Best Glamping near Dallas, PA

My girlfriends and I just stayed in the yurts for annual glamping trip. We reserved 3 of 4 yurts for first weekend in June...non peak season. Peak season requires minimum 5 day reservation, I believe. Yurts have 2 sets of bunk beds with one set having full size mattress on bottom. Yurts have heat and fans. Full size refrigerator, stove and microwave. No water but directly across from facilities with basin sinks outside for cleaning dishes, etc. Each yurt has a huge deck, 2 picnic tables and fire pit. Restrooms and showers are a hop, skip and jump from yurts and well maintained. Also each yurt comes with a moor skip to keep kayaks, paddleboards or canoes at lake. Beautiful lake surrounded by trails and includes beach area and playground. Dogs are allowed in the park but not in campgrounds (yurts and cabins). There is no tent camping here but is available at Locust Lake State Park, just a few miles away. Alcohol is prohibited. Must park in overnight lot after unloading.

My experience here was most enjoyable. I stayed in a yurt for the first time and it was also my first time camping since my teenage years. The yurt was most comfortable and the park is beautiful in the spring. Went hiking and was sure to bring my camera along. Got some beautiful shots too. Would highly recommend visiting and/or camping here!

This park has no tent camping. They offer cabins and yurts, but have no sites for people to set up tents. The main attraction for this park is their lake, which you can swim in, fish, kayak or drop in a boat. There is a playground for kids to play in that is well maintained. There are hiking trails in the back side of the park, from the main entrance. The visitor center is only open during the week. The cabins and yurts have electricity and running water. They are great if you want the outdoor experience while getting the option of a bed. If you want tent camping, check out locust lake state park which isn't far away.

Campground has cabins and yurts, pull in sites for RV’s and strictly walk in tent sites. There is a beautiful lake and a very large pool. We went in early spring midweek, it was very quiet and exactly the get away we wanted.

This is an amazing state park that has something for everyone. There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails. There are several campgrounds, with tremendous variety for every camping style. There are standard car camping tent sites, RV sites, and yurts and camper cabins. For those who like more rustic options, there are hike-in sites that are beautiful and not far from the parking area. The campsites are nestled in a deep shady mature forest, and peaceful and quiet due to the wooded aspect and spacing of sites (at least for me, in September in a hike-in site not far from the regular campground). It is nice to have such a fine camping and outdoor recreation opportunity within an easy drive of the city of Clarks Summit, so probably a great weekend getaway for local folks, but a wonderful stopover for anyone on a road trip through northern PA as it is not far off Interstate 81. I was there only one day, but would like to be back to explore the 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. The trails are very well marked. 

We stayed in the large loop, which is a peninsula on Lake Jean. Many of the sites have lake views. 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. Showers looked reasonable but I did not use them.

There were many tent campers in this loop, which does not allow pets (the other, smaller loop does allow pets). There are no hookups at all in the park. 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. However, the water for the dishwashing sink was turned off as well as the water in the restroom at the trailhead. Since we had a reservation, we received a phone call in advance of our stay letting us know about this.

There are trails to the beach, but we woke to rain the next morning, so we did not explore this. 

One trash/recycle area a distance away from the campsites which seems typical for PA state parks. Alcohol is strictly forbidden– we were warned that if a ranger saw any alcohol outside of our vehicle, we would be cited. Quiet hours are 9 pm– 8 am, which is more restrictive than other state parks, however, some did not observe these quiet hours (a guitar-playing singing camper thought he was talented, but I disagree!)

