The best camping in Pennsylvania

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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.

97% (14.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Fairview Farms Airfield

1. Fairview Farms Airfield

98%
(819)
16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Pine Grove, PA
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
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
100 Mile View Camping, Jim Thorpe

2. 100 Mile View Camping, Jim Thorpe

97%
(411)
27 sites · Tents, RVs · Jim Thorpe, PA
You can get directions to 100 Mile View Camping by using Google Maps or Apple Maps, "100 Mile View Camping". The 100 Mile View Campground is located 3 miles from Jim Thorpe, the Lehigh Gorge State Park, Delaware, and Lehigh Heritage Trail, White Water Rafting, Steam Train Rides, Museums, Music Entertainment at Mauch Chunk Opera House, and Mauch Chunk Lake which is perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and fishing. You can get to all of these activities in 3 miles with no traffic by turning left out of our driveway and driving west on Flagstaff Road to Jim Thorpe. We offer hiking and mountain biking trails on our property and a variety of camping opportunities for parties with tents, campers, overlanders, and RVs. Our campsites are booked on ResNexus.com which does not charge additional booking fees for reservations made at our campground. 100 Mile View Camping is a family-run campground that is located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania on a property that has 100 Mile East to West Panoramic Views. It is comprised of several parcels totaling 100's of acres that were purchased over the past 35 years. We have shared our property with hikers, bikers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts since day one. Our campground started with only 6 campsites, but with great reviews, we continue growing and have recently received the approvals to become one of the premier camping and outdoor resort destinations in the Eastern United States. Our founder, Jake Arner, has a passion for the outdoors and for people who show respect for nature and for other people. Jake genuinely enjoys sharing his property with others. This property and Jake's generosity have received 5-star reviews online from many people.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$44
 / night
StarDust Farm Dinner, B&B

6. StarDust Farm Dinner, B&B

2 sites · Lodging · Pen Argyl, PA
Home Welcome to our quaint and cozy stay located in the rolling hills of Pen Argyl, PA. Your drive in is filled with small family farms and scenic views of the Pocono Mountains along the way. This 5-acre, 900 sq ft home is a short drive to Blue Mountain, Jack Frost Big Boulder, and Camelback Mountain for winter sports, as well as just 3 miles from the Wind Gap Appalachian Trail. The Space The house features a semi-professional kitchen, two bedrooms, and a full bathroom. In addition, there is a pub room with a wood fireplace, gaming table, and marble-topped bar. This rustic space offers heating and cooling, electricity, hot water, and a fridge/freezer. Outside, there are multiple sitting areas, including a fire pit with Adirondack chairs and a table with chairs. When the airstream on the property is also booked, the backyard and garden are shared. Guest Access Guests have full access to the house. Other Things to Note Services: During your farm stay vacation, you may opt for our locally sourced, farm-to-table dining experiences prepared by professional chefs with a combined 30+ years of experience. This can include a multi-course dinner, decadent dessert, and a hot breakfast. Menus can be reviewed and orders placed 48 hours before arrival. Property Notes: The property is a working farm with animals. We work as quietly as possible in the morning, but there may be some noise. Guests are welcome to join us in the morning to experience farm life! Because of the nature of the property, please carefully read and understand the following: • Other dogs are not allowed on the property, as we have two dogs of our own, Taco and Smokey. They are friendly and would love to meet you! • During winter and early spring, it can be chilly at night and in the early morning. In addition to the baseboard heating system, extra blankets are provided. • Please turn off all lights and the TV before going to sleep. Thank you!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$134
 / night
Sawmill Woodzie/Elk Creek Escape

7. Sawmill Woodzie/Elk Creek Escape

97%
(96)
12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Forksville, PA
In the heart of the forest, nestled among towering trees and surrounded by breathtaking views, a humble camp ground It’s the place that evokes tranquility and solitude, offering a refuge from the chaos of the outside world. What makes this camp ground truly captivating is its unique location, obscured by the presence of a running sawmill, a creek, and lots of animals 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
A wood stove and table provide a great space for card games!

