The 25 Best Campgrounds in Pennsylvania - Top-Rated & Hidden Gems

Pennsylvania is a lush, gorgeous state with so much natural beauty and it’s no wonder locals love to spend time soaking it all in. Pennsylvania is thankfully full of beautiful campsites where campers can enjoy hiking trails, boating, kayaking, mountain biking, and even playing a few rounds on a golf course.

From Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, and from the Appalachian Mountains to Lake Erie, we’re sharing the best campgrounds for every kind of camping experience. Whether you want a place that’s seasonal or open year-round, we’ve got you covered for the best camping in the state. Here are the 25 best campgrounds in Pennsylvania.

Best State Park Campgrounds in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s state parks are some of the most beautiful in the nation. There are a whopping 124 to choose from, and each one has scenery and wildlife that are wondrous to behold. State forests with waterfalls, biking trails, and family-friendly campsites make for memorable trips that will create lasting memories of outdoor fun in the Keystone State.

4216 Beaver Rd, Philipsburg, PA 16866, USA

Charles H/Google

• Location: Philipsburg, PA
• Popularity: Secluded
• Park Info: 73 campsites, restrooms with flush toilets, showers, coin-operated laundry machines, sanitary dump station
• Price: Campsite: $4-$21/night (extra for some amenities), Cottages, Cabins, & Yurts: $36-$183/night

Black Moshannon State Park is nestled against Black Moshannon Lake in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It is 3,394 acres of wetlands and forests. The wetlands portion is part of the largest reconstituted bog in Pennsylvania. It’s open year-round and has a lovely little beach on the shore of the lake.

It’s one of the quieter and more secluded places to camp and has a long history of use by the Seneca Nation as hunting and fishing grounds. Canoeing and kayaking in the serene waters is a blissful experience and should not be missed.

1150 Keystone Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA

Lee Schuler/Google

• Location: Derry, PA
• Popularity: Pretty popular during the summer months
• Park Info: 100 tent and trailer sites, 11 modern cabins, 3 cottages, 2 yurts, full hookups for electricity, flush toilets, warm showers, hiking trails, picnic areas, sand beach, snack bar, fishing, boat launch, and boat rentals
• Price: Campsite: $4-$21/night (extra for some amenities), Cottages, Cabins, & Yurts: $36-$183/night

If you’re looking for a great place to take the family for a camping weekend any time of year, Keystone State Park is one of the best for outdoor activities. Summer offers boating, hiking, swimming, kayaking, and excellent fishing of largemouth bass, trout, brown bullhead catfish, yellow perch, carp, and more. Winter has ice skating on the lake, cross-country skiing, and great winter hiking. Spring brings lovely wildflowers, and the fall foliage here is spectacular. This is a family campground like no other.

Keystone Lake was formed to wash coal for a nearby mine and to quench the coke ovens and there are sealed mine entrances near Hillside Campground to be found. Today, the area is bereft of mining activity and is a park with beautiful campgrounds for all to enjoy.

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4639 Cherry Springs Rd, Coudersport, PA 16915, USA

Brian Garrett/Google

• Location: Coudersport, PA
• Popularity: a hidden gem, except during the new moon of each month
• Park Info: 30 rustic tent camping sites with a sanitary dump station, picnic tables, lantern hangers, and fire rings. Red filters on lights are strongly requested but not mandatory. Campfires should be kept small.
• Price: Campsite: $4-$21/night (extra for some amenities)

Stargazers and budding astronomers will be especially drawn to Cherry Springs State Park as it has some of the darkest skies in the eastern United States. The stars are so bright that the Milky Way itself casts a shadow! It’s listed as a national and international Dark Sky Park and the views at night are literally stellar. It’s a dream for stargazing.

It also happens to be an amazing place to camp and campsites fill up quickly for the new moon, but there is generally ample room the rest of the time. There are scenic hiking trails and lovely open fields, and it’s the perfect place for a quiet camping trip getaway where nature and the stars are the focus. Bring a camera because no one will believe the way the sky looks here.

