Where To Camp In Pa?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Hiking in and putting up a tent where you choose, is not permitted in Pennsylvania state parks.

All must be in a designated camping area and on designated sites

. Many Pennsylvania state park campgrounds have walk-in sites which are for tents only and are more private than campsites with a paved camping pad.

Can you camp for free in PA?

Free Camping the Pennsylvania Wilds. The northern stretches of the Keystone State from the Allegheny National Forest to the “Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania” officially known as Pine Creek Gorge, are full of state and national forestland offering free campsites.

Where can I camp for free in eastern Pa?

  1. Tioga State Forest. …
  2. Susquehannock State Forest. …
  3. Elk State Forest. …
  4. Tiadaghton State Forest. …
  5. Sproul State Forest. …
  6. Moshannon State Forest. …
  7. Bald Eagle State Forest. …
  8. Rothrock State Forest.

Is Pennsylvania good for camping?

While historic in its own right,

Pennsylvania is also full of pristine natural beauty every camper can experience

. From primitive tent camping to top-notch RV sites to cabins and yurts, the Keystone State offers an abundance of nature-oriented outdoor activities to rival any other state.

Is Boondocking illegal in PA?


Not only is it legal

, but Pennsylvania also has some of the best boondocking campsites on the East Coast. Sure, finding a good free campsite close to urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh can be challenging, but the vast swaths of state and national forest in between are ripe for boondocking.

Can you sleep at rest stops in Pennsylvania?

Can You Sleep in Your Car at a Rest Area or Service Plaza?

Yes, you can sleep in your car

. Neither PennDOT nor PTA have adopted rules prohibiting sleeping in vehicles. Both expect drowsy drivers to pull into a rest area or service plaza and get some sleep before continuing driving.

What is the meaning of Boondocking?

Sometimes referred to as “dry camping,” boondocking is

any time you camp in your RV without water, sewer, or electrical connections

. That can take the form of parking your rig deep in the backcountry or pulling over at a highway rest stop.

Can you camp on state land in Pennsylvania?

Camping on Pennsylvania State Game Lands is

generally prohibited, with one exception: Hikers may camp within 200 feet of the Appalachian Trail where it passes through game lands

.

Where can I go to disperse camp in PA?

  • Circle M RV & Camping Resort. 14 Reviews.
  • Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms. 1 Reviews.
  • Scotrun RV Resort. 1 Reviews.
  • Hershey RV & Camping Resort. 19 Reviews.
  • Pa Dutch Country RV Resort. 9 Reviews.
  • Timothy Lake North RV. 4 Reviews.
  • Shenango Campground. 1 Reviews.
  • L and M Campgrounds. 1 Reviews.

Can you live in a camper year round in Pennsylvania?


No, in most situations, you cannot live in an RV park in Pennsylvania all year round

. Most RV parks only allow living 11 months/year.

Can I camp in PA state forests?

Stay Overnight in State Forests


Our state forests offer primitive and motorized camping without any modern facilities, water, dump stations, or utility hook-ups

. This is where you want to stay to get a true wilderness camping experience!

What is a backcountry camp?

WHAT IS BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING? Area of use:

Camping in remote, isolated areas where groups must be self-sufficient

. Organization and trip planning are critical to matching trip destinations to the group's skill set.

Can you camp in Allegheny National Forest?


The Allegheny National Forest Region offers cabins and campgrounds with full amenities, rustic primitive cabins, and shoreline, tent, or boat-to-only campsites

with many nearby attractions. Relax in Mother Nature's playground.

How many campgrounds are there in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, there are 121 state parks,

7,000 family camping sites

, and over 1,000 miles of trails.

How big is French Creek State Park?

Once an industrial complex for the fledgling United States of America, today French Creek State Park is an oasis for people and wildlife. Straddling the Schuylkill Highlands, the

7,730-acre

park is the largest block of contiguous forest between Washington D.C. and New York City.

Is there a fee for PA State Parks?


There are no entrance fees or day use fees for any state park in Pennsylvania

. Make online reservations anytime. Call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) for state park information and reservations, 7:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M., Monday to Saturday, except on the Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day holidays.

Can you camp anywhere on Raystown Lake?

Rothrock State Forest backpack camping: Backpackers may camp overnight anywhere except in designated natural areas, within 200 feet of a forest road, within 25 feet of a trail, within 100 feet of a stream or any open water.

What county is Hickory Run State Park in?

The 15,990-acre Hickory Run State Park,

Carbon County

, lies in the western foothills of the Pocono Mountains. This large park has: More than 40 miles of hiking trails.

Can you sleep in your car at Walmart?

Generally,

yes, Walmart does allow people to sleep in their cars overnight in Walmart car parks

. Walmart has no official policy on overnight parking with cars, so it is up to the discretion of the store manager or after-hours security guard to permit you to stay.

Where is it OK to sleep in your car?

Conclusion: Don't be afraid to ask if sleep in a car is legal. In a pinch, there are several common places where sleeping in your car is legal. These include

National Forests and BLM lands, Walmart parking lots, and parking areas designated as ‘safe' by the city

.

Can I sleep in my car overnight?


It's not illegal to sleep in your car

. It's fine to pull over and have a quick nap in your car if you're feeling tired – because driving tired can be lethal! Also, it's perfectly fine to sleep for a few hours in your car if, for instance, you cannot find a hotel.

What is stealth camping?

Stealth camping is

camping without being noticed

. Some people do this in urban areas, while some venture into wild locations. Sometimes the camping is considered legal, while other times it's illegal (which we don't recommend!). For many, it's done thinking it's easier to get forgiveness than permission.

What is a Boondocker person?

Boondockers are

frugal people who love the challenge of living with less, repurposing things, and not having to spend money of stuff they don't need

.

What is off grid camping?

Camping off-grid has been around forever. Also known as dispersed camping, dry camping, boondocking, off the grid camping are other names for

camping without hookups including electric, water or sewage

. It's a way to be close to the action, away from it all (and everyone) or to save on camping fees.

Can you sleep on State Game Lands in PA?

Camping on Pennsylvania State Game Lands is

generally prohibited

, with one exception: hikers may camp within 200 feet of the Appalachian Trail where it passes through game lands.

Can I camp and hunt in PA?


Some parks open for hunting also have places to stay

. Sixty parks have either seasonal or year-round camping with campsites ranging from tent camping to recreation vehicle camping.

Can you hike on PA State Game Lands?

Requests for Trails and Designated Routes

A “designated route” is a multi-use road or trail located upon state game lands, which is

open to hiking, bicycling and horseback riding at certain times of the year, and under certain restrictions

.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.