Cherokee Site

For Pennsylvania residents and serious outdoor enthusiasts seeking an authentic, self-reliant camping adventure in the state’s vast interior, the **Cherokee Site** represents a perfect retreat. Located deep within the dense woodlands of the Moshannon State Forest in Huston Township, this site is not a conventional, amenity-rich campground. Instead, it is a **designated motorized, roadside campsite** maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), offering a primitive, low-density recreational opportunity that emphasizes solitude and immersion in nature.

The Moshannon State Forest, part of the expansive Pennsylvania Wilds, is managed for its wild character, and sites like Cherokee are intended for the camper who is fully prepared to be self-sufficient. This means no modern hookups, limited or no cell service, and a complete reliance on your own resources. The rewards, however, are immense: unparalleled peace, dark skies perfect for stargazing, and immediate access to over 190,000 acres of prime public forestland for hiking, hunting, fishing, and exploration.

Whether you are planning a self-supported hunting trip or a secluded base camp for a week of hiking, the Cherokee Site is built to facilitate a back-to-basics experience. Stays are limited, and a mandatory permit is required for all motorized roadside camping, ensuring that the site remains pristine and available for others. Preparation is the key to enjoying this true wilderness environment within Central Pennsylvania.

The Cherokee Site is administratively located in Huston Township, PA 15849, USA, placing it squarely within the boundaries of the Moshannon State Forest. This location is remote and accessed via the network of dirt and gravel State Forest roads that crisscross the area. Huston Township itself is sparsely populated, meaning the site is far removed from urban noise and light pollution.

The site is categorized as roadside camping, meaning you can park a vehicle—including a car, small RV, or trailer—directly at or very near the designated area. However, prospective campers must understand that the access roads are unpaved and subject to varying conditions depending on the season and weather. Four-wheel drive or high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended, especially during spring thaw or adverse conditions. Because of the remoteness and the likelihood of zero cell phone reception, campers must utilize a physical map and study directions provided by the Moshannon State Forest District Office before arrival. It is vital to travel into this area with a full tank of gas and all necessary provisions, as emergency services and supply stores are not quickly accessible.

The Cherokee Site, like all primitive roadside campsites in the Moshannon State Forest, is intentionally maintained with minimal facilities to preserve the natural ecosystem and primitive camping experience. Self-sufficiency is a strict requirement for all visitors.

• Designated Primitive Site: The location is a clearly marked, single site along a forest road, suitable for setting up a camp with a tent or a small, self-contained recreational vehicle.
• Picnic Table and Fire Ring: A basic wooden picnic table and a metal fire ring are typically supplied to assist in outdoor dining and managing campfires (subject to DCNR's seasonal fire regulations).
• No Modern Hookups: There are **no** provisions for electricity, running water, or sewer hookups at the site. Campers must come equipped for a completely dry camping experience.
• Water Supply: **No** potable drinking water is available. All water for consumption, cooking, and hygiene must be carried in, or filtered and purified from natural sources (if available nearby).
• Sanitation: **No** flush toilets, outhouses, or dump stations are provided. Campers must use self-contained portable toilets or adhere to strict Leave No Trace principles for waste disposal, burying human waste 4–6 inches deep and at least 200 feet away from water sources, trails, and the campsite.
• Required Permit: A **mandatory DCNR permit** is required to reserve and occupy the Cherokee Site. This permit establishes an emergency point of contact and helps the forest service manage site capacity. Stays are strictly limited to a maximum of seven continuous nights.
• Carry In, Carry Out Policy: All garbage, trash, and waste must be securely bagged and removed from the State Forest upon departure. Littering is prohibited and strictly enforced.

The Cherokee Site’s true value lies in the natural and recreational features of its expansive State Forest surroundings, offering a uniquely wild and secluded Pennsylvania experience.

• Unmatched Seclusion: The site’s isolation provides a deep sense of privacy, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to truly disconnect, meditate, and enjoy nature without the distractions of a crowded public campground.
• Hunting and Fishing Access: The surrounding Moshannon State Forest is a premier location for legal Pennsylvania hunting and fishing, and the site serves as a perfect secluded staging point for these outdoor pursuits.
• Vast Trail Network: Campers have immediate access to miles of unpaved forest roads and backcountry trails, suitable for robust hiking, cross-country skiing, or mountain biking, depending on the season.
• Elk Country Proximity: Located in the wider region of the Pennsylvania Wilds, the area offers a chance to spot the magnificent wild elk herd that thrives in the State Forest landscape, a truly unique sight in the Commonwealth.
• Old-Growth Forest Character: The Moshannon State Forest features thriving second-growth timberland, providing beautiful, dense forest scenery and a chance to witness the resilience of Pennsylvania’s natural ecosystem.
• Stellar Dark Skies: The remote location ensures minimal light pollution, offering exceptional opportunities for viewing constellations, the Milky Way, and other celestial phenomena unavailable in urban or even suburban parts of the state.

All permits and information for the Cherokee Site are handled through the relevant Pennsylvania DCNR channels, as the site is part of the State Forest system.

Address: Located in Moshannon State Forest, Huston Township, PA 15849, USA. (Specific driving instructions are given only upon reservation confirmation.)

Moshannon State Forest District Office Phone: (814) 765-0821 (For local forest conditions, safety information, and general guidance)

DCNR Reservations & Permit Line: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) (To reserve the required motorized roadside camping permit for Cherokee Site)

Online: Reservations for motorized roadside campsites can be secured through the official Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation website.

The Cherokee Site is an excellent choice for experienced Pennsylvanian campers and groups who are looking for a true primitive getaway, distinguishing it from developed parks. It is worth choosing for the following reasons: it promises **seclusion and genuine quiet**, a feature increasingly rare in the popular parts of the state. By opting for a designated roadside site in the Moshannon State Forest, you are consciously choosing a low-impact form of recreation that supports the preservation of Pennsylvania’s wild resources.

Choose the Cherokee Site if you own a self-contained RV, need a convenient base camp for multiple days of dispersed recreation, or if you are simply seeking the mental reset that only a truly remote location can provide. This site demands full self-reliance but rewards the responsible camper with an unparalleled connection to the rugged, beautiful heart of the **Pennsylvania Wilds**.

Cherokee Site

Huston Township, PA 15849, USA