Many campers visiting the Keystone State are enchanted by the majestic mountains, scenic valleys and abundant rivers. Whether you are interested in rustic camping at a state park or a cabin, Pennsylvania has much to offer in the way of hiking, biking and fishing.
Allegheny National Forest
This U.S. Forest Service land is available for a weekend getaway or extended stay vacation. Designated as a national forest area 1984, the Allegheny National Forest is composed of the 8,663 acre Hickory Creek Wilderness, 368 acre Allegheny Islands Wilderness, and 23,100 acre Allegheny National Recreation Area. With 20 campgrounds, totaling 674 sites, you have many overnight options from developed cabins to rustic boat and hike-in-only camping. Visitors can enjoy boating from one of the six launches, seven canoeing sites or the full-service marina. Additional recreation areas and activities include fishing, four public beaches, 11 picnic areas, over 200 miles of hiking trails and over 100 miles of ATV trails. Campsites can be reserved online via the National Recreation Reservation Service website.
Pennsylvania State Parks
From the northwest Great Lakes Region to Philadelphia in the southeast, Pennsylvania state parks have activities and amenities galore. Most state parks offer a variety of camping options, including tents, RV sites, cottages, permanent walled tents and cabins. The majority of parks are open only for the late spring to early fall season. If you are interested in year round camping, the Laurel Ridge, Oil Creek, Moraine and Raccoon Creek parks provide all season options. Nature lovers will enjoy the Colton Point/Leonard Harrison campsite located near Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, while hikers and bikers will get a work out from Ohiopyle's 79 miles of hike friendly trails and 27 miles of biking terrain. Other favorite state park camper activities include swimming, whitewater boating, canoeing. fishing and sailing. Activities vary by park and season. Reservations can be made online via the state park's website or by calling 888-PA-PARKS.
Lakeside Camping
Water lovers can camp by the shores of one of the country's Great Lakes, Lake Erie. With a variety of lakeside private campgrounds, the Pennsylvania's Lake Erie region is packed with overnight and extended stay options. Sara's Campground offers beach or wooded camping options with 100 sites located close to the Presque Isle State Park. Set up a tent directly on the beach at one of the many waterside sites and enjoy the day boating, fishing, swimming or relaxing on the shore. If you are looking for family-friendly activities, the Erie KOA offers daily children's games and recreation, pedal karts, paddle boats and a recreation room.
The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon
The "Pennsylvania Grand Canyon," officially the Pine Creek Gorge, is over 45 miles wide and 1,500 feet deep. Located in Tioga County, the gorge provides ample activities including hiking, biking and nearby fishing. Several state and privately managed campgrounds border different regions of the canyon. These include Colton Point and Leonard Harrison state parks, Stony Fork Creek Campground, Tanglewood Camping and Twin Streams Campground. Campers can find a variety of options that range from rustic to resort type of accommodations. While visiting this scenic region, try some favorite local outdoor adventures. The Turkey Path Trail provides experienced hikers with a two mile round trip wilderness hike down and up the gorge, fish Pine Creek at the bottom of the canyon or take a horseback ride near the Pine Creek Trail.
RV Camping
According to the Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association, June is the statewide RV Camping Month. Whether you are looking for a summer adventure or an early fall getaway, Pennsylvania offers a number of options for campers with recreational vehicles. RV campsites are available by the night or season from the Pittsburgh area to the state capitol in Harrisburg. There are many privately owned RV campsites such as Holiday Pines Campground in Logantown, the Mountain Top Campground just outside of Pittsburgh and the Harrisburg area Walmar Manor. Additionally, several state parks have RV pull-through sites complete with electric and water hookups.
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