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% (16.9K) • 13,128 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Pennsylvania

100 Mile View Camping, Jim Thorpe

1. 100 Mile View Camping, Jim Thorpe

98%
(597)
Jim Thorpe, PA · 27 sites · Tents, RVs
You can get directions to 100 Mile View Camping by using Google Maps or Apple Maps, "100 Mile View Camping". See our Arrival Instructions. 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. 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.
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Fairview Farms Airfield

2. Fairview Farms Airfield

98%
(846)
Pine Grove, PA · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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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Laureleye Farms

3. Laureleye Farms

95%
(121)
Coatesville, PA · 3 sites · Tents, Lodging
Laureleye Farms is a 70-acre working horse farm in SE PA with access to great hiking trails and the Brandywine River for floating, dipping, or just sitting. Everyone is welcome here. We embrace individuals of all genders, races, and cultures, and their well-behaved pets, includung horses. We have a paddock for rent if you would like to bring your horse. As a working farm, we request that you drive slowly and be respectful of the people and animals on the farm. We go to bed early and hope you do too. Noise must be kept to a minimum when the sun goes down. Longwood Gardens, the Brandywine River Museum, Delaware Children's Museum, and other Chester County attractions are all within 20-30 minutes.
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Allegheny National Forest

4. Allegheny National Forest

94%
(40)
National forest in Pennsylvania · 742 sites
Find plenty to do in this half-million-acre national forest in northwestern Pennsylvania.
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Raccoon Creek State Park

5. Raccoon Creek State Park

92%
(12)
State park in Pennsylvania · 195 sites
Wildflowers, wetlands, and woodlands provide photo-worthy views through every season.
Electrical hookup
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Grouseland Hospitality

6. Grouseland Hospitality

98%
(386)
Clearville, PA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Grouseland's Private Campsites are located on top of our ridge offering a unique scenic overlook and a near virgin sky perfect for stargazing. We have 4 sites ready for you here at Grouseland! Please read their descriptions and book the one best for you! We encourage guests to bring dogs, however dogs must be kept on leads when on site or on leashes when on walks. There are no exceptions to this rule to ensure the safety of all of our guests. All sites include an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Tall Oaks Campsite: A small private site and is our only rustic style site, so no water or electricity, designed maximum 6 people with parking for 3 cars on site and space for 4 average size tents. This site has a picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, a bench and charcoal grill. Twisted Oak Campsite: A medium-sized luxury private site includes potable water and electricity on site, designed for maximum 8 guests with parking for 4 cars on site and has space for several tents. This site has a picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, benches, charcoal grill, and on-site string lights. Red Maple Campsite: A large luxury private site that includes potable water and electricity on site, designed for a maximum 10 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 backed into with an RV and then pulled out of. This site can handle several tents and has two picnic tables, two portable toilets, a scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, benches, a charcoal grill, and on-site string lights. Aspen RV Campsite: A medium private luxury drive through site great for RVs, rooftop tents, pop ups or camper vans. This site includes potable water and electricity on site, designed with water and electric hookups for a single camping vehicle, maximum 6 people. This site is a drive through site, so guests don’t have to back in or out. This site also has a picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and a bench.
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Mulberry Acres

7. Mulberry Acres

99%
(51)
New Berlin, PA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Small hobby farm down a dirt road. We have cows, chickens, emus, mini pigs, peacocks, guinea fowl, quail, ducks, geese, a retired old horse, and rabbits. We have nature trails and a small creek on the property. We also have kayak rentals for nearby Penn's creek upon request.
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Organic Farm in the Pocono Mts.

