Bald Eagle State Forest in a RAM or 2

[DevilDodge]

We are planning an off pavement travel/dispersed camping trip to BESF this year. Nothing fancy with tents and stock trucks.

We will be using our 2015 RAM 2500, BUT may also trek out with our 03 or 99 Dodge 2500s.

We camp every weekend from start of fishing season in April til November in different campgrounds across Pennsylvania with our camper.

We have recently been turned on to this overlanding information and would like to try it on a small scale then get bigger until we find ourselves getting further out into North America.

So it begins...

 

[DevilDodge]

So, the equipment.

Will start with the 2015.

It is Tradesman 2500 in the Crew 8 foot bed. Has Vinyl seats and rubber floor. 6.4l Hemi and 4x4.

Right now I have stock size tires but plan to make the one mod of larger aggressive tires.

We plan to just use our tents on the ground at first, but also plan to incorporate the 8 foot bed into a sleeping platform.

 

[DevilDodge]

Our next piece of equipment is a 1999 Dodge Ram 2500. It is equipped with an 8.0l V10 Magnum and 5 speed manual transmission. It is a Sport package truck, and this is the one we will be the one we modify a bit more.

It has been a great truck. It has taken us on so many adventures and has spent a good bit of time doing things off road that most full size trucks never do.

Unfortunately, the Pennsylvania cancer has attacked it and it is in desperate need of rust repair. I already have alot of the body panels...just need some time.

It will need some mechanical attention for reliability (it's got some miles)

 

[DevilDodge]

We have a plan for these to as well, but a bit of a different direction

 

[DevilDodge]

I have been studying the State Forest map and going over it with google maps and topo maps.

My son and I (he is 6) just completed an introduction to orienteering. So he is anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Purple Lizard maps and to start using them.

We go offroad most every weekend. I have been teaching him driving skills, obstacle observation and just alot of knowledge about nature.

This is going to be alot of fun for us.

 

[DevilDodge]

Ok, so been thinking of when I can head up to scout around. Was going to go this weekend, but 6 + inches of snow in the forcast and ice mixed in.

I need to head up to my camp and move some vehicles around as I have 2 trees that have leaned over from the last wind storm.

I got all the batteries charged, so I may do that this week/weekend.

 

[DevilDodge]

So looks like we will head up 99 then across 322 to Potters Mills.

We will then enter at Sand Mountain Rd and check out site 48. From there I guess we will drive to a fork in the road and play iny meny miny mo.

I guess I need to gather a list and setup for the trip, that way there is no excuse for that day I can head out.

 

[DevilDodge]

Just got confirmation, the forest service is sending me a paper copy of the camping and public use map.

It is very hard to view on my phone.

Plan to get them both laminated and use them in conjunction with the Purple Lizard maps when they arrive.

 

[DevilDodge]

This maiden scout trip will be with the 2015 RAM. Has 4wd and plenty of clearance. Won't be taking much gear, just some lunch, the maps, cellphone, tablet, and the stuff I usually have with me.

It is 1hr drive to the set in point and then I will just scout around til dusk. Would like to try to get Intel on as many campsites as I can. Also, other entrances and exits.

 

[DevilDodge]

Got my map and camping permit request.

Gonna plan out a trip. See how this goes.

 

[DevilDodge]

So, after getting some info, I realized that i may be able to do a drive from home to Rothrock State Forest and then travel through there, offroad as much as possible, to Bald Eagle State Forest.

Looks doable and might be able to setup a base camp at Trough Creek and then plan to travel for the day and then camp in BESF and then travel back the next day.

Interesting thought. Just emailed for the Rothrock maps and info.

Good times.

 

[PNW EXPLR]

So, after getting some info, I realized that i may be able to do a drive from home to Rothrock State Forest and then travel through there, offroad as much as possible, to Bald Eagle State Forest.

Looks doable and might be able to setup a base camp at Trough Creek and then plan to travel for the day and then camp in BESF and then travel back the next day.

Interesting thought. Just emailed for the Rothrock maps and info.

Good times.

Looking forward to following along on your adventures. Sounds like you've got yourself a great copilot/navigator as well.

 

[riss800]

Sounds like you are really digging deep into these two State Forrest and are getting some first hand experience out there. Keep it up and have fun while you are out there!

 

[DevilDodge]

So, we are also active geocachers and have just started orienteering.

Here is a shot of our favorite geocaching area and our finds

We see Bald Eagle has a few in the forest.


So we will be geocaching on the trip aswell

 

[DevilDodge]

Doesn't seem that Bald Eagle has an orienteering course but Rothrock has 2.

 

[LGlx]

Let us know the conditions of 4x4 roads.

 

[DevilDodge]

I will give updates. Right now roads are soggy. There is a good chance for mud as the ground hasn't froze over, although it was covered in ice last week...

 

[DevilDodge]

@LGlx in my other thread I see you are interested in Negro Hollow Road, Longwell Draft Rd, Duncan Trail.

Guess I will do a bit of research on them myself.

 

[DevilDodge]

Negro hollow Rd
Longwell Draft road

Duncan trail


Added to the scouting

 

[DevilDodge]

@LGlx you are definitely planning on exploring the forest.

Longwell Draft is in the southern section, Negro Hollow is central and Duncan is northern.

That ought to be a nice trip.

Any reasons you picked those roads/trails?

Are they from the blog?