Are you looking to find the sweetest locations to camp in Pennsylvania? You’ve come to the right place!
Did you know Hershey, Pennsylvania, is the chocolate capital of the United States? There’s no better way to start any adventure than with a bit of chocolate! Not only can you come and enjoy a sweet treat at the famous HersheyPark, but you can also experience the surrounding natural beauty in the north-central regions, hike along the trails in the Pocono Mountains, or bring your bike to explore the Alleghenies.
Let’s take a look at some of the best places to go camping in Pennsylvania: the beautiful state parks, national parks, and even a handful of hidden gems! Ready? Let’s go!
Southeast Pennsylvania Camping
1. Hershey Camping Resort
First, let’s start our journey off right at Hershey Camping Resort, located in the southeast region of Pennsylvania.
Hershey Camping Resort took it a step further! If you choose to stay here, the resort guarantees reservations for park admissions to the Hersheypark, early access to a handful of rides, and a pass for your parking, all for staying at their resort; how sweet!
Explore a full-service, fifty-five-acre camping ground accommodating RVs, tent campers, and even glampers who choose to rent one of the furnished log cabins! Enjoy the public pool, indoor game room, s’mores area, playground, shuffleboard, basketball and volleyball courts, and more!
2. Tuscarora State Park
Next on our list of the best camping in Pennsylvania is the Tuscarora State Park. You’ll find Tuscarora State Park in the city of Blain, in the southeast region of Pennsylvania.
Expect to enjoy 96,025 acres of gorgeous outdoor areas in the Cumberland, Franklin, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, and Perry counties. Enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, rustic picnics, and even a little hunting.
Tuscarora State Park is near not one but two lakes: Tuscarora Lake and Locust Lake! Come and enjoy all the lake activities at this Pennsylvania camping location, such as boating, swimming, and fishing in the proper seasons!
3. Michaux State Park
Consider visiting Michaux State Park, located in the town of Fayetteville in the southeast portion of the state of Pennslyvania. Michaux State Park is large and accommodates the counties of Cumberland, Franklin, and Adams.
Camping in Pennslyvania at Michaux State Park takes camping to a whole new rustic level thanks to the exciting outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, ATV riding, picnicking in one of their picnic nooks, and fishing. In addition, they offer hunting areas and a practice range in the proper seasons.
4. Caledonia State Park
Next on our list of best places to go camping in Pennslyvania is Caledonia State Park in Fayetteville, an impressive wooded beauty nestled in the South Mountains.
The state park grounds offer a golf course, summer stock theater, and public pool with an included water slide! Plan additional activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, and rustic picnicking. Bring the whole family on a journey they’ll never forget!
History buffs can learn the stories about the late Civil War legislator and abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens. He was a co-owner of the Caledonia Ironworks before traveling to Gettysburg to visit the National Battlefield Park.
5. Codorus State Park
Come and see the gorgeous rolling hills of Codorus State Park (often compared to those found in Ireland!) and the enormous Lake Marburg, perfect for experiencing some lake camping. If you can host for two weeks, then come and enjoy some free lakeside camping!
Codorus is another gorgeous state park for Pennsylvania camping located in Marburg. There are 3,490 acres of this state park to come and explore, and plenty of fishing spots and a scuba diving area at the Sinsheim Cove!
Northeast Pennsylvania Camping
6. Frances Slocum State Park
Enjoy the natural surroundings in the Frances Slocum State Park and the horseshoe-shaped lake located in northeastern Pennslyvania in the city of Wyoming.
During your Pennsylvania camping adventure at this park, you can enjoy (dependent on the season) a variety of summer and winter activities along with lake swimming, canoeing, and kayaking.
7. Lackawanna State Park
Next on the list of great places to go camping in Pennslyvania, come and enjoy the 198-acre lake surrounding Lackawanna State Park, which offers multiple activities such as boating, fishing, camping, and biking the wooded trails.
You’ll be able to visit the gorgeous Lackawanna State Park in North Abington Township, Pennslyvania.
8. Otter Lake Camp Resort
A fun getaway that offers access to 300 acres of pristine wilderness and the 60-acre lake is Otter Lake Camp Resort, located in Marshalls Creek, surrounded by the Pocono Mountains.
During your camping trip, you’ll be able to enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, swimming, challenging fishing, and many more outdoor amenities included at this resort.
9. Mountain Vista Campground
Next on the list of the best camping in Pennsylvania is Mountain Vista Campground. Come and enjoy traditional campground experiences with a great selection of family-friendly activities and a handful of seasonal outdoor activities.
You can find the Mountain Vista Campground in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, near the Pocono Mountains.
10. Mountain Springs Lake Resort
Enjoy a fully furnished cabin or cottage for ultimate camping comfort at the Mountain Springs Lake Resort. You’ll find this lake resort in Reeders, Pennsylvania, as part of the Pocono Mountain Resorts.
