With its many state parks and campgrounds, sleeping under the stars has never been easier in Pennsylvania. But, if you’re in the mood to camp on the spur of the moment, you don’t have quite as many options for pitching a tent at the last minute. Here, however, are five glorious campgrounds if you’re looking for where to camp in PA right now, provided space is available since no reservation is required.

Please note: “No reservations” means camping spots are available on a first come first serve basis. You may find a campground has no or little space or you may not find the kind of space where you want to pitch your tent. It all depends!

1. Ravensburg State Park – Jersey Shore

2388 Rauchtown Rd, Jersey Shore, PA 17740, USA
Wikipedia/Nicholas
For "camping without reservations near me," you can sleep under the stars at the cozy 78-acre Ravensburg State Park in Jersey Shore, near Tiadaghton State Forest. Bring your pooch to this pet-friendly campground that's open until the last weekend in September. No reservations are accepted at this first come first serve camp that features a fire ring and picnic tables. Only tent camping is permitted.

The campsite at Ravensburg State Park offers a full menu of amenities, including flush toilets, showers, a playground for the kiddos, picnic areas, parking spaces, and a comfort station. Need to stock up on necessities at the camp store? It's just over a mile from the campsite.

Explore the fishing at Ravensburg State Park in this peaceful video:

2. Colton Point State Park – Wellsboro

927 Colton Rd, Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA
Flickr/Nicholas A. Tonelli
Soak up the spectacular views of Pine Creek Gorge - the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania - at Colton Point State Park in Wellsboro. The sprawling state park does not accept camping reservations with all sites on a first come first serve basis until the season ends on the third Sunday in October. The campground features such amenities as rustic bathrooms with pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, parking spots, and a playfield. This is one of the best spots for Pennsylvania state park camping.

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3. Patterson State Park – Coudersport

2866 Cherry Springs Rd, Coudersport, PA 16915, USA
Wikimedia Commons/Ruhrfisch
Escape to the remote Patterson State Park in Coudersport, flanked by Susquehannock State Forest, for an evening or two of camping. The campground operates on a first come first serve basis and features a slew of amenities, including modern bathrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, water, picnic tables, and parking spots.

4. Sara’s Campground – Erie

50 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505, USA
Facebook/Sara’s Campground
Sleep under the stars with the sand beneath you at Sara's Campground in Erie, perfect for family camping. The campground's beach campsites are first come first serve. (RV camping, however, does require reservations.) Before you head to the campsite, however, call Sara's Campground at 814-833-4560 to ensure the campsite is not already full. For the best chance of finding a site for Pennsylvania tent camping, visit between Sunday and Wednesday. During the summer months, weekends - starting on Thursdays - tend to fill up very quickly. The campground boasts such amenities as modern bathrooms, laundry facilities, a game room, and a general store.

Enjoy 45 seconds of sunset from Sara's Campground in this delightful video:

5. Riverside Campground – Montgomery, PA

125 S Main St, Montgomery, PA 17752, USA
Facebook/Riverside Campground
Pitch your tent at Riverside Campground in Montgomery, where no reservations are necessary for tent camping. Enjoy picture-perfect views of the stream right from your tent. The year-round campground promises a rustic experience, with no electric or water near the tents. However, you will still be just a short walk from the bathrooms and the showers. To check into the dry camping tent site, which doesn't require reservations, go to the office when you arrive at the campground. However, the site gets extremely busy during the Little League World Series in August, so during that time, each family can only rent one tent.

If you’re looking for where to camp in PA, these charming campgrounds promise a camping spot on a first come first serve basis. Do you know of any other campgrounds in Pennsylvania that don’t require reservations? Let us know in the comments! And, if you enjoy rustic camping experiences, check out these rustic campgrounds in PA.

Need some new camping gear? Check out the selection of sleeping bags, tents, and so much more from our friends over at REI!

Want to explore more of Pennsylvania’s natural areas? Take a look at this YouTube video by OnlyInYourState:

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Where To Camp In Pennsylvania

Beth Price-Williams | June 06, 2019

What are some of the best campgrounds in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania boasts something for everyone when it comes to camping. Here are a few:

  • For a family camping trip, try one of the no-reservations state parks in Pennsylvania.
  • Jellystone Park in Mill Run
  • Splash Magic Campground in Northumberland
  • Lake In Wood Resort in Narvon where you can reserve a covered wagon or a tipi.
  • Campers can pitch a tent right on the beach leading into Lake Erie at Sara’s Campground.

Are you allowed to camp in state parks?

Pennsylvania is home to 121 state parks, and many allow camping. However, state park camping seasons may vary. Some campgrounds will only be open seasonally while others welcome campers all year around. Camping options include RV sites, tents, and cabins.

The Pennsylvania DCNR provides a full listing of campsites, operating months, and the type of lodging available. You can even browse the Pennsylvania DCNR website to find available dates and to make reservations, if applicable.

What are some of the things I need to take on a camping trip?

Make a list of what to bring with you on your next camping adventure, and check it off as you pack each item. Some of the essentials include:

  • A first-aid kit
  • Insect repellent
  • A sleeping bag or bedding (depending on where you will camp)
  • A pillow
  • Flashlights with extra batteries.
  • Pack plenty of clothes, swimsuits, beach towels, bathing towels, and toiletries, such as your toothbrush, soap, and any regular medications you take.

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