The Ultimate Guide to Lakeside Camping in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is a state blessed with abundant natural beauty, and one of the best ways to enjoy it is by camping near a lake. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a fun-filled adventure, or a family-friendly vacation, there is a lakeside campground in Pennsylvania that suits your needs. In this guide, we will introduce you to some of the best places for lake camping in Pennsylvania, and give you some tips and tricks to make your trip memorable.

Why Choose Lake Camping in Pennsylvania?

Lake camping in Pennsylvania offers many benefits, such as:

• Scenic views: You can wake up to the sight of the sun rising over the calm waters, or watch the stars reflect on the surface at night. You can also enjoy the surrounding landscapes, such as rolling hills, lush forests, and colorful foliage.
• Water activities: You can swim, fish, boat, kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or even scuba dive in some of the lakes. You can also relax on the sandy beaches or picnic by the shore.
• Wildlife watching: You can observe a variety of birds and animals that live near the lakes, such as bald eagles, great blue herons, ducks, geese, deer, bears, and more.
• Hiking and biking: You can explore the trails that wind around the lakes or through the nearby parks and forests. You can also find some challenging routes for mountain biking or horseback riding.
• Camping options: You can choose from a range of camping accommodations, such as tents, RVs, cabins, cottages, yurts, or even glamping. You can also find campgrounds that offer amenities like electric hookups, restrooms, showers, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi, playgrounds, game rooms, and more.

How to Choose the Best Lake Campground in Pennsylvania?

With so many options available, how do you decide which lake campground in Pennsylvania is right for you? Here are some factors to consider:

• Location: Depending on how far you are willing to travel and what attractions you want to visit, you can narrow down your choices by region. For example, if you want to see the Pocono Mountains or the PA Grand Canyon, you can look for campgrounds in the northeast part of the state. If you want to visit Pittsburgh or Philadelphia, you can look for campgrounds in the southwest or southeast part of the state.
• Size: Depending on how crowded or secluded you want your camping experience to be, you can choose a campground that has more or less sites. For example, if you want a quiet and peaceful getaway, you can look for a smaller campground that has fewer sites and more space between them. If you want a lively and social atmosphere, you can look for a larger campground that has more sites and more activities.
• Features: Depending on what amenities and facilities you need or prefer, you can choose a campground that has more or less features. For example, if you want a rustic and primitive camping experience, you can look for a campground that has no hookups or services. If you want a comfortable and convenient camping experience, you can look for a campground that has full hookups and services.

What are Some of the Best Lake Campgrounds in Pennsylvania?

To help you get started with your search, here are some of the best lake campgrounds in Pennsylvania that we recommend:

• Codorus State Park¹: This 3,500-acre park features a 1,275-acre lake that offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities. You can also scuba dive in Sinsheim Cove or swim at one of the two sandy beaches. The park has 198 campsites (15 are tents only), 11 modern cabins (one is ADA accessible), and four yurts. The campground has electric hookups (some are 50 amp), restrooms with showers (some are ADA accessible), dump stations (one is ADA accessible), playgrounds (one is ADA accessible), picnic tables (some are ADA accessible), fire rings (some are ADA accessible), and Wi-Fi.
• Locust Lake State Park²: This 1,772-acre park is located at the base of Locust Mountain and features a 52-acre lake that is popular for fishing and kayaking. You can also hike on the trails that overlook the lake or enjoy the wildlife watching opportunities. The park has 282 campsites (some are waterfront), six cottages (one is ADA accessible), two yurts (one is waterfront), and 10 modern cabins (one is waterfront). The campground has electric hookups (some are 50 amp), restrooms with showers (some are ADA accessible), dump stations (one is ADA accessible), playgrounds (one is ADA accessible), picnic tables (some are ADA accessible), fire rings (some are ADA accessible), and Wi-Fi.
• Tuscarora State Park³: This 1,618-acre park is adjacent to Locust Lake State Park and features a 96-acre lake that is also a great spot for fishing and boating. You can also join the guided walks or explore the surrounding forests. The park has 39 campsites (some are waterfront), three cottages (one is ADA accessible), two yurts (one is waterfront), and 11 modern cabins (one is waterfront). The campground has electric hookups (some are 50 amp), restrooms with showers (some are ADA accessible), dump stations (one is ADA accessible), playgrounds (one is ADA accessible), picnic tables (some are ADA accessible), fire rings (some are ADA accessible), and Wi-Fi.
• Prince Gallitzin State Park⁴: This 6,249-acre park features a 1,635-acre lake that is known as Glendale Lake. You can sail, fish, or boat on the lake, or swim at one of the two sandy beaches. You can also hike or bike on the trails that circle the lake or visit the nearby attractions. The park has 401 campsites (some are waterfront), 10 modern cabins (one is waterfront), and two deluxe cottages (one is waterfront). The campground has full hookups (some are 50 amp), restrooms with showers (some are ADA accessible), dump stations (one is ADA accessible), laundry facilities, playgrounds (one is ADA accessible), picnic tables (some are ADA accessible), fire rings (some are ADA accessible), and Wi-Fi.
• Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort⁵: This family-owned resort features a 90-acre spring-fed lake that offers swimming, fishing, boating, and paddleboarding. You can also enjoy the snack bar, camp store, gift shop, pet beach, laundromat, game room, organized activities, and entertainment. The resort has 300 campsites (some are waterfront), 23 cottages (some are waterfront), four glamping tents (all are waterfront), and two lodges. The campground has full hookups (some are 50 amp), restrooms with showers, dump stations, picnic tables, fire rings, and Wi-Fi.

FAQs

• Where can you camp for free in Pennsylvania? You can camp for free in Pennsylvania in some state and national forests, where there are no or few amenities. Some of the popular areas for free camping include the Pennsylvania Wilds, the Bald Eagle State Park, and the Forbes State Forest. Free campers should be aware of the weather conditions, especially the risk of tornados in some months¹.
• Can you camp anywhere in Pennsylvania? No, you cannot camp anywhere in Pennsylvania. All camping must be in a designated camping area and on designated sites. Hiking in and putting up a tent where you choose is not permitted in Pennsylvania state parks². You also need to follow the rules and regulations of each park, such as check-in and check-out times, alcohol prohibition, vehicle limit, and pet policy³.
• Is Pennsylvania good for camping? Yes, Pennsylvania is good for camping. The state has a variety of natural landscapes, such as mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers, that offer scenic views and outdoor activities. You can also find many historical and cultural attractions, such as Gettysburg, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh. There are over 120 state parks and 20 state forests that have camping facilities, ranging from primitive to full-hookup campsites⁴.
• Is there dispersed camping in Pennsylvania? Yes, there is dispersed camping in Pennsylvania, but only in some areas. Dispersed camping is camping outside of a designated campground, usually with no or minimal amenities. You can find dispersed camping sites in the Allegheny National Forest and some state forests, such as Elk and Moshannon. However, you may need to obtain a free permit from the park office before camping. You also need to follow the leave no trace principles and respect the wildlife and vegetation⁵.