Camping in Pennsylvania with wildlife watching

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

97% (10447 reviews)
  1. Pennsylvania
97% (10447 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds in Pennsylvania with wildlife watching

96%
(1518)

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 Snappy's Grille. An 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.
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$30
 / night
98%
(733)

Fairview Farms Airfield

15 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
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$45
 / night
100%
(1)

Peaceful Horse Farm

1 site · Tent10 acres · Hellertown, PA
Set up camp on an open area of our horse farm. There is no running water at the site, but there is a water hydrant next to the barn with a hose connection as well as an outbuilding bathroom with a sink (hot and cold running water) and a toilet available for our hip campers to use. There is also a refrigerator available for use if needed. Enjoy many great outdoor activities within 10min to 45 min of the farm including hikes, paddle boarding, kayaking, tubing, bike riding, fishing, tow paths and rail trails. And for our foodie campers you can't beat a visit to downtown Easton for some locally and mindfully sourced restaurants, art, drinks and more. 4.5 miles to the Delaware River and tow path access, 15 minutes to Easton, Bethlehem, and Lake Nockamixon. 75 miles to NYC, 60miles to Philadelphia Enjoy free outdoor concerts at the Steel Stacks all Summer most Thursday, Friday and Sat nights.
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$35
 / night
98%
(60)

Peters Sawmill

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents15 acres · Hillsgrove, PA
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.
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$32.30
 / night
99%
(309)

GreenHills Camp

3 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Birdsboro, PA
*****Please read Instructions before arriving, Inform you guests also. GUESTS when you arrive on the last road before the campground, The driveway is half way up the hill on the right hand side, it is WELL marked with "The Home Address number" signs. please go slow so you DO NOT MISS my driveway, it is driveway #2 on the right hand side, if you pass a pond on your right when you are going up hill, You went too far. Please do not go on my Neighbors propertys to make U turn, Go slow so you dont miss the driveway to go to the campground. ** Early check in (Only when confirmed with Marty the night before via text)2pm will be the earliest (for early check in) Please be honest! Any attempt to mislead will result in booking termination and or permanent ban from campground. NO ATVs. Quiet hours start at 9pm - 9am. Music and noise has to be low not to disturb other campers. @@@@ PLEASE order your fire wood before booking date, we dont have extra fire wood laying around, Please dont order wood when you arrive to camp (order before booking date ) 2-3 bundles of wood lasts all day so please order accordingly to what you will need. (You can always bring your own firewood or when you arrive go into the woods and collect loose dry branches/firewood from the ground, there is plenty., 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 in the woods.. 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
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$47.50
 / night
100%
(337)

Christmas Tree Farm with Views

7 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Elizabethtown, PA
In 1990, Scott and Sue Miller purchased a 16-acre farm in Elizabethtown, Pa with the intentions of starting a select cut Christmas tree farm. 15,000 trees were purchased and planted on the farm. Six years later, the first tree was sold and since then, the farm has expanded its operations to Bernville, Pa. Camp on our 16 acre Christmas tree farm in an Amish neighbors with horses. Within 30 minute drive to Hershey park, Mt Gretna , Lebanon, Lancaster, Harrisburg, York. Enjoy hiking and biking trails nearby and the many attractions. We have excellent cell reception on our farm. Great view for star gazing and sunsets. Firewood available for purchase. We have a stone parking lot for RV campers. Two sites can also accommodate RV’s. We will reserve these sites. Tent campers can set up in the trees and lanes. An outdoor portable toilet is available and water is available at an outside spigot. We are open April through October. We have 6 sites available with fire pits. You are able to drive and park next to the site. Sites are available first come first served. Four persons per site additional $5 per night fee for extra guests. We sell Miller’s Christmas tree farms stickers. Our sites have excellent cell coverage.
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$35
 / night
100%
(469)

River Hills Above the Allegheny

7 sites · RVs, Tents75 acres · Parker, PA
Located just outside of Parker, PA and 25 minutes from I-80, our campsite is very accessible, yet still very remote. With 4 campsites on 75 acres, guests have ample privacy and space, with the freedom to roam this posted property that has no homes on it. Perched high above the Allegheny there are several spots to take in the wonderful views. There is also a waterfall with a 3’ deep pool below it. Great for splashing with kids or dogs, guests love exploring the creek bottom and making new discoveries. The more curious guests sometimes find the ruins of the original homestead, chimney and spring house that sit upstream. The property is teeming with wildlife. Birds and tree frogs will be the soundtrack of your visit, and often deer will be seen nosing along the outskirts of your site in the mornings and evenings. Turkey, bald eagles and even bear are occasionally spotted, so be prepared to secure your food and trash at night. For those coming to disconnect, you have found the right place. But if cell service is needed, you will have enough to get texts out and depending what site you booked, calls and internet as well. For those who seek an electrical outlet AND and EV charger, we have a site for you! We also have a site with a large canvas tent already set up for your convenience. Within a 15 minute drive of your campsite you can find The North Country Trail, Rails to Trails Trailheads and Boat Launches on the Allegheny River, Groceries, dining and beer. Note: Guests wanting The River Ridge site should book their weekends far in advance, or plan a trip during weekdays!
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$33.75
 / night
100%
(162)

