My first ever backpacking trip was on the LHHT and the weird reservation system, along with the 3+ hour drive, has deterred me from going there again. But knowing I have a proper reservation is gold. Thanks for holding our hands through this, it really helped.
This is for PA only. There are three types of land uses (plus private of course) State Gamelands, State Parks and State Forests. For State Gamelands, camping is only allowed along the AT and near the trail. You must also thru hike, which just means a different end point from your starting point. No permit is needed for this. It is first come, first served. For State Parks, which is what Frozen is referring to here, you have to book a permit like this to backpack. However, only Ohiopyle, Laurel Ridge, Raccoon Creek, Moraine and Oil Creek actually allow backpacking. At other parks, you can only camp with your car in an established campground. For State Forest backpacking, you can set up camp almost anywhere, although you can't be too close to the road or water source. No permit is needed unless you are staying at the same campsite for multiple nights or have a large group. This is also first come, first served.
There are a few other rules that should be mentioned for camping / backpacking in State Forests. There’s the whole roads and water source thing; but the distance thing applies to trails too. Part of the LHHT run’s through Forbes State Forest which permits off trail camping; so keep this in mind if you’re hiking the trail. Turnpike and 30 shelters are near or in Forbes; if you want privacy this is an option. Also worth mentioning is no fires. I get why; they’re trying to avoid forest fires. The woods in PA can get pretty dry in the summer and one stray spark can cause a lot of problems. It’s all basic LNT stuff which I’m sure we all follow anyway, so no big deal. While we’re on the topic of Forbes. It’s a great area to recreate in! There’s a ton of trails to explore, perfect for day hikes or overnighters if you camp off trail. Winter time there’s a ski resort that has a pretty nice lodge you can stay at. Linn Run State Park is also nearby; which is beautiful and has a pretty cool history. They have nice primitive cabins you can rent cheaply. I live nearby and spend a lot of time there.
Thanks.. i fell behind on a thru hike.. and was a day late on shelter reservations verse actual arrival.. a nice ranger let me slide.. but.. dont expect that luck.. the rangers enforce the rules.. the rules make it all work so thats a good thing.. but.. all said. Thanks to the nice ranger.!!!!
Thanks for more great information. You've helped me a lot. One of my favorite pieces of gear is the nitecore nu25 headlamp. I got it a few years ago after watching your review on it! Have a blessed day and keep shining!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Going on a bike packing trip TONIGHT in a PA park. We have the permit but could not figure out how to get the reservation. Love your vids. Long time subscriber. Keep up the content.
It’s worth noting that our great state of Pennsylvania is somewhat sneaky in their fees. Sites and shelters are advertised at something like $4 per person per night. But about 2 years ago they started tacking on a “reservation fee”. I think it’s $6 now. So, 1 night for 1 person ends up being $10 plus tax. 2 people is $14. Don’t be shocked when you see the total you’re being charged. Also, when you book on ReserveAmerica your itinerary is held in que for 15 or 20 minutes. If you don’t complete your reservation in that amount of time the site or shelter will become available on the list again. That said, if you’re having difficulties, get a phone call or go to answer nature’s call, don’t stay away too long or you may find your chosen area has gone back to being available. This happened to me once and I was shocked that in that short period of time, someone else grabbed my chosen shelter. As far as the confirmation and/or proof of purchase, I always take a picture of the confirmation email and keep it on my phone. I have never been questioned by park personnel but one time I arrived at my destination to find a “squatter” in my shelter. He insisted the shelter was his until I produced my phone with the photo on it. Then he begrudgingly packed up his stuff and left. Choosing that “permits” tab is the key. That’s where most people get confused.
My original thoughts for this weekend were for my wife and I to spend some time on the northern end of the LHHT. 271 shelter area was one we were planning on staying at. We saw it was packed full pretty early. Route 30 shelter area was filling up pretty good also so we changed plans. We recently acquired some wilderness property up above cooks forest that we use as basically a primitive camp. From there it's only about 45 minutes up to the minister creek trail head so our plans are to head to the property for an overnight. Get up early and head to the minister creek trail for a nice overnight while doing the loop. This is a great video by the way. I've had many people asking how to make reservations. Now, instead of trying to explain it to them over the phone, I will just send them the link for this video. The system does seem confusing to many who haven't used it before.
Hey jason! You ever think about doing a meet up for us PA subscribers? Maybe just a simple overnight or two, I know a bunch of us would love to meet you!!
@@FrozensAdventures dang I missed it! I'm on the other side of the state but would love to do another, please keep us updated if you decide to do another
Luv the shirt. I could tell you an uninteresting story about confusion on my first LASH at Pine Grove Furnace State Park campground, but I won’t. On a good note, I received my first trail magic in the form of corn on the cob from the site manager who had no clue what trail magic was. And, PA state parks === Showers!!!!!