8. Organic Farm in the Pocono Mts.

97%
(362)
East Stroudsburg, PA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Our chemical free farm is set on 45 acres overlooking the iconic Delaware Water Gap in the Pocono Mountains! We're located 1 hour from NYC and 1.5 hours from Philadelphia and the closest national recreation area with millions of visitors each year. There are plenty of activities within the 45 acres: hiking, fishing, farming activities, bird watching, biking all on site. We have luscious fields of sustainably produced vegetables, fruit and flowers. Explore the Delaware river from our boat launch or one of the great canoe rental companies. Hike Mt. Tammany, Ski Shawnee Mt, walk the Appalachian Trail, visit America's oldest jazz club in Delaware Water Gap or visit the dozens of water falls surrounding our farm for a swim. (Autumn is camping season in the poconos, bring blankets and plan hikes for excellent fall foliage) We have 3 camping locations which you can park near with your vehicle. They are all private camps and out of sight from others. Our camps sites are for people that like camping in the mountains and near a working farm. Our farm and the community we built is focused on sustainable living with nature, local self reliance, and kindness. Also, feel free to join us in the fields, request a tour, pet a goat, smell a pig, and check out our DIY home renovation, (built with hempcrete). Pets should not be off leash unless well behaved and pets should not be left unattended. truck campers are allowed if they're under 8 feet. No trailers/campers. Also, if you move rocks to secure tents, please move them back, our mower blades thank you.
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Peace & Quiet by the River!

9. Peace & Quiet by the River!

99%
(616)
New Ringgold, PA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
My farm is just beautiful. I have owned it for 46 years and am proud as can be of its beauty and serenity. Welcome to our perfect outdoor haven, a beautiful 150 acre farm, providing an extraordinary escape from the hustle and bustle of our modern world. Two of our exclusive campsites are located on the banks of the Little Schuylkill River, with the world-renowned Hawk Mountain Sanctuary boarding on the other side of the river. The third site, has an open view of Hawk Mountain and the farm, to say nothing of the full sky view.. Our private, exclusive campsites, easily encompassing about 5 acres at each site and surrounded by the 150 acre farm, are designed to take advantage of the natural surroundings. Here you will find yourself off grid and alone with nature. Imagine yourself pitching your tent along the river or on the hill top, viewing countless birds of prey and all types of wildlife with no other folks around, except for your people. The location could not be better or more private. Our family for years have camped and played at these site, enjoying the river and night sounds. We are a working Christmas Tree farm as well. Truly private camping, not a commercial camp ground. Very few camping sites exist where you can just have your own space, but you may have it here. My family are stewards to this wonderful farm, and are thrilled to share it with you. We want you to chill and to find tranquility, to respect our sites and make memories that are treasured. Details: We will consider 1 night stays for weekdays, please contact for availability and pricing. We will also consider more than 8 campers. Please inquire! Because we are a tree farm, we cannot allow you to bring wood from other locations on to the farm. Wood is for sale here and we request a pre order so we can have it ready at your site. You may purchase through Hipcamp or directly from us. All sites have a picnic table, a Hawk Shadow Out House, water to wash things, a preparation table and a good bundle of kindling to start off your camping experience. There Is a shovel, cooking grates, log benches and a neat campfire ring. Potable water is available at the farm and you may refill when needed. Campsite #1 (Lean To Site) This site is along the river. It is private and lovely. You may park your car above the site and walk down to the river and camping area. Short, 50 yards, but a steepish walk. Pack in and out accordingly. Very private, lots of space. It is perfect. Campsite #2 (Dog Gone Site) This site is also along the river. It is private and has the same set up as site one. Park your car on top of hill and walk on down. It is a lovely spot. Walk is about 50 yards down a steep hill. Pack accordingly. Campsite #3 (High Site) Site 3 is above the river and looks over Hawk Mountain and the farm. It is private with beautiful views. Unreal full moon gazing............. Sunrise, Sunset, Moon rise, Bird watching, all very visible from this site. Car accessible, no walking to campsite required. At all sites, different seasons bring different activities. Spring: Kayaking, fishing and hiking. Summer: hiking, fishing in the pond, cooling off in the swim hole. Fall: raptor watching, hiking, biking plus fishing, (license required), in the Little Schuylkill. The nights are dark with star lit skies. We have a 1.5 acre bass pond on the farm for fishing, so bring your rod. Big bass in there!! Your camp site is surrounded by woods and forest, fields and trees. You are a two hour drive from center city Philadelphia and 2.5 hours from down town New York City. One hour from Harrisburg. What to do here? Plenty! Hiking! Hawk Mountain Sanctuary entrance is only 3 miles away. www.alltrails.com/parks/us/pennsylvania/hawk-mountain-sanctuary https://www.hikingproject.com/directory/8018169/hawk-mountain-sanctuary Both entrances to the Appalachian Trail, Eckville and Port Clinton, are a 10 minuet drive. A visit to Yuengling Brewery, in Pottsville, Americas older brewery, is a 20 minute drive. Jim Thorpe is a fourty five minute drive. Kutztown University is 35 minutes away. The heart of Amish Country is an hour drive. Biking, both country road and mountain. You need your own maps! Fishing in our beautiful river or on our pond! Cabela's in Hamburg is just 15 minutes down the road. But most of all to do here is to relax, fish, play in the river, walk and visit with your family and friends. Please see schuylkillriver.org for more information about our area. Hawk Shadow is located between New Ringgold and Port Clinton on the east side of the Appalachian Mountain. Very Rural. There is plenty of local produce, we can give you directions to our local farm stands. Fresh butchers are not far away. Swap meets and antique auction houses are scattered around the area. Yes, you can drive to the area of the campsite, but no, you cannot drive down actual site at campsite #1 and #2. Parking at site 3, no walk required.. Contact me and we will give you as much information as we can. Enjoy, have fun and be peaceful! Look at these sites for hiking and activities in the area!! www.alltrails.com/parks/us/pennsylvania/hawk-mountain-sanctuary https://www.hikingproject.com/directory/8018169/hawk-mountain-sanctuary schuylkillriver.org
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Bald Eagle State Park

