Moraine State Park is one of five parks that allow backpacking and overnight hikes.

MUDDY CREEK TWP — Primitive camping opportunities exist in only a handful of places in Pennsylvania, and Moraine State Park is one of them.

Moraine State Park is one of five parks that allow backpacking and overnight hikes. The other four state parks are Ohiopyle, Oil Creek, Laurel Ridge and Raccoon Creek.

People interested in primitive camping, also known as backpacking, stick to the basics in what they bring with them on their trip, according to Michael Shaffer, environmental education specialist for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of State Parks.

“Primitive camping is overnight camping where all equipment is transported manually. You really kind of walk into a campsite, and you don't have the amenities of your car.”

Although backpacking is self-reliant and allows a lot of leeway in the direction of one's travels, people can't just pitch their tent anywhere, even in the parks that allow this style of camping.

“Hiking in and putting up a tent where you choose, is not permitted in Pennsylvania state parks,” according to the DCNR website.

Shaffer said Moraine State Park offers Adirondack-style shelters for their backpackers, but they have to be reserved in advance. He said interested campers need to call the park's office to make the reservation, and they can set a date as early as 11 months beforehand.

In addition to the reservation, Shaffer said campers need to plan their trip ahead of time to familiarize themselves with a site's accessibility to water or how to bring food there.

He said most backpackers will bring water purifiers and dried foods. The shelters are only a 3/4-mile hike away from the lake, where people can catch fresh fish for their dinner.

“A backpacker doesn't pack a steak,” Shaffer said. “They can supplement it with fishing and things like that.”

Shaffer said planning emergency exits from the park is also important. He said bringing a cell phone may be a good idea in case a situation requires emergency services. He said a careful camper will pay a lot of attention to weather too because that's where most problems arise.

“Here in Pennsylvania, the weather might be their biggest challenge,” Shaffer said. “You always want to take a map with you at all times. You always want to be aware of where you're at and where you can go for help.”

Shaffer said one last but important rule of thumb for campers is keeping track of their belongings and their waste. He said anything a camper brings to the site should be taken home out of the park with them.

“(Campers) should practice 'Leave No Trace ethics,'” he said.

While primitive camping has a lot to consider before making the trip, Shaffer said the adventure of the camping style can be thrilling and relaxing at the same time.

“The biggest thing is to get away from the hustle and bustle of every day life,” Shaffer said.

He said getting away from technology and stresses help reset or even change a person.

“People who play outdoors tend to be happier and healthier,” Shaffer said.

Shaffer said Moraine's 16,725 acres and its trails offer the perfect opportunity for exploration and finding peace in nature. He said it's worth the effort.

“There's all kinds of different reasons that people do it, but most people go for the solitude and to reconnect with nature and to get away from everyday life,” Shaffer said.

For more information or to reserve a site, call the park office at 724-368-8811.