Camping in Pennsylvania: Best Pennsylvania Campgrounds 2023

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.

United States
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Pennsylvania

98% (8238 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Pennsylvania

Top camping destinations

Bushkill Falls

1139 campgrounds

Falls Trail - primarily made up of slate, so wear appropriate footwear. (i.e. No flippy-floppies! You wouldn't believe some of the people we came across, women in crocs carrying infants, elderly folk in burkenstocks. Oy!)

Ricketts Glen State Park

1274 campgrounds

Allegheny National Forest

827 campgrounds

Hickory Run State Park

12 top campgrounds in Pennsylvania

99%

(519)

Dog-friendly getaways

95%

(118)

The River's Edge

5 sites · Lodging, Tents60 acres · Pocono Woodland Lakes, Sullivan

The 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.

Muddy Myst

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Kittanning, Armstrong

Eco-Campsites and Recreation Area located in the heart of Western Pennsylvania! The site is in a great location, only a 12 minute drive from Buttermilk Falls and the Rails to Trails Bike Path that runs along the Allegheny River. For those interested in fishing we are only a short drive from Pine Creek, Cowanshannock Creek, Keystone Lake, Mahoning Dam, and Crooked Creek Lake. For those interested in off-roading, the Scrubgrass OHV park is only 20 minutes away.

Pocono Cabin With No Name

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Tobyhanna, Monroe

The cabin once was a hunting cabin part of a 200-acre parcel before the development sprung up around it. Most of the acreage is now green space and backs up to state game lands. Your stay at the Pocono Cabin With No Name supports 1 for Nature. Protecting and enhancing special places in the Pocono Mountains for all to enjoy. With funds raised 1 for Nature awards grants to qualified nonprofit organizations and local government entities to support the conservation and public enjoyment of wildlife habitat, trails, streams, and parks in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Our cabin is located in a calm neighborhood next to 1,000's of acres of green space and state game lands. Relax outside with a fire, the sound of the creek, and waterfalls. Take an easy hike behind the house to an old stone mill. The cabin sleeps 6 in 2 bedrooms (1 king and 2 twins with a sleeping loft for 2) 1 bath with large shower, stone floor, and large counter. (Linens and Towels Included) Let yourself disconnect from the day-to-day, read a book, play a game, take a hike, enjoy the mountain air and star-filled nights.

Fairview Farms Airfield

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents66 acres · Pine Grove, Schuylkill

The 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 approximately a 30-minute 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

Peters Sawmill

3 sites · Lodging15 acres · Hillsgrove, Sullivan

In the heart of the forest, nestled among towering trees and surrounded by breathtaking views, a humble cabin. It’s the place that evokes tranquility and solitude, offering a refuge from the chaos of the outside world. What makes this cabin truly captivating is its unique location, obscured by the presence of a running sawmill. Come enjoy watching as it takes you back in time. This sawmill is unlike any bandmill, boasting a massive 4 and a half-foot circular saw, a relic from the years between 1935 and 1945. Its rhythmic, melodic hum fills the air, blending seamlessly with the symphony of nature. The captivating noise created an enchanting ambiance, luring those in search of solace and beauty. We run our mill with recycled cooking oil and a diesel blend. Behind the sawmill, nature thrives harmoniously. Wildlife painted the surroundings with vibrant colors, as birds filled the sky with their elegant dances and curious squirrels scurried about, their fluffy tails adding a playful touch to the lush landscape. The cabin is a sanctuary where one can witness the wonders of nature, just a walk away from the roaring sawmill. Come check out a piece of preserved history all while enjoying pristine wooded views! Take a step back in time and immerse yourself in history. Enjoy the power of the circular saw, a symbol of the immense progress and craftsmanship of yesteryears. Together, the cabin, the forest, and the sawmill form a perfect harmony — a testament to the beauty of nature entwined with mankind's desire to create. It offers a glimpse into a world where modernity meets tradition, where breathtaking views and the symphony of the sawmill entice all who venture here to enjoy.

