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
—
Pennsylvania

97% (7769 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Pennsylvania

Star Hosts in Pennsylvania

97%

(85)

Top camping destinations

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

1272 campgrounds

Hickory Run State Park

Allegheny National Forest

825 campgrounds

12 top campgrounds in Pennsylvania

97%

(1231)

Bald Eagle Campsite

33 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Tyrone, PA

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.

Fairview Farms Airfield

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents66 acres · 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

Lake Genero

23 sites · RVs, Tents44 acres · The Hideout, PA

Conveniently located in the Northeastern Pocono Region of Pennsylvania offering camping, glamping, boondocking, and event space. Our property is in its 2nd ownership in place effective 2021 and renovations are underway to make the Lake Genero experience a rewarding one. Learn more about this land: At Lake Genero you can take in nature as you see bald eagles nesting and flying above, hawks, turtles, frogs, foxes, deer and so much more. We allow non-power boating, fishing (catch and release), private pavilion rentals and a serene environment. We have 44 acres of wooded area and a 7 acre lake to explore. You can also enjoy a campfire, relaxing on a hammock, playing yard games such as cornhole, ring toss, swing sets, Kan Jam, Jenga, volleyball and badminton, bring your dog and enjoy local attractions. We plan events to bring the community to the property through camping, glamping and special events such as live music festivals, craft fairs, comedy shows and car shows. Tailgaters Lakeside is our onsite food truck (with wifi and cell service!) on site (open Thursday-Sunday during the off-season and Tuesday-Sunday during peak season). Restrooms and primitive showers also available. Bring your own towel, toiletries and shower shoes. After your booking, we will send you a check list of what we recommend you bring, as well as a local attraction and food guide. We look forward to hosting your Pocono camping experience!

Fombell Landing

21 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Fombell, PA

A secluded waterfront campground that offers off grid and primitive camping as well as tear drop and RV locations. Fishing, kayaking, and much more. Just outside Zelienople Pennsylvania. The campground is split into two separate, but close locations. Sites 115 A-D, 129 A-D, 139 A, and 158 A-C, start at the address 115 Narrows Rd Fombell, PA 16123. Sites 126 A-I are located at 126 Lend Street, Fombell PA 16123. Please park safely and call Curt upon arrival.

Welcome Ricketts Glen Hikers

10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Hunlock Creek, PA

This 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.

Grand Canyon Motel Resort & Campground

19 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Wellsboro, PA

Located in Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, Grand Canyon Motel Resort & Campground features both primitive and full 30/50 amp service, tent camping, modern motel rooms and Jacuzzi Suites. Amenities include restroom and shower facilities, dump station, WiFi and fire ring/grill to list a few. Located just one mile from the majestic Pennsylvania Grand Canyon and Leonard Harrison State Park, we offer all the amenities and accommodations to make your visit a fun and comfortable one. Whether its for a short and or long term stay, we hope to see you soon!

100%

(8)

Laurel Highlands Ski Camp Rv Site

99 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Champion, PA

Learn more about this land:We are offering winter camping with 30 amp Rv hook ups. A dump station available at the exit! There is a shower house / bathhouse available to the campers. 24-7. We are located only minuets from Seven Springs, Hidden Valley and Laurel Mt. Ski Resorts. Skiers from all over the United States flock to Southwestern Pennsylvania to Ski the Laurel Highlands! Wonderful area to explore!

Booked 2 times

Mill Creek Falls Retreat LLC

12 sites · Lodging32 acres · Airville, PA

Mill Creek Falls Retreat Center was run as a church camp named Camp Donegal for about 50 years before the previous owners purchased the property in 2018. We purchased it from them in the fall of 2021. The cabins and public spaces to host families, weddings and corporate retreats have been updated and we continue to make improvements.

Hideaway Co

30 sites · Lodging350 acres · Rockwood, PA

Nestled in the beautiful mountains of the Laurel Highlands, The Barn at Maples Falls is the passion project of the Enos Family. The beautifully landscaped 300-plus acreage includes a completely renovated barn and farm house, waterfalls, bike trails, hiking and is still home to the family’s maple syrup and Christmas tree farm. If you're looking for even more adventure, there are limitless activities within a stone's throw of the property.Learn more about this land:Welcome to Hideaway Co! Aside from our inclusive curated weekends, we now offer ala carte stays. Weekday stays offer accommodations, wifi, and a limited local menu for meals. Camp fires are prohibited at this time. Weekends requires a 2 night minimum stay. We offer meals, bar service, excursion concierge, massage services, yoga and mindfulness all at an additional charge. Fire pits are available per location.

Booked 2 times

Four winds.pottery barn

50 sites · RVs, Tents85 acres · Linesville, PA

The property is located where the old me Moon Hill Indian tribes used to live I found a couple arrowheads here in thereLearn more about this land:Open field gently Rolling Hill and some words a beautiful little creek Outback plenty of shade along the tree line what's stupendous sunsets a nice quiet place you're enjoy a campfire

Wolf Creek Campground

40 sites · RVs, Tents96 acres · Grove City, PA

All wooded, rural county environment. Beautiful Primitive camping sites, Large playground with many activities, trails, porta- potty's available. 10 minutes from Grove City, and the Outlet Mall. Fine dining near by in Grove City. 5 minutes from interstate 80. Roughly 30 feet between sites. Lots of wild life.

Camptel Poconos

40 sites · Lodging11 acres · Albrightsville, PA

Learn more about this land:Camptel Poconos is the perfect location to enjoy glamping in your Tiny House or shipping Container Home! 40 unique homes to select from for your next adventure. Camptel is located next to the Hickory Run State Park. Guest can enjoy onsite games, picnic spots and fire pits!