Forestry Department

For Pennsylvanians who truly seek an immersive wilderness experience, a departure from the hustle and bustle of modern campgrounds, the camping opportunities within Gallitzin State Forest, managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry, offer an unparalleled escape. While the address "155 Hillcrest Dr, Ebensburg, PA 15931" refers to the district office, this location is your gateway to understanding and accessing the vast, rugged beauty of Gallitzin State Forest itself, where primitive camping is the name of the game.

Gallitzin State Forest spans over 24,000 acres across parts of Cambria, Somerset, Bedford, and Indiana counties, providing a expansive natural playground. Named in honor of Prince-Priest Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin, who established a mission in Loretto, this forest is managed for its pure water, recreation, scenic beauty, and diverse plant and animal habitat, alongside sustainable timber and natural gas. This commitment to conservation ensures that the wild character of the forest is preserved for all to enjoy.

Camping here is about embracing simplicity and self-sufficiency. It's not about paved pads and electric hookups, but rather about pitching a tent under a canopy of stars, hiking challenging trails, and truly disconnecting from the everyday. For the prepared adventurer, Gallitzin State Forest offers an authentic taste of Pennsylvania's natural heritage and some of the clearest night skies you'll find.

The administrative hub for Gallitzin State Forest is located at 155 Hillcrest Drive, Ebensburg, PA 15931. However, the camping opportunities themselves are dispersed throughout the over 24,000 acres of the state forest, which stretches across parts of northern Somerset, Bedford, Cambria, and Indiana counties.

The forest is divided into two main tracts: the larger Babcock Division, situated east of Windber and encompassing the Clear Shade Wild Area, and the smaller Laurel Run/Rager Mountain Division, located north of Johnstown, which includes the Charles F. Lewis Natural Area. This distribution means that access points to different sections of the forest, and thus to various primitive camping locations, will vary.

Access to camping within Gallitzin State Forest is primarily for primitive backpack camping. This implies that visitors will hike to their campsites, often along designated trails, carrying all their necessary gear. While forest roads provide access to trailheads and certain areas, direct vehicle access to individual primitive campsites is generally not available. This contributes to the remote and undisturbed nature of the camping experience. The forest's location near major routes in Central and Western Pennsylvania, while still offering a deep wilderness feel, makes it a valuable and accessible resource for adventurous locals.

Camping in Gallitzin State Forest is characterized by its primitive nature, meaning amenities are very limited. The emphasis is on self-sufficiency and embracing the wild environment. Therefore, the "services offered" are more about the natural resources and the regulations for their use:

• Primitive Backpack Camping: This is the primary form of overnight stay. Campers are permitted to camp in most areas of the forest, provided they adhere to specific regulations regarding distance from roads, trails, and water sources.
• Designated Camping Locations (No Amenities): While not developed sites with facilities, certain areas or trailside spots may be more commonly used for camping. These do not offer modern conveniences, water, dump stations, or utility hook-ups.
• Fire Rings (Conditional): Campfires are generally permitted in designated areas or if a primitive camping permit allows. However, they are strictly prohibited when fire danger is high, very high, or extreme, and from March 1 through May 25 unless authorized by the State Forest District. Campers must be aware of and adhere to current fire bans.
• Picnic Tables (Limited): While the primitive campsites themselves typically do not have picnic tables, you might find them at various State Forest Picnic Areas or trailheads within the broader forest.
• Access to Trails: The forest offers extensive opportunities for hiking, with notable trails like the John P. Saylor Trail and the Lost Turkey Trail, providing ideal routes for backpackers to find their overnight spots.
• Water Source (Untreated): Natural water sources like streams may be available, but campers must be prepared to filter, treat, or boil any water from these sources before consumption, as it is untreated.
• Group Camping (Permit Required): Backpack camping groups of more than 10 people must obtain a Letter of Authorization from the state forest office.

It is crucial for campers to practice Leave No Trace principles, as there are no trash receptacles, and all waste must be packed out. Campers should be fully prepared with all their own supplies, including water, food, and emergency equipment.

