Pennsylvania Outdoor Guide: Campgrounds, Trails, Beaches & RV Spots
Key Takeaways
- Ricketts Glen’s Falls Trail is widely considered the best waterfall hike in the eastern United States — 22+ named falls in one loop
- Pennsylvania has no ocean coastline, so lakes do all the swimming work here — Presque Isle on Lake Erie is the one genuine exception
- Ohiopyle and the Laurel Highlands pair whitewater, waterfalls, and Fallingwater into one of the best regional bases in the state
- Book state park sites 11 months ahead at noon ET — prime sites sell out within days of the window opening
Waterfalls Over Beaches
Pennsylvania doesn’t have a coastline to build a trip around, but it more than makes up for it with waterfalls and lakes. If your family’s expecting an ocean-style trip, reset expectations toward Ricketts Glen and Presque Isle instead.
Campgrounds
Ricketts Glen State Park — Benton
A family campground near Lake Jean, with tent, RV, cabin, and yurt options, right next to the legendary Falls Trail. One of the best all-around state parks in Pennsylvania. Books 11 months out — set a reminder.
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Ohiopyle State Park (Kentuck Campground) — Ohiopyle
Base camp for whitewater on the Youghiogheny River, natural waterslides, and a short drive to Fallingwater. Large RVs should avoid the steep route in — take the marked alternate road. A very popular park; avoid summer weekends if you want any solitude.
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Hickory Run State Park — White Haven (Poconos)
16,000 acres with a lake beach and 40+ miles of trails, anchored by a genuinely unique 16-acre glacial boulder field kids love scrambling through.
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Promised Land State Park — Greentown (Poconos)
3,000 acres with multiple campgrounds, electric-hookup RV sites, and two lakes for swimming and paddling. A Poconos favorite for good reason.
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Laurel Hill State Park — Somerset
145 sites around a 63-acre lake, ranging from basic tent pads to full-hookup RV sites. Reviewers consistently call the facilities the cleanest they’ve encountered.
Learn moreHiking Trails
Ricketts Glen Falls Trail — Benton
The best waterfall hike in the eastern US, by wide consensus — a 3.2 to 7.2 mile loop (pick your distance) past 22+ named waterfalls, including the state’s tallest at 94 feet. Old-growth hemlock, stone staircases along cliffs. Closed in winter except to equipped ice climbers.
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Adams Falls / Evergreen Trail — Ricketts Glen
A short, easy 0.9-mile loop to a 35-foot falls — the family-friendly alternative if the full Falls Trail is too much for younger kids.
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Pine Creek Gorge (West Rim Trail) — Wellsboro
An ambitious ridgetop trail with dramatic views over the “PA Grand Canyon.” The Pine Creek Rail Trail below is flat and easy — good for families who want the views without the climb.
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Boulder Field Trail — Hickory Run State Park
A trail through the woods to a surreal glacial boulder field kids treat like a giant playground. Watch footing — it’s more uneven than it looks in photos.
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Ohiopyle State Park trails
Short family loops to Cucumber Falls and the Meadow Run natural waterslides — genuinely fun, seasonal swimming built right into the hike.
Learn moreLakes & Swimming Areas
Presque Isle State Park — Erie (Lake Erie)
Pennsylvania’s only real seashore — about 7 miles of sandy Great Lakes beach with actual surf, lifeguarded in season. If your family wants an ocean-style beach day, this is as close as the state gets.
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Beltzville State Park (Beltzville Lake) — Lehighton
One of eastern Pennsylvania’s most popular inland swim beaches, with mountain scenery in the background. Gets busy on hot weekends — go early.
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Hickory Run State Park (Sand Spring Lake) — White Haven
A sandy beach open late May through mid-September, paired with the boulder field and 40+ miles of trails.
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Locust Lake State Park — Barnesville
A quiet, family-friendly sand beach that feels like a genuine escape rather than a crowded lake day.
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Lake Wallenpaupack — Hawley (Poconos)
Pennsylvania’s largest lake, resort-style with beaches, marinas, and rentals — enough here for a multi-day family stay.
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Hersheypark Camping Resort — Hershey
Full-hookup sites plus shuttle access to Hersheypark — the top destination RV resort in the state if amusement parks are part of the plan.
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Thousand Trails Hershey — Lebanon
Spacious full-hookup sites with discounted Hersheypark tickets and shuttle service — a strong alternative to the on-site resort.
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Benner’s Meadow Run — Farmington (Laurel Highlands)
Full hookups and cabins near Ohiopyle’s whitewater and Fallingwater — a good base for the Laurel Highlands region specifically.
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Otter Lake Camp-Resort — East Stroudsburg (Poconos)
Waterfront full-hookup sites on a 60-acre lake with indoor and outdoor pools — a popular Poconos RV base.
Learn moreNote: most PA state-park camping loops are electric-only, not full hookup — plan for dump-station stops if you need sewer.
Planning Your Trip
If waterfalls are the goal, Ricketts Glen should anchor the whole trip — camp there, hike the full Falls Trail if your family’s up for it, and use Adams Falls as the shorter alternative for younger kids. If you want whitewater and variety, Ohiopyle and the Laurel Highlands give you rafting, waterslides, and Fallingwater all within a short drive of each other. And if you genuinely want a beach day, Presque Isle is the one place in the state that delivers it.