During your Pennsylvania camping trip, enjoy various outdoor activities, including the hiking trails along the 325 acres of emerald-green forests and direct access to fishing spots.
11. Forest Ridge Cabins and Campgrounds
Next on the list of best camping in Pennslyvania, come and enjoy the 23 acres of fantastic camping sites, luxury cabins, private hot tubs, and other modern amenities at Forest Ridge Cabins and Campgrounds.
Forest Ridge is located in the very heart of Allegheny National Forest and is a perfect getaway for some cabin camping; it’s quiet and perfect for pets and families!
12. Worlds End State Park
Enjoy cabin rentals and twenty miles of hiking trails while camping in Pennsylvania at the infamous Worlds End State Park. Many campers absolutely love this state park! You can find Worlds End State Park in Forksville, Pennslyvania, in the state’s northeast region.
This state park is unique as it focuses on a wide range of recreation programs and environmental education. Learn about your surroundings by performing hands-on activities, going on guided walks, and through nightly programs. Gain an understanding and sense of stewardship toward natural and historical resources.
13. Fairview Farm and Guest Ranch
Next on the list of best camping in Pennslyvania is a quaint and unique little getaway at Fairview Farm and Guest Ranch. You can find Fairview Farm and Guest Ranch northeast of Pennslyvania in the city of Summit.
Come and enjoy activities included during your stay on the farm such as biking, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. If you like, you can rent cabins on the farm and enjoy one of the most relaxing yet exciting adventures you’ll be sure to want to write home about!
Central Pennsylvania Camping
14. Cherry Springs State Park
Cherry Springs State Park is the perfect isolated location for camping in Pennsylvania if you love stargazing. Cherry Springs features some of the darkest skies and brightest stars at night!
You’ll find Cherry Springs State Park located in the north-central region of the state of Pennsylvania. You are welcome to utilize thirty different primitive campsites with included picnic areas during your stay.
15. Allegheny River Campground
Enjoy primitive and brand-new glamping sites, full-service cabins, vintage RV rentals, and RV hookups at Allegheny River Campground. Allegheny River offers full-service campgrounds situated on Route 6 in the Pennsylvania Wilds, close to the Grand Canyon and Cherry Park Dark Skies.
You can expect to find Allegheny River Campground located in north-central Pennsylvania just along the Allegheny River. This campground makes a perfect addition to the list of best camping in Pennslyvania; bring your crew and enjoy the beauty!
16. Bear Run Campground
Enjoy hiking along Moraine State Park and many other outdoor activities when you come and camp at the Bear Run Campground! In the central state region, you can find Bear Run Campground in Portersville, Pennslyvania.
This Pennsylvania camping location is excellent for those who like rustic, quiet grounds surrounded by wooded areas. Bear Run is a top-rated family camping location offering cabin rentals and immediate access to Lake Arthur’s shoreline.
17. Seven Points Campground at Raystown Lake
Seven Points Campground is a great camping location and definitely deserves a place on the list of best camping in Pennslyvania. This campground has lake water access, clean bathrooms and bathing areas, and gorgeous scenery. You can come and visit Seven Points in central Pennsylvania in the city of Hesston.
Plan a few outdoor activities during your stays, such as swimming, relaxing, boating, biking, trails, and bird watching.
18. Fantasy Island Campground
Fantasy Island Campground features about one hundred sites with full RV hookups and concrete patios. You can also rent cabins or RVs. Expect to find Fantasy Island in Sunbury on Packer Island in the very center of the great state of Pennsylvania.
During your trip, enjoy the array of fun on-site activities like mini-golf, volleyball, horseshoe, shuffleboard, and ongoing cornhole games!
19. Splash Magic RV Resort By RJourney
Excellent campsites can be found at the Splash Magic RV Resort By RJourney, along with rentable cabins, RV full hookups, fire rings, grills, picnic tables, and more! You’ll find Splash Magic in Northumberland, Pennsylvania, in the east section of the central state region.
Come and enjoy a fantastic waterpark full of slides, pools, splash areas, and even a foam pit during your stay. Furthermore, enjoy an outdoor movie theater, jumping pillow, bumper boats, mini-golf, pedal bikes, and water trikes.
20. Locust Lake State Park
Come and see Locust Lake, a beautiful location sandwiched between two campgrounds and surrounded by gorgeous green forests. In the central Pennslyvania regions, you’ll find Locust Lake State Park in Barnesville, Pennslyvania.
This state park is well-known for its camping and is highly rated among its past and current visitors. You’ll be able to enjoy all the typical outdoor activities, but the most popular ones are hiking and fishing.
