Pet-friendly camping near Muncy Valley, Pennsylvania offers access to the Loyalsock Creek watershed, with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,000 feet throughout the surrounding state forests and parks. The region experiences warm summers with average highs in the 80s and cold winters that can drop below freezing, making late spring through early fall the primary camping season. Campers can expect significant elevation changes on hiking trails and varying campsite privacy depending on the specific campground.
What to Do
Waterfall hiking: At Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, the Falls Trail system features 22 named waterfalls. "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," explains Lee D. This moderate to difficult trail requires proper footwear as rocks can be slippery when wet.
Swimming in Lake Jean: Cool off during summer months at the designated beach area. "There are trails to the beach, but we woke to rain the next morning, so we did not explore this," notes a camper. The beach is typically open from late May through mid-September with hours from 8 am to sunset.
Creek exploration: Follow Loyalsock State Forest trails to discover multiple water features. "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. The swimming and fishing at Haystacks is also fun and only a short hike," explains John S.
What Campers Like
Secluded tent sites: Pioneer Campground offers tent camping areas with natural separation. "Our tent site was secluded and quiet, but not too far off the beaten path!" reports Heather K. The campground features over 20 tent sites, many with sufficient tree coverage for hammock camping.
Cool summer temperatures: Higher elevations provide relief during hot months. "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," notes James P. Even in July and August when valley temperatures can reach the 90s, forested campgrounds remain significantly cooler.
Winter camping options: Worlds End State Park Campground offers cabin rentals for cold-weather stays. "We had the pleasure of renting a cabin at World's End State Park for the first time in February 2016 after being convinced by friends to check it out. We were immediately in love with the babbling river that ran right beside our cabin," shares Christine D. The park maintains 19 rustic cabins that sleep 6-8 people each, available year-round with advance reservation.
What You Should Know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. "Zero cell service at this campground, didn't effect us, but might be a problem if you needed to be reachable," reports a camper at Grassmere Park. Most campers report Verizon provides the best, though still limited, coverage in the region.
Water access issues: Some campgrounds experience seasonal 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 a Ricketts Glen camper. Bringing extra water is recommended, especially during dry periods.
Strict alcohol policies: Rules vary significantly between public and private campgrounds. At Red Rock Mountain Campground, alcohol is permitted but state parks maintain stricter policies. "Alcohol is strictly forbidden– we were warned that if a ranger saw any alcohol outside of our vehicle, we would be cited," explains a visitor to Ricketts Glen.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. "We had a full view of the playground where the young ones had a blast!" shares Sharon B. about her stay at Whispering Pines. Consider reserving sites with direct playground views if traveling with young children.
Holiday programming: Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse offers special activities during peak seasons. "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," explains one regular visitor. Halloween weekends are particularly popular with decorating contests and trick-or-treating between campsites.
Swimming options: Multiple water access points for different age groups. "There is a pool, soccer/baseball field and many family friendly activities. They also have a few trails for hiking," notes a Pioneer Campground visitor. For natural swimming, the rock formations at Haystacks are best for older children while lake beaches provide safer options for younger swimmers.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request specific sites based on rig size and hookup needs. "We had campsite 19 - pull through with full hookups (50amp, cable, water, sewer). The site was nice and long," reports Rick C. about Riverside Campground. Level sites are limited in this mountainous region, so early reservations are recommended.
Access roads: Mountain routes can be challenging for larger rigs. "Reception although very nice wasn't very informative. Told me I could pick… Well there was flooding for the day before and it was going to rain tomorrow," notes a Riverside visitor. RVs over 35 feet should carefully research access routes, especially to forest service campgrounds.
