Blackhawk Site

For Pennsylvania residents seeking an authentic, rugged escape into the Central Pennsylvania wilderness, the Blackhawk Site offers a unique camping experience. Located within the expansive Moshannon State Forest in Huston Township, this site is not a modern RV park but rather a designated motorized, roadside campsite. It appeals directly to those who prefer the quiet solitude and raw beauty of the State Forest system over the organized activity of developed State Parks.

The Blackhawk Site is categorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as a location for 'motorized, roadside camping.' This means it is a singular, remote site designed for overnight camping in or immediately adjacent to a vehicle, which is used for storage and transport. The site's location within the Moshannon State Forest, often near the broader Shaggers Inn Camping Area, places visitors in one of the most rugged and beautiful parts of the Pennsylvania Wilds. This setting ensures a peaceful retreat focused on self-reliance, nature observation, and access to a massive tract of public forestland.

Unlike traditional campgrounds, a stay at the Blackhawk Site demands self-sufficiency. There are no modern amenities, dump stations, or readily available water. This primitive style of camping requires all visitors to adhere strictly to 'Leave No Trace' principles, packing out everything they pack in. This commitment is what preserves the remote, undisturbed character of the area, making it a highly desirable destination for experienced campers, backpackers, hunters, and anglers across the Commonwealth looking for a genuine break from civilization.

The Blackhawk Site is situated in Huston Township, PA 15849, USA. Its administrative location is within the Moshannon State Forest, a vast tract of land overseen by the DCNR. As a roadside campsite, its specific location is along the network of unpaved, dirt, and gravel State Forest roads that crisscross the region. This is intentional, designed to offer remote camping opportunities far from major arteries.

Accessibility to the Blackhawk Site is primarily by vehicle, and four-wheel drive is recommended, especially during inclement weather or seasonal transitions, due to the nature of State Forest roads. Campers are strongly advised to obtain detailed maps from the Moshannon State Forest District Office or utilize GPS coordinates provided upon reservation, as navigation can be challenging and cell service may be limited or nonexistent in this deeply forested area. For Pennsylvania residents traveling from more populated areas, proper preparation is essential: all fuel, food, drinking water, and emergency supplies must be acquired before entering the forest, as the nearest towns offering full services are a considerable distance away.

The Blackhawk Site, as a motorized, roadside campsite on State Forest land, maintains a focus on simplicity and the preservation of a primitive environment. The list of services reflects this commitment to a rustic camping experience.

• Designated Campsite: The site is a marked, individual area, often a pull-off or small clearing, suitable for parking a vehicle (RV, trailer, or car) and setting up a tent nearby. It helps manage the forest's resources by concentrating camping activities.
• Fire Ring and Picnic Table: Each designated site typically includes a basic metal fire ring (where permitted by fire restrictions) and a simple picnic table to facilitate meal preparation and gathering.
• Utility Hookups: There are **no** electric, water, or sewer hookups available. Campers must be fully prepared for dry camping, bringing their own power sources (like solar or approved generators) and managing all gray and black water waste.
• Water: Potable drinking water is **not** provided. All water must be carried in by the camper or obtained from natural sources and properly purified before use.
• Waste Disposal: Trash disposal, dump stations, and flush toilets are **not** available. Campers must adhere to strict 'Pack It In, Pack It Out' principles for all solid waste and follow DCNR guidelines for human waste disposal.
• Permitting: A mandatory camping permit is required for any overnight stay at this roadside site. This permit must be reserved in advance through the state's reservation system. Stays are limited to a maximum of seven nights at a time to ensure turnover and resource protection.

The Blackhawk Site’s true highlights are centered on its setting and the immediate access it provides to the extensive Moshannon State Forest.

• Authentic Solitude: As a roadside site, the Blackhawk Site offers a level of privacy and peacefulness rarely found in popular State Park campgrounds. It is an ideal spot to escape light pollution for **stargazing** and to enjoy the unspoiled sounds of the forest.
• Prime Hunting and Fishing Access: The surrounding Moshannon State Forest is a premier location for hunting and fishing across Pennsylvania. The campsite is positioned perfectly for sportsmen and women seeking to set up a short-term base camp during the state's regulated seasons.
• Hiking and Trail System Gateway: Campers have direct, immediate access to the forest's unblazed and extensive network of multi-use roads and trails for hiking, mountain biking, and general forest exploration, including proximity to long-distance trails like the Allegheny Front Trail.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The site is situated in an area rich in Pennsylvania wildlife, including deer, turkey, and is part of the broader region known for the **Pennsylvania Elk Management Area**. While sightings are never guaranteed, the remote nature of the site increases the chance of encountering local fauna.
• Rustic and Primitive Camping: The Blackhawk Site caters to the **self-reliant camper**. It provides a challenging yet rewarding experience for those who pride themselves on their ability to camp without modern infrastructure, making for a memorable and skill-testing outdoor adventure.
• Seasonal Beauty: Located on the Allegheny Plateau, the area is known for dramatic seasonal changes, from vibrant fall foliage to excellent winter cross-country skiing and snowmobiling opportunities on designated trails.

The Blackhawk Site is administered by the Pennsylvania DCNR as part of the Moshannon State Forest. Reservations and specific forest details are handled through state channels.

Address: Located in Moshannon State Forest, Huston Township, PA 15849, USA (Navigate using maps or GPS coordinates provided with reservation confirmation).

Phone Number (DCNR Reservation Line): 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)

Phone Number (Moshannon State Forest District Office): (814) 765-0821 (For non-reservation questions, local conditions, and primitive camping permits)

All campers must secure a permit online or via phone before arrival. Check-in and check-out times are strictly enforced, and campers should carry a printed copy of their permit.

Choosing the Blackhawk Site is an investment in a pure Pennsylvania outdoor experience. It is worth selecting this site if you prioritize **seclusion, deep woods access, and a challenging, self-supported camping trip** over resort-style amenities. This location is particularly valuable for Pennsylvanians who: a) need a legal, permitted spot for their RV or trailer in a primitive setting (a rarity in State Forests), b) are passionate about hunting or remote fishing and require a convenient base camp, or c) are dedicated backpackers and hikers seeking proximity to trailheads deep within the Moshannon State Forest.

By choosing Blackhawk, you gain a unique vantage point into the state's natural heritage—the feeling of being miles from the nearest town, surrounded only by the rustling leaves of the hardwood forest. This site is a gateway to over 190,000 acres of public land and represents the pinnacle of rustic, wilderness camping in Central Pennsylvania. For the prepared and responsible outdoor enthusiast, the Blackhawk Site promises an unforgettable, peaceful, and truly wild adventure.

Blackhawk Site

Huston Township, PA 15849, USA