Glamping near Dushore, Pennsylvania offers woodland experiences in several established campgrounds across Sullivan County where elevations range from 1,150 to 2,500 feet. The region's hemlock forests provide natural shade during summer months when temperatures average 75-80°F, though evening temperatures can drop 20-30 degrees even in peak season. Most luxury tent accommodations in the area remain open from April through October, with more limited options available during shoulder seasons.
What to do
Hiking trails with waterfalls: Ricketts Glen State Park, located 15 miles from Dushore, features 22 named 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," notes Lee D. from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Hills Creek State Park offers lake fishing with easy shoreline access. "The lake is stocked and the fish are always hungry," says Vince L. from Lake Glory Campground. Some campgrounds provide 24-hour fishing access with no PA fishing license required for catch-and-release within private lakes.
Swimming options: Many local campsites offer swimming facilities beyond the public beaches. "The campground is a bit crowded during peak season without much privacy. But this is the spot to be if you wanna hit up some trails and see some gorgeous views," shares Vika Z. about Ricketts Glen. Several smaller campgrounds maintain private swimming areas with more controlled access than public beaches.
Seasonal activities: Fall camping brings special events beyond standard activities. "We started with a trip in the summer because of their candy bar hunt and heated swimming pool. We try to get the same campsite each year because it is wooded and spacious," reports Gayle B. about Pioneer Campground. Winter visitors can find ice skating with warming houses at certain parks like Lackawanna State Park.
What campers like
Private woodland sites: Tent campers particularly appreciate secluded options. "Camped in October 2020 for Halloween weekend. Nice hiking trail. Very clean. Owners are so friendly and helpful," shares Heather P. about Pioneer Campground. The campground offers sites tucked back into wooded areas that provide natural separation from neighboring campers.
Modern bathhouse facilities: Many campgrounds maintain individual shower rooms rather than communal facilities. "I do have to say I love the bath houses here. They are each their own individual rooms split into shower/changing room. I like the privacy and it made it much easier when my daughter was small," notes Gayle B. about Lake Glory Campground.
Clear mountain water: Natural water sources provide refreshing alternatives to constructed swimming pools. "My Camp is close to World's End state park, Ricketts Glen, and numerous overlooks and plenty of hiking, biking and the best swimming hole on the Loyalsock creek! No mud just clear mountain water!" explains David S. from Camp Kit Adin Outfitters. These natural swimming areas typically lack lifeguards, so parental supervision remains essential.
Dark night skies: The area's limited light pollution creates ideal stargazing conditions. "Generously sized park with something for everyone. Clean, good facilities. Good walking, hiking, kayaking. Private sites can be found pretty easily," writes Rebecca E. about Hills Creek State Park. Several campgrounds enforce strict 9pm-8am quiet hours, creating better conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
What you should know
Weather fluctuations: Evening temperatures drop significantly even in summer. "We went in late August and although it was pool weather during the day time the temperatures dropped somewhat dramatically into the evening hours so bring clothes for both 70-80 degree weather and 40-50 degree weather overnight," advises Derek W. from Knoebels Campground.
Limited cell coverage: Most campgrounds have spotty or non-existent cellular service. "Site was pretty nice, but there is very little privacy as the sites are so close to each other. Also no service (Verizon)," reports T K. about Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. Some campgrounds offer paid WiFi access, but bandwidth limitations make it unreliable for streaming or video calls.
Water quality issues: Seasonal water testing can impact availability. "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," explains Lee D. about Ricketts Glen. Campers should bring drinking water or verify current water status before arrival.
Site reservation timing: Holiday weekends book up months in advance. "We would camp here more often if it was more affordable," mentions James P. about Pioneer Campground, highlighting that premium weekends often carry higher rates. Most campgrounds open their reservation systems 6-11 months in advance for peak summer dates.
Tips for camping with families
Choose kid-friendly campsites: Some campgrounds specifically design areas for families. "I chose this campground because the photos of the pool/splash pad looked fun. It turns out the tent site we had was the most wooded and cozy site we have camped in all year. So much room for tents/hammocks. Trees galore," shares Katye M. about Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground.
Plan for bathroom access: Campground layouts impact children's independence. "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," notes Amy R. about Pine Cradle Lake. Parents with young children often prefer sites closer to restroom facilities for nighttime access.
Consider alternative accommodations: Cabins provide more comfort for families new to camping. "This has become a new tradition for our family and friends. We started with a trip in the summer because of their candy bar hunt and heated swimming pool," says Gayle B. about Pioneer Campground. Cabin options range from rustic ($30-50/night) to modern with full kitchens ($80-150/night).
Research campground programs: Educational activities enhance family experiences. "The nature talks were really fun for the kids and interesting for the adults," reports J K. about Hills Creek State Park. Several campgrounds offer scheduled nature programs, ranger talks, and organized activities specifically designed for children on summer weekends.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "The site has one potential drawback for some, no electric hookup, however most of the loop we were in and the other pet friendly loop was also electric capable," explains Michael about Lackawanna State Park Campground. RVers should bring leveling blocks and stabilizers for all sites in the region.
Electric service limitations: Some campgrounds have outdated electrical systems. "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained," cautions David about Lackawanna State Park. RVers with 50-amp requirements should verify compatibility before booking.
Dump station congestion: Limited dump stations can create Sunday morning backups. "The owner John was going around pumping people out Sunday morning when the line to the dump station was long," shares Gregory L. about Pioneer Campground. RVers should plan to dump earlier in the weekend or expect delays during peak checkout times.
Narrow access roads: Campground approaches can challenge larger rigs. "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. about Pioneer Campground. First-time visitors should arrive during daylight hours for easier navigation.
