Pinchot State Forest Advisories

Moon Lake Recreation Area Construction

Moon Lake has been drawn down for the reconstruction of the boat launch and outlet. The boat launch will remain closed until project completion.

The lake is stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and is still open for fishing. PFBC rules and regulations apply.

Kayakers are asked to launch from soft launch locations located around the lake.   

Seven Tubs Recreation Area

The Seven Tubs Recreation Area (PDF) has recently experienced a substantial increase in visitor usage. This has led to crowded parking areas, increased litter, noise, and other complaints.

In an effort to mitigate these issues, DCNR will have an increased staff presence in the area.

Visitors are reminded of the area rules:

• No open fires, including charcoal grills
• No organized picnicking
• No biking or horseback riding on trails
• Dogs must be on a leash
• No diving or jumping off rocks or cliffs
• No loud music
• No camping
• No hunting

Visitors are required to practice “carry in, carry out” for trash and dog waste.

Visitors are encouraged to find less crowded recreation options if the parking areas appear full.

Effective Tuesday, February 1, 2022: The Seven Tubs Recreation Area is closed to organized picnicking to reduce the negative impacts from site compaction and litter. This decision was made to:

• Protect the forest and geologic formations
• Protect riparian buffers adjacent to Wheelbarrow Run and Laurel Run, both wild trout streams 

Alternate picnic locations are available at the Manny Gordon Picnic Area and Moon Lake Recreation Area.

Camping, Firewood, and ADA Permits

All permits including camping, firewood, and ADA will be processed through the district office. 

The recommended method for obtaining a camping permit is via the electronic camping interactive map. 

To learn more about camping in Pinchot State Forest, please visit the Camping in Pinchot State Forest page.

For all other (non-camping) permit requests, please email the Pinchot state forest district.

Group Activities in Pinchot State Forest

Organized group activities are becoming increasingly popular within Pinchot State Forest. If you are looking to hold an organized or large group event on DCNR lands, you must get approval and obtain the appropriate authorization or agreement.

DCNR’s Bureau of Forestry uses letters of authorization, special activities agreements, or commercial activities agreements (PDF) to evaluate and manage these large group activities on state forest land.

Any organized or group event occurring on state forest lands must be reviewed and approved through one of these means.

Letters of authorization are completed at the district office and may take up to 15 business days to approve. Special activity and commercial activity agreements require 90 days for internal legal review.

Requests should be made in advance of this 90-day period, prior to the scheduled event.

Restroom Closed at Mocanaqua Trailhead

The restroom at the Mocanaqua trailhead parking lot is closed indefinitely due to vandalism.

Recreation Areas Closed to Hunting

The Moon Lake Recreation Area, Seven Tubs Recreation Area, and Manny Gordon Recreation Area are closed to hunting. All other areas of the state forest are open to hunting, unless otherwise posted.

Stone Collecting Permits Suspended

After review, a decision has been made to suspend the issuing of stone collecting permits on the Pinchot State Forest until the District Resource Management Plan is completed.

The reason for this suspension is to evaluate and determine if and where stone collection is permissible based on ecological, historical, and cultural reasons, and to complete the district forest resource management plan.

Don’t Move Firewood

To help protect the forest from invasive insects that can kill trees and devastate the ecosystem, please do not transport firewood over long distances. Firewood can harbor insects such as emerald ash borer.

Cut or purchase your firewood where you intend to burn it.