21. Prince Gallitzin State Park
Next on the list of the best camping in Pennslyvania, come and see the large Prince Gallitzin State Park, which surrounds the 1,635-acre Glendale Lake. You can expect to find Prince Gallitzin in Patton, Pennsylvania, in the central part of the state.
You can learn, experience, and connect with hands-on activities, walking tours, and different programs throughout the season. In addition, you can choose to ride on a boat, pontoon, or kayak.
Northwest Pennsylvania Camping
22. Elk State Forest
Come see the Elk State Forest and enjoy tons of scenic outdoor views thanks to the almost 217,000 acres of northern hardwood and mixed oak forest in Elk, Cameron, Potter, and McKean counties. You can find the Elk State Forest in the northwest city of Austin, Pennsylvania.
You’ll have the opportunity to view plenty of wildlife, primarily where the elk used to run throughout the forest areas. When it comes to primitive camping among wildlife, you can’t beat Elk State Forest!
23. Allegheny National Forest
Enjoy over two hundred miles of scenic trails and beautiful wooded areas along the Allegheny National Forest. It’s easy to see why this national forest is on the list of best camping in Pennslyvania. You can find this national forest in the northeast region of Pennsylvania.
The full name of this national forest is Bradford Allegheny National Forest, and you will find it’s well-known as a camper’s paradise. Come and see the beautiful Kinzua Dam and the stunning blue water of the Allegheny Reservoir.
24. Chapman State Park
Next, come and camp along the gorgeous Chapman State Park, an 805-acre state park with the manufactured Chapman Lake. You’ll find Chapman State Park located in Northwest Pennslyvania in the city of Clarendon.
During your Pennsylvania camping trip, you’ll be able to come and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking trails, campsites, seasonal winter activities, and water activities along Chapman Lake.
25. The Forest Lodge and Campground
Close by Blue Jay Creek, come and stay at The Forest Lodge and Campground located in the northwest region of Pennslyvania in Marienville. Enjoy the beauty found at Allegheny National Forest, stay in one of their available rustic rooms, or rent a cabin. Full hookups are also available with primitive camping locations.
Outdoor activities at this Pennsylvania camping location include ATV and snowmobiles along with mountain bike trails, horseback riding, hiking trails, fishing spots, hunting, and geocaching.
26. Pymatuning State Park
Pymatuning State Park is next on the list of best camping in Pennslyvania. You’ll find this state park in the town of Linesville.
Come and enjoy some camping along the beach area of the largest lake in Pennsylvania, the Pymatuning Reservoir. If you enjoy water sports, this is the perfect place to not only enjoy some camping, but also enjoy some outdoor lake activities and wide ranges of boating areas.
Southwest Pennsylvania Camping
27. Keystone State Park
Keystone State Park offers 1,200 acres of land perfect for different types of camping, cabin rentals, a lake, and several walking trails, all within walking distance.
Enjoy lots of outdoor activities at this Pennsylvania camping destination such as hiking, swimming, watching wildlife, boating, fishing, hunting, and enjoying the picnic spots during your stay!
28. Raccoon Creek State Park
Come and visit the Raccoon Creek State Park and enjoy 7,572 acres of state park goodness, including modern campsites. Raccoon Creek is another excellent location to go camping in Pennslyvania and is located in the southwest Pennsylvania town of Hookstown.
During your camping trip, make sure to enjoy a few canoeing and kayaking trips. Do you need a boat rental? No problem, you can come and borrow one for the day!
29. Laurel Hill State Park Campground
Enjoy a pristine state park, gorgeous mountains, and trails to view plants and wildlife when you plan a Pennsylvania camping trip to the Laurel Hill State Park Campgrounds. You’ll find the Laurel Hill State Park Campgrounds located in the southwest region of Pennsylvania. This park consists of 4,062 acres of mountainous terrain.
There are additional amenities within the park, such as a playground, public restrooms, an amphitheater, a boat launch, laundry facilities, showers, and a volleyball court, just to name a handful!
30. Shawnee State Park
Last but not least on our list of the best camping in Pennslyvania is Shawnee State Park. You’ll find Shawnee State Park located in Schellsburg, in the southwest region of Pennsylvania.
Get ready to yawn after all the activities you’ll be doing non-stop visiting Shawnee State Park. Free camping is available to long-term hosts, and you can come and tent camp along the Kegg Runn finger on the Shawnee Lake.
Wrapping Up The Best Camping in Pennsylvania
Pennslyvania is a perfect location to plan your next camping adventure. You’ll never run out of scenic wooded areas, acres of gorgeous land to explore, and must-visit camping locations full of fun outdoor activities great for the whole family!
Ready to set off on more Pennsylvania adventures? Check out 9 Amazing Natural Springs in Pennsylvania and the 21 Best Trails for Hiking in Pennsylvania!