Crows Nest (South) Site

For Pennsylvanians seeking an escape from the paved world and the comforts of modern life, the Crows Nest (South) Site offers a genuine wilderness retreat. This is not a typical modern campground with hookups and resort amenities; rather, it is a designated **motorized, roadside campsite** maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) within the vast and rugged Moshannon State Forest. Situated in Huston Township, this site is specifically for the self-sufficient camper who values solitude, natural beauty, and direct access to over 190,000 acres of public forestland.

The Crows Nest (South) Site is part of the state's program to offer low-density, primitive recreation experiences. It allows campers to park their vehicle—whether a car, small RV, or trailer—and set up camp for a maximum of seven continuous nights. This type of roadside camping is a highly sought-after opportunity for hunters, anglers, hikers, and those simply wishing to immerse themselves in the quiet of the **Pennsylvania Wilds** region. As a primitive site, the Crows Nest (South) location requires complete self-reliance: campers must bring all necessary supplies, including water and a plan for managing all waste, following strict Leave No Trace principles.

The experience at Crows Nest (South) is defined by its remoteness. It is a spot where you can enjoy the native hardwood forests, the chance of seeing Pennsylvania elk or black bears, and a level of peace that developed campgrounds simply cannot offer. Preparing properly for this trip is paramount to ensuring a safe and rewarding stay in the heart of Pennsylvania’s natural heritage.

The Crows Nest (South) Site is located in Huston Township, PA 15849, USA. Its administrative home is the **Moshannon State Forest**, which spans across parts of Clearfield, Elk, and Centre counties. The site itself is situated along one of the forest's extensive network of dirt and gravel State Forest roads. This deliberate placement ensures maximum isolation and a minimal human footprint on the environment.

Access is exclusively by motor vehicle, and travelers should be prepared for typical State Forest road conditions, which can be unpaved, narrow, and seasonally challenging due to mud, snow, or washouts. It is highly recommended that visitors use a durable vehicle, and for those traveling to the area for the first time, a detailed map from the Moshannon State Forest District Office is indispensable, as GPS and cell service can be intermittent or nonexistent. Given the remote nature of Huston Township within the forest, campers must arrive fully provisioned with gas, food, and water. The nearest communities offering full retail and emergency services are a considerable distance away, making planning and preparation critical for a successful stay.

Consistent with DCNR’s mission for State Forest camping, the Crows Nest (South) Site provides essential provisions for a primitive stay, intentionally excluding modern conveniences to preserve the wilderness character.

• Designated Campsite: The location is a clearly marked, single site along the roadside, permitting overnight camping in or near a parked vehicle, suitable for tents or small, self-contained RVs/trailers.
• Fire Ring and Picnic Table: A basic metal fire ring is typically provided (subject to seasonal fire restrictions), along with a rustic picnic table, to help manage campfires safely and facilitate meal preparation.
• Water Access: **No** potable drinking water is supplied. Campers must pack in all drinking and cooking water. While streams may be nearby, all water from natural sources must be properly filtered and purified.
• Utility Hookups: The site offers **no** electric, water, or sewer hookups. It is a dry-camping experience, requiring reliance on personal power sources (e.g., batteries, solar, or quiet generators used during designated hours).
• Sanitation: **No** restrooms, flush toilets, or dump stations are available. Campers are required to use self-contained portable toilets or follow DCNR guidelines for depositing human waste—digging catholes 4–6 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, campsites, or trails.
• Permitting: A mandatory permit for roadside camping is required for every overnight stay, with a maximum limit of seven continuous nights. This must be obtained and carried by the camper for the duration of their visit.
• Waste Management: The policy is strictly "Carry In, Carry Out." All garbage, litter, and waste must be securely stored and transported out of the State Forest upon departure.

The primary appeal of the Crows Nest (South) Site lies in its untouched natural surroundings and its position as a gateway to extensive outdoor recreation.

• Deep Forest Seclusion: The site’s location provides an unparalleled level of privacy and solitude, making it perfect for an unplugged experience and peaceful relaxation far from noise and crowds.
• Gateway to Moshannon Trails: Campers have direct access to the Moshannon State Forest’s network of unpaved roads and hiking trails, offering vast opportunities for day hikes, mountain biking, and exploration of the Commonwealth's second-growth timberlands.
• Hunting and Fishing Base: The Moshannon State Forest is a renowned destination for Pennsylvania sportsmen. The Crows Nest (South) Site offers a convenient and isolated base camp for legal hunting and fishing activities in the surrounding public lands.
• Proximity to PA Wilds Region: Being in Huston Township places the site deep within the beautiful Pennsylvania Wilds, a region famous for its scenic vistas and low population density, guaranteeing a true nature immersion.
• Wildlife Observation: The remote setting increases the chances of observing native wildlife, including white-tailed deer, black bear, and the unique opportunity to be in the general vicinity of the **Pennsylvania Elk Management Area**, with sightings possible.
• Exceptional Stargazing: With minimal light pollution typical of the State Forest, Crows Nest (South) offers a stunning, unhindered view of the night sky, making it a favorite for amateur astronomers and anyone looking to truly appreciate the stars.

The Crows Nest (South) Site is managed by the Moshannon State Forest District Office of the Pennsylvania DCNR. All official inquiries, permit applications, and general forest condition questions should be directed to the DCNR.

Address: Located in Moshannon State Forest, Huston Township, PA 15849, USA. (Note: Specific site directions are provided upon permit confirmation.)

Moshannon State Forest District Office Phone: (814) 765-0821 (For local conditions and general inquiries)

DCNR Reservations & Permit Line: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) (To reserve the Crows Nest (South) motorized roadside camping permit)

Online: Reservations can also be made via the official Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservation website.

The Crows Nest (South) Site is worth choosing for the Pennsylvanian who understands and embraces the ethos of **primitive, self-sufficient camping**. You should choose this location if your goal is an authentic, low-impact wilderness experience, whether you are in a tent or a small RV. This site provides a rare and valuable opportunity to access the heart of a massive State Forest without the crowds or noise of more developed areas.

It is particularly appealing for those who want to be deeply immersed in the forest environment—the kind of place where you wake up to the sounds of nature and have immediate access to thousands of acres of land for dispersed recreation. By requiring advanced planning and adherence to strict guidelines, the DCNR ensures that Crows Nest (South) remains a protected sanctuary, offering a premium experience for the responsible and well-prepared camper who seeks true **Central Pennsylvania solitude and adventure**.

Crows Nest (South) Site

Huston Township, PA 15849, USA