Tent camping opportunities near Muncy Valley, Pennsylvania extend beyond the popular sites in Loyalsock State Forest. The region sits within the Endless Mountains area with elevations ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet and receives approximately 42 inches of precipitation annually. Several lesser-known campsites provide additional options during peak summer months when primary locations reach capacity.
What to do
**Creek exploration: The multiple waterways around Ravensburg State Park Campground offer natural swimming areas accessible from camp. As one camper notes, "There are few hiking trails; short and long that take you to beautiful views along the creek with a couple of places deep enough to swim."
**Hammock setup: Several tent sites in Loyalsock State Forest feature trees properly spaced for hammock camping. According to visitors at Ravensburg State Park Campground, "There are plenty of trees that are good for hammocking. And in a few sites, you can set them up right by the creek, which is my favorite part."
**Fishing: The Susquehanna River provides fishing opportunities at various access points. At Riverside Acres Campground, one camper observed that "The river in front of first row sites is 200 m broad. Eagles fish here. You can too. Good beginning or end for a canoe trip."
What campers like
**Natural privacy: Many campsites in the region feature vegetation that creates separation between sites. At Ravensburg, campers appreciate that "There are bushes and trees between the sites and it feels very private."
**Less crowded options: Several tent camping areas remain relatively uncrowded even during peak season. One visitor to Ravensburg State Park Campground mentioned, "This state park is beautiful and I consider it a semi-hidden gem. It's our favorite place to tent camp. It's rarely busy and it's first come first serve."
**Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife including eagles, deer, and smaller forest creatures. A camper at Riverside Acres Campground reported "Eagles fish here" while watching the river from their campsite.
What you should know
**Navigation challenges: GPS directions may route incorrectly to some campgrounds. One camper at Ravensburg State Park Campground advised, "Park is easily accessible from I-80, just be aware of your directions and make sure they're taking you to the park via Rocky Road. Mine did not, and I ended up down a seasonal road that did not end at the park entrance."
**Road noise: Some campsites sit close to public roads with varying traffic levels. At Ravensburg, one camper noted "The road that park is on is busier than one would think, not bad at night, but busy in the morning."
**Ambient sound levels: Water features create natural white noise at some campsites. A visitor mentioned "If you camp on the sites by the river, be prepared for lots of noise from the rapids."
Tips for camping with families
**Group camping options: Certain areas accommodate larger family gatherings with adjacent sites. For families camping at Ravensburg State Park Campground, "It's good for large groups (you can get sites in a row) or just you."
**Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. Shikellamy State Park features "A pavilion and playground with many picnic tables also available."
**Modern restroom facilities: Some campgrounds offer better bathroom facilities than others. At Ravensburg, "Bathrooms were small, but clean and adequate," providing necessary comfort for families with children.
Tips from RVers
**Limited hookup options: Most forest campsites list electric hookups in reservation systems but may not actually provide them. At Riverside Acres Campground, "Second row has water/electric, shade trees and lawn frontage... Inland row has sewer hook ups and the bath house."
**Site access limitations: Many forest roads limit the size of RVs that can safely access camping areas. Narrow, steep, and sometimes rough forest roads can challenge larger rigs, with most Loyalsock State Forest sites better suited for smaller trailers or pop-ups.
**Seasonal considerations: Weather affects road conditions significantly in this region. Even accessible campsites can become challenging during wet periods, with spring thaws and summer thunderstorms potentially creating muddy conditions on unpaved access roads.