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124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA

Cody K/TripAdvisor

• Location: Ohiopyle, PA
• Popularity: Quite popular due to great whitewater rafting
• Park Info: 200 campsites open from April to mid-December, each with picnic tables, fire rings, and parking spaces. Some have electric hookups. A sanitary dump station and shower houses are available. Cottages, yurts, and group sites are available.
• Price: Campsite: $4-$21/night (extra for some amenities), Cottages, Cabins, & Yurts: $36-$183/night

Ohiopyle State Park is a waterfall-lovers dream, as it is full of gorgeous falls that are rushing and full in the warmer months and frozen cascades of ice in the winter. Beautiful in any season, it spans 20,5000 acres with 14 miles of thrilling whitewater boating along the Youghiogheny River. People gather from all over the state to hike to the stunning waterfalls such as Cucumber Falls, Ohiopyle Falls, Jonathan Run Falls, and Sugar Run Falls. There’s an intriguing microclimate known as the Ferncliff Peninsula National Natural Landmark which covers 100 acres and is a pocket of warmth that allows plants to thrive here that are usually only found further south.

There are miles of hiking trails, some of which connect to the Appalachian Trail in Delaware. Hikers, boaters, and whitewater enthusiasts love this park as do wildlife lovers and birders who can see ruffed grouse, wild turkeys, black bears, whitetail deer, Eastern cottontail rabbits, and more.

695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA

Paul Hu/Google

• Location: Benton, PA
• Popularity: One of the most popular state parks and reservations for cabin rentals are recommended
• Park Info: 10 modern furnished rental cabins with a living area, kitchen/dining area, restroom, and 2 or 3 bedrooms. 120 ADA-accessible tent and trailer campsites with hot showers, flush toilets, shaded tent sites, gravel parking spurs, and an on-site sanitary dump station. An organized group camping area is also available for up to 240 people.
• Price: Campsite: $4-$21/night (extra for some amenities), Cottages, Cabins: $36-$183/night

Spanning 13,050 acres, Ricketts Glen State Park is one of the more popular parks in Pennsylvania with a vast anthropological history. Native Americans have lived in the area since 10,000 BC and fossils, pottery shards, arrowheads, burial mounds, stone artifacts, and more have been found here.

It’s a place of breathtaking beauty with 22 awe-inspiring waterfalls and is a popular spot for fishing, hunting, boating, swimming, and more. There’s a 600-foot-long beach on Lake Jean with concession stands and restrooms. Wildlife is abundant with black bears, whitetail deer, beavers, bobcats, muskrats, mink, and raccoons, and there are panfish, bass, and trout to fish. Birders will be glad to know that it is also a state-appointed Important Bird Area with about 75 bird species.

Best Beach Camping in Pennsylvania

Everyone loves camping in the forests and meadows, however, beachfront camping means tons of summer fun with swimming, splashing, boating, paddling, and other water sports. Whether it’s at Lake Erie or one of the brilliant lakes in Pennsylvania, these five beach camping spots are sure to provide ample summer fun for the whole family.

Jennifer Depanicis/Google

• Location: 50 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
• Popularity: Very popular, first come, first served
• Park Info: Over 100 beach campsites, tents no larger than 14'x10. Full hookups, General Store, Modern restrooms with showers, game room, playground, basketball, cable TV, Wi-Fi, souvenir shop, Crazy Oven Restaurant<' />i>
• Price: Family tent $38/night, Basic tent $35/night, RVs & Trailers $45/night, Pop-ups & Campers $40/night

Sara’s Campground is an extremely popular beach camping site and recreation area on the beach at Lake Erie and it’s all first come, first served so get there early to grab a spot! There are no reservations for tent camping on the beach, however, a minimum 5-night reservation is required from May 15 to September 15 for trailers, motorhomes, and pop-ups.

Pets are allowed in the Bayside Campground but not on the beach. While it does get crowded, it is a blast once you’re all set up. There are so many amenities available like a game room, a basketball court, and Wi-Fi, and you’re just a few blocks from tons of restaurants if you don’t feel like cooking. The family will have a great time playing in the water and picnicking.

Roxana M/TripAdvisor

• Location: 378 US-6 & 209, Milford, PA 18337
• Popularity: Can get fairly full in the summer but not overcrowded
• Park Info: Cabins, Standard and Deluxe RV Sites, Rustic Tent Camping, Group Tent Camping, picnic tables, fire rings, pet-friendly, water hookups, RV sites have water and electric, cabins have A/C, a bathroom, and a kitchenette
• Price: Rustic Tent $63/night, Basic Tent $66/night, Standard RV $70/night, Deluxe RV $83/night, Cabins $154/night

If you want to camp in the Poconos and camp on the beach you can do both at Kittatinny River Beach Campground! It’s on the shores of the Delaware River right on the border with New Jersey and New York. There are calm areas and whitewater areas so paddlers of all experience ranges can enjoy time on the river. You’ll want to make reservations in advance.

