Bashline, Rapp, Smith Demand Immediate Action to Avert Full Closure of Local Tourist Attraction

May 6, 2026

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is planning to close Ridge Campground in Cook Forest State Park, an 8,500-acre park that runs through Clarion, Forest and Jefferson counties, for the entire 2027 season to build three new shower houses and tear down four existing shower houses. Ridge Campground, one of the largest in Pennsylvania's state park system, contains approximately 210 campsites and serves thousands of families each year.

Reps. Josh Bashline (R-Clarion/Armstrong), Kathy Rapp (R- Crawford/Forest/Warren) and Brian Smith (R- Jefferson/Indiana) are calling on DCNR to immediately intervene and direct the appropriate agencies to review the plan due to the anticipated negative, long-term economic impacts. According to the members, 30 area businesses depend on tourism for survival.

“For countless families, Ridge Campground and Cook Forest State Park are where memories are made year after year,” said Bashline. “It is a cornerstone of northwest Pennsylvania, and we cannot stand idly by while the local economy hangs in the balance. Keeping it open must occur for everyone’s benefit.”

“Closing Ridge Campground for the full season is unnecessary and shortsighted,” Rapp said. “The community deserves a solution that will facilitate these improvements without undermining local livelihoods.”

“Closing the campground for the entire summer will severely impact the local businesses that depend on seasonal visitors,” Smith said. “The long-term economic harm that may be done easily outweighs the minor benefits of a few new shower houses. The current plan is not in the community’s best interest.”

In addition to the economic harm, this closure displaces thousands of families who have long-standing traditions at Cook Forest. If residents are forced to find alternatives, the members express concern about the possibility of visitors not returning.

In their letter to DCNR, Bashline, Rapp and Smith suggest the best solution would be to phase the improvements in so portions of the campground stay open throughout the entire season. By taking on their plan, prospective visitors would know about ongoing construction and how to best navigate it.

Editor’s Note: Here is the letter sent by the members to the DCNR.

Representative Josh Bashline
63rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nate Temple
717-260-6396
ntemple@pahousegop.com
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