State Game Lands Number 80 wilderness guide
State Game Lands · PA

State Game Lands Number 80

State Game Lands Number 80 is a Pennsylvania state-managed wildlife area offering diverse outdoor recreation and prime opportunities for hunting, wildlife viewing, and hiking across its forested terrain.

State Game Lands8,0004+ Trails

Designation

State Game Lands

Total Wilderness Area

8,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About State Game Lands Number 80

State Game Lands Number 80 is a Pennsylvania state-managed wildlife area offering diverse outdoor recreation and prime opportunities for hunting, wildlife viewing, and hiking across its forested terrain.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

State Game Lands Number 80 (SGL 80) is a managed forest and wildlife conservation area located in central Pennsylvania primarily within Clearfield County. The area features a mix of mixed hardwood forest, brushlands, and small wetlands, providing habitat for a diverse range of game species including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, and waterfowl. Established to support wildlife populations and provide managed hunting opportunities, SGL 80 covers a mosaic of hilly terrain, with elevations ranging roughly from 1,300 to 1,800 feet. Popular recreational uses include hunting during regulated seasons, hiking on small-maintained trails and logging roads, and wildlife watching, especially in early spring and fall migration periods. The land is administered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission for both conservation and public outdoor use. Though the area is less developed than nearby state parks, it appeals to visitors looking for quiet, backcountry experiences and a chance to connect with native wildlife. There are no developed campgrounds within SGL 80 itself, but dispersed primitive camping is allowed in compliance with state game lands regulations. Access is provided via a network of gravel forest roads and designated parking areas. While not a major tourist destination, this game land offers substantial natural value within Pennsylvania’s network of public hunting and wildlife areas.

Field Guide · State Game Lands
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near State Game Lands Number 80

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Large tracts of mixed hardwood forests providing excellent habitat for white-tailed deer and wild turkey✦ Access to quiet ponds and small wetlands favored by waterfowl and amphibians✦ Extensive network of service roads and multi-use trails offering low-impact hiking and wildlife viewing✦ Remote areas suitable for primitive hunting camps and solitude seekers
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in State Game Lands Number 80

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in State Game Lands Number 80
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in State Game Lands Number 80
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in State Game Lands Number 80
Park Recreation

Birdwatching

Available in State Game Lands Number 80
Park Recreation

Primitive Camping

Available in State Game Lands Number 80
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in State Game Lands Number 80
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in State Game Lands Number 80.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access; no permits required for entry, but standard Pennsylvania hunting licenses and permits are mandatory for hunting activities.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in State Game Lands Number 80

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Wilderness & Developed Camping Regulations

Camping is one of the most rewarding ways to experience State Game Lands Number 80. Most frontcountry campgrounds require advance reservations on Recreation.gov during peak season, while backcountry camping requires a wilderness permit and certified bear-resistant food canisters.

Find Campgrounds on Recreation.gov
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near State Game Lands Number 80

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Curwensville, Pennsylvania
⌖ 5.48 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Curwensville, Pennsylvania

Curwensville offers quiet river paddling, peaceful hiking trails, and fishing spots set within Pennsylvania’s scenic forests and waterways. It’s a low-key destination for outdoor lovers seeking nature and calm.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Grampian, Pennsylvania
⌖ 5.85 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Grampian, Pennsylvania

Grampian, PA, offers low-key outdoor adventures like hiking, fishing, and paddling in quiet Appalachian foothill landscapes. Ideal for travelers seeking peaceful nature escapes away from crowds.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Clearfield, Pennsylvania
⌖ 7.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Clearfield, Pennsylvania

Clearfield, PA is a quiet gateway to lush forests, winding rivers, and snowmobile trails. Outdoor lovers can hike, bike, paddle, and fish here year-round with fewer crowds and scenic Allegheny Plateau landscapes.

Spring through Fall for warm-weather activities; Winter for snowmobiling
Explore Town
DuBois, Pennsylvania
⌖ 10.92 miles
Gateway Basecamp

DuBois, Pennsylvania

DuBois, PA is a gateway town for outdoor lovers seeking quiet hiking, paddling on the Clarion River, and winter snowmobiling near Cook Forest. Experience unspoiled woodlands and easy access to protected parks year-round.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Falls Creek, Pennsylvania
⌖ 13.63 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Falls Creek, Pennsylvania

Falls Creek, PA is a quiet gateway to the outdoor adventures of the Pocono Mountains. Enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and paddling nearby in scenic state parks, or explore snowy trails in winter for a peaceful outdoor escape.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snow activities
Explore Town
Venedocia, Pennsylvania
⌖ 15.18 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Venedocia, Pennsylvania

Venedocia is a peaceful rural town in Pennsylvania, ideal for travelers seeking quiet hiking, paddling on Mahoning Creek, and birdwatching away from crowds. Seasonal beauty and easy access to forest trails make it a hidden gem for nature lovers.

Spring to Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in State Game Lands Number 80

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Conestoga Smallmouth Fly-Fishing Float Trip on Spruce Creek
ADVEXPEDITION
Spruce Creek, Pennsylvania
Guided TourADV Bookable

Conestoga Smallmouth Fly-Fishing Float Trip on Spruce Creek

Customizable guided fly-fishing trips with Precision Fly & Tackle on Spruce Creek—offered as 4- and 8-hour float or walk-and-wade options targeting trout, smallmouth bass, muskie, steelhead, or carp.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Glitter & Glee: Inside Altoona’s Unicorn Day & Play
ADVEXPEDITION
Altoona, Pennsylvania
WorkshopADV Bookable

Glitter & Glee: Inside Altoona’s Unicorn Day & Play

A cozy, 2-hour workshop in Altoona where children make glittery crafts, explore sensory play and lean into imaginative adventures—an essential primer for parents planning a kid-focused outing.

WorkshopPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip