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What makes Pennsylvania's state parks special?
- More than 120 state parks dot Pennsylvania's gorgeous landscape, which is traversed by the Appalachian Mountains and home to stunning recreation areas like the picturesque Laurel Highlands.
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Where can visitors camp in Pennsylvania's state parks?
- Visitors can camp overnight at beautiful park areas like Ohiopyle State Park, known for its waterfalls and amazing opportunities for whitewater rafting.
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What types of camping experiences are available in Pennsylvania's state parks?
- These campgrounds offer overnight stay experiences ranging from primitive backcountry and lakeshore campsites to modern rental cabins and cottages, which include full kitchens and state-of-the-art luxuries.
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What unique camping experiences can be found in Pennsylvania's state parks?
- Some campsites also offer unique glamping experiences, including Mongolian-style yurts and fully-equipped luxury RVs.
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1. Bald Eagle State Park
Explore scenic trails, enjoy boating, and spot wildlife by the lake.
Bald Eagle State Park is one of Pennsylvania's most beautiful state parks, located in the state's Bald Eagle Valley in Centre County near the city of Howard. The lovely park stretches for 5,900 acres around the banks of Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir, which is located along the route of Bald Eagle Creek. It is named in honor of Lenape chief Woapalanne, whose name translates to "bald eagle," and is located along lands that were once used as a raid path by the region's Iroquois indigenous groups. Visitors can enjoy opportunities for year-round boating on the reservoir, which offers a 369-slip full-service rental marina. Fishing, swimming, and picnicking are also popular along the reservoir's shoreline. The modern Russel P. Letterman Campground offers 97 tent and RV hookup campsites, along with rental cottages and yurts.
149 Main Park Rd, Howard, PA 16841, Phone: 814-625-2775
2. Black Moshannon State Park
Discover serene wetlands, hike wooded trails, and enjoy peaceful kayaking.
Black Moshannon State Park is a lovely 3,481-acre Pennsylvania state park in Rush Township, located along the banks of beautiful Black Moshannon Lake. The park, which is located near the state's gorgeous Allegheny Front, is surrounded by the gorgeous Moshannon State Forest and is home to the state's largest reconstituted bog and wetland complex. Diverse native wildlife is showcased throughout the park, including rare carnivorous plants and cold-weather species not typically found as far south as the United States. Following forest fires in the early 20th century, the park was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, who constructed a number of its National Register of Historic Places-listed buildings. Today, visitors can enjoy excellent opportunities for overnight camping at the park's 72 campsites or stay in their choice of 13 rustic CCC-constructed cabins, which feature wood-burning stoves and full kitchens. Swimming, boating, cold-water fishing, and hunting are popular outdoor recreational activities at the park throughout the year.
4216 Beaver Rd, Philipsburg, PA 16866, Phone: 814-342-5960
3. Caledonia State Park
Walk along forested trails and explore historic Civil War sites.
Caledonia State Park is a charming 1,125-acre Pennsylvania state park named in honor of the historic Caledonia Furnace, which was operated by noted abolitionist and state representative Thaddeus Stevens during the 19th century. The furnace was destroyed in 1863 during the American Civil War by Confederate forces, partly as a statement against his anti-slavery views. Today, the park built on the site of the furnace is home to over 10 miles of hiking trails, along with a summer stock amphitheater, a swimming pool, and a nine-hole golf course. Trout fishing is popular throughout the year at the park, which is also traversed by the gorgeous Appalachian Trail. Visitors can enjoy opportunities for camping at the park's 184 tent and trailer campsites, which are open between mid-April and December each year. All campsites offer access to showers, restrooms, and dump stations, including a group campsite that can accommodate up to 100 people.
101 Pine Grove Rd, Fayetteville, PA 17222, Phone: 717-352-2161
4. Clayton Park Recreational Area
Enjoy camping, fishing, and family-friendly outdoor adventures.
Clayton Park Recreational Area has offered seasonal campsites and boat launches for over 80 years, anchored on Wayne County's gorgeous Lake Henry. The sprawling 300-acre lake and its surrounding grounds were originally known as Swoyer's Landing, operated as a picnic grove and boat livery in the early 20th century. Today, the privately-owned recreational area carries on the legacy of the Swoyer family, offering opportunities for year-round camping, fishing, and boating. Over 100 seasonal primitive and overnight RV campsites are available for visitor use, offering full hookup services. Park model RV rentals also showcase full kitchens, baths, and bedrooms, available for those looking for a more posh glamping experience. Each year, the recreational area hosts an annual live music concert series, showcasing local musicians each Saturday between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
26 Eagle Eye Dr, Lake Ariel, PA 18436, Phone: 570-698-6080
5. Clear Creek State Park
Hike scenic trails, explore woodlands, and enjoy a relaxing weekend.
