RV and Tent Campsites in State Parks
Whether you like relaxing in style in an RV or sleeping close to nature in a tent, camping in a state park gives you the inside view to explore history, natural areas, and fun activities for the entire family.
Several types of campsites exist within our state parks:
Full-hookup -- nearby restrooms have flush toilets and warm showers, the campsite has sewer, water, electric hookup, picnic table, and fire ring
Modern -- nearby restrooms have flush toilets and warm showers, the campsite has a picnic table and fire ring
Rustic -- nearby restrooms have non-flush toilets, the campsite has a picnic table and fire ring
Modern/Rustic -- nearby restrooms have modern facilities in the warmer months, then have non-flush facilities in the colder months, the campsite has a picnic table and fire ring
Multi-site -- allows up to 14 people, available at Keystone and Ohiopyle state parks
Walk-to -- are reached by a short walk, the campsite has a picnic table and fire ring
River Camping -- available only at Clear Creek State Park
Equestrian -- space for horses, available only at Kettle Creek and Promised Land state parks
The following amenities are available at designated campsites within state parks for a fee:
Electric -- at specific sites, amp varies at each park
Water -- at a limited number of campgrounds at specific sites
Full-hookup -- at specific sites, there is sewage, water, and electric hook ups, the amperage may vary at each park/site
Pet-friendly -- only at designated sites
For exact information on current campsite prices, look at the state parks price page.
A maximum of two sleeping units are permitted per campsite, of which only one may be wheeled.
Tents must be placed on the designated tent pad or the established stone/gravel camping area in order to protect the natural resources.
If a designated pad or gravel area is not provided, the tent(s) must be contained within the campsite in an area that least disturbs the natural resources.
Campsite occupancy is limited to one family unit (persons living under one household) or one non-family unit limited to five persons per site.
Anyone renting a campsite must be 18 years of age or older and must be present at the campsite.
Full-Hookup Campsite Project
In response to visitor requests, DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks is adding full-hookup campsites to selected campgrounds. Full-hookup includes sewer, water, and electric hookups.
State Park Campgrounds with Full-Hookup Campsites
Future full-service campsites are planned for:
Campsite Reservations
Most campsites in Pennsylvania state parks can be reserved 11 months in advance to noon of the day of arrival.
Advance reservations are available for almost all campsites. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If park employee is unavailable, read posted instructions, check the site availability listing, and then proceed to an available campsite and set up.
The appropriate fee must be paid to a park employee or deposited in a supplied honor system envelope before setting up on a campsite.
During the summer season (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend), campsites can be reserved for a minimum stay of one night (Sunday – Friday), and two nights if reserving a Saturday.
Campers may stay in a state park campground for up to 14 consecutive nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Campers may camp for up to 21 consecutive nights during the remainder of the year. Campers must vacate and remove all equipment for 48 hours between reservations.
Reservations for state park campsites can be
made online or by calling
888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), Monday through Saturday, 7:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Reservations can be made using:
MasterCard
VISA
American Express
Discover
Personal, traveler’s, and cashier’s checks
Pennsylvania state parks gift card
To receive a confirmed reservation, full payment must be received by the Bureau of State Parks within ten days of making the reservation.
Campsite Discounts
People with a disability can receive a $4.50 discount from the base campsite price upon request.
Senior citizens, 62 years of age or older, can receive a discount on the base campsite fee at a Pennsylvania state park by showing proof of age.
To receive the reduced price, a senior citizen must be the occupant and responsible party identified in the camping reservation.
Reservation Changes and Cancellations
Cancellations and changes can be handled online under “My Account” or by calling the call center.
Any cancellation or change on the day of arrival must be made through the state park where the reservation occurs.
Please see the Bureau of State Park’s
reservation cancellation and change policy for additional information about cancelling or changing reservations and associated fees.
Pets in State Park Campgrounds
Pennsylvania state parks allow pets on designated campsites in most state park campgrounds. For a list of participating campgrounds and pet-friendly campsites, see the:
Please see the Bureau of State Park’s
rules and regulations for pets in parks for additional guidance about having a safe and enjoyable stay with your pet(s).
Rules to Follow When Staying in Campsites
Only one vehicle per campsite is allowed unless otherwise posted. Park only in designated areas.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Pennsylvania state parks.
Check-in time is 3:00 P.M. Check-out time for campsites is 3:00 P.M.
Visitors are welcome to campsites from 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.
Campers must not disturb the sleep of others between 9:00 P.M. and 8:00 A.M. Electric generators that create excessive noise are prohibited.
Fires are permitted only in provided fire rings or grills. Gas and propane camp stoves are permitted. Please be careful with fire. Fires must be attended at all times and extinguished before leaving the campsite.
Firewood is not provided. Cutting live trees or standing trees and the operation of chainsaws are prohibited. Firewood may contain non-native insects and plant diseases. Bringing firewood into the park from other areas may accidentally spread pest insects and diseases that threaten park resources and the health of our forests. Campers should use local firewood. Do not take wood home and do not leave firewood. Burn it!
Handwashing and dishwashing are permitted only where appropriate facilities are available. Handwashing and dishwashing are prohibited at water spigots, hand pumps, springs, lakes, and streams.
Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner’s car, trailer, or leased campsite. Exceptions include: law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms are authorized to carry a firearm concealed on their person while they are within a state park.