There’s so much fun to be had with Raft Trips, canoe and kayak rentals, tube rentals, and Dual-Racing Ziplines! Do a self-guided river trip or just play in the water, enjoy a picnic on the beach, and enjoy a night roasting marshmallows under the stars at over 160 campsites. There’s also an arcade, a laundromat, and a camp store with Wi-Fi.

Management/TripAdvisor

• Location: 352 Holliday Rd, North Springfield, PA 16430
• Popularity: A hidden gem that is beautiful and uncrowded
• Park Info: Standard and Premium primitive wooded spots with no utilities, trailer spots near bath house, RV spots with full hookups, 30 amp and 50 amp sites, Cottages and Cabins, free Wi-Fi throughout, lakefront and lake view sites
• Price: Lake Front 50 amp RV $60-$72/night, Lake View 50 amp RV $58 - $72/night, 30 amp water & electric $52 - $60/night, Premium Primitive (groups) $44 - $50/night, Standard Primitive $38 - $42/night, Cottages $149 - $184/night, Cabins $110 - $140/night

Virginia’s Beach Campground is open from May 15 to October 15 and is an absolutely gorgeous place to camp on Lake Erie, especially in the lakefront cottages and cabins as you’ll have a constant view of the water with all the comforts of home.

There are scenic beachfront hiking trails, kayak and fishing boat rentals, and a playground, and the fishing is spectacular. With warm, shallow waters at the beach, you’ll find ample perch, walleye, steelhead, and bass, however, it’s a bit better from a boat. It’s also a fantastic place for jet skiing and water skiing and the water is a vibrant blue and is quite clean and clear. There are no lifeguards, so please keep an eye out for the young ones.

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Louie Louis/Google

• Location: 19186 W Erie St Ext, Linesville, PA 16424
• Popularity: A hidden gem with stunning views
• Park Info: Modern cabins with ovens, stoves, microwaves, refrigerators, and a coffee pot. Three camping areas with showers, flush toilets, and ADA accessibility. One has a camp store and laundromat. Pet-friendly throughout.
• Price: Campsite: $4-$21/night (extra for some amenities), Cottages, Cabins: $36-$183/night

The campgrounds at Pymatuning State Park are hidden gems with over 430 campsites across nearly 17,000 acres and the best of the sites are on the shores of the Pymatuning Reservoir. It’s the largest state park in Pennsylvania and it’s just next to the Ohio border. The Linesville Campground has a wonderful little beach to relax on and there are scenic hiking trails and weekend outdoor movies. The campgrounds are well-kept with friendly staff.

Bring your dog along as pets are welcomed throughout the campgrounds and they’ll have a lot of fun playing in the water. If you like wildlife, you’ll see your fair share as bald eagles and many species of migratory waterfowl frequent this area. Squirrels, whitetail deer, and groundhogs are all over the place and the reservoir is great for fishing all year. Motorboats up to 20 horsepower are welcome on the water and there are marinas with rental facilities for pontoons, rowboats, motorboats, and canoes.

Ryan Cady/Google

• Location: 155 Keen Lake Rd, Waymart, PA 18472
• Popularity: A fun and popular spot for families with high ratings
• Park Info: Cottages, RV rentals and campsites, tent sites, and glampgrounds with golf cart rentals, boat rentals, paddleboards, aquacycles, kayaks, and more.
• Price: RV rentals $189 - $259/night, Farmhouse $284 - $339/night, Pre-Civil War Barn $224 - $299/night, other houses $214 - $399, RV sites $71 - $86/night, Glamping sites $159 - $279/night, tent, van, and pop-up camping $47 - $72/night

Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort has been creating family memories for about 70 years and keeps getting better as the years go by. It’s a repeat favorite for many Pennsylvania families and is one of the best camping resorts in the state with every kind of camping you can imagine. Whether you want to pitch a tent or bask in the lap of luxury in a stately home, you can do it all here.

Every month brings new events of every description such as art shows, golf tournaments, bonfires, tailgate parties, live music, cornhole tournaments, water wars, dances, and so much more. Best of all, it all happens right on the shores of Keen Lake with its own beach where you can get a tan, read a book, splash in the water, rent several kinds of watercraft, and there’s even a swimming pool for those who prefer one. If you want waterfront fun, this is the place to be!

