Camping in Pennsylvania

A complete guide to camping in Pennsylvania

Majestic Pennsylvania wilderness with lake and trees by Aaditya B

Photo Credit: Aaditya B

Overview

Pennsylvania camping runs along the Appalachian ridges that cross the state diagonally from southwest to northeast. The Pocono Mountains in the northeast and the Allegheny National Forest in the northwest anchor the two primary camping regions. Between them, a series of state forests and game lands cover the center of the state, an area locals call the Pennsylvania Wilds. This north-central region holds the least population density in the eastern US between New York and Alabama.

The Delaware Water Gap along the New Jersey border draws the heaviest single-corridor camping traffic, fed by the New York City and Philadelphia metro areas. East Stroudsburg serves as the base town. The Laurel Highlands in the southwest corner, including Ohiopyle State Park on the Youghiogheny River, attract rafters and hikers. Gettysburg in the south combines historical tourism with camping. The state forest system covers 2.2 million acres with a mix of developed campgrounds and dispersed camping options.

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Best Seasons to Camp in Pennsylvania

Spring

Mar-May

High 55°F · Low 43°F

Mountain laurel and rhododendron bloom in May and June. Stream flows run high with snowmelt. Campgrounds begin opening in April. Cool temperatures through May with occasional rain. Trout fishing season opens in mid-April.

Summer

Jun-Aug

High 75°F · Low 63°F

Peak season. Pocono campgrounds and the Delaware Water Gap fill on weekends. The Pennsylvania Wilds and Allegheny National Forest offer more availability. Temperatures reach the 80s at lower elevations. Mountain camping stays cooler.

Season	Months	Avg High	Avg Low	Conditions
Spring	Mar-May	55°F	43°F	Mountain laurel and rhododendron bloom in May and June.
Summer	Jun-Aug	75°F	63°F	Peak season.
Fall	Sep-Nov	55°F	43°F	Fall color across Pennsylvania peaks from mid to late October.
Winter	Dec-Feb	34°F	22°F	January averages 26 degrees.

Camping Regions in Pennsylvania

Region	Terrain	Key Areas
Pocono Mountains and Delaware Water Gap	Mountain	East Stroudsburg, Milford, Bushkill, Jim Thorpe
Allegheny National Forest	Forest	Bradford, Warren, Kane, Tionesta
Pennsylvania Wilds	Forest	Wellsboro, Renovo, Benezette, Coudersport
Laurel Highlands and Ohiopyle	Mountain	Ohiopyle, Somerset, Ligonier, Hesston
Gettysburg and South Central	Plains	Gettysburg, Chambersburg, York, Carlisle

Pocono Mountains and Delaware Water Gap

Mountain · East Stroudsburg, Milford, Bushkill, Jim Thorpe

The eastern mountain region fed by metro New York and Philadelphia camping demand. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area runs 40 miles along the river. The Poconos hold resort-style private campgrounds and state parks. Waterfalls, lakes, and hardwood forest at moderate elevations. Otter Lake Camp-Resort and Cranberry Run Campground near East Stroudsburg serve the Delaware Water Gap corridor.

Allegheny National Forest

Forest · Bradford, Warren, Kane, Tionesta

Pennsylvania's only national forest in the northwest corner. The Allegheny Reservoir and Kinzua Dam provide waterfront camping. Old-growth forest remnants at Hearts Content and Tionesta. Bradford and Warren serve as access towns. Less crowded than the eastern parks. Dispersed camping permitted throughout. Kinzua East Kampground near Bradford and Riverview Campground in Warren provide developed bases near the Kinzua Bridge and Allegheny Reservoir.

Pennsylvania Wilds

Forest · Wellsboro, Renovo, Benezette, Coudersport

The north-central region covering Elk, Cameron, Potter, and Tioga counties. The least populated area east of the Mississippi at this latitude. Pine Creek Gorge (the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon) is the centerpiece. Elk viewing near Benezette draws fall visitors. State forests provide the camping backbone. Canyon Country Campground and Glamping near Wellsboro and Stony Fork Creek Campground provide Pine Creek Gorge access.

Laurel Highlands and Ohiopyle

Mountain · Ohiopyle, Somerset, Ligonier, Hesston

The southwest corner with the Youghiogheny River gorge at its center. Ohiopyle State Park provides the most popular whitewater rafting and camping combination in the state. The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) bike trail passes through. Laurel Hill and Kooser state parks add mountain-lake camping. Scarlett Knob Campground in Ohiopyle and Pioneer Lakes RV Park in Somerset serve the Youghiogheny River rafting and GAP trail corridor.

Gettysburg and South Central

Plains · Gettysburg, Chambersburg, York, Carlisle

Civil War battlefield tourism combined with camping in the rolling South Mountain terrain. Codorus, Gifford Pinchot, and Caledonia state parks provide developed campgrounds. The Appalachian Trail crosses through the area. Agricultural terrain with orchards and farmland between forested ridges. Gettysburg Battlefield RV Resort and Campground and Artillery Ridge Campground sit closest to the battlefield, while Twin Bridge Campground in Chambersburg covers the western approach.

Camping Tips for Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania State Parks do not charge entrance fees. Camping fees are separate and vary by park. Reservations open 11 months in advance through the state parks website.
The Delaware Water Gap fills on summer weekends from the NYC metro rush. Book early or arrive mid-week. Dingmans and Bushkill areas have private campground alternatives.
Ticks carrying Lyme disease are a serious concern statewide. Pennsylvania has among the highest Lyme disease rates in the country. Check for ticks after every outing and use permethrin-treated clothing.
Black bears have expanded throughout Pennsylvania. Proper food storage is required at state park and forest campgrounds. Bears are most active in spring and fall.
The Allegheny National Forest allows dispersed camping on most forest land. No fee or permit required. Popular areas near Kinzua Bridge and the Allegheny Reservoir see more traffic.
Ohiopyle State Park on the Youghiogheny River books quickly for summer weekends. Whitewater rafting, biking the GAP trail, and waterfall hikes drive the traffic. Reserve early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best fall color camping in Pennsylvania?

The Allegheny National Forest and Pennsylvania Wilds region peak in mid-October. The Poconos follow in the third week of October. Pine Creek Gorge and Worlds End State Park offer dramatic canyon and gorge settings for color viewing. Cook Forest has old-growth white pine that contrasts with surrounding hardwood color.

Is Lyme disease a concern at Pennsylvania campgrounds?

Pennsylvania has among the highest Lyme disease rates in the country. Deer ticks are active from April through November in wooded and grassy areas statewide. Use permethrin-treated clothing, DEET or picaridin on skin, and check for ticks after every outing. Finding and removing ticks within 24 hours reduces transmission risk.

Can I camp along the Delaware Water Gap?

The national recreation area has several campgrounds along the river, including Dingmans and Worthington state forests on the Pennsylvania side. Private campgrounds line Route 209. Summer weekends fill quickly from the NYC metro. Mid-week and fall visits offer more availability.

What is the Pennsylvania Wilds?

A 12-county region in north-central Pennsylvania covering over 2 million acres of public forest. It is the least densely populated area in the eastern US at this latitude. Pine Creek Gorge (the PA Grand Canyon), elk herds near Benezette, and vast state forest camping define the region. Towns are small and services are spread out.

Is dispersed camping available in Pennsylvania?

The Allegheny National Forest and Pennsylvania state forests permit dispersed camping on most forest land. No fee or permit required in the national forest. State forests require registration at designated areas. State parks have designated campsites only. The Pennsylvania Wilds region has the most accessible dispersed options.