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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- After hiking in, the camper should choose a camping spot near the trail provided that location is
- Not along a road;
- Not in the picnic area;
- Not in a parking area and
- Not within 100 feet of a stream
- 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.