Top Glamping In Pennsylvania

Sometimes you want to get away from the cities and be surrounded by nature but still enjoy most of the comforts of home and have access to your various devices. In that case, glamping is the way to go! Bring your gadgets along to keep in touch with the world if you need to, sleep off of the ground in a comfy bed, and have a roof and walls rather than a thin layer of canvas between you and all the woodland critters. We’ve got five glorious yurt glamping options in Pennsylvania so that you can camp in style.

3332 Little Pine Creek Rd #9607, Waterville, PA 17776, USA

Management/TripAdvisor

• Location: Waterville, PA
• Popularity: Fairly popular but generally not difficult to reserve a place as many options exist
• Park Info: Cabins, yurts, lodge rooms, dens, and tent camping are available with a swimming pool, bathhouse, laundromat, shuffleboard, basketball, horseshoes, a chapel, a playground, a game room, and a restaurant.
• Price: Cabins $130 - $250/night, Yurts $155 - $185/night, Lodge (3 br) $325 - $450/night, Dens $50 - $165/night, Rooms $115 - $135, Primitive Camping $35/night, Full Hookup $50/night, Partial Hookup $45/night

Happy Acres Resort is nestled way out in the boonies in Little Pine State Park in the middle of thick woods, lush mountains, and miles of stunning hiking trails including the 60-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail which is perfect for biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing.

It’s also chock full of amenities like a pool, a restaurant, and the nearby Little Pine Lake and Little Pine Creek where you can go fishing, swimming, paddling, tubing, and boating. The cabins, lodges, dens, yurts, and rooms are abundant and you can have as much simplicity or luxury as you like. There’s no wrong way to glamp, and this place has all kinds of options to make your stay as comfortable as it is a serene natural getaway.

449 Camp Ground Rd, Harrisville, PA 16038, USA

Management/TripAdvisor

• Location: Harrisville, PA
• Popularity: Quite popular for families and groups, reserve in advance
• Park Info: Cabins, chalets, yurts, and RV sites. The largest option sleeps 14 people and most other sites sleep 5-8 people. Swimming pool, mini-golf course, jumping pillows, playground, sports courts, laser tag, gem mining, RC car tracks, arts & crafts, bingo, and more.
• Price: Ranger Retreat (14 people) $550/night, glamping tent $238/night, 2 br cabin $222/night, chalet $219/night, yurts $112/night, RV sites $64/night

If you want to do some glamping and bring along the whole family, then Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest has everything you need. You can stay in a huge retreat with up to 14 people, enjoy cabins of all sizes, and comfy modern yurts with everything you need for a great time and a comfy stay. It has top ratings and so many fun things to do like laser tag, swimming, mini-golf, gem mining, bingo, jumping pillows, and so much more.

It also happens to be surrounded by forest land, just like Yogi Bear would like! Peak season is June 9 to August 19 and the entire park is open from April 14 to October 29. Prices are better out of peak season, but any time you go you’re sure to have a blast! Your kids will never forget it and they can even meet Yogi, Boo Boo, and Ranger Smith! There are tons of daily activities and you’ll never want for things to do.

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576 Yellow Hill Rd, Narvon, PA 17555, USA

Management/TripAdvisor

• Location: Narvon, PA
• Popularity: Rather popular but has many options and price ranges available
• Park Info: RV sites, tent sites, log cabins, tipis, yurts, covered wagon, train car, houses, a pool complex, lake for fishing and boating, splash pad, kiddie pool, trading post, game room, recreation hall, basketball, boat rentals, golf cart rentals, mini-golf, playground, shuffleboard, cafe
• Price: RV sites $67 - $80/night, tent sites $55/night, cabins $179 - $222/night, caboose $208/night, covered wagon $156/night, tipi $175/night, yurts $238/night, house $234/night

How would you like to stay in a tipi, a yurt, a caboose, a cabin, or a house? You’ll have your pick at Sun Retreats Lancaster County. No matter which you choose, you’ll be surrounded by trees and birdsong and can get away from it all while having every comfort you need. Even driving there is quite a sight as you’ll pass through bucolic Amish country.

There’s a 6-acre lake, an entertainment hall that boasts a pipe organ, indoor and outdoor pools, several play areas, a trading post for anything you need, a game room with fun arcade games, and you can rent paddleboats or go fishing to your heart’s content. You can get a nice meal at the Getaway Cafe, play some mini-golf, and enjoy events at the recreation hall, and after all that fun you can relax in a plush bed in peace and quiet.