This is a gated campground that we stayed at 6/30/19-7/04/19. We are NOT an RV. We own a Napier tent that hooks to our truck so that we can sleep up in the bed. However, due to it being a holiday week, the tent sites were completely booked and they only have 4(which also have water& electric). The tent sites are located in the back of the campground behind the sports field within the trees. I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to see them but they have them pictured on their website. They let us book an RV site and it was rough setting up on a gravel RV site but we understood that we were not within a normal tent element and placed an extra tarp under the tent. The campground is located at the top of some beautiful and scenic driving through farmland in Pennsylvania and you will be 30 minutes from anything like shopping or small town amenities(we drove to Walmart after setting up to get our perishables since we drive up from Virginia). Our site had water and electric, was a drive through spot for a typical RV with a section to the side of the drive through for the fire pit and picnic table. We were located right next to the shower/bathrooms/playground and had some tree coverage and shade. A lot of the RVs in the campground are permanent sites and our neighbors never showed so we had a quiet buffer but it was not a noisy campground. It appeared that they cleaned the bathrooms twice daily and we were impressed with the cleanliness of the bathroom/showers. There were 4 in the building so we never had to wait. The staff were friendly and helpful. They had a store right next to the pool area that offered common items and RV'er might need with a small grocery area as well which included bundles of wood($6 honor system after hours) and Ice($1.78 per bag). We were allowed to run an account which we paid at the end of our stay. Our campsite was required to be paid at check in. The campground is 18 acres with gravel roads, a sports field, fishing, horse shoes, bocce ball, multiple playgrounds, a rec center with some games, claw machines etc. a splash pad and salt water pool. You will be doing a lot of walking or bring your bicycles like we did. They offer scheduled activities for holidays etc and various weekend activities. You can rent non electric boats and they offer catch& release fishing without a PA license in the lake. My son caught 2 sunfish :) They have guidelines for visitors and quiet hours(my cousin came to visit us in the evenings as she lived close by). We enjoyed camping here even if we were on an RV site. We booked site 211 which had the little bit of tree coverage and was located right next to the showers/bathrooms/playground with a quick walk to the lake for fishing. Most of the other available sites in the road ahead of us had no tree coverage but closer to the lake had more trees and shade. OR, just get an actual tent site :) but they are all the way at the back of the campground, furthest from the lake so I actually preferred our site.

Campground Review:   

This was our first visit to [Hickory Run State Park](http://Hickory Run State Park ) & we loved it.  Hickory Run is in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground.   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.   It was a very quiet weekend for us as our loop was not crowded.   The bath houses in this loop are non-flush/pit toilets.   However, the other camping loops had shower houses and flush toilet restrooms.  The other camping loops were located within the wooded areas and the sites appears closer together.  There are pet friendly sites in the other loops as well.  Even though it was a very hot weekend and our site was in an open area, we had a nice breeze and shade from the wooded area behind our site.  The late afternoon sun did hit the front of our trailer, but we used this time for a nap or a went for a drive to explore the area.  

There is a lot to do in the state park.   Many hiking trails (44 miles of trails).  They are rated from easy to difficult.  We found the 2 trails we hiked - Hawk Falls and Shades of Death trails - where were rated "more difficult" were not bad to hike at all.  We hiked both with your 2 large dogs.   Both of these trails had a creek and waterfalls.

There was a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it.  This was nice for families with children.   There is a camp store which was loaded with anything you may need from grocery items, equipment, pans, and toys.   One thing of note - if you require firewood, look for local sellers in the area rather than the camp store.   It was $4.50 for a very small bundle of what we would use for kindling.  Park Staff were very friendly. 

We took a drive on 2 afternoons on a stone road through the woods to see the Boulder Field.  It was a beautiful drive.  We were on the lookout for bear, but only saw 3 deer.  There is also a lake for swimming.   Be aware that this area has a high bear population and all campers are required to keep food items in their vehicles or trailers when not at the site.  

We would definitely recommend Hickory Run for all types of campers - RV, tent, pop-up campers.   Lots to do for families. Or if you are like us and want to just kick back and relax, you can't go wrong. 

Product Review:  As a Ranger for the Dyrt, we get products to test from time to time - today we tested [Red Ledge Free Rein Jacket](http://Red Ledge Free Rein Jacket)   We chose to review this jacket because our first two camping trips this season, it poured!!  My husband got soaked while closing down outside and getting the trailer hooked up to head home.   But... as Murphy's Law goes, we haven't had rain while camping since receiving the jacket.   My husband was a good sport and "modeled" this jacket for me during a heat wave of over 90°.   My husband normally wears a 2XL,  which is what we ordered.  It appears to be true to size as the jacket fits him well, even in the length of the sleeves.

The day after we got home... we got our rain! While my husband was not available, I decided to put the jacket on and go outside and test the jacket during a heavy down pour and stormy afternoon. 

PROs:  The jacket is well made, but not heavy or bulky.  It has adjustable velcro cuffs on the sleeves so you can tighten the cuffs if you need.   It has 2 front zippered pockets with a mess lining.  It also has 2 zippered vents at the sides of the jacket.  The hood has a cord on either side for adjustments. 

