Loyalsock State Forest surrounds Laporte, Pennsylvania at elevations between 1,200-2,000 feet in the Endless Mountains region. The area receives approximately 46 inches of precipitation annually, creating diverse ecosystems for campers to explore. Wildlife viewing opportunities include white-tailed deer, black bears, wild turkeys, and various songbirds throughout the camping areas.
What to do
**Waterfall hiking: Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers access to 22 named waterfalls ranging from 9 to 94 feet in height. "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 Lee D.
**Riverside activities: Water recreation options along Loyalsock Creek provide cooling summer alternatives. "Lake Jean is also right there for boating and recreation," explains Meag F. from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. Swimming holes near the campgrounds become popular during July and August when temperatures reach the upper 80s.
**Fishing spots: Multiple access points along Loyalsock Creek offer trout fishing from April through June. The creek contains brook, brown, and rainbow trout stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. "There's NO need to go to town! They have everything you could need! Including pillows!" reports Sharon B. about the supplies available at Whispering Pines Camping Estates for impromptu fishing trips.
What campers like
**Fall camping season: Mid-September through October provides optimal camping conditions with cooler temperatures and changing foliage. "A typical PA State Park campground. Nice enough, but awesome location. Make sure you check out the falls!" recommends Rachel B. about Ricketts Glen State Park Campground.
**Quiet camping experience: Several campgrounds offer secluded sites away from busy areas. "No cell service, which is refreshing. The sound of the creek nearby is really soothing. Sites are well maintained and well organized, though a little close together. Sites 65 and 66 look like the best ones available, as they are up off the road a bit so they have a bit more privacy," writes Katy R. about Worlds End State Park Campground.
**Halloween camping events: Multiple campgrounds host seasonal activities for October visitors. "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. In talking with the extremely friendly owners we found out about their Halloween activities and have been back several times. We love decorating the sites and taking the kids trick or treating," shares Gayle B. about Pioneer Campground.
What you should know
**Limited facilities at primitive sites: Rustic camping options require additional preparation. "An interesting experience. All it takes is a permit and you can camp at a number of sites with fire rings. It is close to the Loyalsock Creek and the Loyalsock trail runs nearby so there are good hiking opportunities," explains John S. about Jakersville CCC Campground.
**Weather considerations: The area receives significant rainfall throughout summer months, requiring proper site selection. "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," warns kallan about Mead Road Campsites.
**Water safety: Water quality varies seasonally throughout the region. "There were thunderstorms and campsite was a little flooded but we were still able to camp," reports Amanda + Will about camping at Riverside Campground. Bottled water remains recommended for drinking at primitive sites.
Tips for camping with families
**Kid-friendly activities: Playground facilities and easy trails provide all-day entertainment options. "We have been camping here for the last three years. The work that has been some to this campground I'm the last year alone is amazing. It is so nice to hear families playing games with their new outdoor game area!" shares Lauren C. about Red Rock Mountain Campground.
**Swimming options: Multiple swimming areas accommodate different age groups. "The heated swimming pool provides a refreshing option for humans after a day of hiking with dogs," mentions Jennifer F. about Pioneer Campground. Several campgrounds maintain pools for safer swimming alternatives to creek areas.
**Wildlife education: Ranger programs at established campgrounds introduce children to local wildlife. "Great hiking! There are various trails for all skill levels, and pets are welcome!" explains Lexi about Ricketts Glen State Park, where interpretive programs run weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tips from RVers
**Accessibility challenges: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. "One of the quietest and most spacious campgrounds we've ever stayed in. As you'll see in the pictures, our campsite was probably a good 200-300 feet or more from the other sites on either side of us so we basically had a large front yard," notes Charlie & Danielle B. about Whispering Pines Camping Estates.
**Hookup availability: Full-service sites remain limited in the Laporte area. "This place is a cute little campground that allows dogs and has a bar right on the property. We enjoyed beers and live music and the next day turned out decent and we were able to enjoy the riverside camping," shares Amanda + Will about Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse.
**Road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds become challenging during wet weather. "The sites are spaced a decent amount apart and are generous in size. The pet-designated sites are close to the road (154), although there was not a lot of traffic (at least when we were there)," advises Lee D. about Worlds End State Park Campground. Pack leveling blocks as many sites throughout the region require adjustment for comfortable parking.
Traveler
