Camping in the Babcock Division of Gallitzin State Forest


There are no designated camping areas or campgrounds in the
Babcock Division of Gallitzin State Forest.  However, camping is allowed provided it is done according to the following rules.

  1. Only primitive/backpack camping is allowed, that is using a tent.  Pop-up campers, RVs, travel trailers, 5th wheels, etc. are NOT allowed.  Also, sleeping in your vehicle is NOT allowed.
  2. The camper must park his/her vehicle  in the main parking lot along Route 56 or in one of the small parking areas along Babcock Creek Rd or Verla Rd or the Strip Mine Rd.  Campers are NOT allowed to park their vehicle in the picnic area.
  3. After parking, the camper must hike into the forest on one of the trails (probably the Lost Turkey Trail or the John P. Saylor Trail).  It is recommended that you hike at  least 1/4 mile from the vehicle.
  4. After hiking in, the camper should choose a camping spot near the trail provided that location is 
  5. No permit is required to camp in the Babcock Division of Gallitzin State Forest  provided that the camper does not  spend more than one night in the same site.