Clear Creek State Park is a delightful 1,211-acre Pennsylvania state park in Jefferson County, opened to the public in 1922 and developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. The lovely state park, which is located just 12 miles from the city of Brookville, sits at the confluence of the Clarion River and Clear Creek, known as a popular destination for hiking, fishing, and hunting throughout the year. Visitors can explore the park's 25-mile network of hiking trails, including a trail that leads to the unique Bear Town Rocks boulder formation. A canoe launch is offered on the banks of the Clarion River, which is home to populations of trout, bass, and panfish. 22 lovely rustic cabins constructed by the CC are available for weekly rental between April and December, while two Mongolian-style yurts are available for nightly rental.
38 Clear Creek, Park Rd, Sigel, PA 15860, Phone: 814-752-2368
6. Colonial Woods Family Camping Resort
Camp in comfort, enjoy family activities, and explore nearby attractions.
Colonial Woods Family Camping Resort is a gorgeous family-friendly camping resort in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley, offering campsites of all varieties along with a plethora of activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. The lovely Bucks County resort is located within one of Pennsylvania's most scenic regions, showcasing stunning forested areas and gorgeous natural ambiance. Visitors can choose from a variety of primitive or hookup tent and RV campsites, which offer use of restrooms, laundry rooms, a camp store, and complimentary wireless internet hookup. A heated pool is located onsite for visitor use, along with a recreation hall and pavilion, a game room, a spray pool, and a miniature golf course. Camp activities include fishing, basketball, volleyball, tennis, and an outdoor movie series.
545 Lonely Cottage Rd, Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972, Phone: 610-847-5808
7. The Alosa Campsites
Experience riverside camping and enjoy peaceful, affordable outdoor adventures.
The Alosa Campsites are beautiful boat-in-only campsites located along the western banks of the Delaware River, just outside the city of Buskhill. The campsites showcase some of the most beautiful views of the surrounding Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area and the surrounding Middle Delaware National Scenic and Recreational River. Six reservation-only campsites are available for boaters on multi-day river trips, hosting a maximum capacity of six people per site. Campsites are located underneath a grove of beautiful hardwood trees, which are home to native wildlife like white-tailed deer, American black bears, and bald eagles. Each reservation-only site offers access to restroom facilities and a fire ring. Additional campsites are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.
09736410377084, East Stroudsburg, PA 18302, Phone: 570-426-2452
8. French Creek State Park
Explore forests, bike scenic trails, and enjoy lakefront activities.
French Creek State Park is a spacious 7,526-acre Pennsylvania state park in Berks and Chester Counties, straddling the banks of beautiful French Creek. The park is home to two gorgeous lakes, including 68-acre warm-water Hopewell Lake and 22-acre cold-water Scotts Run Lake. The latter lake is best known as the site of the state's current record-breaking smallmouth bass catch. Extensive forest lands dot the park's terrain, which is home to over 40 miles of hiking and equestrian trails and some of the state's best technical mountain biking trails. Historic sites located within the park include the 1830s-era Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, which preserves a 19th-century cold blast furnace. Campsites areas include the National Register of Historic Places-listed Sixpenny Day Use Area and Group Camp, located near the city of Birdsboro. 201 wooded and modern campsites are offered, along with 10 modern rental cabins.
843 Park Rd, Elverson, PA 19520, Phone: 610-582-9680
9. Gifford Pinchot State Park
Walk along wooded paths, fish serene waters, and camp lakeside.
Gifford Pinchot State Park stretches for 2,338 acres throughout northern York County, anchored around beautiful 340-acre Pinchot Lake, one of the state's best spots for bass fishing. Much of the park's grounds remain undeveloped today, traversed by several lovely nature trails, including the charming Mason-Dixon Trail, which offers opportunities for wildlife watching. 289 visitor-use campsites are showcased throughout the park's southern end, one of the largest public state park campgrounds in Pennsylvania. Campsites are open to the public mid-April through October, offering full-service electric hookups with potable water. All sites can accommodate any type of camping equipment, ranging from tents to large motor homes. A children's playground is offered for visitor use, along with a volleyball court and horsehoe pits.
800 E Camping Area Rd, Wellsville, PA 17365, Phone: 717-292-4112
10. Ironwood Point Recreation Area
Enjoy water sports, explore hiking trails, and relax with scenic views.
Ironwood Point Recreation Area is a delightful recreational area on the shores of stunning Lake Wallenpaupack, offering a plethora of watersports opportunities for visitors throughout the year. Rental shops throughout the park's region offer opportunities to rent boats, kayaks, canoes, and jet skis for use on the lake's shores, which are also a popular destination for fishing for trout, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass throughout the year. Hiking trails traverse the park's lovely terrain, which is also home to children's playgrounds and day-use picnic sites. Overnight campsites offer access to showers, restrooms, laundry rooms, a camp store, and complimentary wireless internet.
155 Burns Hill Rd, Greentown, PA 18426, Phone: 570-857-0880
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