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Top 15 Most Scenic Campgrounds in Pennsylvania

Traveling into Pennsylvania’s backcountry reveals a tapestry of natural beauties, with towering woods, tumbling waterfalls, and peaceful lakes luring nature lovers to explore the state’s natural splendor.

Pennsylvania’s varied environment, located in the center of the East Coast, is home to a variety of campgrounds that offer an immersive retreat into nature’s embrace, rather than just a night spent under the stars.

Every location offers a different vision of peace and adventure, from the serene Ricketts Glen State Park with its captivating waterfalls to Cherry Springs State Park, a refuge for stargazing.

Come along as we tour Pennsylvania’s top 15 scenic campgrounds, beckoning you to abandon the cities in favor of the sound of rustling leaves, gurgling streams, and breath-taking vistas that make camping in the Keystone State an experience never to be forgotten.

1. Ricketts Glen State Park

Photo by Xue Guangjian: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-pitched-dome-tents-overlooking-mountain-ranges-1687845/

With its breathtaking waterfalls and immaculate surroundings, Ricketts Glen State Park captivates campers and is a monument to Pennsylvania’s natural magnificence. Nestled amidst the endless mountains, this picturesque sanctuary is home to the magnificent Ganoga Falls, a 94-foot waterfall that perfectly captures the essence of the park.

Enjoying the tranquility of Lake Jean, guests can wander through old woodlands on more than 26 kilometers of winding trails. Offering the ideal balance of peace and adventure amidst the verdant surroundings, Ricketts Glen is a haven for nature enthusiasts and a top choice for anyone looking for a gorgeous camping experience in the heart of Pennsylvania.

2. Ohiopyle State Park

Situated along the Youghiogheny River, Ohiopyle State Park beckons campers with a magnificent masterpiece. It is located in the Pennsylvania Laurel Highlands. The stunning Ohiopyle Falls, where the river cascades rapidly and creates a natural spectacle, is the park’s crown jewel.

Encircled by the well-known Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, campers can enjoy the tranquil sounds of gushing water while exploring verdant forests. Beyond its waterfalls, the park offers a wide range of outdoor pursuits, such as biking, hiking, and white-water rafting.

At Ohiopyle State Park, naturalists can enjoy an aesthetically pleasing camping experience while witnessing one of the state’s most varied landscapes.

3. Cherry Springs State Park

Photo by Syed Qaarif Andrabi: https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-tents-on-green-grass-field-near-lake-under-cloudy-sky-9353950/

Tucked away in Potter County, Cherry Springs State Park is a celestial haven and a marvel of the sky. The park is well known for being one of the best places on the East Coast to see stars because of its isolated setting, which reduces light pollution and offers a clear view of the night sky.

Cherry Springs campers witness a celestial symphony as they gaze at planets, constellations, and meteor showers with never-before-seen clarity. This campsite provides a distinctive celestial experience with its designated stargazing areas and educational activities. A heavenly haven, Cherry Springs State Park allows campers to set up their tents beneath a canopy of stars and establish a bond with the universe.

4. Worlds End State Park

Nestled in the picturesque Loyalsock State Forest, Worlds End State Park is a refuge for campers looking for peace amidst the wonders of nature. The park’s rich forests, glistening streams, and breathtaking views reveal its splendor. Hikers can uncover secret waterfalls and delight in the rich, diversified ecosystem by exploring the Loyalsock Trail.

A tranquil haven, Worlds End State Park welcomes campers to relax by the captivating Loyalsock Creek or go on adventures across the park’s vast network of trails. Discover the unspoiled beauty and remote atmosphere of Worlds End, where outdoor lovers may fully immerse themselves in Pennsylvania’s backcountry’s natural majesty.

5. Cook Forest State Park

Photo by Cliford Mervil: https://www.pexels.com/photo/silhouette-of-person-standing-near-camping-tent-2398220/

With its towering ancient trees and serene environs, Cook Forest State Park enchants campers as a verdant refuge in the heart of Pennsylvania. The forest, which is home to some of the tallest trees in the Northeast, has a mystical atmosphere.

Water lovers are drawn to the park by the winding Clarion River, which offers opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. The gorgeous scenery of the Clarion River Valley offers a tranquil setting for hiking paths, enticing campers to discover Cook Forest’s captivating splendor. This park is a monument to the enduring appeal of old-growth forests and pure river valleys for anyone looking to escape into the embrace of nature.

6. French Creek State Park

A picturesque gem close to Philadelphia, French Creek State Park features a mosaic of meadows, forests, and a 68-acre lake. At this beautiful hideaway, campers can explore the vast network of trails within the park and immerse themselves in a variety of habitats. French Creek is attractive since it’s a peaceful haven for those who enjoy the outdoors.

The neighboring meadows provide a tranquil location for birdwatching and relaxing, and the large lake invites boating and fishing. French Creek State Park invites campers to relax in the embrace of Pennsylvania’s alluring outdoors, serving as a testament to the peaceful coexistence of natural landscapes.

7. Promised Land State Park

Photo by seyfi durmaz: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-wearing-a-red-jscet-standing-near-tents-5992142/

Nestled in the Pocono Mountains, Promised Land State Park entices campers with the prospect of immaculate lakes and verdant forests. For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Promised Land Lake and Lower Lake offer a captivating combination.

A wide range of water sports are available to campers, including boating, fishing, and cool dips in the crystal-clear waters. Hikers are invited to explore the park’s different ecosystems and take in the expansive vistas as they meander through scenic routes.

