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Camping
Explore
Planning Your Trip
What type of camping do you prefer? Four state parks offer backpacking; three state parks offer tent camping only; most campgrounds offer camping for most types of camping equipment. All campsites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Some campgrounds have electric hookups and showers, while some are rustic. Some campgrounds have walk-in sites to give more privacy. Use the Campground Locations and Facilities page to help you pick the state park campground that is perfect for you.
Most campsites are available through advance reservations. Although not required, reservations are recommended.
Because most campsites are available for reservation, it is important to plan the length of your vacation. On your departure date, you will have the option to lengthen your stay if another party has not reserved your campsite. If someone else has reserved the site, you will have to move to another campsite, or if the campground is full you will have to depart as originally planned.
Weather permitting, swimming takes place from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Please read and follow posted rules.
Camping Seasons
Campgrounds are open seasonally. Call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS for operating seasons and facility availablility for specific state parks. |
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Four parks offer year-round backpack camping opportunities: Laurel Ridge, Moraine, Oil Creek and Raccoon Creek state parks.
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day is the busy time for most campgrounds and coincides with the operation of most swimming areas and seasonal educational programs. These activities greatly enhance the camping experience.
Reserving a Site
Most campsites in Pennsylvania state parks can be reserved 11 months in advance to noon of the day of arrival. If you do not have a reservation and arrive after noon, check at the contact station or near the campground entrance for a list of open sites.
Reservations can be made using MasterCard, VISA and Discover credit cards, money orders or personal, traveler's and cashier's checks. Full payment must be received within two weeks of making the reservation to receive a written confirmation by mail.
Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.
Campsite Issuing
Advance reservations are available for almost all campsites. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If an employee is not available, read posted instructions and check the "reserved campsite list," then proceed to an available site and set up.
The appropriate fee must be paid to a park employee or deposited in a supplied honor system envelope before setting up on a campsite.
Transfers
To change or transfer a reservation prior to your arrival, please call the reservation call center at 888-PA-PARKS. There is a $10 service fee to any changes/transfers to an existing reservation.
Cancellation
There is a $10 service fee for any cancellations requested over seven days prior to the scheduled arrival date. There is a service fee of one night’s fee or the daily charge for any cancellations seven days or less in advance. Cancellations by the reservation call center have to be done prior to arrival. If you arrive at the campground and must cancel, or leave early, you will receive a refund for the unused portion of your camping fee.
Discounts
People with a disability can receive a $4 discount from the base campsite price upon request. The discount will be $4.50 in 2009.
Senior citizens, 62 years of age or older, can receive a discount on the base campsite fee at a Pennsylvania state park by showing proof of age. Explore the Web site for more information.
Camping Unit Storage Locations
Motor homes, trailers and pop-ups can be stored at selected state parks for a fee.
Year-round
Seasonal
Campground Hosts
Get free camping by volunteering as a campground host.
Rules and Regulations
- Campers may stay in a state park campground for up to 14 consecutive nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day. During the remainder of the year you may camp for 21 consecutive days at selected campgrounds. After camping the maximum limit, camping equipment must be removed and not returned for 48 hours.
- Site occupancy is limited to one family unit (persons living under one household) or one non-family unit limited to five persons per site, including one responsible individual 18 years of age or older.
- For campsites, check-in time is 3 p.m. on the first day of the rental period. Check-out time is 3 p.m. on the final day.
- For camping cottages and yurts, check-in time is 3 p.m. of the first day of the rental period. Check-out time is 10 a.m. on the final day.
- Pets are permitted at certain campgrounds. Pets are only dogs, cats and caged animals (such as birds and hamsters). No more than two non-caged pets are allowed to stay on any one campsite. Please request a full set of pet rules when making a camping reservation.
- Visitors are permitted from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. You cannot disturb the sleep of others between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
- Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Pennsylvania state parks.
- Fires are only permitted in fire rings and grills and must be extinguished when unattended.
Access for People with Disabilities
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Many campgrounds meet the new ADA standards. Most campgrounds have campsites that offer significant accessibility, but do not comply with ADA standards. Contact the park to see if the Bureau of State Parks can meet your needs. |
If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks:
888-PA-PARKS (voice)
888-537-7294 (TTY)
711 (AT&T Relay Services)
Where to Camp
Where to Camp. . .At the Water's Edge
Where to Camp. . .To Learn About Pennsylvania's History
Clear Creek and Cook Forest - Civilian Conservation Corps and Logging
Frances Slocum - American Indian History
Greenwood Furnace - Iron Industry: National Register of Historic Sites
Keystone - Coal Mining
Laurel Hill - Civilian Conservation Corps and Logging
Oil Creek - Early Oil Industry
Parker Dam - Civilian Conservation Corps and Logging
Pine Grove Furnace - Iron Industry: National Register of Historic Sites
Promised Land - Civilian Conservation Corps
Trough Creek - Iron Industry
Where to Camp. . .To See National Natural Landmarks
Colton Point/Leonard Harrison - Pine Creek Gorge, scenic gorge also known as Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon
Cook Forest - Forest Cathedral, a stand of old growth white pine and hemlock
Hickory Run - Boulder Field, a sea of boulders created by freeze-thaw action associated with the Laurentide Continental Glacier
Ohiopyle - Ferncliff Peninsula, contains old growth timber and unique plant species
Ricketts Glen - Glens Natural Area, 22 named waterfalls in a scenic glen of old growth pines, hemlocks and oaks
Go to natural areas for more information.
Where to Camp. . .To Leave the Crowds Behind
These parks offer more remote campgrounds that tend to be less crowded. These campgrounds do not take reservations and are first-come, first-served only.
Where to Camp. . .To Hike
These parks have over 30 miles of hiking trails.
Walled Tents and Camping Cottages
Don't feel like hauling your RV or pitching your tent?
Walled tents are built on platforms. These pre-pitched tents have electricity, dining canopy, mattresses, picnic table and fire ring. |
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Camping cottages have wooden walls and floors, windows, electric lights and outlets, and a porch. The cottage sleeps five people in a single bunk and a single/double bunk. Camping cottages may or may not be within the campground. Restrooms and showers are nearby. |
Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.
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