Camping in Pennsylvania

Q: How can I camp for free in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania , you can camp for free in some areas of the state forests and the Allegheny National Forest . Dispersed camping is allowed in these areas, but make sure to follow the guidelines and regulations set by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Allegheny National Forest . Keep in mind that amenities are limited, and you should practice Leave No Trace principles when camping in these areas.

Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

United States
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Pennsylvania

Camping in Pennsylvania

With activities for all four seasons, camping in Pennsylvania is the perfect way to take in the state's wild forests and Appalachian mountains.

Top-rated stays

The Farm at Catawissa Creek

7 sites · Lodging131 acres · Catawissa, PAWelcome to The Farm at Catawissa Creek, where we invite you to reconnect with nature and immerse yourself in immersive farm and food experiences. Our commitment to stewardship shines through as you enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Catawissa Mountain and take leisurely walks along our scenic nature paths that wind through the picturesque landscape of our farm. As a certified organic farm, we take pride in providing you with an opportunity to savor the freshest flavors straight from the very soil you camp on. From June to October, you can indulge in the culinary delights of our farm-to-table offerings, with a variety of fresh, locally sourced produce available for purchase. Experience the true essence of farm life as you taste the vibrant, nutrient-rich bounty of our land, fostering a deeper connection between you, your food, and the natural world. Join us on this remarkable journey, where the beauty of the Catawissa Valley meets sustainable farming practices, offering you an unforgettable experience that nourishes both body and soul. Come, explore, and immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of The Farm at Catawissa Creek, where nature's wonders await at every turn.

Tent camping along the Yough river.

10 sites · Tents22 acres · Perryopolis, PAREAD BEFORE BOOKING. WE STRICTLY ENFORCE ALL RULES. YOU MUST ADHERE TO ALL RULES OR YOU WILL BE REMOVED FORM PROPERTY BY STATE POLICE. All the sites are located with in walking distance next to the famed boat rental Hazelbakers! Our sites are on or near the Yough Riverbank. Although the train runs near by a few times a day, it will hardly be noticed while you are enjoying the beauty of the area. The Allegheny Passage bike trail runs nearby across the river. You can access it using the Layton bridge that crosses the river over our property. We have a very strict no asshole policy. If you are an asshole or plan to bring an asshole with you please go camp at the KOA. Camping is not an all night or two day tailgate party, hooping it up, drinking or doing drugs all night on your weekend off with 20 of your friends. Camping at our sites should be calm and relaxing. Other campers and people in general should not have to hear you, your music, or your fun and you should not have to hear theres. We have a strict no generator rule, no guns, no fire works, no amplified or loud music and again no assholes. Your neighbor may not like your music. If you must listen to music use head phones. Please do not leave any thing at the site when leaving and leave it better than you found it. The boat rental store sales snacks, ice and bait. It does not sell wood or large water bottles. Campers should bring water. We do not have showers but do have running hot and cold water in the change rooms at the boat rental. Port-a-pottys are near by. Please use them. Do not poop in the woods and leave your shit paper laying there. That's gross.

4 sites · Lodging, Tents60 acres · Pocono Woodland Lakes, PAThe River's Edge campsites sit on the shoreline of the Delaware River at the western edge of New York State overlooking the mountains of Pennsylvania. Our canvas tents and open air platforms perch between the river and the former Delaware & Hudson Canal which was once was used to transport raw goods by barge to New York City via the 'port' of Port Jervis. The remnants of the canal walls are throughout the property including a 300 person theater which we created to both preserve and feature this industrial history. It also makes a great place for an event or a movie night. Today, the original canal towpath, along which barges would be pulled and floated downstream, is a trail that links all of the campsites over 5 acres and at the furthest end an eel fishing camp that is in operation from June to October (say 'hi' to Jim). In the early 1900s, the train replaced the canal as the primary method of moving goods into New York and if you are lucky — you will hear the train rumble by along the river on the Pennsylvania side. There is something spectacular in the absolute still and grandness of the river, the mountains and the ongoing industrial history of the valley. It is a reminder of the way things used to be.

Fairview Farms Airfield

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents66 acres · Pine Grove, PAThe 66-acre property has been licensed as an airport (PS20) since the 1980s. It is currently an active, private airport. We don't sell fuel or offer services beyond camping so we primarily have only air traffic with few to no landings each year. In other words, it is very quiet here except during the occasional low pass. We are very eager for pilots to fly in and camp out! The beautiful sunsets and stargazing night skies are a real treat for anyone that comes to visit. Lots of deer, birds, and other wildlife can be seen out and about. Bring your telescope and binoculars to view all the property has to offer! Note that we are always working to improve our slice of heaven, thus we do have tools, vehicles, and equipment stored around the farm that if not used now will be one day. We appreciate your understanding that some areas are used for our personal / farm storage. If you're not into looking at our farmware, there are a few nearby campgrounds. The hot tub is located next to the owner's home. Guests are welcome to use this at any time but must reserve and pay for a time slot. * Book this through the Extras * We are within walking distance of Swatara State Park and close to the Appalachian Trail. Short drive to the local winery, bowling alley, pub/diner, and movie theater. Grocery stores and gas are also nearby. Miles of hiking, rail trail, single-track mountain biking, and kayaking are all right here! See our kayak and bike rentals under extras! Hershey Park is approx a 30 min drive from our location. Rausch Creek, Anthracite, and Reading off-road areas are also nearby. Note: Monthly rental discounts are available. Work-stay exchange programs are available. We are always looking for good reliable part-time help on the farm! Please ask! Fall leaves colors are looking awesome! Come enjoy the leaves by day and stars by night beside your campfire! Follow us on Instagram: @fairview_farms_airfield

Luxury Tents in Chester County

5 sites · Lodging150 acres · Spring City, PAOn 150 acres along the beautiful French Creek lies a special place away from it all. Here, you can enjoy the solitude of the woods yet have the convenience of nearby restaurants, activities, and stores. The property boasts the large and beautiful French Creek, access to canoes or bring-your-own flotation, and gentle walking trails. It's also easy to venture out to countless destinations if desired, which will no doubt satisfy the nature lover, foodie, historian, or outdoor adventure enthusiast. See below! Cool, Quaint, and/or Historic Towns to Visit... o Phoenixville o Pottstown (Revitalization is on!) o Birchrunville  - Butterscotch Pastry  - Birchrunville Store Cafe  - The Cob Studio o St. Peters Village  - St. Peters Bakery  - Excursion Ciders  - Horseshoe Trail - Bouldering along the scenic French Creek o Historic Yellow Springs  - Village History https://www.yellowsprings.org/about/yellow_springs.html  - Art Studio https://www.yellowsprings.org/index.html  - SALT Performing Arts https://www.saltpa.com/ o Kimberton Village  - Kimberton Whole Foods  - Kimberton Inn  - Stonehouse Grill  - Excursion Ciders Some Nearby Restaurants... o Kimberton Inn o Oori Korean o Hares Hill Brewery o Stonehouse Grill o Brandywine Bistro and Distillery o Collective Coffee and Bakery o Ludwig’s Grill and Oyster Bar o The Stables Beer Garden o Bloom Southern Kitchen o Bella Trattoria Our Local and Hyper-Local Markets... o Red Dog Market o Kimberton Whole Foods o Far Away Farm Country Corner Grocery Stores are very close! o Kimberton Whole Foods o Red Dog Market o Ludwig’s Village Market o Giant Grocery Store in Pottstown So Much Hiking and Biking... o Hopewell Big Woods https://frenchandpickering.org/hopewellbigwoods/ o Coventry Woods https://northcoventrytownship.com/parks-recreation-commission/coventry-woods-pr/ o Welkenweir https://welkinweir.org/ o French Creek State Park https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/FrenchCreekStatePark/Pages/default.aspx o Warwick County Park https://www.chesco.org/4628/Warwick-Park o Marsh Creek State Park o Schuylkill River Trail https://www.chesco.org/4644/Schuylkill-River-Trail o Natural Lands Trust  - Bryn Coed https://natlands.org/bryn-coed-preserve/  - Crow’s Nest https://natlands.org/crows-nest-preserve/ Ohhh, the Water... (any Van Morrison fans?) o Marsh Creek State Park boat rentals https://www.marshcreeklake.com/ o French Creek State Park https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/FindAPark/FrenchCreekStatePark/Pages/default.aspx Historic Sites... o Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site https://www.nps.gov/hofu/index.htm o Warwick Furnace Ruins at the Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve o The Mill at Anselma o Springton Manor Farm https://www.chesco.org/4627/Springton-Manor-Farm Art Activities Around Town... o The Cob Studio https://www.thecobstudio.com/ o Historic Yellow Springs Art Studio https://www.yellowsprings.org/index.html o SALT Performing Arts https://www.saltpa.com/ Other Local Activity o Warwick Furnace Farms, an amazing Lavendar Farm, Yoga, Art, and more! https://www.warwickfurnacefarm.com/ o Nature - https://frenchandpickering.org/educational-events/month/2023-05/ o Hot Air Balloon Rides - https://air-ventures.com/ o French Creek Iron Tour June 11, 2023 Equestrian stuff o Sheeder Mill Farm https://smfhorses.com/ o Hope Springs Farm at Marsh Creek https://hopespringshorsefarm.com/index.html o 80th Annual Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show & Country Fair September 2 – 4, 2023

Welcome Ricketts Glen Hikers

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Hunlock Creek, PAThis is Prime Agruculture. We sit on 6 acres of Beautiful land Surrounded by Trees, Birds, Starry Nights and Clear Sunny Days. We have a little bit of every wild life around our area. People love coming here because it is a piece of serenity, private and friendly. Please come join us. We are welcoming people. Close to Ricketts Glen State Park.Area surrounded by nature! Have a fire for you and your family. Cook on The Grills That we Provide. Buy a Bundle of wood to enjoy the true experience in camping. Sit under the canopy listen to music. Go for walks in the Rustic Woods. Go for a Hike up at Ricketts Glen State Park. Go Kayaking, Fishing, Boating, hike the River lands flea markets, antiquing theres lots to do.

Grouseland Hospitality

5 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Clearville, PAWe have 4 sites ready for you here at Grouseland! Please read their descriptions and book the one best for you! Tall Oaks Campsite: Tall Oaks Campsite is a private site, great for families and friends and is our only rustic style site, so no water or electricity, designed for 1-6 people with parking for 3 cars on site and space for 1-3 average size tents. This site has a single 8-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, and charcoal grill. Only a short walk from our tree house where guests can relax and enjoy forest bathing. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Twisted Oak: Twisted Oak Campsite is a private site great for families and friends. This medium sized luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for 1-8 guests with parking for 4 cars on site and has space for 16 average sized tents. This site has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and on-site lights. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Red Maple Campsite: Red Maple Campsite is a private site great for large groups. This large luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for 1-12 guests with on-site parking space that is 90ft long and 20ft wide, for an RV or 6-8 cars and overflow parking for several more cars. It is designed to be pulled or backed into and then backed our pulled out of. This site can handle several tents and has two 6-foot picnic tables, two portable toilets, a scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, a charcoal grill, and on-site lights. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Aspen RV Campsite: Aspen RV Campsite is a private site great for a family in their RV. This medium sized luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for a single RV number of guests is dependent on RV size, maximum 12 people. This site is a drive through site, so guests don’t have to back in or out. The site can also handle a couple of tents and extra cars. This site also has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and bench. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet.

River Mountain Glamping Retreat

19 sites · Lodging150 acres · Everett, PAWe love our guests and their comfort, safety, satisfaction is our top priority! We are happy to be available during the duration of your stay to guide and help plan your outdoor adventures, sightseeing, nature wanders, and local explorations. We have over 150 experiences available to our guests, just let us know what type of stay you're looking for. Trade in the city for fresh mountain air and open space! River Mountain is the change of scenery we're all looking for -- perfect for a road trip, staycation, or weekend getaway. Your mountain oasis -- discover open space and fresh air in the mountains while nestling into one of our canvas tipis! The perfect escape for privacy and peace of mind in nature. Guests also have access to a gathering and sitting area, bonfire pits, bbq charcoal grill, portable charging stations, and shared, common area indoor restrooms and showers. This one-of-a-kind experience offers guests a way to connect with the outdoors with the comfort and security of being under shelter. All the amenities at River Mountain, including our daily complimentary happy hour, bonfire, hiking trails, fishing pond, activity barn (ping pong, cornhole, bocce, and many other games), free fiber internet wifi, and concierge service to activities in the area. Graze Kitchen at River Mountain - Inspired + FreshBorn to provide delicious, healthy, and environmentally conscious cuisine to our guests. Graze Kitchen prides itself on featuring fresh, regionally sourced meals with an unexpected, modern flare that is true to River Mountain. Guests may order off of Graze's menu at time of booking for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, at an additional charge. With River Mountain being a remote getaway, Graze provides delicious, convenient meals so our guests may relax and enjoy this mountain oasis. River Mountain offers guests endless access to the outdoors and nature. Our property features private hiking trails, seven natural springs, Sweet Root Creek, outdoor yoga platforms, Hammock Hideaway, forest bathing, complimentary sunset happy hour, and evening private bonfires. We are bordered by Buchanan State Forest, home of Pennsylvania's Trail of the Year, The Mid State Trail and thousands of acres of outdoor recreation. Our guest guides feature self-guided hikes and outdoor recreation, designed for all skill levels to enjoy during their stay. Our on-site spaces and amenities are created to satisfy the needs of our guests during their stay. The historic 1807 log cabin has been restored into our community dining area. Our beautifully restored Mennonite barn is a communal lounge space with open air walls for guests to relax, read, or recreate. The main lodge features an expansive coworking space with floor to ceiling windows, natural light, and office amenities for remote work. There's so much to experience at River Mountain, we look forward to welcoming you to this little slice of paradise. For the safety and comfort of other guests and staff, all guests are required to abide by our on-site rules and policies.

