Top 10 Best Camping & Outdoor Destinations in Pennsylvania (With Travel Guide)

Pennsylvania, known as the "Keystone State," is a hidden gem for outdoor enthusiasts who love rolling forests, majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and rich historical landscapes. From the endless trails of the Appalachian Mountains to the scenic shores of Lake Erie and the historic battlefields of the Civil War, Pennsylvania offers a diverse range of camping experiences that cater to hikers, campers, anglers, and nature lovers.

Whether you're seeking waterfront relaxation, mountain adventures, or historical exploration, Pennsylvania's 10 best camping destinations provide unforgettable experiences in some of the most beautiful and historic natural settings in the eastern United States.

Below are the 10 best camping destinations in Pennsylvania, each with:
✅ Unique attractions & activities
✅ Best time to visit
✅ Nearby amenities (food, gas, lodging, transportation)
✅ Important tips & safety advice

1. Cook Forest State Park (Cooksburg) – Ancient Trees & River Views
🌲 Highlights:
"Forest Cathedral" (towering ancient white pines & hemlocks)
Clarion River (kayaking, fishing & swimming)
Hiking trails (Gulf Ledges, Fire Tower)
Historic logging village & sawmill
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for hiking & river activities, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage (mid-Oct to Nov)
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Cook Forest State Park Campgrounds
Cooksburg (5 mins) has small grocery stores & gas stations
Clarion (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
River swimming has designated areas only
Fire Tower offers panoramic views but has steep steps
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near water

2. Ohiopyle State Park (Ohiopyle) – Youghiogheny River & Falls
🏞️ Highlights:
Cucumber Falls (25-ft waterfall)
Youghiogheny River (whitewater rafting & kayaking)
Great Allegheny Passage (scenic bike trail)
Ferncliff Peninsula (nature preserve)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for water activities, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm for rafting & hiking
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - pleasant & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Ohiopyle State Park Campgrounds
Ohiopyle (small town) has basic amenities
Uniontown (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Whitewater rafting requires reservations
River currents can be strong—follow safety guidelines
Bike trail is shared—watch for cyclists

3. Cherry Springs State Park (Coudersport) – Dark Sky Park
🌌 Highlights:
One of the darkest skies in the eastern U.S. (stargazing)
Cherry Springs Fire Tower (panoramic views)
Hiking trails (Susquehannock Trail System)
Wildlife viewing (deer, black bears)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for stargazing & hiking, 40-70°F)
Summer (60-70°F) - warm but cool at night
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning starry nights
Spring (40-60°F) - fewer crowds
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Cherry Springs State Park Campgrounds
Coudersport (30 mins) has supermarkets & gas stations
Williamsport (1.5 hours) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Stargazing is best on clear, moonless nights
Dark skies mean no city lights—bring a flashlight
Wildlife is present—secure food properly

4. Bushkill Falls (East Stroudsburg) – "Niagara of Pennsylvania"
💧 Highlights:
Eight waterfalls (including Main Falls, 100-ft drop)
Hiking trails (Rainbow Falls, Shohola Falls)
Zip-lining & canopy tours
Scenic views of the Pocono Mountains
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for waterfall viewing, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm for hiking
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Nearby private campgrounds
East Stroudsburg (15 mins) has supermarkets & restaurants
Allentown (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Waterfalls can be slippery—wear proper footwear
Zip-lining has height/weight restrictions
Peak foliage season (Oct) is very busy

5. Presque Isle State Park (Erie) – Lake Erie Beaches & Trails
🏖️ Highlights:
Lake Erie shoreline (swimming, kayaking & fishing)
Presque Isle Lighthouse (historic beacon)
Hiking & biking trails (13 miles of coastline)
Wildlife viewing (gulls, terns, bald eagles)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
June–September (best for beach activities, 70-85°F)
Summer (80-85°F) - warm lake swimming
Fall (50-70°F) - fewer crowds
Spring (50-70°F) - pleasant & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Presque Isle State Park Campgrounds
Erie (10 mins) has supermarkets & gas stations
Buffalo (2 hours) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Lake swimming has designated areas only
Boat traffic can be heavy in summer
Wear layers—lake breezes can be chilly

