Pennsylvania state parks provide a diverse network of cabin camping options throughout the state. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers well-maintained cabins nestled among its famous waterfalls and old-growth forests, with sites that accommodate both rustic and modern preferences. Other notable cabin locations include Cook Forest State Park, French Creek State Park, and Promised Land State Park, which feature varying levels of amenities from primitive to full-service cabins. Most park cabins include basic furniture, electricity, and outdoor fire rings.
Road access to cabin sites varies by season, with many parks maintaining plowed roads during winter months. "Stayed at this campsite, taking our pop-up camper on its maiden voyage to the Grand Canyon of PA. The area we selected was not busy. Campsite appeared to have a lot of seasonal campers," noted one visitor about Stony Fork Creek Campground. Pennsylvania's state park cabin rental system typically requires reservations up to 11 months in advance, with peak summer and fall weekends often booking completely within days of opening. Winter cabin camping remains available at several parks including Caledonia, French Creek, and Ohiopyle, though amenities may be reduced during off-season periods.
Cabin campers frequently highlight the cleanliness and maintenance of Pennsylvania's facilities. The cabins at Gifford Pinchot State Park and Hickory Run State Park receive consistently high ratings for their proximity to water activities and hiking trails. Year-round cabin options typically include heat sources for cold-weather camping, though visitors should verify specific amenities when booking. Several reviews note the family-friendly atmosphere at many Pennsylvania cabin campgrounds, with facilities like Codorus State Park offering organized activities during summer months. Most cabin areas feature central bathhouses with showers and flush toilets, though some more remote cabin sites may only have vault toilets nearby.
$20 - $54 / night
"Ohiopyle is located in a beautiful area of Pennsylvania we've camped there a couple of times and have been able to get last minute tent sites. Lots of outdoor activities nearby."
"First, I must say, we did not anticipate camping, hiking or rafting in Pennsylvania."
$20 - $75 / night
"We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"
"Bathhouse: Pennsylvania state parks get high marks for their modern, clean restrooms and this park (at least the B Loop) was no exception."
$20 - $92 / night
"The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) is the 22 waterfalls!"
"Campground is situated very short walk from beach/lake and waterfalls."
$20 - $72 / night
"Great location lots of hiking trails right in the park and many more close by"
"Hickory Run is in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. We had a full hook-up site in the back loop, pet friendly part of the campground. "
$20 - $89 / night
"We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views. "
"We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. "
$20 - $67 / night
"Look at the campground map before you book your site if being close to a bathroom is important; ours was across the campsite behind us but we had to step in a rock set in the stream to get to it without"
"There is a pet trail through the woods that was really great to take our dog rather than walking around the campground."
$18 - $128 / night
"One tip: each loop does not have its own entrance from a main road. To get to C you drive through or past A and B. Same with E and F. Each loop has its own set of flush toilets and showers."
"All and All great place to camp, good things; 1) lots of deer, turkeys, racoons, owls etc. 2) close to a farmer's market Jankowski's great place to get fresh food, 3) once you have level camp, all good"
$20 - $195 / night
"The trails from Campground are ok for a short walk, not much of a lake view but mostly shaded trail. The pool is conveniently located maybe even walking distance for some. "
"Older State Park just outside of Hanover, PA. Used it as a home base to explore Gettysburg and the surrounding area."
$20 - $92 / night
"Stayed here two nights while visiting Gettysburg (short 20mi drive between the two). Stayed on Chinquapin Hill, each site has picnic table and fire ring and good space for camp."
"It’s a fantastic state park with great picnic areas next to the creek. You can also drive up the road to the dam where there’s a beautiful lake with fishing, kayaking, etc."
$20 - $44 / night
"Pros: beautiful new bathrooms -private lakeside walk-in sites -beavers! Far away but exciting nonetheless -the Conservation Walk on the island is short, easy, and beautiful. Well-marked."
"Some sites are right on the lake, just put the kayak on the shore, and you're ready for an early morning paddle."
GuideMore of a rustic trailer park than a campground with some long term residents. Owners were nice. "Bathhouse" has flush toilets but wasn't very clean. We don't fish but if you do this might be a place for you.
TravelerA great place to spend some time. Very quiet plenty of hiking trails, the river is great for kayaking. Lots of big hemlock trees. Definitely will return in the fall.
TravelerThis is one of six campsites that can be reserved through PA's DCNR website. The six campsites are spread throughout the Laurel Highlands. This is the only one at Mt. Davis. We camp with three dogs, so we really appreciated the privacy. There were occasionally the sounds of distant ATVs or farm equipment, but, overall, this is a peaceful site. The campsite does not connect to the trails at Mt. Davis and there is no vault toilet here, but both vault toilets and a trailhead are just a few minutes away at the Mt. Davis picnic area. There is only one obvious tent site, so, if you need more than one tent site, you will have to get creative. The site is along a gravel road that leads to a field which you can use to walk your dogs. There are no water features here which our dogs enjoy, so that is the only reason for the 4 out of 5 stars. We will be reserving this site again!
TravelerThe camp site was amazing. Everything is neat and clean and really beautiful place so quiet.
TravelerFamily owned an operated. The owner is very pleasant, great person to talk to.. communication is great.
RangerWhat a gorgeous area. Camp site has a path down to Medix Run (which seems quite clean) with a perfect spot to set out camp chairs and watch the water. Beautiful sounds of birds and spring wildflowers all over the site. Sites are well spaced. The road is surprisingly busy day and night, which did take away from the experience. Unfortunately that issue was dwarfed by other behavior.
