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Pennsylvania is probably best known for its cities and its major attractions, like Hershey Park, Sesame Place, the Philadelphia Zoo, and Amish Country. As one of the original 13 colonies, the commonwealth is steeped in historic sites—Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Valley Forge, and Gettysburg to name just a few. However, between the cobblestone streets of Philadelphia and the steel mills of Pittsburgh lies a wealth of natural and scenic areas. From rolling farmland and dense forest to mountain ranges and sandy beaches, you can find year-round outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania.
The Keystone State has more than two dozen National Park Service units, including historic sites and trails, heritage areas, and natural landmarks. Add to this over 100 state parks, and there are endless opportunities to see historic and natural wonders. The state park campgrounds are a great way for campers and RVers to navigate this sprawling state. With 45 campground units that can accommodate RVs, the parks offer sites with hookups, well-maintained facilities, excellent educational programs, and some of the best hiking trails, all at a reasonable price. While options can be limited for big rigs, the campgrounds offer a host of alternative accommodations, such as inns, rustic cabins, deluxe cottages, and yurts.
In response to visitor feedback on a series of surveys conducted in 2017 and 2018, key initiatives have been put in place to improve and invest in Pennsylvania state parks. This includes adding more full hookups and expanding WiFi service. Considering this continued investment and the enhanced services, the state parks are a great option for RVers.
Reservations
To make a reservation, visit pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com/welcome.do or call 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757).
Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
A 2-night minimum applies over weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Campsite sizes
All campgrounds have sites that can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet. Many campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet, although the number of sites may be limited. Campsites are searchable and bookable in the reservation system by RV length.
Search results display length and additional details per campsite, including driveway surface, overhead clearance, and slide-outs clearance.
Accessibility
ADA-accessible campsites are searchable and bookable online and are intended to be used by persons with a disability. These sites should not be booked if accessible facilities are not required, unless there is no other suitable option available.
People with a disability can receive a $4.50 discount on the base campsite price upon request.
Hookups
Pennsylvania state parks offer electric hookups at most campgrounds. Water hookups are available at a limited number of campgrounds. Full hookups including sewer are offered at just under half of all RV-accommodating campgrounds.
In response to visitor requests, the Bureau of State Parks is adding more full-hookup sites to selected campgrounds.
Hookups are searchable and bookable through the reservation system. Surcharges apply for sites with hookups; see pricing information below and on the specific park’s website.
Connectivity
Some Pennsylvania state parks offer WiFi. Check the park’s website for details about WiFi and cell service, or contact the park directly.
Based on user feedback, WiFi and other technology employed in the parks is a priority for future planning.
Maximum stay
The maximum stay is 14 days during the summer season, 21 days in the offseason.
Additional facilities
Campsites are categorized as Modern, Rustic, or Modern/Rustic, and priced accordingly.
All site types have a picnic table and fire ring. Modern sites are near restrooms with flush toilets and warm showers. Rustic sites have access to vault toilets. Modern/Rustic sites have access to limited facilities in the offseason. Most campgrounds have a dump station available.
Additional facilities can include camp stores, playgrounds, lodges, sports fields, marked trails, nature walks, watercraft rentals, and extensive educational programs. Details are provided on each park’s website and in the reservation system.
Cost
Surcharges are added based on date and site amenities, for example water and electric hookups ($13), electric hookup only ($7), a modern campground with showers ($4), and a pet-friendly site ($2).
Surcharges are listed on the state park website under “Camping Prices”. Complete prices are listed on each park’s website, and prices per site / per date are displayed in the reservation system search results.
Nonrefundable reservation fee: $6.50
Change fee: $10 (unless adding nights)
Cancellations up to 7 days prior to arrival: $10
Cancellations within 6 days of arrival forfeit the first night’s fee. Cancellations on the day of arrival must be made with the park directly.
Pet policies
Dogs and cats are allowed, as long as they’re kept on a leash. Check with the campground for specific leash length rules. Caged small pets are also permitted. Two uncaged pets are allowed per campground. Proof of current vaccinations may be requested. And of course, campers should always pick up after their pet.
Note that pets are restricted to certain camping areas. Be sure to book a designated pet-friendly campsite through the reservation system.
Additional regulations
- Maximum occupancy per site: 1 vehicle, 5 people or immediate family.
- Check-in time: 3 p.m. Check-out time: 3 p.m.
