Camping in Pennsylvania

Best Camping Sites in Pennsylvania (673)

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  1. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

  79 Reviews

  •256 Photos•

  529 Saves

  Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania

  Known as the “Gateway to the Laurel Highlands,” Pennsylvania’s Ohiopyle State Park consists of approximately 20,500 acres of the state’s finest and most rugged natural beauty. A quick drive from Pittsburgh and Morgantown, WV, this park can get you back to nature conveniently. The million annual visitors the park gets act as proof of just how convenient this state park is. Camping at Ohiopyle State Park offers campers 200 campsites at the Kentuck campground, with flush toilets, warm showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and some electric hook-ups. Yurts and cottages are available as well for those looking for a more comfortable stay in the great Allegheny passage. When visiting this state park, campers and adventurers will both notice the mighty Youghiogheny [yawki-gay-nee] River flowing through the center of the park. Capitalizing on this, the park offers whitewater boating opportunities for all experience levels. For those looking to stay on dry land, however, hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting and rock climbing are all available in the summer months. In the colder months, cross-country skiing and snowmobile riding are available across the park.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • ADA Access
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  2. French Creek State Park Campground

  75 Reviews

  •379 Photos•

  427 Saves

  Geigertown, Pennsylvania

  In Pennsylvania, the once industrious geography of North Coventry and Warwick now serves as home to 7,730 acres of protected wilderness known as French Creek State Park. Right in the heart of the Schuylkill Highlands, the park’s boundaries make up the largest mass of forested space between anywhere in Washington D.C. and New York City. The diverse land consisting of forests, wetlands, marshes, and sleepy bluffs throughout have become a top destination for the people of southeast Pennsylvania to hike, fish, camp, and bike. At a point long ago, before the industrial revolution, the land was once dominated by ancient forests of American chestnut. Sadly, in 1771 foresters started to clear these trees, in order to create charcoal for the furnace at nearby Hopewell Furnace. However, the forests were still allowed to regrow, with routine clearing scheduled every 25 years thereafter. The furnace was in operation for 112 years until 1883, and its impact on the regional environment was undeniable. The once wooded hillsides, towering trees, and babbling brooks that once existed now appeared as a barren wasteland in many areas. The ecological outlook was looking dim, that is until President Roosevelt started the CCC in 1993 as a response to economic turmoil created by the Great Depression. During the same time, Governor Gifford Pinchot invited the CCC to assist in reclaiming this special land, and they subsequently worked to clear the forests and streams of brush. To commemorate the work, they began the restoration of the historic Hopewell Furnace as well as the creation of many of the facilities still in use today at the park. Among these facilities are several tent camping areas, two group camps, picnic shelters, two small dams and lakes, and even the extensive network of roads and trails that snake throughout the park. Today, the second growth has brought with it a rebirth of life and wonder to the region. This massive expansion of protected land is now home to a multitude of rare animals and plants, not commonly found in the region. For example, French Creek State Park is an Important Bird Area as designated by the National Audubon Society, and an Important Mammal Area as designated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Pine Swamp is a State Park Natural Area. The park is now known for its diverse fishing, large abundance of wild game for hunt, and it’s plethora of outdoor recreation activities available within. Visitors to the park have a few options for overnight accommodations. The campground itself is well suited for both large and small groups, as well as individuals. In total, 201 modern sites accommodate thousands of visitors annually. The campground also boast a range of amenities, including a centrally located shower and toilet facility. Additionally, there are ten cozy cabins with heat and electricity. Finally, there are two historic group camping CCC Cabins available. The facilities include dining halls, central washhouses, and cabins for campers and staff.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • ADA Access

  $23 / night

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  3. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

  67 Reviews

  •242 Photos•

  533 Saves

  Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania

  Boasting 22 named waterfalls amid old-growth forest and deeply-incised canyons, Rickett’s Glen State Park encompasses more than 13,000 acres around a high bluff known as the Allegheny Front. On top of the bluff, several lakes—Lake Jean being the largest—are the source of the many creeks that tumble down the canyons and create the spectacular falls. The area was mostly logged out in the early 1900s by the landowner, R. Bruce Ricketts, before he decided to preserve the woodlands in the falls’ three glens. Following efforts to turn the area into a national park in the 1930s failed, he began selling the land to the state of Pennsylvania, who turned the area into a state park in 1944. The park is now a year-round destination for camping, hiking, fishing, bird-watching, paddling, skiing and ice climbing. Just an hour’s drive west of Scranton, the campground at Rickett’s Glen offers 120 drive-in campsites in two areas near the shore of Lake Jean. Sites can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 40 feet; some sites are ADA accessible, and a few group camps are available. Hookups are not available, but there is a dump station outside the camping area. Facilities in the campgrounds include restrooms with showers, drinking water, an amphitheater, a trail to the lake’s beach, and a designated dog area. The Big Loop campground also has five deluxe cottages available to rent. In a separate area, there are 10 cabins available, as well as a boat ramp (rentals available) and snack bar. Campsite rates range from $15–$20/night; cabins and cottages range from $60–$115/night. The most popular activity at Rickett’s Glen is to hike through the three waterfall glens. This can be done via several looping trails ranging from 3.4 miles to 7.2 miles. Two trailheads are located above the falls, from the lakes area, and one is located below the falls, from PA Route 118. Other summer activities in the park include paddling and fishing on Lake Jean, or just soaking up the sun at the beach. An onsite naturalist offers guided walks, nature activities and interpretive programs. There are also limited hunting opportunities. If visiting during the winter season, many of the trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Ice fishing is popular, as is ice climbing on the waterfalls. Check the park’s website for off-season services, accessibility, and ice climbing requirements.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • ADA Access