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3101 Chipmunk Xing, Entriken, PA 16638, USA

Alan B/TripAdvisor

• Location: Entriken, PA
• Popularity: Fairly popular but not exceedingly so
• Park Info: Villas, bungalows, cabins, cottages, yurts, lodge rooms, and RV and tent sites. Wildriver Waterpark, Proud Mary Showboat, Geocaching, nearby caves, playground, hiking trails, convenience stores, paddleboards and paddleboats, Wi-Fi, Cable TV, marina, cafe.
• Price: Cabins $94 - $114/night, beachfront bungalows and waterfront villas $139/night, the lodge $115 - $130/night, campsites $50/night, yurts $75 - $129/night

Lake Raystown Resort is a 400-acre glamping resort on Lake Raystown with a waterpark, a huge marina, a showboat, and tons of top-tier options to bring you every comfort and amenity while you spend time in idyllic surroundings that will soothe the soul. Whether you want to sit and relax by or on the water or fill your days with events and attractions, you can glamp your own way right here.

Whether you want to host a corporate event or wedding or simply bring the one you love for a special treat, you can do large or small-scale trips here with ease. There are several options for moderate to luxury quality including rooms at the lodge, your own villa, bungalow, cabin, or cottage, and quality yurts for every taste. The place is pet-friendly and dining options range from having your own picnic to having catered picnics to the Marina Cafe for all your favorites. There are three stores available for anything you might need. This is glamping at its best!

1200 Sweet St, Hummelstown, PA 17036, USA

Carla A/TripAdvisor

• Location: Hummelstown, PA
• Popularity: Very popular, book well in advance
• Park Info: Cabins, RV sites, tent camping, and tiny homes. Single-night and long-term stays and all-inclusive packages. Next to Hersheypark amusement park, concerts and events, kids and adult contests, sports courts, a country store, kayaking, climbing, fishing, and more.
• Price: Cabins, tent, and RV sites $69 - $139, Hershey Lodge $199 - $599, tiny home $109 - $199

Hersheypark is well-known as an amusement park, but did you know it is also home to some of the best glamping in Pennsylvania? It not only has cabins, a lodge, a hotel, and RV sites, but quaint and hip tiny homes! If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live in a tiny home, this is your chance to check it out for a few nights to see how you like it.

During the day you can spend time at the amusement park, play some volleyball and basketball, go kayaking, fishing, and paddling on the water, do a bit of climbing, and have fun with the kids with coloring contests, pumpkin carving contests, and interact with animals at the Family Fun Center. However long you stay, there will be plenty to see and do!

Best RV Camping Sites in Pennsylvania

Whether you want to rent an RV or already own one and want to wander and explore the various campgrounds that Pennsylvania has to offer, we are here to help! We have five of the best RV parks, resorts, and campgrounds so that you can focus on enjoying your camping trip and not have to scour the internet to find something worthwhile. All you have to do is pack up, hit the road, and have a great time!

If you are looking into getting an RV, we’d recommend renting an RV from our friends at RVShare so you can do a test run first!

235 Skyline Dr, Mercer, PA 16137, USA

Greg O’Day/Google

• Location: Mercer, PA
• Popularity: Not busy, but call ahead for specific directions
• Park Info: Pull-Thru sites with full hookups, Water and electric sites, Pop-up, vans, campers, and tuck campers sites, tent sites. Swimming pool, mini-golf, horseshoes, tennis, basketball, playground, hiking trails, game room
• Price: Pull-Thru sites $45/night, Water and electric sites $40/night, Pop-up, van, camper sites $35/night, tent sites $30/night

The simply-named RV Village Camping Resort is a secluded little place just outside of Mercer and while it’s not hard to find, it is recommended to call the site at (724) 662-4560 as GPS directions tend to be misleading. Once you get here, you’ll have a wonderful time with plenty to do! Swim in the pool, play arcade games, play some free mini-golf, enjoy a game of basketball, tennis, or horseshoes, or simply go for a hike.

It is blissfully free of hidden fees so you can bring a guest or a pet and enjoy the amenities at no extra cost. It is open from April 1 to October 31 and can be rented out seasonally as well as nightly. Several activities are planned each month such as wine tastings from nearby wineries, bonfires, foam parties, scavenger hunts, fishing contests, and more. It’s not overcrowded and it won’t break the bank so it makes for the perfect summer RV getaway.

