Sometimes, I need a break from the screens, the texts, and just being available all the time. I think everyone needs to unplug and reconnect with nature every once in a while.
Luckily, this area offers ample opportunities for people to pack it up and get outside and explore. In our many state parks and state forests, there are plenty of opportunities in Centre and nearby counties to take a short break from it all for a weekend. From cabins and campgrounds to primitive camping, many options are available if you want to spend a night or two in nature. After all, if you have the gear, camping is a relatively inexpensive way to have an adventure and explore.
In late May, I felt such a calling. So, a group of friends and I reserved a roadside campsite in Loyalsock State Forest, a little northeast of Williamsport. This is an area where we have hiked many times. In fact, a few of the group that we hike with had completed a backpacking trip of the Loyalsock Trail a few years ago, so we had a good idea of the area and its beautiful trails. We found a campsite that was near the trail, which would allow us to hike part of the trail right from our campsite.
For a price of $10 a night, we were able to reserve our little basecamp for a weekend of adventure. To be fair, that $10 didn’t get us too much. These roadside spots are basically a clearing with a firepit. There are no bathrooms or other human comforts. But there was space to park our vehicles, set up our tents, and use an established fire ring. Nearby, a stream ran past, and the Loyalsock Trail basically ran through our campsite. For us, it was heaven.
My dog, Peggy, was on her first big adventure since she had surgery for a torn ligament in her leg, and she was especially pleased to be near a stream and with her other dog adventure buddies.
Now, the most important aspect of camping is the “leave no trace” principle. If you are unfamiliar, the idea is that when you spend time in nature, you should leave no indication that you were there. This means picking up after yourself, properly disposing of all your trash and waste, even human waste (better bring that trowel — if you know, you know), and disturbing nature as little as possible. It also means leaving behind rocks and other things you might find interesting and taking only pictures home with you.
The benefit of being in a spot like this is that you have no neighbors and are in the thick of nature. Having the car close by is a plus, as we could still bring all our gear without having to lug it far. With coolers and cooking supplies, you can make a nice meal over the fire.
Now, I have an array of camping gear that I have collected over the years. Tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads are essential for camping in the woods. Other people enjoy hammock setups that hang from trees, but I cannot sleep that way. All can be costly, but you can use them again and again.
Many of these roadside spots also have space for a camper, so that is another option for those who would like a more secure shelter.
That weekend we hiked up to an amazing vista, cooled down in a stream near a waterfall, and hiked to Angel Falls, which must be one of Pennsylvania’s best waterfalls.
In the morning, after a day of hiking and night of tent sleeping, we all enjoyed our coffee by the fire with bacon sandwiches before we set off for another adventure. It was a wonderful way to spend the weekend.
The good news is, there are campsites like this in state forests all over Pennsylvania, and you don’t have to go far. Bald Eagle, Rothrock, and Moshannon state forests in Centre County have many roadside campsites that are usually open and reservable. There are also some that require a short walk from the car, providing an even greater natural setting away from the road.
For those who like nature but want some creature comforts like bathrooms, showers, and even, in some cases, beds, our many state parks offer excellent campgrounds and cabins. Around the time I went backpacking, a co-worker of mine spent the weekend with his family in a cabin at Black Moshannon State Park and said it was a great experience for all.
The cabins at Black Moshannon range from modern to rustic, but all are in excellent shape and provide a nice easy way for people to get out in nature. Black Moshannon is a beautiful park, only about 30 minutes from State College, with a lake for swimming and paddling, and wonderful hiking trails. There are also deluxe cottages with even more comfort and space to relax in and a campground for tents and campers.
Also in Centre County, Bald Eagle State Park offers a mix of full-hookup and non-electric rustic sites for those who are interested in enjoying the lake life. Out in the Penns Valley region, both Poe Paddy and Poe Valley state parks also offer a mix of sites. These two parks offer a tranquil experience on that side of the county.
And if you, like me, are willing to venture a little farther outside of Centre County, there are endless camping options for an easy weekend getaway. Just remember to leave no trace and be prepared for what nature might throw at you. Happy camping. T&G
Vincent Corso loves exploring the outdoors in Central Pennsylvania and beyond.
