Hiking Campgrounds in Pennsylvania

Hiking Campgrounds in Pennsylvania

Discover the best hiking campgrounds across Pennsylvania. Experience the best of both worlds with camping that puts you right at the heart of incredible hiking opportunities. Direct trail access and stunning mountain vistas.

20+ Campgrounds4.7★ AverageBest: Late Spring through Fall (May-October)
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Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

1
Hearts Content Recreation Area
Star
4.7
(270)
Hearts Content Recreation Area
Bradford
Allegheny National Forest

Trailheads surround the campground, offering everything from moderate 6.4-mile loops through stunning old-growth forest to the challenging 13-mile Hickory Creek Wilderness trek for backcountry enthusiasts.

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RVs
2
Greenwood Furnace State Park
Photo coming soon
Star
4.6
(50)
Greenwood Furnace State Park
Huntingdon

Eleven diverse trails wind through mountain terrain before connecting seamlessly into the vast 80,000-acre Rothrock State Forest, offering everything from gentle woodland walks to steep ascents that reward climbers with sweeping vistas.

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RVs
3
Oil Creek State Park
Photo coming soon
Star
4.7
(24)
Oil Creek State Park
Oil City

The 36-mile Gerard Hiking Trail delivers challenging ascents and descents through dense forests where rusted oil derricks and weathered machinery emerge like ghosts from Pennsylvania's petroleum past.

Tents

About Hiking Campgrounds in Pennsylvania

Hiking camping Pennsylvania offers an extraordinary blend of diverse terrain, from the ancient old-growth forests of Allegheny National Forest to the dramatic gorges of the Appalachian ridges. The state's extensive network of state parks and forests provides access to over 10,000 miles of trails, ranging from gentle woodland walks to challenging mountain ascents that reward hikers with panoramic vistas.

Best Time

Late April through early June offers ideal hiking conditions with moderate temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and flowing waterfalls at peak volume from spring runoff. Trails are less crowded during weekdays in May, and campground reservations are easier to secure before Memorial Day weekend.

Activity Highlights

  • Direct trail access
  • Mountain and forest settings
  • Backpacking base camps
  • Scenic wilderness views

Campground Locations

Showing top 20 campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in Pennsylvania

Map of campgrounds near Hiking Campgrounds in Pennsylvania
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Map Key
1
Hearts Content Recreation Area
2
Greenwood Furnace State Park
3
Oil Creek State Park
4
Trough Creek State Park
5
Clear Creek State Park
6
Laurel Hill State Park
7
Cowans Gap State Park
8
Sproul State Forest
9
Tuscarora State Forest
10
Rothrock State Forest
11
Raymond B Winter State Park
12
Hills Creek State Park
13
Promised Land State Park
14
Canoe Creek State Park
15
Poe Paddy State Park
16
Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground
17
Kettle Creek State Park
18
Lyman Run State Park
19
Woodcock Lake Park
20
Ole Bull State Park
View all 138 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Day hiking on marked state park trailsMulti-day backpacking through wilderness areasWaterfall exploration and photographyWildlife observation and bird watchingWildflower identification in springFall foliage viewing from ridge trails

Tips & Recommendations

  • 1Reserve campsites 2-3 months in advance for popular state parks during peak season, as weekend spots fill quickly at destinations like Greenwood Furnace and Trough Creek.
  • 2Pennsylvania state park camping requires reservations through the state system, while state forest camping often operates on a first-come, first-served basis with some designated sites.
  • 3Bring layered clothing even in summer, as temperatures can drop significantly at higher elevations and during evening hours.
  • 4Quality hiking boots with ankle support are essential for Pennsylvania's rocky terrain, particularly on ridge trails where loose stones and roots create uneven footing.
20 campgrounds ranked
Based on real camper reviews
Curated for Hiking Campgrounds in Pennsylvania

Hiking Campgrounds in Pennsylvania FAQ

We've ranked 20+ hiking campgrounds in Pennsylvania based on trail access, hiking variety, scenery, and user reviews. Top options are near national forests, state parks, and wilderness areas.
Permit requirements vary by location in Pennsylvania. Many wilderness areas and popular trails require day-use or backcountry permits. Check with the managing agency (National Forest, National Park, or State Park) before your trip.
Late Spring through Fall (May-October) is generally best for hiking camping in Pennsylvania. High-elevation trails may have shorter seasons due to snow. Always check current trail conditions before heading out.
Availability Alerts

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Hearts Content Recreation Area
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