In the center of Pennsylvania’s gorgeous Poconos, Promised Land State Park is a sanctuary for people looking for the ideal fusion of water sports and unspoiled landscape.

8. Bald Eagle State Park

Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir is the focal point of Bald Eagle State Park, a lovely retreat tucked away in the embrace of Bald Eagle Mountain. The serene waterways create an ideal camping environment by reflecting the beauty of the surroundings.

The park’s vast path network, which winds through verdant woodlands and along the reservoir’s edge, is open to campers to explore.

Bald Eagle State Park’s tranquil atmosphere makes it a sanctuary for people looking for a harmonic fusion of nature and pleasure, and activities like fishing, boating, and animal viewing further improve the outdoor experience.

It is evidence of the varied and enthralling outdoor environments found in Pennsylvania.

9. Black Moshannon State Park

Photo by Lukas: https://www.pexels.com/photo/tents-surrounded-by-trees-1309586/

Nestled in the heart of the Allegheny Plateau, Black Moshannon State Park showcases the beauty of nature with its vast bog and tranquil Black Moshannon Lake. Here is a hidden gem where campers may experience a rich ecology characterized by a wide variety of bird species and unusual plant life.

Hiking routes wind through the neighboring forests, providing an opportunity to observe wildlife and scenic views of the lake. Black Moshannon State Park is a serene haven for nature lovers to enjoy its breathtaking trails, observe its diverse wildlife, and take in the serene atmosphere of this alluring location in central Pennsylvania.

10. Shawnee State Park

Located in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, Shawnee State Park is a peaceful camping area with a view of calm Shawnee Lake. A serene atmosphere and expansive vistas welcome campers, making it the ideal place to get away from it all.

The park offers breathtaking vantage points that entice guests to take in the splendor of the surroundings. Through the trees, hiking trails wind, providing chances for exploration and wildlife observation.

Shawnee State Park offers the perfect location for outdoor recreation, leisure, and an unforgettable camping experience in the center of Pennsylvania’s breathtaking scenery thanks to its serene waters and attractive surroundings.

11. Hickory Run State Park

Photo by Lukas: https://www.pexels.com/photo/tents-on-the-ground-1309587/

Campers are enthralled with Hickory Run State Park’s distinctive Boulder Field and mesmerizing Shades of Death Trail, which are located in the Pocono Mountains. Massive rocks scattered throughout the ground create a surreal atmosphere at this picturesque location, which unveils a world of natural treasures.

The park’s routes meander through verdant forests and provide a variety of meditative strolls and strenuous excursions. Hickory Run is a unique and alluring camping location in the midst of Pennsylvania’s scenic Pocono Mountains. Campers can explore the park’s different ecosystems, take in the majesty of Hawk Falls, and marvel at the geological wonders.

12. Caledonia State Park

Campers are invited to a peaceful retreat where history and nature coexist at Caledonia State Park, which is tucked away within the Michaux State Forest. The park’s beauty is highlighted by the serene flow of Conococheague Creek and an intriguing iron furnace that recalls the area’s industrial past.

Walking paths meander through the picturesque forests, offering chances to discover the untouched splendor of nature and come across relics from the past. Campers at Caledonia can enjoy the peace of the stream, explore the park’s varied landscape, and experience the special fusion of historical and natural appeal that characterizes this alluring location in central Pennsylvania.

13. Kinney Run State Park

Photo by Teemu R: https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-people-lying-inside-tent-1840421/

Campers are drawn to Kinney Run State Park, a hidden gem in the Endless Mountains, by its untamed gorge and the mesmerizing Kinney Run Falls. This picturesque location, a paradise for wildlife lovers, provides a pure wilderness experience. Hikers can explore the park’s trails, which reveal beautiful scenery and the calming sound of flowing water.

At Kinney Run State Park, campers are welcome to escape the everyday and take in the tranquil atmosphere of this natural refuge surrounded by lush foliage and the captivating charm of Kinney Run Falls. Kinney Run State Park is a tribute to the undisturbed beauty of Pennsylvania’s wilderness.

14. Pine Grove Furnace State Park

The heart of the Appalachian Trail, Pine Grove Furnace State Park, welcomes campers to immerse themselves in the spirit of this famous long-distance route. Tucked away in the verdant Michaux State Forest, the park serves as a trail midway point and a rest stop for tired hikers.

A significant component of the area’s industrial past, the historic Pine Grove Iron Furnace is accessible to campers via beautiful pathways. Not only is Pine Grove Furnace State Park a great place to camp, but it’s also a place where history and outdoor exploration converge, with the natural splendor of Pennsylvania’s forested landscapes infused with the essence of the Appalachian Trail.

15. Moraine State Park

Photo by Maximilian Oeverhaus: https://www.pexels.com/photo/camping-in-the-outdoors-7340276/

The vast glacial Lake Arthur is the focal point of Western Pennsylvania’s Moraine State Park, which showcases its breathtaking scenery. Sandy beaches, pleasant boating waterways, and a varied environment flourishing along the shoreline greet campers.

The park’s routes meander through meadows and forests, providing beautiful scenery and chances to see wildlife. For those who enjoy the water, Moraine State Park offers the ideal balance of leisure pursuits and tranquil natural beauty.

This treasure in Western Pennsylvania allows campers to experience the peaceful atmosphere of Moraine’s enthralling sceneries, whether they are going on leisurely lakeside strolls or daring boating trips.