Star Hosts in Pennsylvania

99%

(137)

Muddy Myst

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Kittanning, Armstrong

Eco-Campsites and Recreation Area located in the heart of Western Pennsylvania! The site is in a great location, only a 12 minute drive from Buttermilk Falls and the Rails to Trails Bike Path that runs along the Allegheny River. For those interested in fishing we are only a short drive from Pine Creek, Cowanshannock Creek, Keystone Lake, Mahoning Dam, and Crooked Creek Lake. For those interested in off-roading, the Scrubgrass OHV park is only 20 minutes away.

Fairview Farms Airfield

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents66 acres · Pine Grove, Schuylkill

The 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 approximately a 30-minute 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

Pocono Cabin With No Name

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Tobyhanna, Monroe

The cabin once was a hunting cabin part of a 200-acre parcel before the development sprung up around it. Most of the acreage is now green space and backs up to state game lands. Your stay at the Pocono Cabin With No Name supports 1 for Nature. Protecting and enhancing special places in the Pocono Mountains for all to enjoy. With funds raised 1 for Nature awards grants to qualified nonprofit organizations and local government entities to support the conservation and public enjoyment of wildlife habitat, trails, streams, and parks in Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Our cabin is located in a calm neighborhood next to 1,000's of acres of green space and state game lands. Relax outside with a fire, the sound of the creek, and waterfalls. Take an easy hike behind the house to an old stone mill. The cabin sleeps 6 in 2 bedrooms (1 king and 2 twins with a sleeping loft for 2) 1 bath with large shower, stone floor, and large counter. (Linens and Towels Included) Let yourself disconnect from the day-to-day, read a book, play a game, take a hike, enjoy the mountain air and star-filled nights.

The River's Edge

5 sites · Lodging, Tents60 acres · Pocono Woodland Lakes, Sullivan

The 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.

Peters Sawmill

3 sites · Lodging15 acres · Hillsgrove, Sullivan

In the heart of the forest, nestled among towering trees and surrounded by breathtaking views, a humble cabin. It’s the place that evokes tranquility and solitude, offering a refuge from the chaos of the outside world. What makes this cabin truly captivating is its unique location, obscured by the presence of a running sawmill. Come enjoy watching as it takes you back in time. This sawmill is unlike any bandmill, boasting a massive 4 and a half-foot circular saw, a relic from the years between 1935 and 1945. Its rhythmic, melodic hum fills the air, blending seamlessly with the symphony of nature. The captivating noise created an enchanting ambiance, luring those in search of solace and beauty. We run our mill with recycled cooking oil and a diesel blend. Behind the sawmill, nature thrives harmoniously. Wildlife painted the surroundings with vibrant colors, as birds filled the sky with their elegant dances and curious squirrels scurried about, their fluffy tails adding a playful touch to the lush landscape. The cabin is a sanctuary where one can witness the wonders of nature, just a walk away from the roaring sawmill. Come check out a piece of preserved history all while enjoying pristine wooded views! Take a step back in time and immerse yourself in history. Enjoy the power of the circular saw, a symbol of the immense progress and craftsmanship of yesteryears. Together, the cabin, the forest, and the sawmill form a perfect harmony — a testament to the beauty of nature entwined with mankind's desire to create. It offers a glimpse into a world where modernity meets tradition, where breathtaking views and the symphony of the sawmill entice all who venture here to enjoy.

Under $50

94%

(172)

The Lookout

4 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · New Tripoli, Lehigh

Welcome to the Lookout. We have made many improvements to our land in the short time we own it. We plan to keep upgrading our property. We plan to use the land for Recreational activites. We have a Hiker Hostel in the Building. The Building was previously the Blue Mountain Lookout Restaurant but has been neglected for approximately 20 years. We are trying to restore the property to bring it back to life.

