HARRISBURG (TNS) — State forest campsites are now available for reservation through a phone and online system, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Camping reservations in state forests previously were made by visiting to a state forest district office and requesting a permit from district forest staff.

As of this month, those wanting to make reservations will be able to view campsite information, location and photos online and reserve a campsite through the Pennsylvania State Park and State Forest Reservation System, Reserve America Call Center at 888-727-2757, Reserve America Camping App or the state forest district office in which a camper wishes to camp.

Reservations can be made any time from 11 months in advance to noon the day of arrival, depending upon availability of the campsite.

“We are looking to improve the state forest camping experience by moving to a more modern self-registration process like what we use for state park camping reservations,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.

“This will allow for a more convenient experience that provides real-time availability information to prospective campers looking to plan an outdoor excursion in our beautiful natural spaces.”

She noted that the number of camping permits issued by DCNR for state forest sites has doubled in the past five years, creating a need for electronic records and reporting to help district forest staff “effectively manage campsite conditions, perform necessary maintenance, and provide site alerts about site specific conditions that may arise, including road closures, flooding and other emergencies.”

All designated roadside campsites, camping areas and equestrian camping areas will be available through the reservation system.

Non-designated motorized camping will no longer be permitted.

There will be nightly fees of $10 for Pennsylvania residents and $15 for non-residents, with a $6.50 transaction fee to cover costs of operating the systems. The new system will accept credit cards for camping and other permits, such as fuelwood and ATVs.

There will continue to be no fee for trailside, backpack camping and water trail camping.

Revenue generated from the fees will be directed toward maintenance, improvement, and conservation of sites and associated recreation opportunities.

Fees may be waived for volunteers during work projects.

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