Pinchot State Forest Advisories

Moon Lake Road Construction

October 15, 2021: Please be advised that traffic patterns may change due to road construction in the Moon Lake Recreation Area. 

Access to the camping area will remain open through the Pavlick Road entrance, except for a short period in which a culvert will be installed. During this time, please use the Atherton Road entrance for access to the camping area.

Montage Tract Gate Construction

October 4, 2021: A gate is under construction at the intersection of Route 307 and Balish Road at the entrance to the Montage Tract. The tract will remain open to licensed motor vehicle traffic.

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.

Visitors are reminded that the area is closed to campfires, camping, and alcohol; and are asked to practice “carry in, carry out” for trash and dog waste.

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

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

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.

Seasonal Campsite Closures

All designated campsites in Pinchot State Forest will be closed from November 22, 2021 through April 2, 2022.

• Moon Lake (sites 1-12)
• Manny Gordon (sites 1-3)
• Fireline
• Sassafras
• Carvolth

Addition to Seven Tubs Tract

DCNR's Bureau of Forestry has closed on the Murray property, resulting in a 93-acre addition to the Seven Tubs Tract of Pinchot State Forest.

In addition to protecting contiguous forest and water quality, acquisition of this tract will enable an extension of the D&L Trail, providing enhanced recreational opportunities in the region.

For more information, please contact 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.