7310 Horse Valley Rd, East Waterford, PA 17021, USA

Wildwood RV Resort/Google

• Location: Waterford, PA
• Popularity: A quiet hidden gem with several long-term options, well secluded
• Park Info: Cabins, Huts, Tent sites, RV sites with 30/50 amp electric, water, and sewage, golf cart rentals, swimming pool, horseshoes, lawn darts, ring toss, cornhole, badminton, pickleball, events, Wi-Fi, fire pits, laundry facility, business center, pet-friendly, store, paddle boats
• Price: Cabins $75 - $175/night, RV site $55/night, Tent sites $25/night, Colorado Tent $60/night, Huts $55/night

If you’re looking for peace and quiet and time in verdant natural surroundings, Wildwood RV Resort is an excellent place for it. There are nightly, seasonal, and year-round RV options, and the location in a little valley is well away from the noise and lights of the city. If you stay in the winter, a heated thermostat water hose is recommended.

There are weekend events in the pavilion and all the amenities are included in your stay. You can sign out sports equipment and there’s a playground for the kids. A catch-and-release fishing pond is available and there’s another pond for paddleboat rides as well as a swimming pool to cool off in the summer. Four miles of hiking trails surround the park, and the scenery is quite something. If you want a mellow place to stay while still having options for fun, then come to Wildwood RV Resort.

1435 Germans Rd, Lehighton, PA 18235, USA

StonyBrook RV Resort/Google

• Location: Lehighton, PA
• Popularity: A high-quality but overlooked hidden gem
• Park Info: Standard RV sites with a stone pad and seating, Patio RV sites with an 11'x45' concrete pad, patio and seating area, Premium RV sites with 12'x50' parking pads, patio furniture, smokeless fire pit. All sites are full hookup and manicured with fire rings, picnic tables, and free Wi-Fi. Spa-style bathhouses, Campground Store, heated swimming pool, food events, fishing pond, gaga pit, playground, basketball, and pickleball.
• Price: Standard sites, $74 - $109/night, Patio sites, $94 - $129/night, Premium sites $124 - $159/night

When you want an upscale experience in an RV resort with clean and well-manicured sites and grounds, and quality all around, come to StonyBrook RV Resort and have a luxurious experience. The staff goes above and beyond to ensure that you have an easy and comfortable stay and are extremely friendly and welcoming. This is a place that wants you to enjoy yourself. Even the restrooms are top-notch, with quality tilework and spa-like amenities.

Go swimming in a heated pool that you don’t have to adjust to, take part in food events with local chefs, go fishing in a fully stocked fishing pond, play some basketball or pickleball, and then roast marshmallows on the smokeless fire pit at your campsite. Your kids will love the huge playground and a fun game called GaGa. There are events and activities happening all the time like chili cook-offs, scavenger hunts, games with wine and cheese provided, Big Money Bingo, and more! Enjoy a relaxing, fun, and stress-free vacation right here.

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111 Sheet Iron Roof Rd, Gardners, PA 17324, USA

Management/TripAdvisor

• Location: Gardners, PA
• Popularity: A quiet hidden gem within an hour of several cities
• Park Info: Full hook-up and pull-thru RV sites, group camping, cabins, adventure mini-golf, Wi-Fi, Cable TV, swimming pool, volleyball, disc golf, horseshoes, play area, basketball, shuffleboard, wagon rides, game room, country store, snack bar, bathhouse, laundromat, entertainment stage, pavilion, dump station, dog park Gaga Ball court
• Price: Base tent $41/night, electric tent $49/night, water and electric tent site $58/night, Pull-thru RV $67/night, Full Hook-up RV $64/night, Premium RV $84/night, deluxe cabin $119/night, primitive cabin $105/night, RV rental $130/night

Deer Run Camping Resort brings a great balance of solace and exciting fun. It’s tucked away in the mountains yet close enough to several cities that it’s a quick getaway. Not only is there a vast array of amenities to enjoy, but there are events happening all the time like country music festivals, a pinewood derby with music, field games, water wars, car shows, live concerts, and so much more!

Bring the family to stay here for several days and not only have a ton of fun within the park, but easily use it as a home base to explore nearby attractions like Hersheypark, ZooAmerica, the Gettysburg Battlefield, and so many other amazing places. The facilities are clean and there is a lot of shade. The grounds are well-maintained and the staff is friendly and happy to help!

