Ricketts Glen State Park offers both traditional camping and glamping across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The park encompasses 13,050 acres with 22 named waterfalls along Kitchen Creek. Nearby glamping close to Monroe, Pennsylvania provides alternatives to standard campsites with varied accommodation styles. The region sits within the Allegheny Plateau with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 2,300 feet, creating diverse microclimates and terrain conditions.
What to do
Hiking scenic waterfalls: The Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen State Park features 22 named waterfalls accessible via moderate hiking routes. "The biggest draw to this state park 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 reviewer Lee D.
Visit local wineries: The rural setting provides access to regional wine producers within short driving distance. "Local winery/cafe just down the road for tastings and lunch," mentions Cheryl W. who stayed at Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground, highlighting additional recreational options beyond nature exploration.
Halloween festivities: Seasonal campers can participate in organized holiday events at Pioneer Campground during autumn months. "We started with a trip in the summer because of their candy bar hunt. 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," shares Gayle B.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Red Rock Mountain Campground provides walk-in tent camping options for those seeking privacy. "We camped at Red Rock as couples. We stayed in primitive tent sites which you had to hike into. They were very private," reports Samantha M., describing these less-developed sites that contrast with full-service glamping options.
Clean restroom facilities: Campers frequently mention facility maintenance as a standout feature. "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," explains Lee D. about Ricketts Glen, giving practical insights about potential congestion during peak periods.
Self-contained camping environments: Many locations provide comprehensive amenities within the campground boundary. "The owners do a fantastic job keeping the campground shipshape. Restrooms/showers are immaculate any time of day. Heated swimming pool and the splash pad for kiddies is spotless as well," notes Cheryl W. about Pine Cradle Lake's comprehensive facilities.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity issues affect many camping areas in this rural region. "If you are looking for a place to disconnect for a few days this is it. 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 about their stay at Pine Cradle Lake.
Water quality concerns: Be prepared for potential water restrictions. "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," notes Lee D. about their Ricketts Glen experience.
Reservation requirements: Popular glamping sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Get your reservations in early though weekends for lakeside sites are booked super fast!" advises Tracey from Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground, emphasizing the need for advance planning.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly bathroom facilities: Lackawanna State Park Campground offers private bathroom arrangements suitable for young children. "The restrooms 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," shares Katye M.
Organized activities: Look for campgrounds with scheduled programming for children. "We chose this campground because the photos of the pool/splash pad looked fun. The tent sites were right behind the athletic field where they did activities the weekend we were there (bounce house)," notes Katye M.
Fishing opportunities: Many properties offer catch-and-release fishing without requiring state licenses. "You can rent non electric boats and they offer catch & release fishing without a PA license in the lake. My son caught 2 sunfish," reports Amy R. who stayed at Pine Cradle Lake, describing accessible fishing options for novice anglers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for shade: Pioneer Campground provides varying levels of tree cover for different site types. "Larger pull-through sites don't get a lot of shade, but there are back-in sites for shorter campers in wooded sites and shaded lake front, as well," explains Cheryl W., offering practical guidance for RVers concerned about temperature regulation.
Hookup reliability concerns: Verify electrical capacity before booking if you have high power needs. "Two electric hookups would trip the 50 amp circuit breaker on any load about 30 amps, which means the hookups are old and unmaintained," warns David about Lackawanna State Park, highlighting infrastructure limitations RVers might encounter.
Access considerations: Some parks have challenging navigation for larger vehicles. "We stayed in a 30 ft. motorhome, and the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves," cautions Laura L. about Watkins Glen State Park, indicating maneuvering challenges for larger rigs.