Gallitzin State Forest offers a wealth of natural features and highlights that draw outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate a rugged experience:

• True Wilderness Experience: Unlike many developed campgrounds, Gallitzin State Forest provides an authentic primitive and backcountry camping experience, allowing for deep immersion in nature.
• Extensive Trail Network: Home to significant hiking trails like the John P. Saylor Trail and the Lost Turkey Trail, the forest offers challenging and rewarding opportunities for backpackers and day hikers.
• Clear Shade Wild Area: This designated wild area within the Babcock Division offers an even more remote and pristine environment for exploration and primitive camping.
• Natural Areas: The Charles F. Lewis Natural Area in the Laurel Run/Rager Mountain Division provides a chance to experience unique ecological communities.
• Stargazing Opportunities: With minimal light pollution, the forest offers fantastic opportunities for stargazing, providing clear views of the night sky.
• Diverse Wildlife: The forest is home to a variety of plant and animal species, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
• Scenic Beauty: Managed for its scenic values, Gallitzin State Forest boasts beautiful natural landscapes, particularly during fall foliage season.
• Fishing and Hunting: The forest and its waterways provide opportunities for fishing and hunting, adhering to Pennsylvania Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission regulations.
• Seclusion and Tranquility: The primitive nature of camping here ensures a high degree of seclusion and quiet, making it ideal for those seeking peace and solitude.
• No-Cost Camping: Primitive backpack camping in Pennsylvania State Forests generally does not require a fee for one-night stays, making it a very economical outdoor adventure.

As a state forest managed by the Pennsylvania DCNR Bureau of Forestry, Gallitzin State Forest does not offer "promotions" or "special offers" in a commercial sense. The value proposition of camping here lies in the experience itself: access to pristine wilderness and primitive camping at no cost for most stays.

Key "offers" inherent to state forest camping include:

• Free Primitive Camping: For stays of one night in any given location, primitive backpack camping typically does not require a fee.
• Permit System (Free for Most Cases): While permits are required for stays longer than one night at the same site, or if a campfire is requested during wildfire season, these permits are generally free of charge. They serve as a means for the DCNR to manage use and ensure safety.

Any updates regarding forest conditions, fire bans, or permit requirements would be communicated through the official DCNR website for Gallitzin State Forest or via direct contact with the district office. Visitors are strongly advised to check these resources before planning their trip to ensure they are aware of all regulations and conditions.

For inquiries regarding camping permits, forest conditions, regulations, or general information about Gallitzin State Forest, please use the following contact details for the district office:

Gallitzin State Forest District Office

Address: 155 Hillcrest Drive, Ebensburg, PA 15931, USA

Phone: (814) 472-1862 (This is the DCNR official number for the Gallitzin State Forest District, superseding the potentially outdated numbers provided)

Email: fd06@pa.gov

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, especially concerning primitive camping permits, current fire conditions, and Leave No Trace principles, it is highly recommended to contact the district office directly or visit the official Pennsylvania DCNR website for Gallitzin State Forest.

For Pennsylvania residents, Gallitzin State Forest offers an invaluable resource for experiencing genuine wilderness close to home. Unlike more developed campgrounds, this state forest provides an opportunity to truly disconnect, relying on your own skills and preparation, which can be an incredibly rewarding and empowering experience.

Its sprawling acreage and primitive camping ethos make it ideal for locals who are passionate about backpacking, long-distance hiking, or simply escaping into a truly undisturbed natural environment. The renowned John P. Saylor and Lost Turkey trails offer challenging yet beautiful routes for exploration. For those living in Central or Western Pennsylvania, the forest is a relatively accessible drive, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips or planned multi-day adventures without extensive travel.

Moreover, the absence of fees for most primitive camping encourages frequent visits, making it a sustainable option for regular outdoor recreation. By embracing the principles of Leave No Trace, Pennsylvanians can enjoy the rugged beauty of Gallitzin State Forest while helping to preserve it for future generations, fostering a deeper appreciation for the wild spaces within their own state.

Forestry Department

155 Hillcrest Dr, Ebensburg, PA 15931, USA