545 Lonely Cottage Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972, USA

Mazz man/Google

• Location: Black Eddy, PA
• Popularity: It's varied throughout the year, make reservations to be sure
• Park Info: RV sites with water, electric, and cable, cabins, tent sites, and island camping by Treasure Island Outfitters, volleyball, cornhole, fishing, boating, swimming, heated pool, spray pool, mini-golf, basketball, hayrides, outdoor movies, tennis, game room, shuffleboard, arts & crafts
• Price: RV sites 30 amp $56 - $62/night, RV sites 30/50amp $60 - $66, cabins $150 - $180, tent/basic campsites $54 - $60, Treasure Island Outfitters Adirondack lean-to sites $155/night (for 4 adults or 2 adults and up to 4 children)

Colonial Woods Family Camping Resort brings unique features that most RV resorts lack. Aside from its RV sites, cabins, and tent sites, the park has partnered with Treasure Island Outfitters for one-of-a-kind stays in Adirondack lean-tos with queen beds and dome tents on a 47-acre island in the Delaware River. A barge takes you to the river and an ATV takes you to your site.

The main park is thickly wooded and idyllic and it’s a family park so children are included in your camping fees to save you extra money! There are pools, ponds, and a splash pad for fun in the water as well as tubing. A well-stocked pond provides rewarding fishing and kayaks are available to rent. There are tons of activities to keep the kids occupied and the staff is always helpful. It’s no wonder it has a 4.5-star rating on Google!

Best Primitive Tent Camping in Pennsylvania

While it’s great to go glamping, camp in an RV, and have tons of amenities and activities, sometimes what you want most of all is to get down to the bare essentials and rough it with a simple tent and a campfire and not a whole lot else. To have as few distractions from nature as possible and truly soak it all in. Listen to the wind, the birdsong, and a quietly flowing creek, and breathe out all of the stressors of life. We have five places that will let you get in touch with nature directly.

1006 US-209, Dingmans Ferry, PA 18328, USA

Sandra M/TripAdvisor

• Location: Dingmans Ferry, PA
• Popularity: It's varied throughout the year, make reservations to be sure
• Park Info: RV sites with water, electric, and cable, cabins, tent sites, and island camping by Treasure Island Outfitters, volleyball, cornhole, fishing, boating, swimming, heated pool, spray pool, mini-golf, basketball, hayrides, outdoor movies, tennis, game room, shuffleboard, arts & crafts
• Price: Rustic tent camping by the river or in the forest, sites with water and 20 amp or 30/50 amp RV sites, and group tent camping. Camp store, hiking trails, central dump stations, bathhouses

If you really want to get away from it all, including away from Wi-Fi and cellular coverage, then Dingmans Campground is where you want to go. It’s a short distance from the picturesque Dingmans Falls and Dingmans Ferry and you can camp right on the river or in some old-growth forest that is sure to relax and invigorate you. The 32-mil McDade Trail runs through the camp and the campsites are well-spaced and thickly wooded.

The site is truly rustic and aside from the camp store and restrooms, there is not much in the way of amenities, however, you wanted to rough it, right? What this place does provide in abundance is natural beauty, peace and quiet, and an escape from modern life. Enjoy the bright stars, verdant forests, the flowing river, and peace of mind as you get back in touch with nature.

1579 State Park Rd, Newport, PA 17074, USA

Sergey Reznichenko/Google

• Location: Newport, PA
• Popularity: Varied, but rarely very crowded
• Park Info: Little Buffalo Lodge which sleeps up to 12 people, Camping Cottages that sleep 5 people, 46 primitive camping sites, multiple hiking trails, picnic tables, fire rings, swimming pool, boat rentals, fishing
• Price: Campsite: $4-$21/night (extra for some amenities), Cottages, Cabins: $36-$183/night

Little Buffalo State Park is remarkable for primitive camping and for hikers. Multiple scenic hiking trails sprawl throughout this park and there are quaint historical features like an old-fashioned covered bridge and a watermill. There is ample fishing with catfish, panfish, largemouth bass, muskellunge, and trout.

The primitive camping sites have a balance of rustic feel and modern amenities with fire rings and picnic tables, and some have electric and water hookups. The camping area is pet-friendly and there is a pool with a couple of waterslides if you’d like to take a swim. The park is beautiful, especially during the fall when the foliage comes alive with color. It’s a great place for pitching your tent any time of year.

