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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% (16.4K) • 13,651 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Pennsylvania

100 Mile View Camping, Jim Thorpe

1. 100 Mile View Camping, Jim Thorpe

98%
(572)
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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Bald Eagle Campsite

2. Bald Eagle Campsite

96%
(1702)
Tyrone, PA · 21 sites · Tents, RVs
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 24 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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Electrical hookup
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Austin Dam Memorial Park

3. Austin Dam Memorial Park

98%
(852)
PA · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
Just outside the quaint town of Austin sits a vivid reminder of one of Pennsylvania's worst disasters – the Austin Flood. In 1909, the dam was constructed on Freeman Run to power the Bayless Papermill downstream. Many wondered if the dam was safe. On September 30, 1911, Austin found out. Poor construction, coupled with torrential rain, resulted in the dam's collapse. Nearly 400 million gallons of water were released, destroying everything for 8 miles. At least 78 people perished in the tragedy. It was the second worst flood disaster in Pennsylvania's history and sixth worst dam failure in U.S. history. The tragedy sparked new legislation to improve dam safety, and the Austin Dam was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The ruins of the dam still stand, surrounded by a 76-acre park, as a tribute to the lives lost in the Austin Flood. Don't miss one of Potter County's best kept secrets!
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Allegheny National Forest

4. Allegheny National Forest

97%
(39)
National forest in Pennsylvania · 742 sites
Find plenty to do in this half-million-acre national forest in northwestern Pennsylvania.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
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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Campfires
The Outpost NY

6. The Outpost NY

92%
(46)
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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Full hookups
Laureleye Farms

7. Laureleye Farms

94%
(109)
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, too. We have a paddock for rent if you would like to bring your horse. As a working farm, we request 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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Christmas Tree Farm with Views

8. Christmas Tree Farm with Views

100%
(427)
Elizabethtown, PA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
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 trees were sold. 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. We are 45 minutes from the Strasburg Railroad and Cherry Crest Adventure farm. 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. In the event we are not home when you arrive, there is a site map on the light pole near the porta pot. We will try to notify you in advance if any sites are taken.
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RoundStone

9. RoundStone

99%
(350)
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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Bald Eagle State Park

10. Bald Eagle State Park

100%
(6)
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
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
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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Electrical hookup
Toilets
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.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
BozziBrook Farm

14. BozziBrook Farm

100%
(113)
West Chester, PA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
🌾 Peaceful Farmstead Camping at Bozzi Brook Farm Tucked into the rolling hills of Southeastern Pennsylvania, BozziBrook Farm is a peaceful 16-acre farm offering a simple, nature-filled camping experience. Pitch your own tent or stay in our furnished tipi and reconnect with nature. Enjoy quiet nights, fresh air, and the rhythms of farm life. Walk wooded trails, sit by our peaceful pond, and meet our variety of friendly animals. It's a great basecamp for exploring the region or accessing the Brandywine river (1 min away). 🏕️ Camping Options Choose from tent sites or our cozy furnished tipi. Most sites can accommodate a van or RV (electric hookup available). Bathroom access available. Each campsite has its own firepit (firewood bundle available). Ice machine and laundry available in barn. 🐐 Farm Life Perks Meet our cows, horses, pigs, goats, and chickens. Collect fresh eggs, explore the gardens, and visit our vibrant greenhouse. Horseback riding lessons available with advance booking (additional fee). 🌄 Nature & Nearby Surrounded by pastures and forest trails, the farm is just minutes from the Brandywine River for canoeing, fishing, or floating. Canoe/kayak available upon request (advance notice required) Horseback riding available (advanced notice required) Whether you’re bringing the kids to experience real farm life, looking for a peaceful nature escape, or simply wanting to slow down for a night under the stars, Bozzi Brook Farm is a place to breathe deep and reconnect. Learn more: https://bozzibrook.org/
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Sunset Hill

15. Sunset Hill

100%
(11)
Barto, PA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Peaceful field on a quiet, dead-end road with plenty of privacy. Perched on a hill, it offers beautiful sunset views! We're just minutes from Grandview Race Track, 10 minutes from Green Lane State Park, and 20 minutes from Bear Creek Ski Resort. Please note that we do not currently offer hookups. We're super laid-back and will do whatever we can to make your stay as easy and enjoyable as possible! 😊
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Potable water
Bill S. and Nancy's property

