Ricketts Glen State Park Campground lies within a 13,000-acre park in northeastern Pennsylvania's glacially-shaped landscape. Located at an elevation of 1,300 feet above sea level, the park features varied geological formations including a 94-foot waterfall. Seasonal climate patterns create distinct visitation periods with April to October offering fullest access to amenities while limited winter facilities remain available at certain sites.
What to do
Trail exploration beyond Falls Trail: Campers staying at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground can access multiple trail systems beyond the popular Falls Trail. "There are various trails for all skill levels, and pets are welcome," notes Lexi in her review. Additional options include access to the fire tower for elevated views of the surrounding landscape.
Lake activities: Lake Jean at Ricketts Glen provides multiple water-based recreation options. "Lake Jean is also right there for boating and recreation," mentions Meag F., highlighting the availability of diverse water activities. The lake area includes designated swimming zones, boat launches, and shoreline fishing spots where visitors can catch bass and panfish.
Stargazing opportunities: Pioneer Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "Night time is especially beautiful, you can see tons of stars on a clear night," reports Gregory L. The forested setting helps block ambient light, creating optimal conditions for constellation observation.
What campers like
Privacy variations: Site layouts at glamping locations near Benton provide differing privacy levels. "The campground is a bit crowded during peak season without much privacy," reports Vika Z. about Ricketts Glen, while at Red Rock Mountain Campground, "We camped at Red Rock as couples. We stayed in primitive tent sites which you had to hike into. They were very private," notes Samantha M., highlighting the range of options available to visitors.
Cooling forest environments: The wooded settings of luxury camping options near Benton provide natural temperature regulation. "When it is brutally hot, this Campground is always cool. Large shaded sites that you don't feel like your right on top of the next camper," explains James P. about Pioneer Campground, demonstrating how tree cover creates more comfortable camping conditions during summer months.
Onsite conveniences: Knoebels Campground offers direct access to the adjacent amusement park without transportation requirements. "Connected to the park, a great way to visit!" states Joe B. The arrangement allows glampers to easily move between their accommodations and park attractions throughout their stay.
What you should know
Site characteristics: Terrain and site layouts vary significantly among glamping options near Benton. At Ricketts Glen, "Our full hookup site was large with table and fire ring, and required some leveling. Not much shade in the full hookup loop," reports James S., providing important details about site conditions that affect comfort and equipment needs.
Utility management: Water and electrical services may fluctuate depending on seasonal conditions and usage patterns. "The water had been tested earlier in the season and unsafe levels of manganese were detected. All water spigots were shut off and covered but we were told it was safe to wash our dishes and brush our teeth," explains Lee D., highlighting the importance of checking service notices before arrival.
Reservation timing: Securing accommodations requires advance planning, especially during peak seasons. "If you can't get a campsite here though because it books up fast I'd suggest worlds end state park, 20 min away," advises Anne P. about Hickory Run State Park Campground, noting the competitive reservation environment for popular locations.
Tips for camping with families
Activity scheduling: Families visiting glamping sites near Benton benefit from planning a mix of water and land activities. "This state park is just beautiful with a nice lake and beautiful trails," reports Vika Z., underscoring the importance of balancing different recreation types to accommodate varied interests within family groups.
Event participation: Seasonal events enhance family camping experiences at several locations. At Lake Glory Campground, "We started with a trip in the summer because of their candy bar hunt and heated swimming pool," shares Gayle B., highlighting organized activities that create memorable experiences for children.
Wildlife awareness: Families should prepare for potential wildlife encounters in the Benton area. "We were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings," Jennifer D. reports about Hickory Run, emphasizing the importance of proper food storage and wildlife safety practices when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: RV drivers face specific challenges accessing some glamping sites near Benton. "I would suggest getting there while it is still light out, there is plenty of room on the roads to get your rig around the campground, but there are lots of trees and it gets a little hard sometimes to see where the road is vs a site," advises Gregory L. about Pioneer Campground, highlighting arrival timing considerations.
Leveling requirements: Terrain variations at campsites require appropriate equipment. "The sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area, but we were along a wooded area which gave us some shade," notes Shirley M. about Hickory Run, suggesting that RVers should arrive prepared with leveling blocks and stabilization equipment for uneven surfaces.
Power considerations: Electrical service capacity affects comfort during peak usage periods at Splash Magic RV Resort. "Electric ran below 110 volts the entire weekend," reports Debbie W., highlighting how RVers should monitor power levels and adjust appliance usage accordingly during high-demand periods.