Fairview Farms Airfield

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents66 acres · Pine Grove, Schuylkill

The 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 approximately a 30-minute 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

Bald Eagle Campsite

33 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Tyrone, Blair

Originally opened as a family campground owned and operated by Denis and Kay Snyder in 1964. Bald Eagle Campsite has been owned and operated by the Snyder family to this day! Come join us in the beautiful forested landscape of Central Pennsylvania. Located a mere 20 miles south of Penn State University, we are surrounded by the many amenities Central PA has to offer. We are welcoming to LGBTQ+ campers as well as all ethnicities. Pitch a tent on a quiet site and drop a line into one of our two trout streams crossing the campground. Hang a hammock between two towering poplar trees surrounded by flowering rhododendron. Or pull up in your camper and relax before and after a Penn State Football game under the blue and white sky. We have small, secluded sites to get away from it all, as well as conjoined sites to accommodate larger groups. On property we have bathrooms, hot showers, and a recreation hall with free ping pong, board games, and billiards. For a fee, we also have firewood, electricity, and a large event tent for rent. Campers must be less than 25 feet. Generators are not allowed. Music should not reach outside your own site after 9pm. There are no water hookups. Vehicle noise is audible from route 350, especially on Friday afternoons. Noise is diminished at sites further back from route 350. Our sites are wheelchair accessible, but the bathrooms and showers do have one step up into them. Walk to Snappy's 24-hour convenience store to use their free Wi-Fi, buy bags of ice, or to pickup snacks and a sub in the attached Subway restaurant. A farmers market as well as ice cream stand and restaurant are within walking distance. We require a minimum two nights stay for the recognized holiday weekends for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.

Muddy Myst

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Kittanning, Armstrong

Eco-Campsites and Recreation Area located in the heart of Western Pennsylvania! The site is in a great location, only a 12 minute drive from Buttermilk Falls and the Rails to Trails Bike Path that runs along the Allegheny River. For those interested in fishing we are only a short drive from Pine Creek, Cowanshannock Creek, Keystone Lake, Mahoning Dam, and Crooked Creek Lake. For those interested in off-roading, the Scrubgrass OHV park is only 20 minutes away.

GreenHills Estate

3 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Birdsboro, Berks

Last day of Camping for this season, ( Last day of camping November 18th 2023) Please do not mislead about the number of guests you will have, its very easy for us to check. Please be honest! Any attempt to mislead will result in booking termination and or permanent ban from campground. Please message US if you are interested in hosting AirSoft/paintball group. If you are looking for peace and complete seclusion, this is the place for you to camp, you will not hear or see any cars once you enter the campsite. Property is located one hour outside of Philly and 2hours away from NYC. 30 beautiful acres with woods and open fields, lots of wildlife, On site parking... after it rains mushrooms like (chicken of the woods) pop out everywhere all you have to do is look. In the summer it smells like flowers all day long, its truly beautiful. This property offers about 6-7acres of fields and 23 acres of woods, the landscape is flat and hills. Places to visit near by! 1. Exeter scenic river trail -park closes at 6pm 2.Berks natural ephraim -hiking 3. Birdsboro waters -park closes 8pm 4. Horseshoe trail -hiking 24/7 5.Birdsboro preserve -park 24/7 6.French creek - state park closes 9pm 7.schulkill river trail -hiking 24/7 8.Rustic Park - closes 9pm 9.Trailhead - Cocalico double trail - hiking Most of these are 4-10mile range from campground ⛺️ Animals you can spot: on campground property. Deer Fox Coyote Turkey Rabbit Turtles Beavers Squirrels Chipmunk Learn more about this land: pitch your tent or park your rv and enjoy the seclusion and silence, 3-4 miles away from major grocery stores and shopping plazas this property is unique and one of a kind, its located in a valley with woods around it and 3 big fields, lots of wildlife including deer turkeys and fox are seen on a daily basis.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

99%

(36)

Allegheny National Forest

Sheffield, Pennsylvania

90%

(10)

Raccoon Creek State Park

Frankfort Springs, Pennsylvania

100%

(6)

Bald Eagle State Park

Fayetteville, Pennsylvania

100%

(6)

Raymond B. Winter State Park

Loganton, Pennsylvania

100%

(6)

Shawnee State Park

Schellsburg, Pennsylvania

The Point at Pickerel Point. Ice was already forming at the breaks, mornings were cold, but there's nothing like a fall camp.

91%

(11)

Promised Land State Park

Wallenpaupack Lake Estates, Pennsylvania

100%

(3)

Cowans Gap State Park

Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania

100%

(3)

Frances Slocum State Park

West Wyoming, Pennsylvania

100%

(3)

Lackawanna State Park

Waverly, Pennsylvania

Camping in Pennsylvania guide

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.