State Forest Campsite #E011

For outdoor enthusiasts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Delaware State Forest provides a rugged and authentic wilderness experience that is increasingly rare in the modern world. State Forest Campsite #E011, located in the Blooming Grove area, is a specific designated motorized camping spot that caters to a very particular type of adventurer. Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), this site is designed for those who want to be at the heart of the action, particularly those who utilize the extensive trail systems of Pike County.

Campsite #E011 is not a traditional campground with rows of sites and a central office. Instead, it is a single, primitive "roadside" campsite. This means it is a designated spot where you can park your vehicle and set up camp, offering a middle ground between backcountry backpacking and developed state park camping. For local Pennsylvanians, this site serves as a vital basecamp for exploring the thousands of acres of forest land, offering a place to rest after a long day of hiking, hunting, or trail riding. However, because of its unique position and the nature of state forest management, it requires a certain level of self-sufficiency and an understanding of the local environment.

Location and Accessibility are the most defining characteristics of Site #E011. It is situated at 104 Maple Run, Blooming Grove, PA 18428. Specifically, the site is located off PA-402, approximately four miles south of Interstate 84. This makes it relatively easy to find for those traveling from the Scranton or Wilkes-Barre areas. The campsite is uniquely positioned directly adjacent to the Maple Run ATV and Snowmobile trailhead and parking area. While this provides unparalleled access for motorized recreation, it also means the site is located feet away from a public parking lot. Access is via forest roads which are typically gravel or dirt; while a standard vehicle can often reach the site in good weather, high-clearance or 4WD vehicles are recommended during the mud season or following heavy Pennsylvania rainstorms.

• Services Offered:
  • Permit-based motorized camping for up to 10 people per site.
  • On-site parking for up to two vehicles (limited to a 20-foot driveway length).
  • Access to the Maple Run ATV and Snowmobile trail network.
  • Online reservation system through the Pennsylvania state forest portal.
  • Information and maps available through the Delaware State Forest District Office.
• Features and Highlights:
  • Prime location for trail riders, as the site is directly connected to the trailhead.
  • Kid-friendly atmosphere for families who enjoy motorized sports and outdoor education.
  • Primitive setting that encourages a "Leave No Trace" philosophy.
  • Proximity to the Edgemere Loop, known for its scenic forest vistas and diverse wildlife.
  • A picnic table is provided at the site for meal preparation and social gathering.
  • Pull-through driveway design, making it easier to maneuver small trailers or vans.
• Contact Information:
  • Address: 104 Maple Run, Blooming Grove, PA 18428, USA
  • Phone: (570) 895-4000 (Delaware State Forest District Office)
  • Mobile Phone: +1 570-895-4000

What is worth choosing about State Forest Campsite #E011 is its unmatched convenience for specific recreational activities. If you are a resident of the Poconos or Northeastern PA and your primary goal is to spend as much time as possible on the Maple Run trails, this is the most strategic location you can find. It eliminates the need to commute to the trailhead each morning, allowing you to wake up and be on the trails within minutes. For families with children who are learning to ride or enjoy the excitement of the ATV season, the site offers a front-row seat to the forest's most active motorized hub.

However, choosing this site also means embracing its "off the beaten path" yet high-traffic nature. It is worth choosing for the "quiet" seasons—such as the off-season for ATVs or during the height of hunting season—when the surrounding woods are still and the parking lot traffic is minimal. For the hardy camper, the lack of modern amenities like electricity, running water, or restrooms is a badge of honor. You have the opportunity to practice true woodcraft, managing your own waste and water, and enjoying the forest in its most raw state. It is an excellent choice for those who value the freedom of state forest land over the structured rules of a commercial RV park.

Prospective visitors should be aware of the communal nature of this specific location. Because it sits right next to a public trailhead, you can expect to see other forest users throughout the day. Real-world feedback from the local community suggests that during peak trail weekends, the parking lot can be busy, and the site may experience "turnaround" traffic from day-users. Success at Site #E011 comes from being a prepared and respectful neighbor. By securing a permit in advance and clearly marking your site, you help maintain the integrity of this unique camping resource. For the local PA user who wants a no-frills, high-access adventure, #E011 remains a staple of the Delaware State Forest experience.

Would you like me to find more information on the specific trail maps for the Maple Run ATV system or provide the DCNR's current fire safety regulations for this district?