Camping › Pennsylvania
Camping in Pennsylvania
961 places to camp in Pennsylvania: 55 national forest and federal campgrounds, 12 state park campgrounds, 127 free dispersed and primitive spots, 767 private campgrounds and RV parks. The best camping months are May–Sep, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 82°F and lows near 60°F.
Best areas to camp
- Around Indian Mountain Lake101 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around McClure86 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Bethlehem86 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around North Warren79 camps in the area within 25 miles
- Around Chambersburg77 camps in the area within 25 miles
Questions
When is the best time to camp in Pennsylvania?
The best camping months are May–Sep, judged from 30 years of weather at a typical camp: comfortable days, mild nights, little rain. In July expect highs near 82°F and lows near 60°F.
Is there free camping in Pennsylvania?
Yes: 133 free or dispersed spots, mostly on national forest and BLM land.
Will I have cell signal camping in Pennsylvania?
At about 94% of camps, at least one carrier has 4G or better (FCC coverage maps, which tend to be generous). Plan for no signal on trails.
Where are the darkest skies for camping in Pennsylvania?
2 camps sit under the darkest skies (class 1–2). See the stargazing page.
Filter by camp type, amenities and activities, fly over any camp in 3D, then plan your trip.
Open Pennsylvania in Find campsThis week's picks
A different handful each week. Tap a camp to see it from above, check the weather and plan the drive.
Loyalhanna Lake PavilionsFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalLoyalhanna Lake is located in the Laurel Highlands. This location provides picturesque views of the lake as well as opportunities for bird watching, boating, fishing, hunting and paddle…
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SusquehannockFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalSusquehannock Campground offers a peaceful, primitive camping experience along the shores of Raystown Lake, nestled among the forested ridges of central Pennsylvania. The campground…
View camp →- Tracy Ridge Recreation AreaFederal campground · First come, first served · No cell signal
This campground sits on a ridge top three miles east of the Allegheny Reservoir just minutes south of the PA/NY state border. This 45-site campground provides spacious, tree-shaded…
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Outflow Recreation Area (Pa)Federal campground · Reservable · Cell signalHalf of Forest County, where Tionesta Lake is located, is preserved as public lands. The region is known as one of Pennsylvania's best big game regions and is home to a remarkable variety…
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Hancock Bend Boat Launch And Recreation AreaFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalAuthorized by the Flood Control Acts of 1936 and 1938, Crooked Creek Lake is one of 16 flood control projects in the Pittsburgh District. An important link in a system of flood control…
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Lawrence Recreation AreaFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalLawrence Recreation Area is a day-use facility on the south side of Cowanesque Lake. It is conveniently located on State Route 49 approximately 4 miles west of Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania.…
View camp →- Red Bridge Recreation AreaFederal campground · First come, first served · Cell signal
Red Bridge is a popular recreation area located along Pennsylvania State Route 321, about 10 miles north of Kane. The campground offers RV and tent sites, as well as cabin rentals during…
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Outflow CampingFederal campground · Reservable · Cell signalThe Outflow Camping Area is located on Youghiogheny River Lake in the heart of the Laurel Highlands. The lake spans the Mason-Dixon Line between Pennsylvania and Maryland. Clean waters…
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Free camping in Pennsylvania
133 spots cost nothing: dispersed sites on national forest and BLM land and free campgrounds. Most have no water or toilets, and stays are usually limited to 14 days.
- BV013 - Lincoln TrailDispersed / primitive · Free · Cell signal
Hike-in only. 0.20-mile hike from Tower Road parking area, access is road walking, partial uphill hike out, log landing. Visit the PA State Parks and Forests Reservation System to reserve…
View camp → - Clarion River CampsitesDispersed / primitive · Free · Cell signal
Twenty-seven primitive, numbered campsites are dotted along the Clarion Wild and Scenic River from Irwin Run up to and along Millstone Creek. Campsites can be reached via River Road and FR…
View camp → - William Penn State Forest Designated CampsiteDispersed / primitive · Free · Cell signal
Primitive Campsite
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