8. Neal Homestead Camp Sites

95%
(210)
7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Brookville, PA
Camp is on 50 acres with a pink marked trail to Red Bank Creek on the western border and back up through a hemlock forest along south border. A small stream runs through the property and forms a rocky delta in Red Bank Creek. All camp sites are on the eastern border and close to the main road to access property. Hike, enjoy the sound of the stream tickling through property, stargaze, or rest, watch nature's critters, read or just relax in a hammock. No hunting on property but fishing permitted along "river" aka Red Bank Creek. Please keep fires in firepit and noise levels low. Set up to be most natural, minimal mowing, and sites meant to be more private. We let you know if you have others on property. No running water or flush toilets on sites unless in your self-contained camper. A compost loo provided. Lots of kindling can be easily gathered for a fire. Consider ordering some ahead of time if it has been raining though. There is a tarp and a wheelbarrow to collect logs and kindling and move to your site.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$18
 / night
Sunnyday's Forest

16. Sunnyday's Forest

97%
(73)
2 sites · Lodging · Tarentum, PA
Sunnyday's farm and forest was  a Christmas tree farm in the 1950's. I've owned it for the last 30 years and it is now a horse farm with pastures and  woods.Rustic area of 25 acres of pastures and forest bordering a hundred of acres of railroad and municipal forest. Great for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking. 1.5 miles from Deer Lakes park which has fishing, hiking, mountain biking and a great playground. The Allegheny river, judged to be one of the cleanest in the country, is just 6 miles away.  Harrison Hills park offers great hiking along the river and an occasional river otter. The Rachel Carson Trail and Baker trail are just a few miles away. It is a secluded log cabin in the woods on top of a hill overlooking a pasture. It is a very primitive cabin with a fireplace, brick floor, large porch, fabric interior and no chinking in the logs.  We provide a bunk bed and cots and 2 picnic tables.. There is a large grassy area in front of the cabin for tents.  There is no vehicle access, no electricity and no water at the cabin, but LOTS of downed wood for fires. There are horses, goats, chickens, ducks and a pig that roam the pastures. The cabin is about 300 yards from the parking area up a fairly steep hill, but the location is worth the walk!   If you're stopping with an RV or trailer we have ample parking near the road and have overnight accommodations for horses Great place for a stopover. 
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
The River's Edge

18. The River's Edge

98%
(345)
9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Pocono Woodland Lakes, PA
All lodging sites have heating for your comfort and are available year round! 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. The farmhouse and cabins are located opposite the campsites on other side of route 97. Next to them are 50 acres of wild forest to hike and explore. These accommodations are great for guests who want more amenities but still with easy access to river. Pair campsites and cabins so that all your guests have their best experience. Contact us to coordinate for larger group bookings.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$160
 / night
Tiny Home on the Hill

19. Tiny Home on the Hill

98%
(86)
4 sites · Lodging · Harrisville, PA
Learn more about this land: The TINY HOME features: • 240 square feet plus sleeping for five. We have one queen sized and two single beds in the loft area. We have a comfortable single daybed on the first floor. We provide towels, comforters and pillows. We ask that Campers bring their own sheets or sleeping bags. House features a small kitchen and a full bathroom with a shower. We recommend short showers due to small hot water tanks. • Electric fireplace, and a split unit provides air conditioning and heat. • Refrigerator and electric stove. • Large wooden covered front porch.   The SITE also features: • Wooded trails • Three fire pits with plentiful free firewood • 250 square foot pavilion with picnic table.   • Trails thru woods plus large lawn area OTHER: We now accept pets. We charge $15.00 per pet per night. Pets must stay on the first floor. • Recommend good tires, or 4 wheel drive to get up driveway, deflating tires may be necessary in bad weather. • No Smoking Inside
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$84
 / night

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.