10. Bald Eagle State Park

93%
(7)
State park in Pennsylvania · 167 sites
Bird watching at Bald Eagle will let you see America's National Bird in all his (or her) glory
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Caledonia State Park

11. Caledonia State Park

100%
(8)
State park in Pennsylvania · 180 sites
Discover the scenic beauty of Caledonia State Park.
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Raymond B. Winter State Park

12. Raymond B. Winter State Park

100%
(6)
State park in Pennsylvania · 64 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Raymond B. Winter State Park.
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Shawnee State Park

13. Shawnee State Park

100%
(7)
State park in Pennsylvania · 253 sites
Discover Shawnee State Park's lush landscapes and outdoor adventures.
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Showers
The Outpost NY

14. The Outpost NY

94%
(56)
Pond Eddy, NY · 42 sites · Tents, RVs
The Outpost is a fun-filled camping, RV, and river rafting adventure resort featuring a popular restaurant and bar, located along the beautiful Delaware River in Pond Eddy, NY. Spanning 70 stunning acres, The Outpost offers one mile of riverfront camping and rafting, two miles of hiking trails, birdwatching, and a 5-star restaurant. Both riverfront and brookside lodging options are available, including campsites, RV sites, and luxe cabins. Our stunning waterfront cabins are perched on the banks of the Delaware, just 90 minutes from Manhattan. Each features a cozy porch, hot tub, smokeless fire pit, central AC, full bathroom, deluxe bed, kitchenette, and living room with a premium pull-out leather couch. Enjoy beach access at your doorstep, with rafting, canoeing, and an award-winning restaurant on-site, complete with indoor and outdoor bars. You’ll also find two miles of hiking trails, volleyball courts, and horseshoes—all with breathtaking river views from every window. The Outpost Resort is located 16 miles north of Port Jervis along scenic Route 97 on the Delaware River in Pond Eddy, NY. Just under two hours from NYC, the drive is especially popular with motorcycle and car clubs, passing through the famous Hawks Nest overlook. The area comes alive in spring, summer, and fall with tourists, nature lovers, leaf-peepers, campers, and rafters from across the country and around the globe. In the winter months, visitors head to nearby Catskills ski resorts and small-town retreats. Nearby, guests can explore the culture of towns such as Port Jervis, Barryville, Eldred, and Monticello—or catch a live concert at the world-renowned Bethel Woods venue, home of the original 1969 Woodstock festival.
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Hardscrabble Hill

15. Hardscrabble Hill

99%
(76)
Chester Springs, PA · 1 site · Tent, RV
Sit back and enjoy a secluded, hilltop setting. Observe the grazing deer, migrating birds, and seasonal foliage. Local restaurants and shops will keep you connected to civilization, but only if you choose that option. The owners live right on the property (but not too close), so help is always just a minute away. Full hookup provided. 50/30 amp power. Waste disposal (full hookup), treated well water.
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The Lookout

