During the American Revolution, Pennsylvania was considered wilderness. The state has retained much of its forests, rivers and wildlife areas. You can find solitude at a state park that is a favorite for star gazers because of its dark night skies, or hike along a remote trail built by volunteers. If you are looking for more of an urban camping adventure, however, you can pitch your tent in a resort next to an amusement park.
State Park Camping
Pennsylvania has 117 state parks that offer basic services. Making reservations in advance is suggested for campsites, especially during busy holiday weeks. Campsites are seasonal and are open spring through autumn only. Besides camping, some parks offer more unique outdoor adventures. You can see one of country's largest bat colonies at their breeding grounds at Canoe Creek State Park. Cherry Springs State Park is perfect for sleeping under the stars, where the campground has one of the darkest skies along the East Coast.
Private Campgrounds
You will find a large selection of camping options at private parks, which often have more amenities than state parks. KOA has 12 campgrounds, with swimming pools, Wi-Fi service, mini golf courses and snack bars or convenience stores. Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg has a campground next to its theme park with thrill rides and other attractions. Most campsites are shaded and have picnic tables. Most private campgrounds are also seasonal.
National Parks and Forests
If you are like more than 4 million outdoor enthusiasts a year, you will want to hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail. It winds through the northeast part of the state for 232 miles. You can hike the entire route or sections that cover as little as 10 miles. Overnight camping shelters available. The Park Service's website says you should carry all the food and water you need plus emergency supplies. You should also take extra precautions because the trail is remote and help may not be readily available in an emergency.
Winter Camping
Though state parks are seasonal, you can backpack into primitive campsites in the winter at Laurel Ridge, Moraine, Oil Creek, Raccoon Creek and Ricketts Glen. You will have to backpack in all your supplies and should be familiar with winter survival in the snow. Temperatures average near the freezing point in winter during the day, and at night the low temperatures often hover near zero degrees.
Considerations
Although much of Pennsylvania is just hours away from major metropolitan areas, it is also home to wildlife such as black bears, elk, deer and coyotes. In state parks, you are required to properly store your food in a vehicle or bear-proof containers. Bear attacks in the state are rare. However, according to TV news station WGAL, a bear attacked and injured a woman just 50 feet from her home in 2008. The bear also killed the woman's dog, which had startled the animal in the dark.
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