adjacent camping in the state forest requires a free permit. The office can provide the most current information on trail conditions and fire safety alerts.

Contact Information:
Address: Slate Run, PA 17769, USA (Managed via Tiadaghton State Forest District Office)
Phone: (570) 753-5409 (District Office in Waterville, PA)

When deciding on a Pennsylvania camping destination, Slate Run Trestle Campsites are worth choosing if you value solitude and natural beauty above all else. It is the perfect choice for the serious hiker or the family that wants to show their children a world without screens. The ability to camp so close to a pristine mountain stream is a rare find, and the quality of the water in Slate Run is among the best in the state. It is worth choosing for the convenience of being right on the Black Forest Trail, allowing you to start your morning with a climb to a vista without having to drive to a trailhead.

Furthermore, the site is worth choosing because it represents the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds. It is a place that demands respect for the environment but rewards that respect with unparalleled peace. Unlike commercial campgrounds with crowded rows of RVs, Slate Run Trestle allows you to feel like the only person in the forest. Whether you are there to test your endurance on the trail or simply to sit by the swimming hole and watch the water flow over the rocks, this small cluster of campsites provides a deeply satisfying and authentic Pennsylvania outdoor experience. If you are prepared to go without a flushing toilet and electricity for a few days, the rewards of a stay at Slate Run Trestle are truly immeasurable.