Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers a standard state park camping experience with clean facilities located near the renowned waterfall trails. The campground features multiple loops, including a large peninsula loop on Lake Jean. Full hookup sites are not available, and water limitations can occur during certain periods. Campers can access tent sites, RV sites, and rustic cabin options, with the sites varying in size, privacy, and proximity to the lake.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: At Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, hikers can experience the renowned falls trail system that requires moderate fitness. One visitor noted, "Trails & waterfalls can't be beating. Definitely the best." These trails feature steep sections that may challenge some visitors.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds in the area provide fishing access for anglers of all skill levels. At Lake Glory Campground, "The lake is stocked and the fish are always hungry," according to one regular visitor who has been returning for 16 years. Most campgrounds allow fishing with proper Pennsylvania licensing.
Winter recreation: The region transforms during colder months into a winter recreation destination. Little Pine State Park Campground remains open from April through mid-December, making it accessible for late-fall camping. A visitor mentioned the park's winter appeal: "We will even take a day during the winter and just drive up for a visit."
Lake activities: Beyond hiking, many area campgrounds offer water recreation. According to a camper at Hills Creek, "Lake available for swimming complete with snack bar, including ice cream!" Several parks maintain designated swimming beaches with seasonal lifeguards.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campsites throughout the Muncy Valley region provide room to spread out. At Pioneer Campground, visitors appreciate the layout: "The sites are a bit larger than average and are pretty level, but make sure to bring leveling blocks." Site sizes vary significantly between campgrounds and loops.
Dark night skies: The rural setting creates opportunities for stargazing away from light pollution. A Pioneer Campground visitor highlighted this feature: "Night time is especially beautiful, you can see tons of stars on a clear night." This rural Pennsylvania region maintains relatively dark skies compared to more developed areas.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness receives consistent positive mentions in reviews. At Knoebels Campground, "The showers are cleaned daily," notes a long-time visitor who has been camping there since childhood and now brings grandchildren.
Close proximity to attractions: The strategic location between multiple recreation areas appeals to many visitors. A Little Pine State Park camper appreciated how the park is "about halfway in between the PA Grand Canyon and Williamsport," making it convenient for exploring regional attractions during a stay.
What you should know
Water issues can occur: Some campgrounds experience periodic water quality problems. At Ricketts Glen, a camper reported, "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." Always check current water status before arrival.
Limited privacy at some campgrounds: Site spacing varies widely throughout the region. As one Red Rock Mountain Campground visitor noted, "We camped at Red Rock as couples. We stayed in primitive tent sites which you had to hike into. They were very private." Conversely, tent-only areas at other parks often have closer spacing.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the Muncy Valley area require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. Campground hosts often place reservation information in external lockboxes for after-hours arrival. A Ricketts Glen camper reported, "Arrived mid-afternoon, visitor center/Ranger office was closed, our reservation sheet was available in a mailbox near the door with instructions."
Campground regulations vary: Rules differ between state parks and private campgrounds. At Ricketts Glen, "Alcohol is strictly forbidden– we were warned that if a ranger saw any alcohol outside of our vehicle, we would be cited." Conversely, most private campgrounds permit alcohol consumption.
Tips for camping with families
Halloween camping events: Several campgrounds offer special fall activities for families. At Pioneer Campground, one family created a tradition: "We started with a trip in the summer because of their candy bar hunt and heated swimming pool... We love decorating the sites and taking the kids trick or treating." These events typically run weekends in October.
Look for campgrounds with playgrounds: Not all campgrounds offer equal play facilities. A visitor to Little Pine State Park noted, "There are two sets of swings and one slide." Families should check recreation amenities when booking sites with children.
Consider cabin alternatives to traditional glamping: For families seeking glamping in Muncy Valley, Pennsylvania, cabin options provide comfortable alternatives to tents. At Ricketts Glen, modern cabin facilities complement the natural setting. One family reported about Hills Creek State Park: "The modern cabins are available for a week at a time in the summer... We were impressed with the 2 bedroom cabin."
Check swimming facilities: Swimming areas vary significantly between parks. As one Hills Creek camper mentioned, "The beach area is small but nice and the concession stand was open every day but Monday." Some swimming areas have seasonal restrictions and limited hours.
Tips from RVers
Bring leveling blocks: Many campsites throughout the region require leveling equipment. A Pioneer Campground visitor advised: "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."
Plan for limited hookups: Full-service sites are not universally available. According to a Ricketts Glen camper, "Not much shade in the full hookup loop, so was happy to have electricity for A/C." Most campgrounds offer electric-only sites with central water access points and dump stations.
Ask about mobile service: Cell coverage can be limited in this rural area. One Ricketts Glen camper noted poor connectivity: "Site was pretty nice, but there is very little privacy as the sites are so close to each other. Also no service (Verizon)." Coverage varies by provider and specific campground location.
Check campground road conditions: Navigating to and within campgrounds can challenge larger rigs. A regular visitor at Pioneer Campground observed: "There is plenty of room on the roads to get your rig around the campground, but there are lots of trees and it gets a little hard sometimes to see where the road is vs a site." Arrival during daylight hours is recommended for first-time visitors.