Imagine you're sitting by the water on your campsite at 6pm, and a man is suddenly standing next to you. On your dispersed, state forest camp site. With a path only accessible by walking through the site. He tells you a beaver dam used to be here and goes into the water to fish. Weird things happen, but THREE different fishermen at different times used our campsite as their fishing base. Not the area next to it, the campsite. Even parked down the driveway next to our car.
Maybe you're not bothered by this. Maybe it's because you've read this and now had the chance to consider the possibility. However, I'd be willing to bet you'd rather not be surprised. Especially when there are no amenities and as a woman, you need to get partially undressed just to take a leak in the morning.
This is unacceptable behavior. There were other unoccupied campsites, turn offs and places to stop and fish. In all my life camping, no one has ever done this sort of thing. You stay off campsites when other people are there, unless you need help or want to pass on information.
If one person had done this, I wouldn't be writing such a cranky review but three instances warrants a warning for other campers. Good luck, folks.
ScoutNo reservations needed. There is always primitive space available. With a good bit of full hookups available aswell. Pool, sauna, hot tub, picnic tables, scheduled entertainment throughout the summer. Always a blast
ScoutA lot of people recommended this campground. We were late to book for Memorial Day weekend and Indian Head had plenty of spots open so we gave it a chance. Upon arriving, they gave us a map to our spot, we drove to the area and it was essentially a big open field with no spots marked, no numbers, no direction to really pull in. We had to ask the owner where our spot was because there was nothing to show where it was in the fielded grass area. I understand they are putting work into the campground to improve it, it seems, but seemed Alittle messy just from the store, entrance and overall upkeep of the campground. Overall, if we had the chance to camp here again, we probably wouldn’t. I would reccomend J&D or Lake Glory that’s in the same area if able to be booked.
ScoutWe stayed at site #146 in Hosack Run. The campground itself is a small, pet friendly loop and has very nice bathrooms/showers that were very clean and appeared fairly brand new. There is a very small playground in the loop (just swings and seesaws) and Caledonia State Park itself has lots of nice hiking and history. It sits about 20 minutes outside of Gettysburg National Battlefield. The campsite itself (#146) was pretty abysmal. It is extremely small and looks like it was once the parking lot for the restrooms. You can still see the remnants of the painted yellow parking lines on the asphalt. Our small, 12 foot pop-up barely fit with just enough room for our tow vehicle. Also, your neighbor (site #144) sits right on top of you. Lastly, we stayed during a rainy Memorial Day weekend and learned that our former parking space of a campsite sits inside of a bowl in which all other campsites drains into creating a small lake around our firepit. The one plus side was that it is extremely close to the facilities. There are lots of other nice camp sites in this loop, but this was not one of them. I would choose this site again if I was extremely desperate to camp here and no other sites were available. 5 stars for the park, trails, and locale. 1 star for the campsite.
Camping in Pennsylvania offers a mix of beautiful landscapes, family-friendly activities, and unique experiences. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in the Keystone State.
Camping in Pennsylvania offers a unique blend of nature, family fun, and adventure. With so many options, you're bound to find the perfect spot for your next getaway!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the top waterfront camping sites in Pennsylvania?
Seven Points (PA) stands out with over 200 sites along beautiful Lake Raystown, offering prime waterfront locations and activities like swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Linesville Campground — Pymatuning State Park sits on the Pennsylvania-Ohio border beside a large lake, making it a fishing paradise with electric and non-electric sites available. Other excellent waterfront options include Ricketts Glen State Park with lakeside camping and spectacular waterfalls, and Gifford Pinchot State Park featuring shoreline camping on Pinchot Lake. For river enthusiasts, Clear Creek State Park offers sites along the Clarion River with excellent kayaking opportunities.
What are the best Pennsylvania state parks for camping?
Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins is a top choice with spacious sites featuring picnic tables and fire rings with grills, though bathroom facilities could use updating. Leonard Harrison State Park Campground offers an incredible experience adjacent to the stunning "Pennsylvania Grand Canyon" with beautiful views and exploration opportunities. Other excellent options include Worlds End State Park with amazing trail views and beach access along Loyalsock Creek, Lyman Run State Park with nearby Cherry Springs Dark Park for stargazing, and Hickory Run State Park featuring the famous Boulder Field. Most Pennsylvania state parks offer a mix of electric and non-electric sites, clean facilities, and abundant recreational activities.
What are the best campgrounds in Pennsylvania for families?
Pennsylvania offers excellent family-friendly campgrounds with activities for all ages. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park features spacious sites, organized activities like music bingo, and convenient access to nearby attractions. Double Rainbow Farm provides a unique experience with friendly farm animals, swimming in the pond, and hiking opportunities in the adjacent National Forest. Families also enjoy Pequea Creek Campground for its picturesque setting, large sites with plenty of trees, and proximity to Lancaster's attractions, including covered bridges and river tubing. Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds, swimming areas, and scheduled activities to keep children entertained throughout your stay.
What should I know about tent camping in Pennsylvania?
When tent camping in Pennsylvania, site selection is crucial. At Clear Creek State Park Campground, you'll find excellent tent sites, though RVers should avoid non-power sites due to uneven terrain. Lyman Run State Park Campground offers ideal tent camping with convenient amenities and incredible stargazing opportunities at nearby Cherry Springs Dark Park. Pennsylvania's seasonal weather requires preparation—pack for temperature variations even in summer, and be prepared for rain. Most state parks offer tent-specific areas with level pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Always check reservation requirements as popular parks fill quickly during peak season (May-October). Consider elevating your tent with a footprint to manage occasional dampness, and be aware that many parks enforce quiet hours starting at 10 PM.
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