Cook Forest State Park

Weekend reservations are difficult based on the park's popularity and proximity to nearby towns and Pittsburgh. Therefore, we made a mid-week reservation to avoid crowds which revealed a quiet park with very limited usage over a Sunday to Tuesday stay.

There is a pet friendly loop closer to the front of the park. It appeared to be markedly more busy; however, the back loops away were quiet. Site 146 was primarily shaded and where we spent 2 evenings. Site 136 and adjacent site 137 would probably be our preference for a repeat stay at an electric-only site. Site 148 would also be a good choice. Several of the inner sites on the same loop were tightly spaced (more appropriate for a pop-up or small trailer) so make sure to check the reservation site for trailer length/photos.

Watch out friendly, but seemingly greedy raccoons who clearly have a routine of stealing would-be novice campers. One was waiting at the edge of our campfire light just waiting for us to turn our backs.

Other facilities included shower houses and centralized laundry facilities, both of which looked to be acceptable but we didn't have a need to use them. Across from sites 146 and 148 is a convenient water fill spigot for arrival.

Cell phone reception was poor - 1 to 2 bars for Verizon 3G and once you attempted to connect or call, it repeatedly failed.

Entrance to the park is via route 36, up the hill away from the main river crossing and park office. Immediately across from the campground entrance, there is a well maintained 1.5 mile driving trail to the aging fire tower (open for climbing above the tree tops) and Seneca rocks with river views. Great short hike, especially for young kids. Down the hill, try the Toms Run trail with fun creek-side walks through fields of huge ferns that lead to several bridges, water holes, and kid-friendly play areas. Further walk into the ancient forests, preserved from the historic ravaging of the forests of Pennsylvania 2 centuries ago. It's reminiscent of the green moss and cool forests of the Redwoods or old world forests in Ireland.

This is a beautiful park. Lots of hiking trails, old growth trees...The RV pet loop is not a good representation of the whole park. Barely any trees between sites. You feel like your camping with your neighbor. Luckily they were friendly. :) The tent area is much nicer. The bathrooms here need serious upgrading (8/2017).

I stayed at 3 different sites for my 8-day stay. The first site (53) was electricity only. Water and dump available. The site next to me, because of how the sites were situated, was looking right into my picnic area as they sat around their campfire. That was a little creepy. I then moved to a dry camp for the day as I awaited my full service site. The dry camp site (66) was nice, and if I hadn't needed electricity for my work, it would have sufficed quite nicely. Lastly, cite 70 was a full hookup site. I thought I would have trouble leveling my RV, but I took my time studying the terrain before I pulled in, and I ended up being quite level (best yet), although I was parked a bit awkwardly.
The rangers came by regularly and were very friendly. There were lots of trails to walk. Most of them short, but easily combined to make a decent hike.
I was not able to make any phone calls, but was able to occasionally get on the internet. Site 53 was spotty and unpredictable. However, on cite 70 I was able to get on the internet most of the day. There is free wifi available at the old ranger station about a mile or so outside the campground. I accessed it when I was moving from my first site to the dry camp site, and it worked well.
The showers could be cleaned better, and it was impossible to take a shower without getting everything wet from the spray. Even so, the warm showers felt good after an afternoon hike.
This is a wonderful camp, and I will be coming back the next time I am in the Pennsylvania Wilds!

Cook Forest State Park is a great location for hiking both within the park and at other nearby destinations like Clear Creek State Park. We camped for three nights with our 31ft 5th Wheel at site 133 for $33/night. Site was a back-in with 50A service - no water at the campsites, but water spigots are conveniently located throughout park. Rest rooms were nice and clean. ATT cell service was non-existent. But we found wireless available down near the visitor center! The park has some great hiking.

This park has numerous flat sites, hidden in the forest, with all the normal state park amenities. The Cook Forest is lush and cool, with a beautiful stream on the back loop. There are walking trails directly from the campground - one specifically for dogs and one that takes you into town (~1.5 miles).
The park roads have recently been resurfaced and each site is very well maintained.
There is firewood for sale at the Park entrance for $6 a bundle
The Seneca fire tower is directly opposite the park entrance and worth a look & a climb for the beautiful view. Its a short 4-5min drive to "town" where there is kayak/canoe rentals, shop, fuel and other amusements/attractions.

Very nice state park with outstanding hemlock and white pine forest. The campground is much improved with newly paved roads. The sites are spaced well and are gravel. There are a few paved pull-through sites as well. We like the E loop, although most sites on it are electric only. The park and campground are beautiful and the tall trees are everywhere. The shower houses are dated but work great. We stayed at the beginning of the season so the campground was almost empty.

Cook Forest State Park is our go to camping location. The state park is beautiful with old growth Eastern Hemlock, American Beech, Birch, and many more aged over 150 years. It's main attraction is the scenic Clarion River which was featured on a 2019 US Postal Stamp. If tubing and kayaking isn't your thing there are plenty of hiking trails including one that goes through the "Forest Cathedral." There are also many other activities in the area. The park is also located near the Allegheny National Forest. No camping trip would be complete without a trip to the Cooksburg Cafe to eat any of the 40+ flavors of hand-dipped ice cream.

There are about 250 campsites with an assortment of non-electric, electric only, or full hook-ups. Water points to fill tanks are plentiful.

The bathhouses are dated and need serious updating. They could use new paint. But even if they cleaned them with more than a mop would be an improvement. I've been camping here since 2012 and I still think there is some of the same dirt on the walls.

Last year they paved the main road into the campground and some of the loops. I highly recommend the campground, you just have to be prepared for outdated and dirty bathhouses.

Most sites were grass/gravel/dirt or mud and had little privacy. Bath houses were dated and in sorry shape. A little maintenance and improvements would go a long way. The park, however, was beautiful, with hiking trails through old growth Eastern Hemlock and White Pine forests.