4500 Enola Rd, Newville, PA 17241

Frank B/Google

• Location: Newville, PA
• Popularity: Fairly popular but rarely full
• Park Info: Cabins, Trailer sites with water and electricity and some with sewer, Premium trailer sites with W/E/S and a patio and gas BBQ, Tent sites with water and electric, and tent sites with no hookups, swimming pool, frisbee golf, hiking trails, paddleboat rentals, store, recreation hall, game room, snack bar, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, horseshoes, playground, Wi-Fi, pedal cart rentals
• Price: Trailer with W/E/S $66 - $76/night, Trailer site with water and electric $61 - $71/night, Premium Trailer Site W/E/S, patio, BBQ $78 - $88/night, Premim Trailer Site water and electric with patio and BBQ $70 - $80/night, Tent site with water and electric $41 - $51/night, Tent site, no hookups $39 = $49/night

If you don’t want to have to drive for hours to find a great place for tent camping, then come to Dogwood Acres Campground. Roughly an hour from several cities, this campground is a wonderful place to be among the trees while still having some fun activities and amenities to enjoy. There are shady copses of trees mixed with open fields and ponds for water activities. Spend time playing frisbee golf, swimming in the pool, hiking the trails, playing arcade games, and more.

It’s a nicely balanced campground that’s generally not overly crowded and still has a lot to do. If you don’t want to be all alone and also don’t want to be cramped with tons of people, this is where to camp. Plus, the surroundings are quite scenic and you can still enjoy the serenity of being out in nature. Put this one on your list for your next camping trip.

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37 Steele Dr, Sigel, PA 15860, USA

Management/TripAdvisor

• Location: Sigel, PA
• Popularity: Moderately popular during the summer
• Park Info: Cabins, Bunkhouse, Tipi, Covered Wagon, RV sites, Tent sites, all sites thickly wooded, live bands and DJs, playground, swimming pool, pet-friendly, free Wi-Fi, convenience store, cafe with pizza delivery to campsites, seasonal events, volleyball, basketball, croquet, pedal cars, movies, picnic tables,
• Price: Cabins $136/night, Primitive cabins $89/night, Bunkhouse/Tipi/Covered wagon $89/night, Primitive tent sites $42/night

Imagine camping in your tent in a lush, serene spot and being able to have pizza delivered directly to your campsite. You can do that at Campers Paradise! This site has kept the woods intact and all sites are surrounded by the tall trees of Cook’s Forest in the Allegheny National Forest, so each camper has their own slice of paradise. The Outpost convenience store is right there for any odds and ends you might need and a cafe is available if you’re in the mood for a quick meal you don’t have to cook yourself.

It’s considered one of the most beautiful campgrounds in Pennsylvania and is highly rated for its wooded sites, convenient amenities, and having so many modern conveniences while having a sense of privacy. There is a ton of fun for the kids with a playground and several games and wi-fi is available throughout. This is the kind of place where you can stay for several days and not miss home at all.

220 Shoemaker Rd, Ulster, PA 18850, USA

Lucas K/Google

• Location: Ulster, PA
• Popularity: Fairly popular with locals, especially during the summer
• Park Info: cabins, premium, lakeside, and standard RV sites, primitive tent sites with water and electric, splash pad, heated pool, 18-acre lake, biking, boating, fishing, hiking trails, 4 playgrounds, rentals of canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, banquet hall, recreation hall, volleyball, horseshoes, bocce ball, Wi-Fi, camp store, laundry facilities, bathhouses, events and activities
• Price: Cabins & cottages $100 - $220/night, RV sites $60 - $80/night, Tent camping $50/night/li>

Sometimes you want to camp on a primitive tent site while having easy access to a ton of fun activities, events, and modern amenities. If that’s what you seek, then take a trip to Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground where you and your family can have loads of fun while sleeping out under the stars. Every weekend you’ll find family events like DJ parties, painting, wine & trivia, a cardboard boat regatta, foam parties, and more.

The splash pad covers 1,600 square feet and 300 gallons of water per minute are used in water cannons, jets, geysers, and buckets! A heated swimming pool adds to the aquatic fun. If you’d like to cast a line, the catch-and-release pond is stocked with largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, sunfish, and catfish. Biking and hiking trails surround the campground and the recreation hall and game room offer indoor fun if it rains. This is a stupendous place to bring the whole family for a rousing camping adventure.

As you can see, there is no shortage of campgrounds in Pennsylvania for however you like to camp. After you come back from camping, be sure to let us know about your experiences in the comments and tell us about your favorite camping spots in the state, as well as what you think are the best campgrounds in Pennsylvania. Whether you want a calm, serene getaway or an adventure-filled family trip there’s a place for you. With all the hiking trails available, be sure to check with AllTrails for closures and other updates.

And don’t forget to take a look at our ultimate hiking essentials packing list!

Looking for more? Check out this stunning video of some of the most naturally beautiful places in Pennsylvania: