Black Walnut Bottom Campground

For Pennsylvania locals seeking a genuine escape into the state’s breathtaking wilderness, particularly those who cherish quiet, nature-focused experiences, Black Walnut Bottom Campground offers a unique opportunity. Located in Cammal, PA, within the vast Tiadaghton State Forest, this campground is not your typical RV park with all the bells and whistles. Instead, it provides a rustic, primitive camping experience directly alongside the famous Pine Creek Rail Trail, making it an ideal spot for hikers, bikers, and anyone looking to truly disconnect.

Black Walnut Bottom is known for its serene setting, described by one satisfied camper as a "Great spot to camp, quiet and right along the bike trail. We go every year and bring the kids." This sentiment underscores its appeal to families and individuals who value tranquility and direct access to outdoor recreation. However, it's crucial to understand the nature of this campground: it’s a more self-reliant experience, and while it offers an unbeatable location, visitors should be prepared for minimal amenities and potential challenges inherent to primitive camping. It's a place where the beauty of the Pennsylvania Wilds takes center stage.

Black Walnut Bottom Campground is situated directly on the Pine Creek Rail Trail in Cammal, PA 17723, USA. This location places it within the Tiadaghton State Forest, one of Pennsylvania's vast and wild public lands, renowned for its rugged beauty and extensive outdoor opportunities. The campground is nestled along Pine Creek, offering picturesque views and a tranquil riverside ambiance.

A key aspect of Black Walnut Bottom Campground is its accessibility. It is primarily a walk-in or bike-in campsite. While some information suggests it is one of the few state forest camping areas along Pine Creek with road access, visitor reviews specifically highlight "having to walk a mile to the campsites" from parking, which can be "exhausting." This means campers should be prepared to transport their gear over a distance from their vehicle to their designated site. This limited vehicular access contributes to the quiet and secluded nature of the campground, as it deters casual drive-up campers. The Pine Creek Rail Trail, a converted rail bed, runs parallel to the campground, providing flat and easy access for cyclists and pedestrians directly to the campsites. For those arriving by car, parking areas would be found at designated access points along the Pine Creek Rail Trail, from which campers would then proceed on foot or bike to Black Walnut Bottom. The nearest main road is likely PA Route 414. Visitors should consult detailed maps of the Tiadaghton State Forest and the Pine Creek Rail Trail for precise access points and distances.

As a designated state forest rustic campsite managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Black Walnut Bottom Campground offers a limited, yet essential, set of services, emphasizing a primitive camping experience. Campers should prepare for self-sufficiency.

• Rustic Tent Campsites: The campground primarily offers primitive tent sites. These are typically clearings in the forest suitable for setting up tents, without specific pads or hook-ups.
• Picnic Tables: Each site is equipped with a picnic table for dining and gathering.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are provided at each campsite for campfires and outdoor cooking. Campers should adhere to all fire regulations, especially during dry periods (e.g., campfires are prohibited March 1st through May 25th without authorization or when fire danger is high). Dead and down wood may be gathered for fires, but power tools are not permitted.
• Vault Toilets: A vault toilet (outhouse) is located within the campground area, providing basic restroom facilities. Modern flush toilets and showers are not available.
• No Modern Amenities: This campground does not offer electric, water, or sewer hook-ups. Campers are advised to bring all their own potable water.
• Carry In, Carry Out: All campsites are "carry in, carry out," meaning campers are responsible for removing all their trash and refuse from the site and the state forest.
• Reservations Required: All designated state forest campsites, including Black Walnut Bottom, require reservations through the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservations website.
• No Overnight Parking at Campsites: Due to the hike/bike-in nature, vehicles are not permitted overnight at the campsites themselves. Parking is available at designated access points along the rail trail.

