Tent Camping at Cook Forest State Park (and the 5 best things to do!)

My family and I drove to Cook Forest State Park for a weekend camping trip. As usual, we all had an absolute blast. The three days we were there, we were able climb the historic Fire Tower #9, take in the view at Seneca Point Overlook, float on a canoe down the Clarion River, hike through the Forest Cathedral, and cross the suspension bridge on Tom's Run. It was a much needed trip to wrap up summer. I already can't wait to go back!

[@Paladin70]

I’ve been going to Cook Forest since I was in diapers, now in my 70s and we still spend a week or two there every year, always a week in the summer and sometimes a second week in the fall. Our kids always loved it and now our grandkids. I still climb the fire tower every trip, Seneca Point is right there so we always see that too, usually a 4 mile canoe trip but sometimes 10, horseback trail rides through the forest (several local stables) and the grandkids love a day at the Fun Park right up Route 36 about 4 miles where we water slide, miniature golf, race go karts and bumper boats. Sometimes spend a day at Clear Creek State Park just 20 minutes away with Beartown Rocks, a field of massive glacial boulders in the forest, some as big as a small house. I thank God every trip for that beautiful area and still having good enough health to play with my grandkids.

[@StillGoingFar]

Spending time with family in the places we love is priceless! I'm glad you have so many great memories.

[@habituallinestepper8839]

I love Cook’s Forest. Glad you and the family enjoyed it so much.

[@StillGoingFar]

Us too! Can't wait to go back.

[@johnsomich7890]

I’ve lived in Cleveland my whole life and Cook is My home away from home! My grandparents started taking my father and uncle there back in the 50’s and my first trip was in 1970… still in my mothers belly a month before I was born. My once a year summer vacation up until I was 17 was a week at Macbeth’s cabins ( #16 ) in August. My wife and children love it there as well now and I had never missed a year of visiting at least once until I was 47! Your video reminded me of how much I love being there and how much my family and I have missed it the past 5 yrs… it even made everyone tear up as we watched it together! Thanks for sharing your time there!

[@StillGoingFar]

I am glad you could remember the good old days! During this trip, I was remembering visiting as a kid with my family.

[@johnsomich7890]

@@StillGoingFar did you not venture down to the cave while you were at Seneca because of the kids or is that something you haven’t discovered there yet?

[@jamesexline689]

@@johnsomich7890 I've been going to Cook Forest since I was 2 months and as an adult, yet I don't know about the cave you mention. Where is that cave? Thanks

[@timothyvandrei4236]

​@jamesexline689 the cave is very tiny but u can go in it. It's a 2 minute climb right next to Seneca point

[@waynefoulk6980]

Watching this brought back a lot of memories for me. I've been to Cooks Forest a number of times. As a kid with my parents quite a few times. A couple times with the Boy Scouts on day trips and even as an adult when we just wanted somewhere to go for a day. Loved walking the trails the most. As a kid I climbed the Fire Tower all the way to the top but wouldn't now. (Fear of heights and also physically unable to). Would love to visit again as walking in the forests is so peaceful but medical issues and age would make it extremely hard. Why i loved watching this video. Great job.

[@StillGoingFar]

Glad you enjoyed it. I have some fond memories myself and I love making new ones!

[@waynefoulk6980]

@@StillGoingFar Love your videos.

[@ugli123]

Should have rented from the Pale Whale. They are the best!

[@jamesexline689]

Wow - your video brings back so many memories of my favorite place! I was 2 months the first time I went to Cook Forest, and went every summer with my family through the summer I turned 13. I've been back many times as an adult, the last being May of 2021, when we stayed at MacBeth's. We stayed at MacBeth's Cabins when I was a kid and at mostly Forest View Cabins (pat Fitzgerald - now deceased) as an adult. If you get back and haven't done so, I highly recommend going deer spotting after dark. There are some restrictions; however, outside of those, it is totally legal. You'll see lots of deer, and likely other wildlife as well. For a great suggestion as to where to go spotting, see Michael at MacBeth's.

[@StillGoingFar]

We used to stay at the Macbeth cabins when I was a kid. I have some crazy stories from staying there!🦝 I am glad you enjoyed reliving the memories.

[@jamesexline689]

@@StillGoingFar Oh yeah, I'm sure you do have some crazy stories from MacBeth's! As do I!