Cook Forest is remarkable as one of the few places where you can experience towering old growth forests and has some of the largest campsites we’ve ever seen.
Cook Forest State Park Campground Review
Cook Forest State Park is situated around the Clarion River Gorge and is famous for its old growth forest. The state park spans the borders of Clarion, Forest, and Jefferson Counties, PA. With rich history, trails through towering forests, and water activities on the Clarion River there is no shortage of things to do in this rustic retreat.
The campground, known as the “Ridge Campground” is located off of Route 36 about a mile west of the state park office. As the name indicates, the campground sets atop the gorge where Tom’s Run flows into the Clarion River.
The most notable thing about Cook Forest State Park campground are the enormous campsites. The size of most sites is generous, and the ones on the outer loops abutting the woods are huge.
Another nice feature is the variety of sites the campground offers. The campground is relatively large and has non-electric, electric, and full hookup sites. Some sites are closer and open, giving a more community feel, while others are tucked back in the woods. The three loops farthest northeast are located in a large pine stand. See the map below.
Cook Foerst has a number of amenities including multiple bath houses, washing and drying machines, an amphitheater, large sports fields, and a playground. The bath houses have flush toilets and hot showers. Although functional, the bath houses are well worn and show their age.
To equip you for the best trip, we’ve marked up a campground map with notes, including our favorite sites. Be aware that because the campground is located at the top of a gorge, some sites have slight to severe sloping, as indicated by the map. It is not so much of a problem if you can level a camper or hammock camp, but no one wants to wake up with everything and everyone piled against the side of a tent.
Use the map in conjunction with the video below to select the perfect site for your stay.
Our favorite sites in each category are:
- Tent: 30, 96, 102, 106, 108, 111, 158, 160, 181
- Electric: 64, 129, 135, 190, 132
- Full Hookup: 68, 71, 73, 75, 125
Reservations can be made easily through the DCNR Website. As with all Pennsylvania state parks, alcoholic beverages are prohibited. There is no cell service in the campground. Cabins are available for rent near the Cook Forest State Park office in the Tom’s Run gorge, about a mile east of the Ridge Campground.
Things to Do at Cook Forest State Park
Marvel in Majestic and Rare Old Growth Forests
No trip to Cook Forest State Park would be complete without visiting the old growth forests, since it is one of the few places in the state where you can see such ancient trees. There are eighteen tree species in Cook Forest that are over 150 years old and many trees over 300 years old. The oldest are over 400 years old. There are numerous trees are over 150 feet tall. Join us in seeking out these ancient giants on the network of trails through the Forest Cathedral and Senica Point.
Savor the Scenic View at Senica Point
Cook Forest State Park offers another rarity, a publicly accessible fire tower at Senica Point. The nearly 90-foot-tall fire tower was built in 1928 and offers views of the Clarion Valley for 10 miles on clear days. Senica Point is also home a rock outcropping offering a scenic view. Both are accessible by a short walk (each about 0.1 miles) from the parking lot or by hiking in on the Baker/North Country Trail.
Renown and Rare Hiking Opportunities
Cook Forest State Park offers rare opportunities to experience hiking through some of the oldest and tallest forests in the eastern US. Explore the network of trails through the aptly named Forest Cathedral Natural Area situated in a gorge adjacent to the Clarion River. Or take the high ground through an ancient forest via the Mohawk/Baker/River Trail loop at Senica Point. Explore the Clarion River Gorge along the Baker Trail and the Tobecco Trail. The longest national scenic trail in America, the 4,800-mile North Country Trail, passes through Cook Forest so hike as long as you want!
Clarion River Watersports
Cook Forest State Park is located on a bend in the Clarion River as it flows its course through the gorge. There are multiple nearby canoe/kayak launches offering easy scenic paddling on this class 1 waterway. Canoe and kayak rentals are available from multiple outfits in the area. In addition to fishing the Clarion, Tom’s Run is stocked with trout and there is a stocked children’s fishing pond near the park office.
History
The area around Cook Forest was once in heart of the Pennsylvania logging and iron territory. If you look carefully, you can find relics of these mighty industries. Join us as we search out an old sawmill dam. Be sure to check out Ultimate Archive of Iron Furnaces and Pre-Industial Relics where we uncover the history some of the 31 forgotten furnaces of Clarion “Iron Country.”
Concluding Thoughts and Recommendation
Cook Forest is among the nicest state parks we’ve seen, and the campsites win the distinction of the largest we’ve camped in. We especially enjoyed strolls through the campground pine stands, proximity to the Clarion River, and the fire tower at Senica Point. Cook Forest boasts a network of hiking trails through must-see rare old growth forest with some of the tallest trees in the eastern U.S. Whether your camping style leans more toward hanging at the campsite or endless outdoor adventure, we heartly recommend Cook Forest State Park.
For more information, visit the Cook Forest State Park website.
Also, be sure to check out our other campground guides and reviews.