16. Bill S. and Nancy's property

99%
(362)
Mercer, PA · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
The toilet is not available when temperatures are below 32 degrees. It's pretty dark here. There are no large cities anywhere around here. My family moved here in 1957 and I purchased it from my father in 1975. My wife is responsible for much of the landscaping and home improvements that have been done since 1990. We are retired self-employed .
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Electrical hookup
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Stonehedge Gardens Holistic Retreat

17. Stonehedge Gardens Holistic Retreat

98%
(305)
Tamaqua, PA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Stonehedge Gardens and Holistic Learning Center is a beautiful, landscaped 20-acre sanctuary with walking trails, ponds, a creek and perennial gardens located in Tamaqua, in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Also onsite are many amenities, including a community kitchen, firepits, local artisan gift shop, and pottery studio. Hike right from Stonehedge into the town of Tamaqua (less than 3 miles) on a designated Rail Trail to find the Tamaqua Community Arts Center, Stokers Brewery, and several restaurant options. Local hiking trails include: * Schuylkill Valley Heritage Trail (7.3 miles) - less than 15 min. drive * Switchback Railroad Trail (18 miles) less than 20 min. drive for a 9 mile descent into Jim Thorpe * Owl Creek Reservoir (2 mi.) less than 15 min. drive boating, fishing, hiking We are also close to: * Jim Thorpe (25 min.) * Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (20 min.) * Blue Mountain Ski Resort (40 min.) Stonehedge provides a healing, sacred, inclusive environment for the cultivation of community and personal transformation through wellness, art, holistic education and connection with nature.
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Old Soul Farm

18. Old Soul Farm

99%
(302)
Gettysburg, PA · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a small, working farm and apiary. Located back a gravel farm lane, Old Soul Farm is the perfect place to getaway from it all and still be within 10 minutes of the Gettysburg Battlefield. Learn more about this land: Site Option 1: The Point - A beautiful view of the farm and surrounding farm properties. It is the furthest away from the barn and owner housing for privacy but an easy field walk in and out. Site Option 2: The Barn Site - Closer to the barn. It is a level area with a great tree for shade and climbing. As of April 2025, we now offer a 50/30/20 amp for the convenience of our tent and RV campers! This location also has a stone fire circle. Site Option 3: The Riding Ring - Formerly used as a riding ring for horses, it can now be used to accommodate larger groups.
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Forest Camping with Modern Comfort

19. Forest Camping with Modern Comfort

98%
(69)
Shippenville, PA · 19 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Camp in the woods with modern comforts—family- and pet-friendly, trail-access, and WiFi-equipped, just minutes off I-80 in Clarion County, PA. Welcome to Rustic Acres RV Resort & Campground, a pet-friendly, family-friendly campground set on 24 wooded acres in Western Pennsylvania near the Clarion River and over 3,000 acres of State Game Lands. Here, you’ll feel immersed in nature—quiet forest, spacious sites, and direct trail access—while still enjoying the comforts of modern camping. Perfect for RV camping, van life, tent camping, overlanding, and glamping, Rustic Acres blends outdoor adventure with thoughtful amenities. Step right from your campsite onto hiking and biking trails, or explore nearby Cook Forest State Park and the Clarion River for kayaking, fishing, and scenic views. Work remotely from camp at The Hub—our modern lounge with strong WiFi, comfortable workstations, and complimentary coffee and tea. Ideal for digital nomads, remote workers, and extended stays. Stay your way: Full hookup RV sites (30/50 amp) Van-friendly and small rig sites near amenities Primitive tent camping and overlanding sites Glamping tents and retro campers Amenities include free WiFi, camp store, clean bathhouses, laundry, playground, yard games, community fire pit, and gathering spaces. Enjoy a peaceful, dog-friendly setting with room to roam and space to relax. Conveniently located near I-80 and close to local shops, dining, and attractions, Rustic Acres offers the perfect balance of seclusion and accessibility. You can even bike / walk from camp one mile to Lost in the Wilds Brewery and O’Neils Family Market. Camp in the woods—without giving up comfort. Work. Explore. Stay at Rustic Acres.
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Cranberry Run Campground

20. Cranberry Run Campground

98%
(41)
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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Full hookups

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