  $15 - $150 / night

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  4. Hickory Run State Park Campground

  60 Reviews

  •190 Photos•

  495 Saves

  Albrightsville, Pennsylvania

  Are you daring enough to hike the Shades of Death Trail? This is just one of the hiking trails available to visitors at Hickory Run State Park. Not to worry though, the trail is not nearly as ominous as its name. Hickory Run was established as a state park in 1945 following a long and storied history of devastation and restoration. The first settlements in the area occurred following the American Revolution, when landowners began building mills on the local creeks. By the mid-1800s, the area was clearcut, then experienced several incidents of fire and flooding. In 1935 the area was purchased by the National Park Service (NPS) for use as a recreation area, and many of the roads, campgrounds and trails were developed. Ten years later, the NPS transferred the land to the state of Pennsylvania for use as a state park. Just 30 miles south of Scranton, Hickory Run State Park is a 16,000-acre natural area in the foothills of the Pocono Mountains. The area features numerous trout streams, boulder fields, wetlands and restored forests. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, from birds to black bears. The park’s large campground features more than 300 tent, trailer and RV sites, as well as a few walk-in sites and camping cottages. Some campsites are ADA accessible. Park facilities include restrooms with showers, drinking water, two playgrounds, amphitheater, fishing pier, dog-walking area, and a camp store. There’s also recycling and dump stations. The Shades of Death and Beach trails are accessible right from the campground. Campsite rates range from $15–$40/night; cabins and cottages range from $38–$105/night. There is no shortage of outdoor play to be enjoyed on your visit to Hickory Run. On warm days, cool off with a dip in Sand Spring Lake, or go wading below Hawk Falls; cast a line for brook and brown trout in Hickory Run or Mud Run; or test your precision at the park’s disc golf course. There are also several geocaches hidden in the park if you’re up for a little treasure hunting. If you’re packing hiking boots, you have 44 miles of trails to wander. Choose from short, family-friendly nature and wildlife-watching trails, to the more strenuous Boulder Field Trail, which traverses a 16.5-acre field of sandstone boulders that predate several of North America’s ice ages. In winter, many of the park’s trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

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  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • ADA Access
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  5. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

  55 Reviews

  •149 Photos•

  260 Saves

  Wellsville, Pennsylvania

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • ADA Access

  $15 - $130 / night

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  6. Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

  48 Reviews

  •126 Photos•

  249 Saves

  Clinton, Pennsylvania

  Raccoon Creek State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s largest and most visited state parks. It began as a Recreational Demonstration Area operated by the National Park Service in the 1930s during the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era.

  The park encompasses 7,572 acres and features the beautiful 101-acre Raccoon Lake. Facilities are a mix of modern and rustic with group camps from the CCC era.

  The 172 modern tent and trailer campsites have access to flush facilities, warm showers, and the option of electricity. Each site also has a picnic table and fire ring. Pets are permitted in C and F campsite loops.

  The wooded campground offers:

  Selection of secluded or adjoining sites Playground Five central washhouses Sanitary dump station Camping seasons:

  E and F loops open early April and close in mid-October. A, B, C, and D loops open late May and close mid-September

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • RVs

  $25 - $40 / night

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  7. Cook Forest State Park Campground

  41 Reviews

  •101 Photos•

  198 Saves

  Cooksburg, Pennsylvania

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • ADA Access

  $26 - $35 / night

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  8. Codorus State Park Campground

  40 Reviews

  •167 Photos•

  250 Saves

  Porters Sideling, Pennsylvania

  The 3,500-acre Codorus State Park is in the rolling hills of southern York County.

  The 1,275-acre Lake Marburg has 26 miles of shoreline and is a rest stop for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. The lake is also popular with sail and motor boaters.

  Anglers love the lake for warmwater fishing and can also fish Codorus Creek for trout.

  Picnicking, swimming in the pool, and camping are popular activities.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • ADA Access

  $4 - $19 / night

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  9. Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park

  33 Reviews

  •130 Photos•

  284 Saves

  Skytop, Pennsylvania

  Pickerel Point Campground

  On a peninsula on the southern side of Promised Land Lake, Pickerel Point has 75 campsites and three camping cottages. Limited sites and the camping cottages are open year round. An unguarded swimming area is at the end of the peninsula.

  The campground offers:

  Rustic walk-in sites
  Electric sites
  Full hook-up sites with sewer, water, and electric on site

  This activity or structure is ADA accessible. An ADA accessible campsite is available.

  The entire area has two shower houses with laundry facilities and one restroom.

  Designated sites are open to pets.

  Camping cottages have:

  Electric heat and outlets
  Bunk beds
  Table and benches
  Grill and a fire ring

  Linens are not provided. The cottages are next to a shower house in Pickerel Point Campground.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • ADA Access

  $28 / night

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  10. Caledonia State Park Campground

  33 Reviews

  •38 Photos•

  181 Saves

  Fayetteville, Pennsylvania

  The 1,125-acre Caledonia State Park is in Adams and Franklin counties, midway between Chambersburg and Gettysburg along the Lincoln Highway, US 30.

  The park is nestled within South Mountain, the northern terminus of the well-known Blue Ridge Mountain of Maryland and Virginia. Within South Mountain there are four state parks and 84,000 acres of state forest land waiting to be explored and enjoyed. The soils on either side of South Mountain are ideal for fruit production, proven by the abundance of orchards in the surrounding area.

  • Pets
  • Fires
  • Electric Hookups
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • ADA Access