97% (14.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Fairview Farms Airfield

1. Fairview Farms Airfield

98%
(819)
16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Pine Grove, PA
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
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
100 Mile View Camping, Jim Thorpe

2. 100 Mile View Camping, Jim Thorpe

97%
(411)
27 sites · Tents, RVs · Jim Thorpe, PA
You can get directions to 100 Mile View Camping by using Google Maps or Apple Maps, "100 Mile View Camping". The 100 Mile View Campground is located 3 miles from Jim Thorpe, the Lehigh Gorge State Park, Delaware, and Lehigh Heritage Trail, White Water Rafting, Steam Train Rides, Museums, Music Entertainment at Mauch Chunk Opera House, and Mauch Chunk Lake which is perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and fishing. You can get to all of these activities in 3 miles with no traffic by turning left out of our driveway and driving west on Flagstaff Road to Jim Thorpe. We offer hiking and mountain biking trails on our property and a variety of camping opportunities for parties with tents, campers, overlanders, and RVs. Our campsites are booked on ResNexus.com which does not charge additional booking fees for reservations made at our campground. 100 Mile View Camping is a family-run campground that is located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania on a property that has 100 Mile East to West Panoramic Views. It is comprised of several parcels totaling 100's of acres that were purchased over the past 35 years. We have shared our property with hikers, bikers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts since day one. Our campground started with only 6 campsites, but with great reviews, we continue growing and have recently received the approvals to become one of the premier camping and outdoor resort destinations in the Eastern United States. Our founder, Jake Arner, has a passion for the outdoors and for people who show respect for nature and for other people. Jake genuinely enjoys sharing his property with others. This property and Jake's generosity have received 5-star reviews online from many people.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$44
 / night
StarDust Farm Dinner, B&B

6. StarDust Farm Dinner, B&B

2 sites · Lodging · Pen Argyl, PA
Home Welcome to our quaint and cozy stay located in the rolling hills of Pen Argyl, PA. Your drive in is filled with small family farms and scenic views of the Pocono Mountains along the way. This 5-acre, 900 sq ft home is a short drive to Blue Mountain, Jack Frost Big Boulder, and Camelback Mountain for winter sports, as well as just 3 miles from the Wind Gap Appalachian Trail. The Space The house features a semi-professional kitchen, two bedrooms, and a full bathroom. In addition, there is a pub room with a wood fireplace, gaming table, and marble-topped bar. This rustic space offers heating and cooling, electricity, hot water, and a fridge/freezer. Outside, there are multiple sitting areas, including a fire pit with Adirondack chairs and a table with chairs. When the airstream on the property is also booked, the backyard and garden are shared. Guest Access Guests have full access to the house. Other Things to Note Services: During your farm stay vacation, you may opt for our locally sourced, farm-to-table dining experiences prepared by professional chefs with a combined 30+ years of experience. This can include a multi-course dinner, decadent dessert, and a hot breakfast. Menus can be reviewed and orders placed 48 hours before arrival. Property Notes: The property is a working farm with animals. We work as quietly as possible in the morning, but there may be some noise. Guests are welcome to join us in the morning to experience farm life! Because of the nature of the property, please carefully read and understand the following: • Other dogs are not allowed on the property, as we have two dogs of our own, Taco and Smokey. They are friendly and would love to meet you! • During winter and early spring, it can be chilly at night and in the early morning. In addition to the baseboard heating system, extra blankets are provided. • Please turn off all lights and the TV before going to sleep. Thank you!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$134
 / night
Sawmill Woodzie/Elk Creek Escape

7. Sawmill Woodzie/Elk Creek Escape

97%
(96)
12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Forksville, PA
In the heart of the forest, nestled among towering trees and surrounded by breathtaking views, a humble camp ground It’s the place that evokes tranquility and solitude, offering a refuge from the chaos of the outside world. What makes this camp ground truly captivating is its unique location, obscured by the presence of a running sawmill, a creek, and lots of animals 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
A wood stove and table provide a great space for card games!

