Kevin M.
Traveler
TravelerDogwood Acres Campground
Well run
The staff here are amazing. Quiet time is respected, clean campground. Will come again.
Best Campgrounds in Pennsylvania
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.
Best Camping Sites in Pennsylvania (862)
1. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park
87 ReviewsOhiopyle, PAWebsite+1 (724) 329-8591$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."
"Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."
2. French Creek State Park Campground
84 ReviewsGeigertown, PAWebsite+1 (610) 582-9680$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"
"Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."
3. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
69 ReviewsSweet Valley, PAWebsite+1 (570) 477-5675$15 - $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."
4. Hickory Run State Park Campground
61 ReviewsAlbrightsville, PAWebsite+1 (272) 808-6192$20 - $72 / night
"Great location lots of hiking trails right in the park and many more close by"
"So many beautiful trails and lots to do! We loved everything about this park except the actual campsites. The sites were very close together, and there wasn't a lot of privacy, which sucked for us."
5. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
58 ReviewsWellsville, PAWebsite+1 (717) 292-4112$20 - $90 / 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. "
6. Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins
52 ReviewsCooksburg, PAWebsite+1 (814) 744-8407$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."
7. Raccoon Creek State Park Campground
51 ReviewsClinton, PAWebsite+1 (724) 899-2200$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"
8. Codorus State Park Campground
44 ReviewsPorters Sideling, PAWebsite+1 (717) 637-2816$20 - $195 / night
"You just can't beat a pennsylvania park. This one is not an exception. Nice clean restroom, plenty of room. Now, what cost a star. Yes, it rained like hell. When we broke camp and go dump."
"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. "
9. Caledonia State Park Campground
36 ReviewsFayetteville, PAWebsite+1 (717) 352-2161$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."
10. Pickerel Point Campground — Promised Land State Park
34 ReviewsSkytop, PAWebsite+1 (570) 676-3428$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."
Recent Camping Photos in Pennsylvania
1490 Photos of 862 Pennsylvania Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews in Pennsylvania
3915 Reviews of 862 Pennsylvania Campgrounds
Tony S.
ScoutLampe Marina Campground
Terrible site paved but not level. Sites are to close to each other.
It sits in an industrial park the starts operations at 6am. Coyotes roam the grounds at night. Howling for ours. Not pet or kid friendly. Unless your pet and kid is mute. They want you to leave for the day and come back before curfew and to be quiet. No noise at all. We were asked to leave 2 days early because our dogs were barking at other dogs barking. Only good thing was the laundry was cheap. Bathrooms clean but showers were terrible. If you stay use your rigs shower. At least it will be hot. And by the way no refunds are giving at any time. I have stayed in Super 8s better than this place.
Peggy C.TravelerCountry Acres Campground
Lovely campground!
Country Acres is a lovely, well maintained campground. Sites are level and bath house facilities clean and modern. Friendly staff in the office. Dog friendly. Local to all the Lancaster attractions. A complimentary farmland tour is offered by bus and it was great. They take you out into an area of Amish farms and shops and make a stop at 2 of these. The fresh Amish pretzels are amazing!
- kken
GuideArtillery Ridge Campground
Great campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
- CCoach C.Scout
Lazy Acres Campground
RACIEST SNEAKY OWNER
PLEASE DONT GO HERE ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE KIDS AND IF YOUR NOT WHITE..THE OWNER IS A RACIST HYPOCRITE AND SO ARE ALL OF HER CREW AT THIS LOWLIFE CAMPGROUND. JUST BECAUSE SHE DONT DRINK AND LIKE TO HAVE FUN, SHE RUINS IT FOR ALL THE OTHER CAMPERS..YOU HAVE TO BE IN BED AT 10PM..WHAT A FRIGGING JOKE..SHE SNEAKES AROUND IN HER GOLF CART AT NIGHT AND CREEPS IN YOUR WINDOWS TO SEE WHAT YOUR DOING. THATS WHY YOUR NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE CURTAINS CLOSED .SO HER AND HER SO CALLED HYPOCRITE FRIENDS CAN SEE WHAT YOUR DOING..WE USED TO BE UP THERE UNTIL WE SAW HOW SHE TREATED AND TALKED ABOUT THE POOR LITTLE BLACK KIDS..ESPECIALLY ON CHRISTMAS IN JULY, SHE BOUGHT TOYS FOR EVERY WHITE KID UP THERE WHILE SHE WATCHED THE LITTLE BLACK KIDS CRY THEIR EYES OUT BECAUSE THEY WERE 10 MINUTES LATE TO GET THEIR GIFTS..SHE IS A WHICH IN DISQUISE..EVERY KID GOT TO RIDE THE WAGON WITH SANTA AND WHEN SHE SAW YHE BLACK KIDS ,THEY JUST PASSED THEM UP LIKE THEY DIDNT EVEN SEE THEM...HOW CRUEL CAN SOMEONE BE🤬🤬BUT THEN AGAIN, ITS HER ,SHE HATES PEOPLE HAVING FUN UP THERE.DONT DRINK AFTER HER HRS .DONT PLAY MUSIC AFTER HER HRS..DONT DO SHIT UP THERE UNLESS YOU WANT KICKED OUT THE NEXT DAY...I NEVER SEEN ANYONE SO CRUEL AND HEARTLESS
....THERES A FEW OTHER CAMPGROUNDS AROUND THE BEND .PLEASE GO THERE IF YOU DONT WANT TO CAMP IN A PRISON CAMPGROUND....SHE'LL NEVER CHANGE..MAYBE UF YOYR WHITE, SHELL BE NICE 🤣🤣🤣AND YOU WOLNT GET KICKED OUT..