6. Worlds End State Park (Laporte) – Loyalsock Creek & Mountains
🏞️ Highlights:
Loyalsock Creek (swimming, fishing & tubing)
Hiking trails (Worlds End Trail, High Rocks)
Mountain views (Endless Mountains)
Camping by the creek
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for creek activities, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Worlds End State Park Campgrounds
Laporte (15 mins) has small grocery stores
Williamsport (45 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Creek swimming has designated areas only
Trails can be rocky—wear sturdy shoes
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near water

7. Kinzua Bridge State Park (Mount Jewett) – Skywalk & Ruins
🌉 Highlights:
Kinzua Viaduct Skywalk (glass-bottom bridge over ruins)
Hiking trails (Glen Iris Dam, Kinzua Creek)
Scenic views of the Allegheny National Forest
History of the fallen railroad bridge
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for bridge walks & hiking, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - pleasant & less humid
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Nearby private campgrounds
Mount Jewett (10 mins) has basic amenities
Warren (30 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Skywalk has height/weight restrictions
Wind can be strong at the top—hold onto railings
Bring a jacket—even in summer, it can be breezy

8. Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area (Bushkill) – River & Mountains
🏞️ Highlights:
Delaware River (kayaking, fishing & swimming)
Hiking trails (Mount Tammany, Kittatinny Ridge)
Scenic drives (River Road)
Waterfalls & rock formations
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for river activities, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm for hiking & swimming
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Delaware Water Gap Campgrounds
Bushkill (5 mins) has small grocery stores
Stroudsburg (20 mins) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
River swimming has designated areas only
Boat traffic can be heavy in summer
Bring sunscreen & water shoes

9. Pine Creek Gorge (Ansonia) – "Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania"
🌄 Highlights:
Pine Creek Gorge (2,000-ft deep canyon)
Hiking & biking trails (Cherry Springs Connector)
Kayaking & fishing
Scenic railroad rides (Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for hiking & kayaking, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Leonard Harrison & Colton Point State Parks
Ansonia (10 mins) has small grocery stores
Williamsport (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Trails can be steep—wear sturdy shoes
Kayaking requires experience—check water levels
Bring bug spray—mosquitoes can be active near water

10. Caledonia State Park (Huntingdon) – Mountains & History
🏞️ Highlights:
Huntingdon County (rolling mountains & forests)
Mountain biking & hiking trails
Historic Penn-Roosevelt State Park nearby
Wildlife viewing (deer, turkey)
🗓️ Best Time to Visit:
May–October (best for hiking & biking, 50-80°F)
Summer (70-80°F) - warm but shaded trails
Fall (40-60°F) - stunning foliage
Spring (50-70°F) - blooming wildflowers
🛒 Amenities & Accessibility:
Campgrounds: Caledonia State Park Campgrounds
Huntingdon (20 mins) has supermarkets & gas stations
State College (1 hour) for more services
⚠️ Things to Know:
Trails can be rocky—wear proper footwear
Bring layers—mountain weather changes quickly
Secure food properly—wildlife is present
Final Tips for Camping in Pennsylvania
✔ Reservations are recommended in summer & fall (especially near lakes & parks)
✔ Weather changes quickly—pack layers & rain gear
✔ Wildlife is present—secure food properly
✔ Some areas have limited services—bring supplies

Pennsylvania’s diverse landscapes—from the Allegheny Mountains to Lake Erie—offer unforgettable camping adventures. Whether you want waterfall hikes, scenic train rides, or dark sky stargazing, these 10 destinations will give you an unforgettable Pennsylvania outdoor experience. 🏕️🌲🌊