River Hills Above the Allegheny

7 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Parker, PAThis property is 1hr 15min from Pittsburgh. Our approach is to have a small number of campsites over a large area (4 sites on 75 acres) to maintain privacy and keep that “middle of the woods” feeling. This property sits high in the river hills above the mighty Allegheny with stunning views, soaring eagles, and wildlife living in its natural setting. There is even a waterfall with a natural pool to enjoy. This property is undeveloped with no homes on it. It is private, and posted. It is a place you can feel safe and secure. Sites are limited to 4 adults max (kids don’t count against the 4). With no electricity or running water, it is free of the constant presence of random people that you find in state parks. This is a truly great place to disconnect, discover new places, and forget the outside world. Within a 10 minute drive of your campsite you can find The North Country Trail, Rails to Trails Trailheads and Boat Launches on the Allegheny River. This is camping at its best!! The reviews do not lie!!

River Mountain Outdoors

5 sites · Lodging, Tents83 acres · Bloomsburg, PAThe history of the Pump House began in 1878, when three ambitious men hatched a plan for the world's first long-distance underground oil pipeline which would transport oil from well to refinery more quickly and efficiently than the horse-drawn wagons of the time. Pumping stations were needed every fifty miles along this long route to keep pressure on the pipeline so that the oil could reach its destination. Pump House Bed and Breakfast is one of the only properties in the country in which the both the original homes of the foremen and the large brick buildings remain. Doug, owner, has spent more than 20 years lovingly restoring these foreman houses as well as the large industrial brick buildings. The Brick Barn Hall once housed steam pumps to pressurize the pipe and keep the oil moving, and the Catawissa Cabin behind it served as the telegraph office. The Studio Hall contained boilers that produced the steam to power the pumps, while the adjoining Studio Cabin functioned as a blacksmith's workspace. Today, the buildings function as reception spaces for weddings and other special events, and house private suites as well as an art studio where Doug pursues his work and teaches drawing, ceramics, and stained glass classes. The Season House, one of the two foreman homes, features additional guest accommodations while Doug resides in the other foreman house. Visit and experience a piece of PA history! The 2004 This Old House feature on Doug's

Mountain View Camping

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Templeton, PAI've had the property for 10 years. It's located in a more rugged section of Pennsylvania. Over time I've been planting fruit trees and bushes. Can't quite call it an orchard yet but someday!Come enjoy camping, hiking, hunting, boating, fishing, swimming and much more at this site nestled amongst game lands #287 and Allegheny river. 2000 acres of game land to explore, half mile from the Erie to Pittsburgh bike trails. Stay for hunting season or launch your boat onto the Allegheny River. 1 mile from scrubgrass ohv Park so bring your buggy or just enjoy the races.

Camping at Cold Springs

3 sites · Lodging, Tents10 acres · Cogan Station, PAHello fellow campers and outdoor lovers!!! We call our 10 acre, secluded property Cold Springs. We have spent 15 years here curating lovely areas to relax, party at and invite others to call it a home away from home. The camping areas are in the back of the property and are surrounded by woods and secluded from view of the house. There are paths leading to the pond which is a great reading area and fishing spot plus a canoe and paddleboat to enjoy. Last summer (2022) we added a tipi to the camping area. We are located right outside of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Our area is home to many amazing restaurants, several breweries and cute downtown shops.