Nice concept for a video. I did try to do an out-and-back overnighter to the Ohiopyle camping area near the south terminus of the LHHT, and fortunately checked ahead of time, to find that all shelters and tent sites had already been reserved. It was a Saturday night in September.
You should take a look at the shelter sites for Memorial Day Weekend, gonna be packed when we are working our way SOBO! Also I found this out today, if you go to add additional notes and update your reservation (ex. additional vehicle and parking info) it tries to charge you an additional fee to update the reservation, so best bet is to just call the office and tell them that info if its necessary, hope trail days is a blast!
WOW thanks this is so helpful. I’ve used RA for regular car camping but was always baffled by the backpacking. I feel like it gets kind of weird if you use state forest? They are first come first served?
You only need to reserve in State Forests if you are staying in the same site for multiple nights or in a large group. Car camping sites need to be reserved in State Forests, but backpacking is just go.
What Fozen is explaining is backpacking in State Parks. That is only allowed at Laurel Ridge, Oil Creek and Raccoon Creek I believe. Those always require using Reserve America.
It’s been my experience on the LHHT usually at least one site or shelter that’s booked that person never shows up. Edit: Come to think of it. One time of four other bookings that night I was the only one there. Had the whole area to myself. I almost ran around naked making chimpanzees noises. Not really but I could have if I wanted.
This is a great tutorial Frozen. This is like reserving a spot with vermont state parks. My question is… what if someone drives down to PA to go for a backpacking trip on the lhht and has no idea they have to reserve online and they’ve hiked all the way in there. Is there a sign at the trailheads that says you have to reserve online? Just curious. Thanks man!
If memory serves it’s posted at the trail heads with the rules and regs too. I haven’t read it in a while because I know them by now. Generally speaking (not encouraging anyone to break the law) if there’s room nobody’s going to care if you take it as long as you’re respectful. There may be a trail Diva that will say something but it’s not their job to check registrations. Unless DCNR comes around… But usually they’re cool about it they’ll just tell you to stop at the office and pay the fee. Their big thing is the no alcohol rule
@@MeOutside ok. I’m all about sending dough to land management orgs. Last time my daughter and I stayed at horns pond in the bigelows I tried to give some cash to the site host and he was terrified of receiving cash so I just mailed a 20$ check as a donation to the Maine Appalachian Trail Conference with a thank you note for the very nice new privy up there. Thanks so much for getting back to me.
@@notquiteultralight1701 Me too. There’s boxes at all the trail heads where you fill out cards to let DCNR know where your going. It’s for safety in case somebody goes missing and to monitor trail use. But I’ve dropped a few bucks in them from time to time just when I’m day hiking.
Are their enough trees at these tent sites, at the laurel highland trail, to hammock camp. Me and my husband both sleep in a hammock. We don't even own a tent. Are you aloud to stray from the tent site to find good trees?
You only need permits for the few State Parks that allow backpacking, Laurel Ridge and Ohiopyle (both LHHT), Moraine, Raccoon Creek, and Oil Creek. You can only camp on State Gamelands along the AT. State Forests only require a backpacking permit if you are staying more than one night at the same campsite or have a large group.
@Brian C I appreciate your words. I need to clarify if I can pay in person at the DCNR office or Regional Game Commission office. I typically prefer to make purchases not online, if at all possible.
After I got my first hammock I said the same thing myself because I slept better in it than my bed. Until I got my first proper backpacking tent (BA Tiger UL 2) and a Tensor pad. After that I was torn between the two. The setup is so much simpler; especially now that I have a Duplex. That beech is ready to go in a fraction of the time as my hammock setup.
Hello Jason Not to pick apart your video.. you should have mentioned making reservations on your phone as I tried it will not let you do all drop downs I got totally frustrated and quit until a friend helped me on labtop then I was able to schedule LHHT an oil creek
You can call and make reservations I believe. My drop downs work on my phone though (Pixel 5) but I wouldn't do anything this complex/annoying on a tiny phone screen.
My first ever backpacking trip was on the LHHT and the weird reservation system, along with the 3+ hour drive, has deterred me from going there again. But knowing I have a proper reservation is gold. Thanks for holding our hands through this, it really helped.
That system is so frustrating. I gave up and decided to do the Superior trail instead.
This is for PA only. There are three types of land uses (plus private of course) State Gamelands, State Parks and State Forests. For State Gamelands, camping is only allowed along the AT and near the trail. You must also thru hike, which just means a different end point from your starting point. No permit is needed for this. It is first come, first served. For State Parks, which is what Frozen is referring to here, you have to book a permit like this to backpack. However, only Ohiopyle, Laurel Ridge, Raccoon Creek, Moraine and Oil Creek actually allow backpacking. At other parks, you can only camp with your car in an established campground. For State Forest backpacking, you can set up camp almost anywhere, although you can't be too close to the road or water source. No permit is needed unless you are staying at the same campsite for multiple nights or have a large group. This is also first come, first served.
