I've been on a lot of canoe day trips but me and some friends of mine were thinking of doing a two day trip and camping overnight along the way. But we don't know where we can do that legally. I know some state parks will only let you camp in a designated campground. we'd like to just pull over along the water somewhere and make camp. any help would be appreciated. thanks

Pine Creek is an option. When water is high it is popular with those looking for Class III rapids in the upper end. The rest is just nice when the conditions are good. Passes through a lot of public land running parallel to 414/44 down to Jersey Shore. At Blackwell there is good access, the most remote sections are above Blackwell. It's a stunning area, Grand Canyon of Pa.

Just found this with a search, I think it describes it well.

http://www.fish.state.pa.us/watertrails/pine/pine_trail_guide.pdf

I think any state forest lake, pond or stream.
I called the DCNR a few years ago about this and the answer I got was its considered just like primitive camping. If you want to camp in the same spot more than 1 night you need to get a permit.

Here is some info from the DCNR website.

"Primitive camping is available in all state forests except Cornplanter and Valley Forge. A permit from the district office is not required, but is strongly suggested for safety reasons. Some state forests have designated camping areas available for a fee. Call the district forest office for more information."

Some more....

"Primitive Camping is defined as overnight camping where all equipment is transported in limited trips by non-motorized vehicle methods and where a motorized vehicle is not located near or part of the camping experience."

There is more info here..
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/recreation/camping/index.htm

Google DCNR Primitive camping or backcountry camping and you'll find more info.

Don't know how far your looking to travel......

About 5 years ago me and a few friends from here went on a 4 day canoe trip on the Susquehanna river, started up by the NY line and went down to Towanda (if I remember correctly).
It was a lot of fun and great smallmouth fishing. Camped on islands all but one night.









Did a 5 day kayak trip in the Adirondaks this past fall. Got tons of pics.....still need to post a trip report thread on that one.

All try to post that one soon.

Here is a PDF on guidelines and ethics for primitive camping on state forest land.

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/forestry/camping/primitive_camping_ethics_guidelines.pdf

Here is a guide to the Fish and Boat commissions water trails:

http://fishandboat.com/watertrails/trailindex.htm

It might be a ways from you but taking the Allegheny from Franklin to Emlenton is a pretty nice 2 day trip. You can stop over night at the Kennerdell rest area and camp for free along the river or stop at any of the islands along the way.

thanks for all the info!

New River Gorge in WV. We did it for my buddies bachelor party it was awesome.

Try the West Branch Susquehanna from Karthaus to Keating with a one night camp out at Little Bougher Run. This is the most isolated river stretch in PA. You will need someone to pick you up in Keating to take you back to Karthaus. Check it out on the Sproul State Forest Map.