Camping near Mehoopany, Pennsylvania offers diverse terrain across the Endless Mountains with elevations ranging from 600 to 2,000 feet. The region experiences temperature swings from daytime highs in the 80s to nighttime lows in the 50s during summer camping season. Most campgrounds maintain sites on natural surfaces rather than gravel pads, creating variability in drainage during wet conditions.
What to do
Waterfall hiking at Ricketts Glen State Park: The Falls Trail features 22 named waterfalls across a moderate 4-mile loop. According to a visitor, "Great hiking! There are various trails for all skill levels, and pets are welcome!"
Lake activities at Frances Slocum State Park: Located 28 miles from Mehoopany, the park offers boating, fishing, and swimming in season. One camper notes, "A nice lake where you can rent boats or tie up your own right on the lake near the campground. Just the right size lake for kayaking."
Swimming holes at Loyalsock Creek: Camp Kit Adin Outfitters provides access to local swimming spots. The camp host describes it as "the best swimming hole on the Loyalsock creek! No mud just clear mountain water!"
Mountain biking trails: Several parks maintain designated trails for cyclists. Paths range from beginner-friendly loops to challenging terrain with elevation changes of 500+ feet. "Plenty of hiking, fishing, bicycle and a great swimming hole on the Loyalsock creek!" reports one visitor.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Cozy Creek Family Campground receives positive feedback for site dimensions. A recent visitor noted, "This is a fantastic campground! The tent sites are right on the creek. The grounds, the little store/coffee shop and the facilities were pristine."
Creek-side camping: Multiple campgrounds feature sites alongside running water. "My son and I camp here every year. Great fishing, clean facilities and friendly, super helpful staff," writes one regular at Cozy Creek.
Night sky viewing: The area's limited light pollution creates opportunities for stargazing. The higher elevation sites offer clearer views of constellations and occasional meteor showers during peak summer months.
Clean facilities: Lackawanna State Park maintains well-kept amenities. "We like Lackawanna State Park. This is the place we camped when we moved to PA. It has sites that are very wooded. Some are a little close to each other, but others offer plenty of space."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have weak or nonexistent coverage. One camper at Worlds End State Park noted, "It feels like you're in another world, or at least separated from the daily hassles and vexations of society... Also there's pretty much zero cell service, which is a good thing in my opinion."
Seasonal campground closures: Most private campgrounds operate April through October. State parks like Ricketts Glen and Worlds End remain open year-round with limited services in winter months.
Reservation requirements: Sites fill quickly during summer weekends. "We were here during the Covid 19 shut downs so nothing was open. Our dogs were able to swim in the beautiful creek and there was only 1 other recreational camper," reports a visitor about off-peak availability.
Varying road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds present challenges. Unpaved approaches may become rutted after rain, making travel difficult for low-clearance vehicles.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Highland Campgrounds offers recreation areas for children. A visitor shared, "Office is clean and a combined country store with fresh produce in the outdoor fridge and bug spray and essentials in the office area. Rec room and bathrooms are older, but vintage. Playground is also older but also gives off the vintage look."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming areas. "The park has a nice lake and beautiful trails. 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," notes one Frances Slocum visitor.
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer ranger programs during summer months. These typically include wildlife identification, nature walks, and environmental conservation topics suitable for school-aged children.
Safety considerations: Waterfront sites require supervision. Parents should note that some creeks have variable water levels and strong currents following rainfall.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling needs: Many campgrounds feature natural terrain requiring adjustment. A camper at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground shared, "Our full hookup site was large with table and fire ring, and required some leveling. Not much shade in the full hookup loop, so was happy to have electricity for A/C."
Hookup availability: Electric-only sites predominate in state parks. "The park is nice and very clean. There is also plenty to do with a pool, hiking trails, fishing, and a nice lake with boat rental. The camping sites were really packed in together tightly, though," reports a Frances Slocum visitor.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds maintain single-lane stations that can become congested during peak checkout times. Early or late-day use reduces waiting.
Generator restrictions: State parks prohibit generator use in most areas. Private campgrounds typically restrict hours of operation to daytime periods.
