Camping near Benton, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The trails are very well maintained. If you want to do the Falls Trail (21 beautiful waterfalls), it is quite challenging."
- Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at Lake Jean, which is accessible from the campground. A visitor noted, "The lake felt clean and wasn't too cold in July."
- Fishing and Boating: Spend a day on the water at Locust Lake State Park Campground. One camper shared, "The lake was very clean. The camp store was great! They sell most things you’d need for camping."
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-kept restrooms and showers. A review for Hickory Run State Park Campground stated, "The bathroom facilities were clean, the hiking in the area was gorgeous and pet friendly."
- Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Worlds End State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are spaced a decent amount apart and are generous in size."
- Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Keen Lake Resort Campground provide plenty of activities for kids. One reviewer said, "Activities all day long for the children."
What you should know:
- Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, such as Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, have no cell service. A camper noted, "There is absolutely no cell service, however, and we had to go all the way down the mountain to get texts or make calls."
- Busy Weekends: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the week. One reviewer mentioned, "It does get very busy on weekends so if you can stay during the week it's much nicer."
- Rustic Camping Options: Some campgrounds, like Hickory Run State Park Campground, offer mostly rustic sites. A visitor said, "The campground is mostly rustic with no hookups, but there are some electric and full hookup sites."
Tips for camping with families:
- Bring Good Footwear: If you plan to hike, make sure everyone has proper shoes. A reviewer at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground advised, "First off, if you are going to visit all the falls, bring shoes that you can walk in and that are smart for wet and moist surfaces."
- Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A camper at Keen Lake Resort Campground mentioned, "The nachos and ice cream are the best."
- Check for Pet Policies: If you're bringing pets, confirm the campground's pet policy. One visitor at Hickory Run State Park Campground noted, "Lots of people walking dogs."
Tips from RVers:
- Site Selection: Choose sites that accommodate your RV size. A reviewer at Hickory Run State Park Campground mentioned, "Best ones don't have hookups."
- Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to reserve a site with electric hookups if needed. A camper at Locust Lake State Park Campground noted, "Electric only, no water hookups."
- Be Prepared for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have closely spaced sites. A visitor at Knoebels Campground said, "The only knock on it is how tight the sites are, but the communal spirit is great."
Camping around Benton, PA, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, swimming, or just relaxing, there's something for every camper.