Camping sites near Dushore, Pennsylvania offer access to the Endless Mountains region at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 75°F and cold winters dropping below 20°F. Cell service remains limited throughout much of the region, with campers reporting complete signal loss in valleys and intermittent coverage at higher elevations.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: At Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, follow the Falls Trail to see up to 22 waterfalls. "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," notes reviewer Lee D.
Lake activities: Lake Jean at Ricketts Glen provides swimming and boating opportunities from late May through September. "Lake Jean is also right there for boating and recreation," mentions Meag F., who visited in fall when water activities were winding down.
Winter experiences: Dushore area camping continues year-round with several locations maintaining services during colder months. "We had the pleasure of renting a cabin at World's End State Park for the first time in February 2016 after being convinced by friends to check it out. We were immediately in love with the babbling river that ran right beside our cabin," explains Christine D.
Mountain biking: Pioneer Campground serves as a base for cyclists exploring the surrounding roads. "The sounding area is full of amazing roads that are perfect for momma and I to carve up on our scooters," reports Jason, highlighting the road quality in the region.
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The region offers excellent stargazing due to minimal light pollution. "Night time is especially beautiful, you can see tons of stars on a clear night," notes Gregory L. about his experience at Pioneer Campground, emphasizing how the remote location enhances astronomical viewing.
Water proximity: Sites near creeks provide both auditory and recreational benefits. At Worlds End State Park Campground, campers appreciate the natural soundtrack: "Sites aren't too on top of each other. Easily accessible overflow parking. Our site was on a small stream so very buggy, but we also got to hear bullfrogs," reports Kate J.
Fall foliage: Autumn camping offers distinctive color experiences. "It's my favorite time to come because it's not extremely packed with campers and the leaves are beautiful. If you come in the fall, make sure you bring a cold weather sleeping bag or heater because the temp does drop," advises Jennifer F. about Worlds End State Park.
Digital disconnection: The lack of connectivity becomes an intentional benefit for many visitors. "Definitely a good spot or you're searching for peace and quiet. Also there's pretty much zero cell service, which is a good thing in my opinion," notes TheKajrak from his stay at Camp Kit Adin Outfitters.
What you should know
Tent site positioning: When camping at primitive locations after rainfall, site selection becomes crucial. "When camping in the tent site and it rains heavily a good portion of these sites flood and fill with water. Be sure to place your tent accordingly," warns Casey R. from Pioneer Campground.
Road conditions: Access to more remote camping areas can be challenging, particularly during wet periods. "The camping site was very hard to access with my vehicle. Many people have clearly gotten stuck here as there were lots of tire ruts in the dirt," reports kallan from their experience at Mead Road Campsites.
Water safety: Water quality testing occurs throughout the season and can impact campground services. One reviewer at Ricketts Glen noted: "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."
Reservation planning: Many campgrounds near Dushore require advance booking, particularly for choice sites. "Get your reservations in early though weekends for lakeside sites are booked super fast!" advises Tracey about Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Pine Cradle Lake offers both natural and constructed water features suitable for different age groups. "We enjoyed fishing and kayaking in the lake, the heated pool and splash pad, spacious sites and clean amenities," mentions Jake D., highlighting multiple water activity options.
Private bathing facilities: Some campgrounds provide individual bathroom units ideal for young children. "The restrooms were fantastic too, the buildings held two complete rooms with a toilet sink and shower in each. It's the only shower camping this year my 4yr old wasn't afraid of because we had the whole room to ourselves," reports Katye M. about Pine Cradle Lake.
Halloween camping: Special seasonal activities create memorable experiences for children. "This has become a new tradition for our family and friends. 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- maybe next time!" shares Gayle B. about Pioneer Campground.
Camping base for day trips: Jakersville CCC Campground provides convenient access to swimming spots. "The swimming and fishing at Haystacks is also fun and only a short hike," notes John S., referencing a popular swimming hole on Loyalsock Creek.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Full-hookup areas offer variable shade coverage throughout camping areas near Dushore. "Our full hookup site was large with table and fire ring, and required some leveling. Not much shade in the full hookup loop, so was happy to have electricity for A/C," explains James S. about his experience at Ricketts Glen.
Interior roads: Campground layout impacts navigation for larger vehicles. "Make sure to bring leveling blocks. 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.
Utility reliability: Electrical service proves essential during seasonal temperature extremes. "Nice enough tent sites with water and electricity tucked into woods. The tent sites are located in the back of the campground behind the sports field within the trees," notes one reviewer about accommodations at Pine Cradle Lake.