Tony F.Guide100 Mile View Camping
The best views
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
Kausalia V.ScoutClear Creek State Park Campground
beautiful site and campground ground. peaceful. quite. and the showers were excellent!
Matt S.
LegendLake Raystown Resort and Lodge
Enormous property, but...
We spent a long weekend for walks in the woods, seeing the fall colors, and all around a huge lake.
What We Liked:
- Even though the sites are sloped, they’re huge. I like that a lot.
- This property is enormous. They have a marina on the lake, a wedding facility, conference center, lots of cabins which look pretty good, and tent sites in addition to the RV sites. Go say hi to the goats behind the store. The property is amazing!
- If you’re interested, it’s a 90-minute drive to the Flight 93 Memorial— well worth the trip!
Things to Keep in Mind:
- The roads getting there are like a roller coaster. This isn’t the resort’s fault, but something you need to know if you’re going there.
- The sites are sloped. Took several blocks to get even close to level. I may be spoiled, but I really appreciate a level site.
- No sewer connection. There’s a dump station available, but just know the sites are water and electric only.
Would We Return?
- Probably not. It’s not fun driving in that area and there’s nothing much to do in the area.
Thomas B.
RangerRoller Coaster Road
Unique place! Boondocking only. Really suited for smaller setups. My 30ft TT fit fine but was limited. Host was great. Partially shaded spot in the woods. Great trails. Ticks galore. Sadly had a very wet trip but was otherwise nice.
Guide to Pennsylvania
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.
What to do
- Hiking and Nature Walks: Many campgrounds, like Cook Forest State Park Campground, have trails that wind through stunning forests. One camper noted, “If you're into hiking, there's lots to see here.”
- Stargazing: For those who love the night sky, Cherry Springs State Park Campground is a must-visit. A reviewer said, “Great place for stargazing and astronomy!”
- Water Activities: Campgrounds near lakes, like Seven Points, offer swimming, kayaking, and fishing. One visitor shared, “The lake is a great place to kayak, paddleboard, or just relax and enjoy the view.”
What campers like
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review from Lyman Run State Park Campground mentions, “This has to be the best campground I’ve ever been to. From the beautiful lake to the stunning views of the vistas, you are always feeling at peace.”
- Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A camper at Black Moshannon State Park Campground said, “The bathhouse was pristine, and the shower was clean with plentiful hot water.”
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Crooked Run Campground — Prince Gallitzin State Park are great for families. One reviewer stated, “This is a great campground. Private beach on the lake for campground guest use only as well as a playground.”
What you should know
- Site Proximity: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Parker Dam State Park Campground mentioned, “The individual camp sites are all right on top of each other.”
- Limited Cell Service: Many areas have poor cell reception. A camper at Black Moshannon State Park Campground noted, “Verizon and AT&T cell service were basically non-existent.”
- Reservations Recommended: Popular spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Clear Creek State Park Campground said, “It is often challenging to reserve a site unless done far in advance.”
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A reviewer at Crooked Run Campground said, “There is a nice little lake area where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards.”
- Pack Snacks and Meals: Some campgrounds don’t have stores nearby. A camper at Cook Forest State Park Campground mentioned, “There’s no camp store in the campground, which is something they could improve upon.”
- Plan for Quiet Time: Many campgrounds have quiet hours. A visitor at Parker Dam State Park Campground noted, “Folks were very friendly, but nighttime was silent.”
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Some sites may not accommodate larger RVs. A camper at Seven Points said, “The sites here are some of the nicest we have ever seen. They are all big and private.”
- Utilize Dump Stations: Make sure to empty your tanks before heading to your site. A reviewer at Red Bridge Recreation Area mentioned, “Each loop has a pit potty on it. Shower facility in the park, very very hot water.”
- Bring Extra Water: Some campgrounds may not have water hookups. A camper at Bald Eagle State Park Primitive Campsite noted, “No water on site but available.”
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?
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?
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?
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?
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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