Recreational camping near Forksville, Pennsylvania sits in the Endless Mountains region at elevations between 1,100 and 2,200 feet. The area features dense hardwood forests intersected by numerous streams and watercourses flowing into the Loyalsock Creek watershed. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing between November and March, with summer highs averaging in the mid-70s. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally from April through October due to snowfall and freezing conditions.
What to do
Hiking along mountain streams: The High Rock Trail at Worlds End State Park Campground offers challenging terrain with rock scrambling sections. "There is a lot of rock scrambling, but it is a beautiful trail. The Park is open year-round," notes a camper. For easier access, follow the trails from the Visitor Center in a counterclockwise direction.
Swimming at Lake Jean: During summer months, the beach area at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground provides swimming access. "The campground is a peninsula on Lake Jean. Many of the sites have lake views," explains one reviewer. The park limits swimming to designated beach areas only with no lifeguards present.
Fishing small stocked lakes: Lake Glory stocks its small fishing pond regularly for campers. "The lake is stocked and the fish are always hungry," reports a guest. Fishing licenses required for anyone 16 or older, available online or from local vendors in Forksville.
What campers like
No cell service retreats: Many campers appreciate the digital disconnect at Worlds End. "No cell service, which is refreshing. The sound of the creek nearby is really soothing," writes one visitor. Another adds, "It feels like you're in another world, or at least separated from the daily hassles and vexations of society, with a wall of a mountain between you and them."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear mountain skies create ideal conditions for viewing stars. "Night time is especially beautiful, you can see tons of stars on a clear night," mentions one Pioneer Campground guest. Most sites have minimal light pollution, especially those farther from main buildings.
Heated bathhouse facilities: Clean, heated bathrooms make shoulder season camping more comfortable. A Lake Glory camper notes, "I do have to say I love the bath houses here. They are each their own individual rooms split into shower/changing room." Many campgrounds feature dishwashing stations inside heated bathhouses during colder months.
What you should know
Limited connectivity throughout region: Cell service remains spotty or nonexistent in much of the area. "Definitely a good spot if you're searching for peace and quiet. Also there's pretty much zero cell service, which is a good thing in my opinion," shares a Worlds End visitor. Download maps and information before arrival.
Significant elevation changes: Mountain roads require careful navigation. "Getting to this campground you have to go up and down a LOT of hills," cautions a camper. Brake checking recommended before mountain descents.
Seasonal restrictions: Most facilities operate limited schedules. "We have only visited in the winter but hear that it gets more crowded in summer," reports a Splash Magic RV Resort guest. Water systems at many campgrounds shut down during freezing weather, even if technically open year-round.
Tips for camping with families
Book off-peak for space: Weekdays and shoulder seasons offer better site selection. "We camped here mid-week at the beginning of November and when we arrived with friends, we were the only two campsites occupied," explains a visitor to Worlds End State Park.
Check site placement carefully: Sites vary widely in size and privacy. "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," shares a camper about their experience at Worlds End.
Look for heated options: Winter camping requires additional preparation. "The cabins stay very warm with a wood burning stove- sometimes even too warm and windows need to stay cracked open," notes a family at Knoebels Campground. Cabins typically book 11 months in advance for prime dates.
Tips from RVers
Prepare for uneven sites: Most RV sites in this mountain region require leveling equipment. "The sites are spaced a decent amount apart and are generous in size. The pet-designated sites are close to the road, although there was not a lot of traffic," reports an RVer at Worlds End State Park.
Verify hookup capacity: Electrical amperage varies between campgrounds. "Getting to this campground you have to up and down a LOT of hills," cautions one visitor to Ricketts Glen about the challenging drive. Most full-hookup sites provide water access directly at the site rather than at a communal spigot.
Book riverside sites early: Premium waterfront locations fill quickly. "Our site was right along the river, the view was amazing and the site was huge," mentions a Splash Magic camper. Reservations for summer weekends often fill 6-8 months in advance for the most desirable sites.