There are a few other rules that should be mentioned for camping / backpacking in State Forests. There’s the whole roads and water source thing; but the distance thing applies to trails too. Part of the LHHT run’s through Forbes State Forest which permits off trail camping; so keep this in mind if you’re hiking the trail. Turnpike and 30 shelters are near or in Forbes; if you want privacy this is an option. Also worth mentioning is no fires. I get why; they’re trying to avoid forest fires. The woods in PA can get pretty dry in the summer and one stray spark can cause a lot of problems. It’s all basic LNT stuff which I’m sure we all follow anyway, so no big deal.
While we’re on the topic of Forbes. It’s a great area to recreate in! There’s a ton of trails to explore, perfect for day hikes or overnighters if you camp off trail. Winter time there’s a ski resort that has a pretty nice lodge you can stay at. Linn Run State Park is also nearby; which is beautiful and has a pretty cool history. They have nice primitive cabins you can rent cheaply. I live nearby and spend a lot of time there.
Thanks. Yes, additional rules too. I went with what I know off the top of my head. Was unsure about road distances and such.
Thanks.. i fell behind on a thru hike.. and was a day late on shelter reservations verse actual arrival.. a nice ranger let me slide.. but.. dont expect that luck.. the rangers enforce the rules.. the rules make it all work so thats a good thing.. but.. all said. Thanks to the nice ranger.!!!!
Thanks for more great information. You've helped me a lot. One of my favorite pieces of gear is the nitecore nu25 headlamp. I got it a few years ago after watching your review on it! Have a blessed day and keep shining!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Going on a bike packing trip TONIGHT in a PA park. We have the permit but could not figure out how to get the reservation. Love your vids. Long time subscriber. Keep up the content.
It’s worth noting that our great state of Pennsylvania is somewhat sneaky in their fees. Sites and shelters are advertised at something like $4 per person per night. But about 2 years ago they started tacking on a “reservation fee”. I think it’s $6 now. So, 1 night for 1 person ends up being $10 plus tax. 2 people is $14. Don’t be shocked when you see the total you’re being charged. Also, when you book on ReserveAmerica your itinerary is held in que for 15 or 20 minutes. If you don’t complete your reservation in that amount of time the site or shelter will become available on the list again. That said, if you’re having difficulties, get a phone call or go to answer nature’s call, don’t stay away too long or you may find your chosen area has gone back to being available. This happened to me once and I was shocked that in that short period of time, someone else grabbed my chosen shelter. As far as the confirmation and/or proof of purchase, I always take a picture of the confirmation email and keep it on my phone. I have never been questioned by park personnel but one time I arrived at my destination to find a “squatter” in my shelter. He insisted the shelter was his until I produced my phone with the photo on it. Then he begrudgingly packed up his stuff and left. Choosing that “permits” tab is the key. That’s where most people get confused.
My original thoughts for this weekend were for my wife and I to spend some time on the northern end of the LHHT. 271 shelter area was one we were planning on staying at. We saw it was packed full pretty early. Route 30 shelter area was filling up pretty good also so we changed plans. We recently acquired some wilderness property up above cooks forest that we use as basically a primitive camp. From there it's only about 45 minutes up to the minister creek trail head so our plans are to head to the property for an overnight. Get up early and head to the minister creek trail for a nice overnight while doing the loop. This is a great video by the way. I've had many people asking how to make reservations. Now, instead of trying to explain it to them over the phone, I will just send them the link for this video. The system does seem confusing to many who haven't used it before.
Hey jason! You ever think about doing a meet up for us PA subscribers? Maybe just a simple overnight or two, I know a bunch of us would love to meet you!!
I have done it a few times the past but the channel has gotten kinda big now. We had 30 people at the last one.
@@FrozensAdventures dang I missed it! I'm on the other side of the state but would love to do another, please keep us updated if you decide to do another
Luv the shirt. I could tell you an uninteresting story about confusion on my first LASH at Pine Grove Furnace State Park campground, but I won’t. On a good note, I received my first trail magic in the form of corn on the cob from the site manager who had no clue what trail magic was. And, PA state parks === Showers!!!!!
Hi Jason 👋 hope you have a great hike my friend, stay safe and take care 🙏 👍Thank you 👊
Nice concept for a video. I did try to do an out-and-back overnighter to the Ohiopyle camping area near the south terminus of the LHHT, and fortunately checked ahead of time, to find that all shelters and tent sites had already been reserved. It was a Saturday night in September.
It’s so complicated!!!
Oh yes it has made my life a lot easier to make those reservations.