Even though this jacket was 2 or 3 sizes too big for me, I was able to adjust the cuffs on the sleeves as well as the hood to give me a better fit.    I stayed dry!   The rain literally beaded up on the jacket, therefore the jacket did not get soaked through.    Once I came inside, I could shake out the jacket and the water drops would just fall off the jacket.   It dried quickly afterwards, but honestly because the rain never really saturated the jacket, "dried" may not be the correct word.     Overall I was impressed with the quality of the jacket and how the water just rolled off it.     I would recommend Red Ledge to anyone looking for rain gear that is lightweight, durable and, most of all, Works!!

CONs:   At this point, I really can't say I could find anything wrong with this jacket.

Over Labor Day Weekend, September 2-5, 2016, Scott and I traveled to Ricketts Glen State Park which is part of the Pennsylvania State Park System.
Ricketts Glen is off of Interstate 80 between Williamsport and Bloomsburg, PA. Off of Interstate 80, if you take the Bloomsburg exit, it is only two turns to the park. On our way there (traveling from Pittsburgh, PA) we followed Google Maps directions and it took us off an earlier exit (exit 212B) and through the back country. It was a nice drive through the middle of nowhere, but there were several turns and the turns were not clearly marked. On our return, we stayed on 487 and picked up 80 in Bloomsburg (exit 232). Whichever route you travel I suggest having it planned in advanced, or carry a hard old school map as cell phone reception is very spotty once you get off of 80 and once you are in the park area there is very little reception. At least for AT&T. The entranced to the park is off of 487.
Ricketts Glen State Park includes the Glens Natural Area which is designated as a National Natural Landmark. Although this is a wonderful designation and the area deserves it, this designation makes the area a tourist attraction with international interest. Being we were there over a 4-day weekend it was VERY crowded. The Highlight of the Park is the Glens Natural area that is home to over 21 named waterfalls ranging in height 11 feet to 94 feet and they are quite spectacular. There are several hiking trails located within the Glens Natural area (26 miles) ranging from the easiest 1 mile hike The Bear Walk Trail to the most difficult, The Falls Trail System which is a 7.2 mile loop trail. Hike this trail and you will get to view all 21 waterfalls. This is the trail we hiked on Saturday. We are early risers and knew it was going to be hot and crowded so we were on the trail by 8:00am. Good thing because by 11:00am it was a packed house. If you stay at the campground, drive over to the Lake Rose Trail Head. If you are early enough you will have no problem parking there. The campground is about a mile from the trail head and believe me, if you do the entire 7.2 mile loop you will not want to hike back the 1 mile to the campground. We witnessed several grounds doing this and they looked completely miserable.
The trail starts off as a nice wide graveled trail….do not let this fool you. If you read the park brochure, believe what it says and be prepared for the hike. When the trail to the falls actually starts it is very steep and very rocky, and remember if you go down, you must come back up. You basically hike down the falls and hike back up them. IF you have trekking poles, take them, your knees and back will thank you.
That being said, as I mentioned earlier, it was very crowded for Labor Day. Lots of international travelers and many, many people that did not know the first thing about hiking. It had to be in the uppers 80s the day we hiked and most people were not even carrying water. Very few had the proper footwear on (hiking boots are a must), some were in flip flops. This is not a trail to hike in flip flops. As well, many people were carrying babies and had children under 5 on the trail. Again, really not a good idea. The rocks are wet and slippery. A park ranger we spoke to said they had done 12 rescues this year. I can see why.
If you are properly outfitted you will have an amazing time on this trail. The waterfalls are beautiful and you can get right up close to them and in them. The sign at the trail says no swimming, but you can wade in the water and stand under the falls.
The other highlight to this park is Lake Jean. This is a beautiful lake that sits next to the campground. The campground has a few sites where you can put your boat right in from. There is a beach and a picnic area located at Lake Jean as well as a boat rental place and concession stand. There are 2 boat launches on the lake and Motorboats and non-powered boats are permitted. We had our kayaks with us and fished from those. Lake Jean is very clean for a lake. This is due to the fact that the lake was drained in 2015 and refilled and restocked. Although this has cleaned the lake, the fishing has been affected. The lake is stocked very well. We got a ton of fish in all parts of the lake, but they were all very small. I would think in five years this lake will produce some great fishing opportunities.
Our accommodations for the weekend were at the parks campground. We had spot 35 and it was a great spot. As far as PA State Park Campgrounds go, this site was very spacious. We had a nice flat area for our tent and our pop up tent. We also had a grassy area were another tent could have been placed as well as a shaded area where we hung our hammocks. The best part was that we could put our kayaks in the lake right from our camping spot. If you are looking for this type of site, look at sites 32-37. These sites are also located on a dead end so car traffic is light.
The Campground was clean and the bath house was clean as well. Scott did mention that the men’s room was not so pleasant, but we chalked that up to teenage boys (there were a lot of them there). The showers were clean and did produce hot water if you let it run for a little while.
Prior to staying at the campground, we had heard that the Park Rangers were very strict. I didn’t see any issues with them and I felt that their presence was similar to all the other state parks we have visits. I would say the standard rule is that if you act like an idiot, you will be treated as such.
You can check out Ricketts Glen State Park through the PA State Park website www.dcnr.state.pa.us or check out their app, PA Pocket Ranger. I have found the app to be very helpful, however, I do not get reception at most of the parks.
http://www.sanddtravelingdinks.com/2016/09/12/camping-and-hiking-at-ricketts-glen-state-park/

