Best Glamping near Kingsley, PA

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!

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.

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/

Long time camper at oneida (usually during Miss Colombia weekend), this is an older and more established campground.  This year, it changed owner and you can already see the improvements happening.

The one thing I did not like was seeing the new owner yelling at one of this employees.  That wasn't cool at all. 

Also, It is not very RV friendly as it can be challenging parking and setting up an RV at Oneida.

Being that I am now an RV owner, it it a bit challenging to navigate the campground.

I been to Oneida campground many weekends with groups of friends as well as by myself as a day visitor. It is a great place to unwind and enjoy yourself…as yourself. This place makes everyone feel welcome including gay, straight, bi-sexual, transsexual or however to choose to be and despite what you might think, the atmosphere makes the clothing optional part comfortable whether you choose to be natural or clothed. 

Oneida is CAMP-ground, not the Ritz but offers rustic camping options as well as lodge (resort) accommodations. There are several group options to stay in either tent sites or cabin/lodge sites that are equipped with their own kitchen and shower facilities. Private remote sites are also available if you prefer to be off on your own in nature. 

Everyone is invited to participate in the theme weekends and they are a lot of fun. The parties are amazing…and they’re free! There’s something for everyone to check out during the season and the best part is not having to worry about going home cause your already there. 

The staff is low key and blend in while working behind the scenes to make your stay a safe and great time. When we first got their we had trouble finding our spot and they came out and gave us an escort to our site. Then we locked our keys the the car and they were right there to get us back in. Now it was dark and they even offered to help us set our tent up. Of course we forgot to bring some of the cooking items and they hooked us up with charcoal, lighters and lighter fluid at the camp store and they even brought us some of their own cooing utensils to borrow. 

Despite our rough start, we had an amazing time, made many friends and felt very comfortable and welcome and I can’t wait for this season to start to go back again!

Pretty good State park. Convenient to Scranton. The bathhouse was adequate and clean. Site was paved but not really level and layout was odd, fire ring and table were on drivers side. Didn’t use facilities but Lake looke nice

The state park is a great way to get away and enjoy the forests. There is plenty of space to bring lunch and have a picnic. One suggestion would be to bring a fishing rod and enjoy casting while the kids run around and play.

Our family of four enjoyed the quiet of the tent camping area for two nights. There was plenty to keep our nature/loving kiddos engaged. Our only complaint was the lack of active enforcement of quiet hours — otherwise there would be no complaints.

We like Lackawanna State Park.   This is the place we camped when we moved to PA.     It has signts that are very wooded.   Some are a little close to each other, but others offer plenty of space, including our site (52) on this trip.    One of the biggest spots we have ever had.   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.    The trails are fun for relaxing hikes, we especially like the one right along the lake.    Also their is a huge lakefront area along a different stretch of the lake that offers people a lot of ways to enjoy themselves.   It also has a huge pool area, but that was closed and that was our reason for giving the rating a 4 star.   Can't have your number 1 item closed during the middle of summer and get a 5 star.    We would love to come back in the winter when they have an ice rink with a warming house.

Stopped at Lackawanna on our way to Vermont... good overnight spot!

My husband and I stayed here for just one night during the week in early May. We were one of 3 campers in the second set of sites after you enter. They were clean and well spaced. Pretty woods and clean bathrooms. Just what we wanted

This is a really nice state park.  Stayed just one night, but the campsites were in the woods and well separated.

We were Motorcycle camping and came in on a Holiday weekend without a reservation. But we were given a terrific tent site. The park was very neat and well manicured. Bathrooms were fairly nice, but no TP mid day. The sites were a little close to each other and where we were in the park was a mixed use area. So we had an RV next to us with the Genny running all day. The people were nice and fed us so I didn’t complain. The Lake looked nice though we didn’t use it. The roads all around were great for motorcycles and Scranton was very close for all your needs. This place gets thumbs up but only 4 stars because I’m hard to please.

Camped here for a weekend, and probably one of my least favorite sites so far. Hiking trails are good, the lake is nice, but there is no privacy at the campsites; they're all very small and packed tight. Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained. Park rangers are hawkish and quick to assume wrongdoing.

Cell service covers the area, if you care. And no gas boats are allowed on the lake (cool!).

We stayed one night when it happened to rain all evening. So, we stayed inside our camper. We did take a short walk around both camping loops in lighter rain. The swimming beach looked nice. They do have boat rental. Our site and the others we saw were nicely shaded. Look forward to visiting again in the sun for a longer period.

We camp here several times a year and have never had a bad experience.  Camp host is always most helpful and the park is always clean and well maintained.  Great pool, lake, hiking etc.

Nice hiking trails!

Nice state park. Wooded campgrounds. Nice sites. Boating and fishing.

The owners are very nice and helpful. Very clean sites and bathrooms. Quiet and peaceful at night and the other campers were very friendly. There is not one negative thing I can say. Would definitely visit again.

One of the best places I've stayed all year. Great spots to setup your own tent as well as cabins and trailers. My daughter and I highly recommend this campground to anyone who loves the forest and the peace and tranquility that comes along with it