Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers elevated camping experiences within its 13,050-acre landscape. Located at 1,100 feet elevation in northern Pennsylvania's Allegheny Plateau, the park experiences cooler nights than surrounding lowlands, with temperature drops of 10-15 degrees after sunset. Tent sites, cabins, and glamping accommodations provide access to 26 miles of hiking trails through diverse hardwood forests.
What to do
Waterfall exploration: At Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, the park's central attraction draws hikers year-round. "Great hiking! There are various trails for all skill levels, and pets are welcome," notes camper Lexi. The Falls Trail system requires sturdy footwear as terrain can be slippery.
Lake activities: Lake Jean provides swimming from late May through mid-September. "Lake Jean is also right there for boating and recreation," mentions Meag F. The beach area includes designated swimming zones and rental options for non-motorized watercraft during summer months.
Rail trail biking: Pettecote Junction Campground offers direct access to the Pine Creek Rail Trail. "The location of PJC is perfect for fishing, floating/kayaking, and biking/hiking the rails to trail," explains Craig F. The 62-mile converted railway corridor follows Pine Creek through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon with gentle grades suitable for family riding.
Fishing opportunities: Trout fishing is popular in area streams and lakes. "The fishing is good, and the turtles are eager to help themselves to your bait," shares Rod S. from Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground. Several streams in the region are stocked with brook and brown trout through spring and fall.
What campers like
Secluded glamping: Many glamping sites near Shunk feature private locations with forest views. "The camp is secluded with an 89 mile view," writes David S. at Camp Kit Adin Outfitters. Sites typically include furnished tents with cooking facilities and access to outdoor recreation areas.
Spacious campsites: Hills Creek State Park Campground offers generous site dimensions. "Generously sized park with something for everyone. Clean, good facilities. Good walking, hiking, kayaking. Private sites can be found pretty easily," explains Rebecca E. Most sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and level tent pads.
Proximity to swimming: Summer heat relief is accessible at multiple locations. "The beach was a little more than a half mile walk from our site," notes James S. Most campgrounds provide swimming areas with varying amenities including some with splash pads for children.
Clean facilities: "The bathhouse is clean. Sites are nice size," reports Michele D. Shower facilities generally require quarters for operation, with typical rates of 25 cents for 3-4 minutes of hot water.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly throughout the region. "Not great cell phone service but it was great to disconnect," notes Jared M. Certain valleys have no service while ridgetop areas may have spotty coverage. Some campgrounds offer paid WiFi at central locations.
Weather fluctuations: Pack for variable conditions when glamping in Shunk, Pennsylvania. "We woke to rain the next morning, so we did not explore this," shares Lee D. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall can see overnight temperatures in the 30s.
Reservation timelines: Popular sites book quickly, especially for summer weekends. "Make your reservations in early though weekends for lakeside sites are booked super fast!" advises Tracey at Little Pine State Park Campground. Most state parks accept reservations 11 months in advance.
Wildlife awareness: "There are black bears and other wild life at Hills Creek, take care to lock up your coolers!" cautions Amanda H. Food storage requirements vary by campground but generally require secure containment in vehicles or provided lockers overnight.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Families appreciate swimming areas with gradual entry. "The swim area is one of the best around. Playgrounds are fun," shares J K. Most swimming beaches have seasonal lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day with typical hours of 11am-7pm.
Campground amenities: Look for facilities with dedicated recreation areas. "There are a variety of camping options from season sites, primitive sites, cabins, glamping tents, and RV hook-ups for water and electric," notes Craig F. Many campgrounds offer regular weekend activities such as crafts and nature programs.
Nature programs: Educational opportunities exist throughout the season. "The rangers offer educational programs that are free of charge!" reports Amanda H. Programs typically include topics like wildlife identification, forest ecology, and night sky observation.
Tent site selection: When tent camping, consider drainage during rain events. "Be sure to place your tent accordingly," recommends Casey R. at Pioneer Campground. Sites along creeks may experience higher humidity and occasional flooding during heavy precipitation.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. "The site was pretty nice, but there is very little privacy as the sites are so close to each other," notes T K. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most RV sites in the region's hilly terrain.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entrance roads. "The entry road to the campground itself is a very steep, narrow road with a small curve at the top," warns B C. at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds. RVs over 35 feet may find certain campgrounds difficult to navigate.
Hook-up variations: Water quality and availability differs between locations. "Water had been tested earlier in the season and unsafe levels of manganese were detected," reports Lee D. Many campgrounds offer water fill stations rather than site-specific hookups.
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping accommodations near Shunk operate seasonally. "We were there in October, and the weekend they went they had a really cool walk through 'haunted woods' that was a lot of fun," shares Gregory L. Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October with limited winter facilities.
