Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers overnight yurt camping options 30 miles west of Berwick, Pennsylvania. The park spans 13,050 acres across three counties with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 2,198 feet. Temperatures in the region typically range from 60-85°F in summer months, dropping to 30-50°F in spring and fall, requiring campers to pack accordingly for yurt or tent stays.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: The Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground features 22 named waterfalls within a 7-mile loop. "We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike, but if you want to see the additional four, you could make it a seven-mile hike. The trails are very well marked," notes Lee D. The trails can be steep and challenging in places, requiring proper footwear.
Boulder Field exploration: Visit the unique Boulder Field at Hickory Run State Park Campground, a National Natural Landmark covering 16.5 acres. "The Boulder Fields are one of the coolest places I've ever visited, partially because they were so unexpected. Don't twist an ankle, but you can play hide and seek to an extent as there are small depressions in the fields," shares Amber A. The field is accessible via a maintained trail or by car on a stone road.
Amusement park access: Knoebels Amusement Resort offers free admission with pay-per-ride tickets just steps from camping areas. "The amusement park is free and you only pay for what you want to do," explains Marlaina M. Some campgrounds provide shuttle service to the park, with Lake Glory Campground offering free transportation throughout operating hours.
What campers like
Fishing and paddling opportunities: Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides waterfront campsites with easy access for paddlers. "You can get sites right on the water that are nice size. If you go during the week, it's quite calm. I like that I can launch my paddle board from my sight and the water is so clean and clear," says Lisa S. The lake permits electric motors only and offers rental equipment at the beach area.
Nature immersion: Red Rock Mountain Campground provides secluded tent sites requiring short hikes to access. "We camped at Red Rock as couples. We stayed in primitive tent sites which you had to hike into. They were very private," reports Samantha M. The campground sits at a higher elevation, offering cooler temperatures during summer months.
Yurt accommodations: While several state parks offer yurt camping near Berwick, Pennsylvania, these structures provide a solid roof alternative to traditional tent camping. Typical yurts sleep 4-6 people on provided bunks or platforms. "The yurts have 2 sets of bunk beds with one set having full size mattress on bottom," notes a camper about Tuscarora State Park's facilities.
What you should know
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds, from modern shower houses to rustic options. At Pioneer Campground, "the bathhouse was clean but not adequate for 73 sites. The campground was about ¾ full and there was often a wait in the bathroom," according to a reviewer. Some campgrounds have pit toilets in outlying loops rather than flush facilities.
Site spacing and privacy: Jim Thorpe Camping Resort has tighter site configurations. "The sites are very close to one another. We lucked out in Bermuda Triangle as there was a little more space and we were further away from some of the noise," reports Derek W. Request specific site areas when making reservations if privacy is important.
Water safety notices: Some parks periodically test for water quality issues. "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," reports a camper about Ricketts Glen. Check park websites or call ahead for current water status.
Tips for camping with families
Off-peak scheduling: For quieter experiences with children at Lake Glory Campground, consider weekdays. "If you go during the week, it's quite calm. We stay at lake glory every year while visiting Knoebels. It's so much quieter than Knoebels campground and so much more room," advises Eiron S. Weekday rates are often lower as well.
Creekside cooling: During hot summer days, select water-adjacent sites for natural relief. "We love the creek side sites! Kids can wade in the water to cool off while parents are chatting and cooking just few feet away," mentions a Lake Glory visitor. These sites tend to book quickly, especially for summer weekends.
Halloween camping: Pioneer Campground offers special Halloween-themed weekends in October. "We started with a trip in the summer because of their candy bar hunt and heated swimming pool... We love decorating the sites and taking the kids trick or treating. They do a haunted woods that we felt the kids were too young for," shares Gayle B. Some campgrounds offer themed weekends throughout the camping season.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many campsites in the region require leveling equipment. At Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, "The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because our site wasn't level and it took hours to get it right," reports Angie G. Pack extra leveling blocks, especially for larger rigs.
Pump-out services: Some campgrounds offer on-site waste tank pumping services when dump station lines get long. "The owner John was going around pumping people out Sunday morning when the line to the dump station was long," notes Gregory L. about Pioneer Campground. This service may require advance scheduling or have additional fees.
Late arrival challenges: Jim Thorpe Camping Resort has narrow roads with tree cover that can be difficult to navigate after dark. "Roads are very narrow. 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 a camper.