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Outdoor stays for every style

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Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

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Allegheny National Forest

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All camping options

Pennsylvania is a land of contrasts. Historic cities and industrial towns give way to the patchwork farmlands of Amish Country and the rugged hills of the Appalachian Trail. Dramatic canyons and forested mountains sweep through the heart of the Keystone State, providing endless terrain for hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. Pennsylvania weather is notoriously changeable, but the best season for camping is May through October. Snow covers much of the state from December through March, so swap tent camping for a heated RV, replace your hiking boots with snowshoes, and head to one of 22 ski resorts.

Where to Go

Pennsylvania Wilds

The evocatively named Pennsylvania Wilds blanket the north and boast some of the state’s best camping and hiking. Views of Pine Creek Gorge, the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania,” can be enjoyed at Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks, and there are primitive tent sites and RV sites in the surrounding Tioga State Forest. To the west, the Allegheny National Forest covers more than 500,000 acres, with kayaking, ATV and mountain biking trails, and a national scenic byway.

Pittsburgh & the Great Lakes

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s second-largest city, is the first stop in the state’s southwestern corner, and several state parks lie within easy reach. Top of the list is Ohiopyle State Park, where adrenaline seekers go to raft or kayak along the white-water rapids of the Youghiogheny River. In the north, camp resorts and RV parks with full hookups dot the shores of Lake Erie, and you can hop over to the Presque Isle State Park to hike, windsurf, and bird-watch.

South-Central Pennsylvania

West of the Philadelphia region, the state capital, Harrisburg, is the gateway to the southern stretch of Pennsylvania’s Appalachian Trail. Just to the south, a day trip to the chocolate capital of Hersey is a must to stock up for all those s’mores around the campfire, and there’s back-to-basics camping in Amish Country around Lancaster. The Allegheny Mountains rise to the west, where campers can hike in the backwoods, paddle along lazy rivers, or hit the ski slopes.

East Pennsylvania

All roads in eastern Pennsylvania lead to Philadelphia, where you can dive into US history and take a peek at the Liberty Bell. For a wilderness camping experience, head north into the Poconos Mountains—there are more than 100 miles of hiking trails in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, including 28 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Further west, Ricketts Glen State Park has waterfall hikes and a family campground with yurts, cabin rentals, RV camping, and tent sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Set in Pennsylvania (not Delaware), Delaware State Forest offers several camping options. Campers can enjoy primitive camping at designated sites with a camping permit, which is required for stays longer than one night. More information and permit applications can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website.

Yes, Pennsylvania is an excellent destination for camping. The state is home to numerous state parks, national forests, and private campgrounds that cater to tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and those seeking cabins or glamping options. Pennsylvania's diverse landscape, which includes mountains, forests, and lakes, provides campers with a wide range of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. You can browse your options on Hipcamp.

Yes, it is legal to camp in designated areas and campgrounds within Pennsylvania. Camping is allowed in designated campgrounds and specific areas within state parks, state forests, and national forests. In state forests, you can engage in dispersed camping, also known as primitive camping, but you must follow certain rules and regulations. For example, you need to obtain a free permit for stays longer than one night, and you must camp at least 25 feet away from trails and water sources.

For private land, you need the landowner's permission to camp. There are many private landowners who offer camping experiences through platforms like Hipcamp, where you can find unique camping spots in Pennsylvania.

In Pennsylvania, you can camp for free in some areas of the state forests and the Allegheny National Forest. Dispersed camping is allowed in these areas, but make sure to follow the guidelines and regulations set by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Allegheny National Forest. Keep in mind that amenities are limited, and you should practice Leave No Trace principles when camping in these areas.

Boondocking, or camping without amenities in undeveloped areas, is not illegal in Pennsylvania as long as it is done on public lands that permit dispersed camping. In Pennsylvania, you can boondock on state forests and some national forests, such as the Allegheny National Forest, where dispersed camping is allowed. However, it is essential to follow the guidelines and regulations set by the respective land management agency. Boondocking is allowed in designated or non-designated areas, but make sure to practice Leave No Trace principles and adhere to any posted restrictions or rules. Boondocking on private property without permission is illegal. If you are looking for more secluded camping options in Pennsylvania, you can also check out Hipcamp for private land camping.