Pennsylvania is a state known for its stunning natural beauty, from the rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains to the tranquil waters of Lake Erie. For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s no better way to immerse themselves in the Keystone State’s scenic wonders than by camping on private land. These campgrounds offer a range of options, from rustic tent sites to luxurious cabins, along with unique features and amenities that set them apart from traditional public campgrounds.
Types of Private Campgrounds in Pennsylvania
Private campgrounds in Pennsylvania cater to a wide range of camping preferences and styles. Whether you’re a hardcore tent camper, an RV enthusiast, or someone who prefers a more glamorous camping experience, there’s a private campground that will suit your needs.
Tent Camping
For those who enjoy a more rustic, back-to-nature experience, many private campgrounds in Pennsylvania offer tent sites. These sites typically include a designated area for your tent, a fire ring, and a picnic table. Some campgrounds may also provide shared amenities such as restrooms, showers, and potable water.
RV Camping
If you prefer to camp with the comforts of home, RV camping is a popular option at private campgrounds in Pennsylvania. These sites usually feature electric, water, and sewer hookups, allowing you to enjoy the conveniences of your RV while still being surrounded by nature. Some campgrounds also offer pull-through sites for larger rigs and additional amenities like cable TV and Wi-Fi.
Cabins and Cottages
For those who want to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing creature comforts, many private campgrounds offer cabin and cottage rentals. These accommodations range from rustic, one-room cabins to luxurious, multi-bedroom cottages complete with kitchens, bathrooms, and modern amenities. Cabin and cottage rentals are perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone who wants to enjoy a more glamorous camping experience.
Unique Accommodations
Some private campgrounds in Pennsylvania offer one-of-a-kind accommodations that add an extra layer of excitement to your camping trip. These may include yurts, tipis, treehouses, or even converted vintage trailers. These unique lodging options provide a memorable experience and a chance to try something new.
Making Reservations at Private Campgrounds
Reserving a site or accommodation at a private campground in Pennsylvania is generally a straightforward process. However, it’s essential to plan ahead, especially during peak camping season (typically Memorial Day through Labor Day), as popular campgrounds can fill up quickly.
Online Reservations
Many private campgrounds in Pennsylvania offer online reservation systems, allowing you to easily browse available sites and dates, select your preferred option, and book your stay. Some popular online reservation platforms include:
Reserve America: https://www.reserveamerica.com/
Reserve America is a comprehensive reservation system used by many public and private campgrounds across the United States, including several in Pennsylvania.
Campspot: https://www.campspot.com/
Campspot is an online marketplace that allows you to search, compare, and book campsites at private campgrounds, RV parks, and resorts nationwide, including many locations in Pennsylvania.
Hipcamp: https://www.hipcamp.com/
Hipcamp is an online platform that connects campers with unique camping experiences on private land, including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and glamping accommodations. They feature several listings in Pennsylvania.
Tentrr: https://www.tentrr.com/
Tentrr is a platform that partners with private landowners to offer secluded, fully-equipped campsites. While they have a smaller presence in Pennsylvania compared to some other states, they do offer a few unique sites in the region.
When making an online reservation, be sure to carefully review the campground’s policies regarding deposits, cancellations, and refunds.
Phone Reservations
If a campground doesn’t offer online reservations or if you have specific questions or requests, you can often make a reservation by phone. Call the campground directly and speak with a representative who can help you choose a site or accommodation that meets your needs.
In-Person Reservations
Some smaller, family-owned campgrounds may prefer to handle reservations in person or on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re planning to camp at one of these locations, it’s a good idea to arrive early in the day to secure your spot, especially during busy periods.
Unique Features of Private Campgrounds in Pennsylvania
One of the best things about private campgrounds in Pennsylvania is the wide array of unique features and amenities they offer. These distinctive characteristics can greatly enhance your camping experience and make your stay even more enjoyable.
Water Parks and Swimming Pools
Some private campgrounds in Pennsylvania feature on-site water parks or swimming pools, providing a refreshing way to beat the summer heat. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park-Camp-Resort in Quarryville, for example, boasts a pool and water zone complete with slides and splash areas.
Golf Courses
For camping enthusiasts who also enjoy hitting the links, several private campgrounds in Pennsylvania offer on-site golf courses. Treasure Lake KOA in DuBois features two award-winning, 18-hole courses, while Wolf’s Camping Resort in Knox has a nine-hole course perfect for a quick round.