This place is just gorgeous! The hiking is challenging but worth it! It took us about 3 hours to hike down and back up. We stopped at several falls and went in the water. There are little pools everywhere. It is crowded some but enough room for everyone. The campgrounds and wonderful. Clean and full of wildlife.

Northeast PA is such a beautiful place, the place of my birth! Hiking is easy there with lots of beautiful sites. It is best to visit in the Fall, to see all the leaves change.

Lots of hiking within and near the park, easy to moderate, and every trail is lush green with tons of waterfalls! Very memorable views, pretty standard (clean, nice) facilities. Sites are mostly pretty close but wooded so privacy isn't bad. Many are right on the lake and crazy beautiful. Everyone was respectful and quiet (including the scout group). I tent camped here after backpacking nearby, showers were on the cold side but most welcome. I think the campsites are closed in winter but this park is known for ice climbing. Also lots of accessible cabins right on the water. Follow the bear rules...one was spotted a few days before I arrived.

This place has so many beautiful waterfalls and sights to see! Be sure to take a trip to the fire tower and to the falls. there are many different walks with different difficulty which is nice no matter what who you are with, giving you the ability to explore the outdoors. A lot of interesting rock formations most likely due to weathering. Lake Jean is also right there for boating and recreation.

Been camping here since I was 2 years old, many memories. Lake Jean for swimming and kayaking. Spacious campsites, lake side is best. Clean restrooms and showers.

This is an absolute favorite camping spot. This area has much to offer, the 22 waterfalls and hiking trails are at the top of the list followed by a lake, picnic and swimming areas. The campground offers hot showers, electric and primitive options, and pet friendly areas. The infamous Falls trail begins within the campground and has a link trail to return.

Everything i remembered it to be. Due to a brief government shutdown in NJ due to budget issues, I was saddened faced with having to rearrange camping plans over the 4th of July weekend. Ricketts Glenn came up in a search somewhere. I had been several times as a kid so I knew it was worth the extra drive. I was a blast. My kid loved it too.

Awesome water falls, nice hikes, friendly people, clean facilities.

Note: NO CELL SERVICE IN PARK.

A typical PA State Park campground. Nice enough, but awesome location. Make sure you check out the falls!

Great place to hike. Beautiful waterfalls and a lake. No cell phone service. Definitely in the country. Wonderful place to get away from it all. The shower house and rest rooms were clean. Ranger office was helpful.

The Big Loop campground has many sites which have access to Lake Jean, with some others nearby that have views to the lake. The site are all non electric, with picnic table & fire ring. Each of the sites was well shaded by trees, and of varying sizes, but all seemed generous, and most seemed like they would be able to accommodate two tents if necessary. The campground and bathroom facilities were neat & clean. Make sure you hike the Falls Trail while you're there. I wouldn't hesitate to return.

Very camper friendly. Park Rangers patrol regularly and kept the rowdiness to a minimum. Bathrooms were cleaned and maintained. Hiking trails were great. Lake was nice also, boat rentals and fishing were a lot of fun.

Rickett's Glen itself has great camping and amenities with cool tent sites and also cabins and it's located next to gorgeous Lake Jean and the ever so fun waterfalls hike. Sullivan County as a whole has so much adventure and fun to offer!

A good place to camp while visiting the park. With an abundance of natural beauty and waterfalls to see, this campground provides you with a nice way to unwind from your hike and relax. No amenities except for a bathroom with shower and a place to do dishes, so come prepared. A short drive will get you to a store for supplies and firewood however.

Beautiful mountain top park. Great camping sites. Lake with beach for swimming,fishing, boating. Boat launch and rentals. Many waterfalls on the trail down the mountain including the 110 footer.