The Laporte area sits among the Endless Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania at 1,800 feet elevation, making it a cooler camping destination during summer months. Dispersed camping opportunities exist throughout the surrounding state forests, while established campgrounds operate primarily from April through October. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, limiting off-season camping to specially equipped cabins and yurts.
What to do
Waterfall hikes beyond Ricketts Glen: Located 20 minutes from Laporte, Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers additional waterfall viewing beyond the popular Falls Trail. "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," notes camper Meag F.
Lake swimming and rentals: Lake Jean provides a public swimming beach with changing facilities from late May through mid-September. "Beach and lake activities are available as well," mentions Gary O. from Ricketts Glen. Boats are available for rent at reasonable prices with fishing licenses required for anglers 16 and older.
Ice skating in winter months: Lackawanna State Park Campground maintains a winter ice skating area with warming hut about 50 minutes from Laporte. "We would love to come back in the winter when they have an ice rink with a warming house," says reviewer Michael.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Pioneer Campground offers secluded sites with natural separation. "The campground itself is beautiful, it's back a long lane from the main road so it is quiet and peaceful. The sites themselves are well kept and have a big fire pit and picnic table," explains Gregory L.
Mountain swimming options: Many campgrounds maintain swimming facilities as alternatives to natural water bodies. "When it is brutally hot, this Campground is always cool. Large shaded sites that you don't feel like your right on top of the next camper," James P. writes about Pioneer Campground.
Excellent star visibility: Rural locations around Laporte provide minimal light pollution for astronomy enthusiasts. Gregory L. from Pioneer Campground notes, "Night time is especially beautiful, you can see tons of stars on a clear night."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many camping areas have limited connectivity. "There is very very little cell reception and only wifi if you pay for it. We had to put our phones and devices down and just relax," reports Tracey from Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping options near Laporte, Pennsylvania require advance booking. "Book early....these sites fill fast!" warns Eiron S. about Lake Glory Campground. Holiday weekends typically sell out months ahead.
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate between April and October with limited winter availability. Red Rock Mountain Campground notes on their website that water systems are winterized by mid-October.
Tips for camping with families
Halloween weekends: Many campgrounds host special fall events. "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! They do hot chocolate and goodies in the store during the evening," shares Gayle B. from Pioneer Campground.
Swimming alternatives: Lake Glory Campground provides swimming options for children. "We love the creek side sites! Kids can wade in the water to cool off while parents are chatting and cooking just few feet away," notes Eiron S.
Family bathrooms: Some facilities offer private bathroom units rather than traditional shared facilities. "The bathrooms were fantastic, 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," Katye M. says about Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Most RV sites require some adjustment. "The sites themselves are well kept and have a big fire pit and picnic table. 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," advises Gregory L. about Red Rock Mountain Campground.
Power limitations: Some campgrounds have aging 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," reports David about Lackawanna State Park.
Dump station congestion: Many sites lack full hookups. "I don't believe most sites have a sewer connection, and there is only one dump station, but the owner John was going around pumping people out Sunday morning when the line to the dump station was long," mentions Gregory L. about Pioneer Campground.