- Quiet hours: 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.
- Alcoholic beverages: Prohibited.
- Generator use: Prohibited during quiet hours.
- Campfires: Allowed in designated rings or pits, following local advisories.
- Drone use: Permitted in only 6 designated parks. Check the state park website for more information.
Featured Campgrounds
Ricketts Glen State Park
695 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814
In a state full of wilderness and natural beauty, Ricketts Glen is one of the most scenic areas to visit. The 13,000-acre park includes the Glens Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark. The main draw is the Falls Trail System, which extends through the lush, old-growth forest, wetlands, geological formations, and a series of 22 spectacular waterfalls. When you’re not hiking, you can enjoy swimming and boating on Lake Jean, or join a ranger-led nature walk.
Over 100 campsites allow you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the park and spend as much time as possible on the trails. Note that there are no hookups, and sites are limited for RVs over 30 feet. Facilities include restrooms, potable water, a dump station, a camp store, and a concession stand by the lake. Keep in mind that some of the trails are challenging, and closed-toe shoes are required. There are three parking areas for easier access to waterfall viewing. If you have mobility issues or small children, consult a ranger for the best way to view the waterfalls.
Hickory Run State Park
3 Family Camp Road, White Haven, PA 18661-9712
In the foothills of the Pocono Mountains in eastern Pennsylvania, this 16,000-acre state park encompasses wetlands, restored forest, trout streams, and a variety of wildlife, including black bears. Its most unusual feature is a vast boulder field, left behind by the glacial retreat about 20,000 years ago. Visitors can scramble over the boulders in this National Natural Landmark, some of which are 26 feet long. The park has almost 45 miles of trails for all levels. Many are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, so everyone can enjoy the waterfalls and other park highlights up close. More challenging trails include the colorfully named “Shades of Death.”
The park’s campground has over 250 sites for RVs, including over 100 with electric hookups and a few sites with full hookups. The number of sites for RVs over 30 feet is limited. Facilities include restrooms with showers, potable water, a dump station, playgrounds, and a camp store. Close to the city of Scranton and less than 100 miles from Philadelphia, this is a popular park during summer and holiday weekends and for viewing fall foliage.
Cowans Gap State Park
6235 Aughwick Road, Fort Loudon, PA 17224-9801
Located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, close to I-76 and U.S. 30, Cowans Gap is a convenient state park to visit while traveling through southern Pennsylvania. A beautiful 42-acre lake and 13 miles of trails through the forest and mountains create fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking opportunities for all skill levels. The park itself is surrounded by Buchanan State Forest, with additional outdoors recreation and natural beauty to discover.
One of the few Pennsylvania state park campgrounds that can accommodate big rigs, Cowans Gap has about 60 sites that fit RVs up to 50 feet. Another 100 campsites are available, and almost all sites have electric hookups. Sites are well spaced out among the trees, ensuring privacy and shade. Basic facilities include modern restrooms with showers, a dump station, and potable water, and an interpretive center and ranger programs provide enrichment experiences.
Pennsylvania state park campgrounds that accommodate RV camping
Bald Eagle State Park
Black Moshannon State Park
Blue Knob State Park
Caledonia State Park
Chapman State Park
Cherry Springs State Park
Clear Creek State Park
Codorus State Park
Cook Forest State Park
Cowans Gap State Park
Frances Slocum State Park
French Creek State Park
Gifford Pinchot State Park
Greenwood Furnace State Park
Hickory Run State Park
Hills Creek State Park
Hyner Run State Park
Kettle Creek State Park
Keystone State Park
Kooser State Park
Lackawanna State Park
Laurel Hill State Park
Leonard Harrison State Park
Little Buffalo State Park
Little Pine State Park
Locust Lake State Park
Lyman Run State Park
Ohiopyle State Park
Ole Bull State Park
Parker Dam State Park
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Poe Paddy State Park
Poe Valley State Park
Prince Gallitzin State Park
Promised Land State Park
Pymatuning State Park
Raymond B. Winter State Park
Ricketts Glen State Park
Ryerson Station State Park
Shawnee State Park
Sinnemahoning State Park
Sizerville State Park
Tobyhanna State Park
Trough Creek State Park
Worlds End State Park
For more information on Pennsylvania state park campgrounds, visit dcnr.pa.gov/StateParks/Pages/default.aspx.
