The eastern part of Pennsylvania is home to several state parks with tent campsites, including Lackawanna State Park, near Scranton, and French Creek Park, near Philadelphia. Most campgrounds are only open in the warmer months, from May to October for tent camping. Tent camping offers you a chance to explore what remains of the great woods of Pennsylvania in a protected setting.
Securing a Campsite
You may want to reserve a site before you go camping at a state park, although doing so is not required. You can make a reservation up to 11 months before your trip. If you are the type to wait until the last minute, you can wait until just before noon the day of your trip to make a reservation at the campsite. As of 2010, in order to secure a campsite, you need to pay in full 10 days after making the reservation. You can also take your chances and show up at the campground without reserving. Private campgrounds generally require that you make a reservation in advance and put down a deposit.
Rules
State run and private campgrounds generally have similar rules. The rules are designed to protect campers and nature. You cannot bring alcohol into a state park campground. Many private campgrounds prohibit alcohol as well. Campsites generally have a fire ring for campfires. State parks ask that you not bring outside firewood to the campground, since you may inadvertently introduce invasive beetles to the forest if you do so.
Campgrounds generally allow pets, although some state parks do not. If you plan on bringing your dog or cat camping with you, double check with the campground to make sure your pet is allowed.
Gear to Pack
The amount of gear you will need depends on the type of setting you choose to camp in. Some state parks have showers, electricity and parking spaces while others do not even have flushable toilets and require that you walk to the campsite. You are responsible for bringing your own tent, sleeping bags and any personal items such as towels and soap. Pack food in a secure cooler. Do not bring anything that needs constant refrigeration or that requires a lot of effort to prepare.
Facilities
Your experience camping in a tent can be as rustic or as modern as you like. If you need a toilet that flushes and like to shower daily, look for a state park campground or private campground with modern bathrooms.
KOA, a private campground, provides free cable television to campers. The campground in Allentown, Pennsylvania, also has a mini-golf course, game room and free wireless Internet, as of 2010. Some state parks in eastern Pennsylvania have electrical hook-ups. If you like to hike and see wildlife, many state parks have trails for hiking and biking as well as wildlife observation areas.
Warnings
While eastern Pennsylvania is home to plenty of benign animals and plants, it is also home to poisonous snakes, dangerous ticks and poison ivy. The best way to avoid ticks is to wear long-sleeved shirts and tuck your pants into your socks. You can also wear an insect repellent. Always check your body for ticks after hiking in the woods. You may also have to look out for the copperhead snake and the timber rattlesnake. Avoid snakes by staying on designated trails.
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