Fishing Lakes and Rivers
Pennsylvania is known for its excellent fishing, and many private campgrounds capitalize on this by offering on-site fishing lakes or river access. Yellow Creek Campground in Indiana County features a private island surrounded by Big Yellow Creek, while Sara’s Campground in Erie offers beachfront camping along the shores of Lake Erie.
Outdoor Adventure Activities
Private campgrounds in Pennsylvania often provide a range of outdoor adventure activities to keep campers of all ages entertained. These may include:
- Hiking and biking trails
- Kayak and canoe rentals
- Zip lines and aerial adventure courses
- Paintball and laser tag
- Horseback riding
Unique Dining Experiences
Some private campgrounds in Pennsylvania offer unique dining experiences that go beyond the traditional campfire cookout. Campers Paradise Campground & Cabins in Sigel, for example, features the Cabin Café, which delivers pizza directly to your campsite.
Standout Private Campgrounds in Pennsylvania
With so many incredible private campgrounds to choose from in Pennsylvania, it can be tough to decide where to pitch your tent or park your RV. Here are a few standout options that showcase the best of what the Keystone State has to offer:
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest – Harrisville
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest is an award-winning campground that offers a wide range of camping options and family-friendly amenities. This campground has been named National Park of the Year five times in recent years, a testament to its exceptional quality and commitment to providing an unforgettable camping experience.
Located at 449 Campground Road, Harrisville, PA 16038, Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest features a variety of camping options to suit every preference and budget. Campers can choose from primitive tent sites, full hook-up RV sites, cozy cabins, and even luxurious yurts. The campground’s amenities are equally impressive, with highlights including a laser tag battlefield, mini-golf course, swimming pool, and organized activities featuring the beloved Yogi Bear and friends.
For more information, visit their website at https://pittsburghjellystone.com.
River Rock Adventures – Bainbridge
River Rock Adventures offers a truly unique camping experience along the banks of the Susquehanna River in Conoy Township. This campground features a single, secluded 2-acre campsite with multiple tent sites on decks and organic ground, providing a sense of privacy and immersion in nature that’s hard to find elsewhere.
While River Rock Adventures doesn’t offer formal facilities or hookups, it more than makes up for it with its stunning riverfront location and array of outdoor activities. Campers can enjoy private access to the river for kayaking, stand-up paddling, and fishing, or explore the nearby Northwest Lancaster County River Trail on foot or by bike. The campsite also includes a kitchen area, solar shower, portable toilet, fire ring with firewood, and hammock rentals for the ultimate outdoor experience.
River Rock Adventures is located at 00 King’s Road, Bainbridge, PA 17502. For more information or to make a reservation, visit their website at https://www.riverrockadv.com/ or contact them at [email protected] or (717) 449-9033.
Otter Creek Campground – Airville
Otter Creek Campground is a scenic recreational area that offers facilities for camping, RVs, picnicking, boating, and hiking. Located at 1101 Furnace Road, Airville, PA 17302, this campground is situated in a beautiful natural setting with easy access to the Susquehanna River Water Trail.
One of the standout features of Otter Creek Campground is its nature trail, which leads directly to the picturesque Otter Creek. Campers can also enjoy nearby attractions like the historic Urey Overlook, the Mason-Dixon Trail, and the remnants of the York Furnace. The campground hosts various programs and events throughout the year, providing opportunities for education and entertainment.
To learn more about Otter Creek Campground or to make a reservation, visit their website at https://www.campottercreek.com or contact them at [email protected] or (717) 862-3628.
Muddy Run Campground – Holtwood
Muddy Run Campground is a lakeside camping destination that offers a mix of RV and tent sites in a scenic setting. Located at 172 Bethesda Church Road W, Holtwood, PA 17532, this campground features 189 sites, including 148 trailer sites with electric and water hookups, 38 tent sites, and 3 primitive group sites.
Each campsite at Muddy Run Campground includes a picnic table, charcoal grill, fire ring, and paved parking pad, providing campers with all the essentials for a comfortable stay. The campground also offers restroom and bath facilities, sanitary dumping stations, and coin-operated laundry for added convenience. With its lakeside location, Muddy Run Campground is perfect for campers who enjoy water activities like boating, fishing, and swimming.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit the Muddy Run Campground website at https://www.muddyrunpark.com or contact them at [email protected] or (717) 284-5850.
