Dog-Friendly Camping near Shickshinny, PA

Camping options near Shickshinny, Pennsylvania include sites in the Pocono Mountains and along the Susquehanna River Valley. The area sits at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,500 feet above sea level, with campgrounds often experiencing cool evening temperatures even in summer months. Most locations offer seasonal camping from April through October, with limited winter facilities available.

What to do

Hiking at Ricketts Glen State Park: The park features multiple trail options beyond the famous Falls Trail, including the accessible Evergreen Trail. "The park has great hiking spots, a local pool, and a lake that you can rent boats or kayak on," notes Lexi in her review of Frances Slocum State Park.

Boulder Field exploration: This unique geological feature provides an unusual landscape for exploration. "The Boulder Fields are one of the coolest places I've ever visited, partially because they were so unexpected. Don't twist an ankle, but you can play hide and seek to an extent as there are small depressions in the fields," says Amber A. about Hickory Run State Park.

Lake activities: Most area lakes offer fishing, kayaking and canoeing opportunities. "Excellent views and the ability to explore and experience the waterfalls areas. Beach and lake activities are available as well," explains Gary O. about the recreational options at Ricketts Glen State Park.

What campers like

Private tent sites: Some campgrounds offer secluded tent camping options away from RV areas. "We camped at Red Rock as couples. We stayed in primitive tent sites which you had to hike into. They were very private," shares Samantha M. about her stay at Red Rock Mountain Campground.

Lake views: Waterfront sites are highly sought after for their scenic appeal. "We stayed in the large loop, which is a peninsula on Lake Jean. Many of the sites have lake views," explains Lee D. in their review of Ricketts Glen State Park Campground.

Wildlife viewing: The forested settings provide opportunities for animal sightings. "We were warned to be cautious about leaving food out as there have been some bear sightings," mentions Jennifer D. from Hickory Run State Park, highlighting the importance of proper food storage in this bear-populated region.

What you should know

Water quality concerns: Some parks experience periodic water issues requiring visitors to bring their own drinking water. "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," reports Lee D. about Ricketts Glen.

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. "Site was pretty nice, but there is very little privacy as the sites are so close to each other. Also no service (Verizon)," notes T K. about their experience at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground.

Seasonal crowding: Many campgrounds fill completely during summer weekends. "This campground was huge, and very crowded on the weekends. We arrived on a Thursday night, and pretty much had the whole place to ourselves," explains Jen V. about Knoebels Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Consider campgrounds with recreational facilities for children. "There was a large open field in the loop we camped in with a swing set on it. This was nice for families with children," shares Shirley M. about Hickory Run State Park.

Amusement park proximity: Knoebels offers unique access to attractions. "With the amusement park across the street, and the cool stream to splash in, it's a small kids dream," explains Bonnie T. about Knoebels Campground.

Swimming options: Many parks provide swimming areas beyond the campground. "My family loves it up here. The reservation staff are over accommodating and very helpful, we had to call them a few times. Great place for hiking, fishing, letting kids have fun and be kids," says Jessica B. about her experience at Moon Lake Recreation Area.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling requirements: Be prepared to level your rig at many area campgrounds. "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," shares James S. about Ricketts Glen State Park Campground.

Water hookup length: Some sites require extended hose connections. "Make sure you have a LONG water hose. We actually had to buy a 50 foot hose in the camp store to accommodate the distance to the spigot," advises Becca U. about her stay at Moyers Grove Campground.

Full hookup availability: For pet friendly camping near Shickshinny, Pennsylvania, some campgrounds offer complete services. "We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground. The sites in this loop were spacious and more in an open area, but we were along a wooded area which gave us some shade," notes Shirley M. about the Hickory Run State Park campground layout.