Worthington State Forest — Attraction in Hardwick Township

Within the first 45 minutes of our arrival: We arrived on a Friday at around 1pm. We dropped off my dad who is an older gentleman and my sister. My hubby and I went to the local Walmart to get ice and some firewood. Exactly 35 minutes later I get a call from my sister stating that there were four bears in our campground. My father, did exactly what you're supposed to do, beat on pots and pans for noise, and hollered very loudly to scare the bear off. We were just getting on our way back when I received the call to inform me of all of this, I immediately called the park and told them that my senior citizen father (79 years of age) and my sis were in this situation and that the bear wouldn't leave. They immediately called the park ranger. My sister called me back five minutes later saying the bear had gotten more aggressive, she was panicked and afraid for our dads life. I then called the office again stating that my dad was under attack by this bear that not just wouldn't leave but was physically lunging at him. The park ranger was still not there. All in all, we got there fifteen minutes later and the Rangers were STILL NOT there. He came about two minutes after we did. Thats 16-17 minutes later ! what if my father had been under physical attack? There was however an employee whom they sent because the Rangers were slow, who had no idea what to do in this situation. My sister had asked her "what's the best thing to do, and the poor girl answered a simple ' I dunno'......when the ranger got there he was crabby, and very blatantly annoyed that there was no one under actual physical attack....he went on to give us a (very rude speech) about the difference between an attack and not an attack lol. I mean really.....yes I know the difference sir.....but I'm not there to see the situation with my own eyes, when my sis screamed over the phone saying "it's lunging at dad" and the phone drops And I lose her....I had no option but to assume the worse. He gave us no slack, specially dealing with a senior citizen.

I must also inform you that the only food we had left with them, since we hadn't unpacked the car fully, and we had been warned about leaving coolers at the campsite at all, ever,or we would get fined, was chips that my dad and sis were munching on while we were gone, and a loaf of bread. Nothing else.

Five hours after the incident above: By this time we have switched campsites for a more 'open' one that had become available suddenly.We are all having dinner on the picnic table, one second they weren't there and we are all relaxing, from the corner of my eye, within a split second I see four dark spots on trees....big dark spots, quick, like flies, but a LOT bigger. My sis screamed, my husband yells, and I look and I see that big mama bear running........running towards our table, my dad happened to have his back against the direction she was coming from, and he was right on her path in between her and the table, and right before she was about to lunge over my dad or whatever she was going to do I jumped up an got 'big', spread my arms real wide and I started to scream like an animal. I never knew human instinct to protect ones family could be so powerful. I screamed and screamed and screamed and roared like a wild beast, the bears all of them turned around and ran away never to come back during our two night, three day stay.

Tips: don't stay here at all, yes it's beautiful, the river is great....butpersonally I wouldn't recommend for families. camp site #21 was cute but too closed in and no view of the river, too much foliage very easy for bears to sneak up. The campsite we traded 21 for was #30, which had easy access to the river, somewhat of a view as well. The ground is slanted though and very far from bathrooms. I would never come back here again. I love nature and respect all animals, and yes I do love bears, however I don't think it's a safe place...

Worthington State Forest Campgrounds are an absolute gem, especially during the mesmerizing fall season. Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, this campground offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

As you step foot into Worthington State Forest, you'll instantly be captivated by the stunning autumn foliage that surrounds you. The vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow paint an enchanting picture against the backdrop of towering trees and rugged mountains. It's as if you've stepped into a real-life painting!

One of the most remarkable features of this campground is its location along the banks of the Delaware River. Picture yourself waking up to the gentle sound of the flowing water, creating a soothing symphony that lulls you into a peaceful state of mind. The river also provides countless opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and even swimming for the brave-hearted.

For those who love hiking, Worthington State Forest offers a plethora of trails that wind through the forest, revealing breathtaking vistas and hidden waterfalls. The foliage-covered paths create a magical ambiance, with the crisp air invigorating your senses and the crunch of fallen leaves beneath your feet making every step feel like a small adventure.

As the sun sets over the horizon, the campground transforms into a cozy haven. Gather around a crackling campfire with family and friends, toasting marshmallows and sharing stories, while the cool autumn breeze carries the scent of wood smoke through the air. The starry night sky above is a sight to behold, with constellations twinkling brightly, unobstructed by city lights.

Worthington State Forest Campgrounds also offer excellent amenities, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay. From spacious campsites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables to clean restroom facilities, they have everything you need to make your camping experience smooth and hassle-free.

What truly sets Worthington State Forest apart is the sense of tranquility and serenity it provides during the fall season. It's a haven where you can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, reconnect with nature, and create unforgettable memories amidst the breathtaking beauty of autumn.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a photography lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Worthington State Forest Campgrounds will exceed your expectations. So pack your camping gear, prepare your camera, and immerse yourself in the magical allure of this stunning destination during the fall season. You won't be...

I gave Worthington State Forest 5 stars because 10 stars wasn’t an option! Montana and staff at the park office/campgrounds are amazing and do amazing work! These people really go out of their way to make sure everyone is a happy camper! Credit to the awesome maintenance department as well for keeping such a beautiful place beautiful and CLEAN! As well as going beyond just maintaining the parks, I’ve seen them on multiple occasions helping park goers with dead car batteries as well as other unexpected vehicle problems in the park! Must hike the trails at worthington! Beautiful views, lots of nature! Some of the trails are a little more difficult than others but are all worth hiking. Bring water! I recommend wearing waterproof shoes or taking an extra pair with you especially if you are hiking the dunnfield creek trail! The parking lots will get very crowded on weekends especially if it’s nice weather! Come before 8-9 am! They have a free boat ramp at the office that is very user friendly as well! The campsites rang from tranquil secluded river front tent sites to large grassy field tent trailer sites and a good variety in between. They also have a little camp store at the office window and sell some small stuff like firewood, matches, t-shirts, stickers water bottles, sunscreen, etc. The bathrooms and shower houses are cleaned regularly throughout the day. A good population of black bears also live in Worthington as well as the surrounding woods. Be respectful! Keep your distance and observe and take pictures from a distance! I also recommend wearing bells when hiking, keeping your dog on a leash and keeping your picnic excursions CLEAN picnic excursions! Don’t leave trash people! A fed bear is a dead bear. Rattlesnakes and copperheads are also residents of the forest, be respectful. This is a wonderful place to relax, fish, hike, camp and everything else in between!...