You should take a look at the shelter sites for Memorial Day Weekend, gonna be packed when we are working our way SOBO! Also I found this out today, if you go to add additional notes and update your reservation (ex. additional vehicle and parking info) it tries to charge you an additional fee to update the reservation, so best bet is to just call the office and tell them that info if its necessary, hope trail days is a blast!
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
WOW thanks this is so helpful. I’ve used RA for regular car camping but was always baffled by the backpacking. I feel like it gets kind of weird if you use state forest? They are first come first served?
You only need to reserve in State Forests if you are staying in the same site for multiple nights or in a large group. Car camping sites need to be reserved in State Forests, but backpacking is just go.
What Fozen is explaining is backpacking in State Parks. That is only allowed at Laurel Ridge, Oil Creek and Raccoon Creek I believe. Those always require using Reserve America.
Moraine too. Sorry.
Are the rangers really tracking these permits in this detail???
Yes I've been asked for my permit multiple times.
It’s been my experience on the LHHT usually at least one site or shelter that’s booked that person never shows up.
Edit: Come to think of it. One time of four other bookings that night I was the only one there. Had the whole area to myself. I almost ran around naked making chimpanzees noises. Not really but I could have if I wanted.
This is a great tutorial Frozen. This is like reserving a spot with vermont state parks.
My question is… what if someone drives down to PA to go for a backpacking trip on the lhht and has no idea they have to reserve online and they’ve hiked all the way in there. Is there a sign at the trailheads that says you have to reserve online? Just curious. Thanks man!
There are signs at the shelter sites that say prior reservation required. I believe they have a # to call as well.
If memory serves it’s posted at the trail heads with the rules and regs too. I haven’t read it in a while because I know them by now. Generally speaking (not encouraging anyone to break the law) if there’s room nobody’s going to care if you take it as long as you’re respectful. There may be a trail Diva that will say something but it’s not their job to check registrations. Unless DCNR comes around… But usually they’re cool about it they’ll just tell you to stop at the office and pay the fee. Their big thing is the no alcohol rule
@@MeOutside ok. I’m all about sending dough to land management orgs. Last time my daughter and I stayed at horns pond in the bigelows I tried to give some cash to the site host and he was terrified of receiving cash so I just mailed a 20$ check as a donation to the Maine Appalachian Trail Conference with a thank you note for the very nice new privy up there.
Thanks so much for getting back to me.
@@notquiteultralight1701 Me too. There’s boxes at all the trail heads where you fill out cards to let DCNR know where your going. It’s for safety in case somebody goes missing and to monitor trail use. But I’ve dropped a few bucks in them from time to time just when I’m day hiking.
@@MeOutsidehopefully when people see the money in the box, the little blue person on their shoulder keeps them honest and they don’t take it.😇
Are their enough trees at these tent sites, at the laurel highland trail, to hammock camp. Me and my husband both sleep in a hammock. We don't even own a tent. Are you aloud to stray from the tent site to find good trees?
Tent sites and hammock sites are reserved the same way. I have never not been able to hammock camp anywhere on the east coast. Don't worry.
Thank you Jason. This is a big help.
PS: are there ways to reserve permits at DCNR regional offices or the Regional Game Commision?
You only need permits for the few State Parks that allow backpacking, Laurel Ridge and Ohiopyle (both LHHT), Moraine, Raccoon Creek, and Oil Creek. You can only camp on State Gamelands along the AT. State Forests only require a backpacking permit if you are staying more than one night at the same campsite or have a large group.
@Brian C
I appreciate your words. I need to clarify if I can pay in person at the DCNR office or Regional Game Commission office.
I typically prefer to make purchases not online, if at all possible.
I am unsure. I would contact Laurel Ridge State Park or Forbes State Forest to ask.
What is the normal cost for tent camping one night?
Depends. Check it out.
Okay, Jason, what happened to "never sleeping in a tent"? Do you not like hammocks now?
He has to prep for the next hike.
Pacific Crest Trail has limited trees for hammocks.
After I got my first hammock I said the same thing myself because I slept better in it than my bed. Until I got my first proper backpacking tent (BA Tiger UL 2) and a Tensor pad. After that I was torn between the two. The setup is so much simpler; especially now that I have a Duplex. That beech is ready to go in a fraction of the time as my hammock setup.
I've since found pads and pillows that have allowed me to side sleep on the ground. But yes haha I do remember that video
They will cheek for your that you registered.
Hello Jason
Not to pick apart your video.. you should have mentioned making reservations on your phone as I tried it will not let you do all drop downs I got totally frustrated and quit until a friend helped me on labtop then I was able to schedule LHHT an oil creek
You can call and make reservations I believe. My drop downs work on my phone though (Pixel 5) but I wouldn't do anything this complex/annoying on a tiny phone screen.
Good to know must be my phone then