Pennsylvania's 121 state parks—all free from admission fees—encompass more than 300,000 acres of natural landscapes. Sweeping forests, wild rivers, and canyons afford ample terrain for adventures, whether you want to hike part of the Appalachian Trail, tackle white-water rapids in a raft or kayak, stroll along Great Lake beaches, or hit the ski slopes. Weather can be changeable in the Keystone State, where tent camping is best saved for the summer months. May through October is the main camping season, but many state campgrounds have RV sites, cabins, and yurts open year-round.
Pennsylvania Wilds
For outdoor adventures, look no further than the Pennsylvania Wilds, the vast mountainous wilderness that blankets the north of the state. Some of the most spectacular Pennsylvania state parks and forests can be found here, starting with the Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks, which look out over the Grand Canyon of Pine Creek Gorge. Afterward, head to Kinzua Bridge State Park to walk the Kinzua Bridge State Park, go hang gliding at Hyner View State Park, or camp beneath the stars at Cherry Springs State Park, a Dark Sky Preserve.
Pittsburgh & the Great Lakes
Western Pennsylvania is home to the state's second-largest city, Pittsburgh, and campers can stay right in the city at Point State Park. Nearby, Moraine State Park and Keystone State Park both lie within a short drive, but the highlight for adventurers is white rafting along the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle State Park. In the north, sandy beaches and bluffs line the shores of Lake Erie, and the Presque Isle State Park is a hotspot for bird-watching and water sports.
South-Central Pennsylvania
The Allegheny Mountains dominate much of south-central Pennsylvania, laced with miles of hiking, mountain biking, and ATV trails. There’s lakeside camping at Canoe Creek State Park, Prince Gallitzin State Park, and Shawnee State Park, and come winter, you’ll find some of the state’s most popular ski resorts in the region. To the East, the Appalachian Trail runs north of Harrisburg, the state capital, and the chocolate capital of Hersey makes a fun choice for a day trip.
East Pennsylvania
There are plenty of spots to get on the water around Pennsylvania's largest city, Philadelphia—you can paddle and fish to your heart’s content at Ridley Creek State Park and Marsh Creek State Park. The Poconos Mountains rise north of the city, where Big Pocono State Park has the region’s best ski slopes, and the Delaware State Forest has miles of hiking trails plus 13 fishing lakes. Further west, there are yurts and cabins for rent at Ricketts Glen State Park, known for its 22 waterfalls.
State Park campgrounds in Pennsylvania.
Explore wild rivers, Appalachian mountains, and Pennsylvania’s very own Grand Canyon.
Pennsylvania's 121 state parks—all free from admission fees—encompass more than 300,000 acres of natural landscapes. Sweeping forests, wild rivers, and canyons afford ample terrain for adventures, whether you want to hike part of the Appalachian Trail, tackle white-water rapids in a raft or kayak, stroll along Great Lake beaches, or hit the ski slopes. Weather
Read more...Pennsylvania's 121 state parks—all free from admission fees—encompass more than 300,000 acres of natural landscapes. Sweeping forests, wild rivers, and canyons afford ample terrain for adventures, whether you want to hike part of the Appalachian Trail, tackle white-water rapids in a raft or kayak, stroll along Great Lake beaches, or hit the ski slopes. Weather can be changeable in the Keystone State, where tent camping is best saved for the summer months. May through October is the main camping season, but many state campgrounds have RV sites, cabins, and yurts open year-round.
Pennsylvania Wilds
For outdoor adventures, look no further than the Pennsylvania Wilds, the vast mountainous wilderness that blankets the north of the state. Some of the most spectacular Pennsylvania state parks and forests can be found here, starting with the Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks, which look out over the Grand Canyon of Pine Creek Gorge. Afterward, head to Kinzua Bridge State Park to walk the Kinzua Bridge State Park, go hang gliding at Hyner View State Park, or camp beneath the stars at Cherry Springs State Park, a Dark Sky Preserve.
Pittsburgh & the Great Lakes
Western Pennsylvania is home to the state's second-largest city, Pittsburgh, and campers can stay right in the city at Point State Park. Nearby, Moraine State Park and Keystone State Park both lie within a short drive, but the highlight for adventurers is white rafting along the Youghiogheny River at Ohiopyle State Park. In the north, sandy beaches and bluffs line the shores of Lake Erie, and the Presque Isle State Park is a hotspot for bird-watching and water sports.
South-Central Pennsylvania
The Allegheny Mountains dominate much of south-central Pennsylvania, laced with miles of hiking, mountain biking, and ATV trails. There’s lakeside camping at Canoe Creek State Park, Prince Gallitzin State Park, and Shawnee State Park, and come winter, you’ll find some of the state’s most popular ski resorts in the region. To the East, the Appalachian Trail runs north of Harrisburg, the state capital, and the chocolate capital of Hersey makes a fun choice for a day trip.
East Pennsylvania
There are plenty of spots to get on the water around Pennsylvania's largest city, Philadelphia—you can paddle and fish to your heart’s content at Ridley Creek State Park and Marsh Creek State Park. The Poconos Mountains rise north of the city, where Big Pocono State Park has the region’s best ski slopes, and the Delaware State Forest has miles of hiking trails plus 13 fishing lakes. Further west, there are yurts and cabins for rent at Ricketts Glen State Park, known for its 22 waterfalls.