16. The Lookout

95%
(338)
New Tripoli, PA · 2 sites
Our property consists of 20 acres of the beautiful Blue Mountain. At the Lookout you can see for 40 Miles across the valley below. With views from Allentown, Lyons and Reading.  The area with the view is a shared area for both sites. Feel free to use the fire ring while you sit and watch the evening sky. It is breathtaking at night.  At the bottom of the mountain there is a Gunclub with a shooting range and you will hear shooting from the property. Please note it is far away and there is no danger Our property is mostly the mountain side. But with an area that is flat for tent camping. The property is close to Route 309 but there is a camping area away from the road. Our land is next to the road and you will hear some road noise. We are next to National Parks land which also consists of the Appalachian Trail and also against the Pennsylvania Game Lands. You can walk up the street or trail to Thunderhead Lodge Restaurant. Leaser lake is a short drive if you like fishing or kayaking. The Wanamakers Store is a unique place to visit with amazing sandwiches. The Wanamakers and Kemton railroad is close by for a weekend train ride. Bear Rock Junction is close by for mini golf and ice cream. Eight Oaks Distillery is only a few minutes away. Several wineries and antique shops as well. You may also see Appalachian Trail Thru Hikers come thru our property to stay at the hostel. Please welcome our hikers as they come to rest their weary bodies. Welcome to the Lookout. We have made many improvements to our land but also try to maintain the beauty it is. 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.
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The River's Edge

17. The River's Edge

98%
(436)
Pocono Woodland Lakes, PA · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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. 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. Please note that a significant portion of county tax/fees and cancellation or change fees may be avoided by booking the base amount of people (4) and at a much later date adding extra guests. Guests NOT occupying canvas tent (lodging) and bringing their own tents should not be paying an occupancy tax but there is no provision for this in the app. We do not want our guests paying taxes -- that benefit no one but useless bureaucracy! Extra guests may be added the week before booking. Just let us know your plans through the app!
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RoundStone

18. RoundStone

99%
(343)
Weatherly, PA · 15 sites · Tents, Lodging
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/RULES BEFORE BOOKING*** - Our tent sites are rustic with NO electric or running water. We allow responsible use of the stream for cleaning. Please bring along potable water. Cabins have electric, but no indoor plumbing. Porta-Johns are available throughout the grounds. Cabins have a rustic outdoor shower available MID May- MID October. Please inquire for camper vans and pop ups. -Listing price is based on 2 guests per night. Please ensure correct headcount when booking. - FIREWOOD: 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 mid May through October. Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend are a three night minimum.**
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Lakewood Park Campground

19. Lakewood Park Campground

99%
(40)
Barnesville, PA · 44 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Our family campground is open, now with over 130 sites and is currently being expanded, to add more deluxe back-in and pull-thru sites! Our campground and cabin rentals are available year-round and all of our RV sites are full hookup sites! Come and enjoy a getaway while enjoying our 63 acres, 10-acre lake, great fishing, playground, weekend activities, and kayaking/paddle boating! We have two state parks, both with lakes, only 15 minutes away.
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Cranberry Run Campground

20. Cranberry Run Campground

96%
(53)
East Stroudsburg, PA · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Cranberry Run Campground is a small, family-owned campground in the Pocono Mountains, just outside East Stroudsburg, PA. We've kept the spirit of 1970s camping alive - simple, low-key, and laid-back. No corporate or chain-campground feel, just a relaxed, family-run place to camp in the woods. We offer tent sites, RV hookups, and primitive cabins, with access to free hot showers and flush toilets. You can cool off in our swimming pool, fish in our pond, or unwind in our game room, stocked with board games, pool tables, air hockey, pinball, and other arcade-style games. Cranberry Run is a place to unplug and slow down - but if you need to stay connected, we've got you covered, with free Wi-Fi in the game room, pool, and deck area, and strong cell service throughout the campground. There's plenty of space for privacy, and you'll find lots to do - hiking, fishing, and exploring nearby swimming holes. We're also just minutes from local restaurants and shops, so you can enjoy both the adventure of the outdoors and the convenience of town. We host live music and other unique events throughout the season. And as a small, family-run place, we're always happy to answer questions ahead of your visit. Whether you're looking to reconnect with family, friends, or yourself, we look forward to welcoming you to Cranberry Run.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Pennsylvania camping 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.

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.

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

Top national parks and forests in Pennsylvania