8. Neal Homestead Camp Sites

95%
(210)
7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Brookville, PA
Camp is on 50 acres with a pink marked trail to Red Bank Creek on the western border and back up through a hemlock forest along south border. A small stream runs through the property and forms a rocky delta in Red Bank Creek. All camp sites are on the eastern border and close to the main road to access property. Hike, enjoy the sound of the stream tickling through property, stargaze, or rest, watch nature's critters, read or just relax in a hammock. No hunting on property but fishing permitted along "river" aka Red Bank Creek. Please keep fires in firepit and noise levels low. Set up to be most natural, minimal mowing, and sites meant to be more private. We let you know if you have others on property. No running water or flush toilets on sites unless in your self-contained camper. A compost loo provided. Lots of kindling can be easily gathered for a fire. Consider ordering some ahead of time if it has been raining though. There is a tarp and a wheelbarrow to collect logs and kindling and move to your site.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$18
 / night
Sunnyday's Forest

16. Sunnyday's Forest

97%
(73)
2 sites · Lodging · Tarentum, PA
Sunnyday's farm and forest was  a Christmas tree farm in the 1950's. I've owned it for the last 30 years and it is now a horse farm with pastures and  woods.Rustic area of 25 acres of pastures and forest bordering a hundred of acres of railroad and municipal forest. Great for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking. 1.5 miles from Deer Lakes park which has fishing, hiking, mountain biking and a great playground. The Allegheny river, judged to be one of the cleanest in the country, is just 6 miles away.  Harrison Hills park offers great hiking along the river and an occasional river otter. The Rachel Carson Trail and Baker trail are just a few miles away. It is a secluded log cabin in the woods on top of a hill overlooking a pasture. It is a very primitive cabin with a fireplace, brick floor, large porch, fabric interior and no chinking in the logs.  We provide a bunk bed and cots and 2 picnic tables.. There is a large grassy area in front of the cabin for tents.  There is no vehicle access, no electricity and no water at the cabin, but LOTS of downed wood for fires. There are horses, goats, chickens, ducks and a pig that roam the pastures. The cabin is about 300 yards from the parking area up a fairly steep hill, but the location is worth the walk!   If you're stopping with an RV or trailer we have ample parking near the road and have overnight accommodations for horses Great place for a stopover. 
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
The River's Edge

18. The River's Edge

98%
(345)
9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Pocono Woodland Lakes, PA
All lodging sites have heating for your comfort and are available year round! 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. The farmhouse and cabins are located opposite the campsites on other side of route 97. Next to them are 50 acres of wild forest to hike and explore. These accommodations are great for guests who want more amenities but still with easy access to river. Pair campsites and cabins so that all your guests have their best experience. Contact us to coordinate for larger group bookings.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$160
 / night
Tiny Home on the Hill

19. Tiny Home on the Hill

98%
(86)
4 sites · Lodging · Harrisville, PA
Learn more about this land: The TINY HOME features: • 240 square feet plus sleeping for five. We have one queen sized and two single beds in the loft area. We have a comfortable single daybed on the first floor. We provide towels, comforters and pillows. We ask that Campers bring their own sheets or sleeping bags. House features a small kitchen and a full bathroom with a shower. We recommend short showers due to small hot water tanks. • Electric fireplace, and a split unit provides air conditioning and heat. • Refrigerator and electric stove. • Large wooden covered front porch.   The SITE also features: • Wooded trails • Three fire pits with plentiful free firewood • 250 square foot pavilion with picnic table.   • Trails thru woods plus large lawn area OTHER: We now accept pets. We charge $15.00 per pet per night. Pets must stay on the first floor. • Recommend good tires, or 4 wheel drive to get up driveway, deflating tires may be necessary in bad weather. • No Smoking Inside
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$84
 / night

Camper favorites in Pennsylvania

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in Pennsylvania

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping in Pennsylvania guide

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.