Top Free Dispersed Camping near Clarks Summit, PA

Camping near Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: There are numerous trails to explore, including the challenging Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "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 Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "The lake felt clean and wasn't too cold in July."
• Fishing and Kayaking: Hickory Run State Park Campground offers great opportunities for fishing and kayaking. One camper shared, "The bathroom facilities were clean, the hiking in the area was gorgeous and pet friendly."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Hickory Run State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were kept very clean and they had 4 showers so we never had to wait."
• Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A reviewer at Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park mentioned, "I can’t believe how quiet it is here. Our site is wooded and very private."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Keen Lake Resort Campground remarked, "Super friendly staff. It's big they have tent sites right along the lake."

What you should know:

• Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Worlds End State Park Campground, have little to no cell service. A visitor noted, "Absolutely no cell signal so navigating by car can be tricky."
• Busy on Weekends: Campgrounds can get crowded, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Worthington State Forest Campground said, "If you’re looking for a place to be a recluse, this is not the campsite to go."
• Rustic Camping Options: Some campgrounds, like Locust Lake State Park Campground, offer rustic sites with limited amenities. A camper mentioned, "Facilities are disgusting and you’re right on top of neighbors."

Tips for camping with families:

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with activities for children. One family at Camp Taylor Campground said, "The kids are kids!!! They play in the creek, get dirty, build fires and hike on the premises."
• Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A visitor at Keen Lake Resort Campground noted, "The sites are average in size... but we had enough room to enjoy our site."
• Quiet Hours: Make sure to pick a campground that enforces quiet hours. A camper at Camp Taylor Campground appreciated, "Quiet hours were strictly enforced, which we appreciated."

Tips from RVers:

• Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds, like Hickory Run State Park Campground, are accommodating for larger RVs. A reviewer mentioned, "There are some pull-through sites for big rigs."
• Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds that offer electric hookups. A visitor at Tobyhanna State Park Campground said, "Mix of electric and non-electric sites."
• Check Road Conditions: Some campgrounds have hilly access roads. A camper at Camp Taylor Campground advised, "Make sure if you’re towing, you have a good tow vehicle because the hills on the way there are epic but also beautiful."

Camping near Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!