Pennsylvania's state parks and private campgrounds near Cranberry offer extensive glamping and camping accommodations throughout the year. The region sits within the Appalachian highlands with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 2,300 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions seasonally. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing while summer brings humid 80°F days with frequent afternoon thunderstorms across the region's mixed deciduous forests.
What to do
Boulder exploration: Hickory Run State Park Campground features a 16-acre boulder field created during the last ice age. "Boulders everywhere! Big ones, small ones, run (carefully) across them all! Beyond the Boulder field is a vast, scary, unknown," writes Mike M. The field requires sturdy shoes as rocks can be slippery when wet.
Hiking to waterfalls: Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers access to 22 named waterfalls along well-marked trails. "The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) is the 22 waterfalls! 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," notes Lee D.
Lake activities: Mauch Chunk Lake Park provides clear, clean water for paddle sports with some sites directly on the water. "Our first time tent camping was here and it set a great tone. We set up the tent, kayaked on the lake, cooked up some dinner, watched a strawberry super moon rise over the lake, went to bed, woke up to make some breakfast and then we were off to go rafting on the Lehigh river 10 minutes away," explains Emma T.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Different campgrounds offer varying degrees of seclusion. At Blue Rocks Family Campground, "You can be down near the creek and in the open more, in the wooded areas, or you can be near the corn field and glacier rock field. Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field," shares Jen R.
Proximity to attractions: Staying near popular destinations maximizes recreation time. "One of my favorite campgrounds for Knoebels theme park. The campground itself is very clean except around the actual lake because of the geese nothing you can do about that... Showers are great and the camp store has plenty of Staples. Big campsites so you don't feel crowded," says Joshua W. about Lake Glory Campground.
Off-grid experience: Some areas provide true disconnection from modern distractions. "I absolutely love camping here! If you want to be disconnected, literally because there is no cell service, then this is the place for you. Best of all it is free! You just have to get a pass from the office. We love going here because of the creek. You can fish, swim and just relax!" explains Jen R. about Tuscarora State Park.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak season from May through October requires advance planning. "Book early as they sell out fast!" advises Joshua W. about Jim Thorpe Camping Resort, with most campgrounds filling weekend spots 2-3 months in advance.
Bear safety: The region has active black bear populations requiring proper food storage. "There are bear in the region so be weary with your food. No noise pollution. No light pollution. No large towns anywhere near here all towns with very minimal population," warns Zoltan P. about Tuscarora State Forest.
Site variations: Campsite quality and amenities vary significantly within each campground. At Stonybrook RV Resort, "We paid $150 per night total for a FHU 50 Amp Premium Back-in site (#F20)... The concrete pad/patio with Breeo smokeless fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and metal patio table and chairs made a great setup," notes Matt S.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Select campgrounds with dedicated children's facilities. "This place really has something for everyone! Classic cars, huge playground, lots of activities, friendly staff. The best part was hiking in the boulder field!" explains Gayle B. about Blue Rocks Family Campground.
Swimming options: Look for campgrounds with clean swimming areas during summer months. "The lake was beautiful. Very clean and picturesque and perfect for swimming. The campsites were adequate size," shares Danielle F. about Mauch Chunk Lake Park.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs for children. "The visitors center boasts the most modern updates and a truly lovely interactive museum displaying the history and current wildlife of the park," writes Shayna about Hickory Run State Park Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds require significant leveling equipment. "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," shares Angie G. about Jim Thorpe Camping Resort.
Entry difficulties: Some access roads present challenges for larger rigs. At Stonybrook RV Resort, "the entrance made for a challenging entry up a steep grade, narrow roadway, and sharp turn in. I made it without problems, but it wasn't easy in a 45' motorhome towing a Jeep," advises Matt S.
Hookup variations: Confirm exact hookup specifications when booking. "The site was nice and level side to side. Their pool looked very nice although we did not use it. Same with their patio set up around the store," notes Jonathan F. about glamping near Cranberry, Pennsylvania at Stonybrook RV Resort.