Camp Dietrich on Bear Creek

4 sites · Lodging425 acres · Jim Thorpe, PA
Four secluded campsites along Bear Creek in the Poconos, feature spacious safari tents with queen bunk beds, covered dining area, a deck to set up an additional 6 person pop up tent. In addition we have “Check Point Shed” where campers can borrow gear. Drive into your campsite immediately you will hear the sounds of a babbling creek, by giant rhododendrons under magnificent hemlocks and oaks - a truly natural and relaxing experience. Campers can enjoy a short hike to our private waterfall with swimming hole or lay in a hammock by the creek. The sites are surrounded by 400 acres of privately owned natural forest with several miles of marked trails. The campsite is adjoined by Lehigh Gorge State Park and PA state game lands. Sturdy shoes or hiking boots are recommended for hiking. Just minutes away there are outdoor adventures galore: white water rafting, kayaking, biking on rail to trails bike paths, skirmish paint ball, Glen Onoko Falls and Hickory Run state parks. The mountaintop entertainment venue Penns Peak and the historic town of Jim Thorpe are just 15 minutes from the campsite. Jim Thorpe has many fine eatery’s, shops, the Lehigh Gorge Railway and Asa Packer mansion
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$157.50
 / night
95%
(153)

Shambala at Mystic Hollow

15 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Mohrsville, PA
Pitch your tent along Irish Creek under a canopy of Maples at Mystic Hollow. Irish Creek, which is a stream, is a tributary to the Schuylkill River. Site are a 5 minute walk from main house. The land is flat for walking to the camping area. A slight bit bumpy in a small area. I can manage just fine in flip flops but I did want to provide the information if anyone would be using a wheelchair. There is also a small bridge that goes over a small strip of wetlands. Fire rings are included. Tables can be provided. Just let us know ahead of time. I can haul your gear to your spot with tractor and wagon if needed. There is a port-a-potty close by. We are flexible with check-in and check-out times if we are not at full capacity. Just let us know ahead of time if you want to check in or out earlier or later. We allow dogs. They must be on leashes unless they are friendly and play well with others. You must clean up your dog's poop! No exceptions! We are 5 minutes from the Schuylkill River. 10 minutes from Ontelaunee Lake. 15 minutes from Blue Marsh. 15 minutes from the Appalacian Trail. Trail heads nearby would be Port Clinton, Hamburg, Bernville, Bethel, Blue Rocks, Kempton... 20 minutes from Hawk Mountain. We are an hour from Jim Thorpe. There are several wineries in the area including Long Trout Winery where wine is cool and hippy chicks rule! My favorite! Lots of wildlife in the area. Expect to hear owls, blue heron, cows, goats, chickens, horses, hawks, eagles, dogs, racoons and coyotes. There is a good chance of being visited by racoons at night if your food isn't stored away properly. Also, the deer may walk past in the middle of the night as well. We do also get wild turkey during different times of the year. Hiking, kayaking, tubing, fishing, mountain biking, bike trails, etc... all nearby. Sadly there are no fish in Irish Creek worth catching. The Crayfish are! As with any land situated along a water source, there is always a possibility of flooding. We flood maybe once a year, once every other year. If that should happen, we will assist in hauling gear. There is higher ground for tents to be set up if need be. There will also be rooms available to rent in the near future. Please don't hesitate to contact us with questions. 420 friendly. LGBTQ friendly. If you are coming from out of state: Pennsylvania has a quarantine order for untreated firewood entering the state to protect its forests from invasive species. Firewood must be kiln dried, heat treated, fumigated, or USDA certified to enter the state. However, commercially imported wood that has been heat-treated according to USDA regulations typically doesn't fall under these bans.
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$38
 / night
100%
(219)

RoundStone

15 sites · Lodging, Tents400 acres · Weatherly, PA
Rustic tent sites and log cabins on nearly 400 acres nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. The property has been in our family since the late 1800's, initially operating as an ochre mill. We are near the historic town of Jim Thorpe, Whitewater Rafting Adventures, Hickory Run State Park, Lehigh Gorge State Park, Tuscarora State Park, and more. ***PLEASE READ BELOW AND READ EACH SITE DESCRIPTION BEFORE BOOKING*** - Our tent sites are rustic with NO electric or running water. Cabins have electric, but no indoor plumbing. Porta-Johns are available throughout the grounds. (Some sites are closer to port-a-johns than others.) We do not provide potable water or showers for tent campers but we allow responsible use of the stream for cleaning. Cabins have a rustic outdoor shower available May-October. Please inquire for camper vans and pop ups. - FIREWOOD: Due to the threat of invasive pests, we do not allow firewood to be transported onto the grounds. We have firewood for sale for $7 per crate. You can pick and crate your wood at the wood pile on the grounds at your convenience. Please bring cash if possible or get in touch at the end of your stay to pay via Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle. -We have a variety of wildlife in the area, including BLACK BEARS. Please follow 'Leave No Trace' protocols and be mindful of trash and food throughout your stay. Keep your coolers in your vehicles and take garbage to the dumpster frequently. We have a dumpster available to you on the grounds. -Check in is contactless. Upon booking, you will receive directions to your site. **If you would like to stay for one night during the week or one night on a weekend during November-April, please get in touch and I can adjust the booking specifications. Otherwise, weekends are typically a two night minimum. Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend are a three night minimum **
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$55
 / night

Other options 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

Camping in Pennsylvania with wildlife watching guide

Overview

Looking to experience the great outdoors in Pennsylvania? Hipcamp has you covered with over 1500 camping options that cater to wildlife watching enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned camper or new to the scene, there's something for everyone. From the stunning views at Bald Eagle Campsite (360 reviews) to the serene surroundings of Fairview Farms Airfield (294 reviews) and Peace and Quiet by the River (271 reviews), you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent. Enjoy popular amenities like campfires, showers, and toilets, and take part in activities like wind sports, swimming, and boating. With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $10, camping in Pennsylvania has never been more accessible. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!