Parvin State Park Campground

My wife and I chose site #10 based on its close proximity to the lake and fishing access. Even when I put my waders on, I pulled in algae almost every time. There is a ton of algae in this lake. We rented a canoe with the hopes of having more fishing success but the middle of the lake was just as bad! There was garbage in our fire pit when we arrived. Site is great for people with families as there was a playground within 50 feet so it is a bit louder and busier. We loved the free and clean showers and bathrooms but we had to drive to them from our site. We also loved that we were able to park our car basically anywhere on site so we could park close to our tent.

Great for families with tree covered lake access, plus playground

This camp site is super convenient and close to Philly/Trenton/ocean city. But when you’re there you don’t feel totally secluded. The camp sites are a little close together and there are busy roads in close proximity. That being said, when you need a quick get-away with beautiful scenery, it’s a great option!

Beautiful scenery in close to Philly 

lake with water sports, hiking trails that are dog friendly, plenty of campsites. If you have kids staying longer for the lake would make sense. bring bug spray!!

great spot for a one day trip 

One of the biggest disappointments camping in a while. The entire lure of this park was the lake, which is fully mandated.  There are no openings or public's spots for fishing, beside one very small dock. The actual beach is gated and have to pay an additional fee.

The camping part, Jaggers Point is really small. Regardless there are about 6 different park rangers driving around the sites as early as 630am. They even had a K9 unit that they brought fully barking around 730am.

The second day, the park ranger stopped at my campsite at 7am to wake me up to tell me that I left an can on my table and that he should have wrote me a 75 dollars ticket then drove off. Completely understand policy, but was unnecessary.

Over all, if you hate views and want a prison like outdoor experience, this is the park for you.

Positive notes: Bathrooms are really nice and has a dish cleaning station. 



Will not be returning

The cabins are more rustic than most, which I enjoyed.  While there was a stove the heating, which was necessary in November, was accomplished via a stove.  The hiking is also very accessible Because it's basically pancake flat terrain.  The only thing I did not like about the cabin was that it's all bunk beds.  One of the things I appreciate about PA State Parks is that one of the bedrooms has a full size bed for couples.

Rustic

Good fishing and nice trails
Nice campsites, some big enough for trailers. Bathrooms were very clean

Parvin

Stayed here Oct 14-16.  Very narrow roads to sites, so not big rig friendly there but most sites are quite large.  No gravel or pads on sites, just bare ground.  No hook ups but there are potable water faucets and a dump station.  My rig is 31 ft class C and it was fine for me but a larger rig may have a tough time maneuvering the narrow roads. Woodsy , nice lake and nature trails.

Woodsy 

We stayed for a weekend and were very happy with our cabin - a pleasant surprise was how incredible the bathroom inside there was - we're talking **spectacularly** clean! There was a shower stall w/built-in shelves that seemed brand new (no mildew on the shower curtain, no stains, etc.). The small sink had a mirror above it that opens for a medicine cabinet. Plenty of toilet paper but you need to bring your own soap/shampoo/towels.

The cabin featured a separate kitchenette area with regular size fridge, sink, electric stove with oven and some counter space/cupboard and rack for a hand towel. A fire extinguisher was within easy reach. The main area had two Adirontack chairs, table with benches, electrical outlet and wide barn doors (designed to open fully but ours were nailed shut so only a regular door width opened). There was a wood stove which, in August, we did not utilize (and I'd recommend bringing a small fan or two if you come in the summer, it was _hot)._ There was a chalkboard (no chalk).

While we did not think we'd be using the narrow screened in porch it did rain and we were glad to have it. Also inside were two little rooms with bunk beds. I felt claustrophobic in there, imagining spiders and all sorts of creepy things living in there and opted to sleep in the car. Which reminds me - warning - there are tiny deer ticks. Don't go out to the car in the dark when the dew is on the grass w/o covering your feet and ankles, you will get deer ticks. Not like it happened to me or anything, wink wink. That being said, the bunks were clean, if well-used. Bring your sheets/pillows/sleeping bag for them. 

Outside, to the back of the cabin, was a small deck with picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. Beyond that you will find a path to the lake with beautiful swans.

We walked the path around Thundergust lake after dinner and here is another warning: bring super-woodsman-strong-do-not-mess-with-me bug spray. While we all can get mosquito bites, these babies were like Rambo mosquitos on sterioids - one bite would leave a welt swollen a quarter inch above your skin and an inch and a half long. _One_ bite. Now imaging a dozen of them and you can see why my friend was miserable the next day. We also found the "spotted lantern fly" a pest that is non-native and wrecking havock, which we promptly crushed with a hiking boot.

The swimming area of Parvin Lake was closed due to COVID, but we did a few hikes. There are maps available in the ranger's office - and some pretty cool tie-died t-shirts, too. (I got the turquoise). Anyway, the trails were pretty busy - lots of locals out getting a walk, run, or dog walk in. The hikes were easy, with level, sandy trails that were well-marked. There is a lot nearby the camping area, (like Misty Meadow Sheep Dairy where you can feed the animals and purchase some fantasic dairy products, yarn, and meats) or the Jersey Shore, or Amish markets.  So, while you can have the camping experience you will never feel "alone in the woods", which is why it's a great choice for new campers. Also  families who want the option of day trips close by. Some people had kayaks out on one of the lakes.

While a bit worn from the weather, it was nice to read about the foliage/native plants as we walked the trails. We also caught the end of the blueberry season and I was able to collect enough to make a small batch of jam when I got home.

My four-star rating comes from personal preference for more solitude when I camp. The other side of the same coin is the other negative impression I left with - there was a lot of trash/litter no matter where we were in this park. "Leave no trace" is not practiced here by the visitors, and while the park keeps the cabins COVID-spotless, the grounds are not maintained with the same stringency. In all fairness, the visitors should stop throwing bottles, wrappers, etc. on the ground. Signage and some volunteer days might help.