Woodland Campground at Woodland Altars – Peebles
Woodland Campground at Woodland Altars is a serene, family-friendly campground located in the heart of Adams County, Pennsylvania. Situated at 3090 Wheat Ridge Road, Peebles, OH 45660, this campground offers a peaceful retreat in nature with a variety of camping options and amenities.
Campers at Woodland Campground can choose from primitive tent sites, electric sites, and full hook-up RV sites, all nestled in a beautiful wooded setting. The campground features a swimming pool, playground, hiking trails, and a camp store for added convenience. Woodland Altars, the adjacent Christian retreat center, also offers various programs and events throughout the year that campers can participate in.
To learn more about Woodland Campground at Woodland Altars or to make a reservation, visit their website at https://www.woodlandaltars.org/woodland-campground.html or contact them at [email protected] or (937) 587-2602.
Mountain Vista Campground – East Stroudsburg
Mountain Vista Campground is a scenic camping destination located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains. Situated at 3450 Mountain Road, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301, this campground offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and a variety of camping options to suit every preference.
Campers at Mountain Vista Campground can choose from primitive tent sites, electric sites, and full hook-up RV sites, all of which include a picnic table and fire ring. The campground also features a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, playground, game room, and camp store. With its prime location in the Poconos, Mountain Vista Campground provides easy access to a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to fishing and kayaking.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit the Mountain Vista Campground website at https://www.mountainvistacampground.com or contact them at [email protected] or (570) 223-8000.
Buttonwood Campground – Mifflintown
Buttonwood Campground is a peaceful, family-oriented campground nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Juniata River Valley. Located at 1515 E River Rd, Mifflintown, PA 17059, this campground offers a mix of tent sites, RV sites, and cabin rentals in a beautiful wooded setting.
One of the standout features of Buttonwood Campground is its convenient access to nearby hiking trails and fishing spots along the Juniata River. The campground also includes amenities like a swimming pool, playground, and camp store for added comfort and entertainment. With its friendly atmosphere and scenic surroundings, Buttonwood Campground is the perfect destination for a relaxing family camping trip.
To learn more about Buttonwood Campground or to make a reservation, visit their website at https://buttonwoodcamp.com or contact them at [email protected] or (717) 436-8334.
Kalyumet Camping & Cabins – Lucinda
Kalyumet Camping & Cabins is a unique camping destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. Located at 8630 Miola Rd, Lucinda, PA 16235, just minutes from Cook Forest State Park, this campground features tent sites, RV sites, and luxury cabins in a stunning woodland setting.
One of the standout features of Kalyumet Camping & Cabins is its range of unique amenities, which include a mini-golf course, heated swimming pool, and even a virtual reality escape room. The campground’s luxury cabins are another highlight, offering all the comforts of home in a beautiful natural setting. With its prime location near Cook Forest State Park, Kalyumet Camping & Cabins is the perfect base camp for exploring the area’s many outdoor attractions.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit the Kalyumet Camping & Cabins website at https://www.kalyumet.com or contact them at [email protected] or (814) 744-9622.
These standout private campgrounds showcase the diverse camping experiences available in Pennsylvania, from family-friendly resorts with a wide range of amenities to more rustic, nature-focused options. With their unique features and prime locations, these campgrounds offer something for every type of camper looking to explore the Keystone State.
Tips for Camping on Private Land in Pennsylvania
To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and respectful camping experience on private land in Pennsylvania, keep these tips in mind:
- Always follow the campground’s rules and regulations regarding noise levels, campfire safety, and pet policies.
- Respect your fellow campers by keeping your campsite clean and tidy, and disposing of trash in designated receptacles.
- Be mindful of the campground’s quiet hours, and avoid excessive noise or disturbances during these times.
- When using shared amenities like restrooms and showers, leave them in the same condition you’d like to find them.
- If camping with children, supervise them closely and ensure they understand the campground’s rules and boundaries.
- When exploring the surrounding area, be sure to obtain any necessary permits and follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the environment.
Final Words
Camping on private land in Pennsylvania offers a unique and rewarding way to experience the state’s natural beauty. With a wide range of options, from rustic tent sites to luxurious cabins, and an array of amenities and activities, these campgrounds cater to every type of camper. By understanding the reservation process, exploring the unique features of each campground, and following essential camping tips, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable outdoor adventure in the Keystone State.
So pack your gear, reserve your spot, and get ready to discover the wonders of camping on private land in Pennsylvania.