The true allure of Black Walnut Bottom Campground lies in its natural surroundings and the abundant recreational opportunities offered by its unique location:

• Direct Access to Pine Creek Rail Trail: This is arguably the biggest highlight. The 62-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail, often called the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania," runs directly alongside the campground. It offers an exceptionally scenic, flat, crushed-limestone path perfect for:
  • Biking: Ideal for cyclists of all skill levels, allowing for leisurely rides through stunning gorge scenery. Reviewers often mention its suitability for biking.
  • Hiking and Walking: Provides miles of easy walking trails with picturesque views of Pine Creek and the surrounding forests.
• Pine Creek Access: The campground’s location by Pine Creek (a Pennsylvania Scenic River) provides opportunities for:
  • Fishing: Pine Creek is renowned for its excellent trout fishing.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Non-motorized canoe/boat launches are available in the Pine Creek Valley, allowing for paddling adventures on the creek.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Due to its walk-in/bike-in nature and rustic setting, the campground is often described as "quiet and peaceful," providing a true escape from noise and crowds.
• Immersive Wilderness Experience: As part of Tiadaghton State Forest, campers are immersed in a vast, heavily forested region known for its rugged terrain, abundant wildlife (including bald eagles, black bears, and deer), and pristine natural beauty.
• Dark Skies for Stargazing: Far from urban light pollution, the area offers fantastic opportunities for stargazing on clear nights.
• Proximity to PA Grand Canyon: Black Walnut Bottom is strategically located within reach of the Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania," offering dramatic vistas and unique geological formations.

As a DCNR-managed state forest campground, Black Walnut Bottom does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a private campground might. The fees are set by the state for the use of designated campsites.

Camping permits are required and reserved through the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservations website (ReserveAmerica). The cost for a designated rustic campsite like those at Black Walnut Bottom is generally minimal, reflecting the limited amenities provided. Any specific information regarding fees or policies would be available during the reservation process on that platform.

However, the inherent "special offer" of Black Walnut Bottom is its affordability and unique access to one of Pennsylvania's most cherished natural resources – the Pine Creek Rail Trail and the Tiadaghton State Forest – for a truly unspoiled outdoor experience. There are no known discounts for military, seniors, or other groups specifically at this DCNR site, but prospective campers should always verify current rates on the official reservation system.

Since Black Walnut Bottom Campground is part of Tiadaghton State Forest and managed by the Pennsylvania DCNR, direct contact is typically through the State Forest District Office rather than a specific campground office.

Address: Pine Creek Rail Trail, Cammal, PA 17723, USA (This is the general location of the campground, not a mailing address for contact).

For inquiries regarding camping in Tiadaghton State Forest, including Black Walnut Bottom, the relevant contact is the Tiadaghton State Forest District #12 Office:

Tiadaghton State Forest District #12 Office

Address: 10 Lower Pine Bottom Road, Waterville, PA 17776 (This is a general office, not necessarily at the campground itself)

Phone: (570) 753-5409

Fax: (570) 753-5721

Email: fd12@state.pa.us

Reservations for Black Walnut Bottom Campground are made exclusively online through the Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservations website (pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com).

For Pennsylvania locals, Black Walnut Bottom Campground offers an authentic and accessible gateway to the state’s majestic Pine Creek Gorge region. This campground is particularly suitable for residents who:

• Embrace Rustic, Self-Sufficient Camping: If you prefer to pitch a tent in a natural setting and manage your own water, waste, and facilities, this campground will appeal to your desire for a less commercialized experience. It's for those who truly enjoy the basics of camping.
• Are Avid Cyclists or Hikers: The direct access to the Pine Creek Rail Trail is an unparalleled advantage. Locals can bring their bikes or walking shoes and immediately embark on miles of scenic, flat trails, exploring one of Pennsylvania's most beautiful natural corridors.
• Seek Peace and Quiet: The "walk-in/bike-in" nature of the sites and the remote forest setting ensure a tranquil environment, far from the noise of highways or crowded commercial campgrounds. It's a perfect spot to de-stress and reconnect with nature.
• Value Natural Beauty and Wildlife: Nestled within Tiadaghton State Forest and along Pine Creek, the campground offers abundant opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, fishing, and simply enjoying the pristine beauty of the Pennsylvania Wilds.
• Understand State Forest Regulations: Locals familiar with DCNR state forest rules and "Leave No Trace" principles will find this campground aligns with their outdoor ethics.

While a previous review highlighted issues with other campers and site cleanliness, these challenges underscore the importance of personal responsibility and the "pack it in, pack it out" ethos essential for state forest camping. For those who prioritize raw nature over extensive amenities, and who are prepared for a true outdoor adventure, Black Walnut Bottom Campground provides an accessible and affordable way for Pennsylvanians to experience the wild heart of their own state. It's a cherished local spot for annual family trips centered around the joy of the Pine Creek Rail Trail and the solitude of the forest.

Black Walnut Bottom Campground

Pine Creek Rail Trail, Cammal, PA 17723, USA