How to Book Pennsylvania State Parks Campgrounds
Pennsylvania's state park system offers 50+ campgrounds with over 7,000 family campsites and 286 cabins across forests, lakes, and mountain ridges. Notable for its unusual noon release time and one of the longest booking windows at 11 months.
What Pennsylvania State Parks Covers
All campgrounds in the Pennsylvania State Park and State Forest system, from the Poconos to the Laurel Highlands to Lake Erie.
How to Book on PA State Parks
Visit pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com
Create an account or sign in
Search by park name or browse by region
Select your campsite or cabin and dates
Complete payment ($6.50 reservation fee + campsite fee)
Booking Details
Pro Tips for PA State Parks
The Unusual Noon Release Time
Pennsylvania is one of the few state systems that releases new reservations at noon ET instead of early morning. This means you can book during your lunch break instead of setting a 6 AM alarm.
11-Month Window Is Generous
Pennsylvania's 11-month booking window is one of the longest in the country. For popular summer camping at Ricketts Glen or Promised Land, book nearly a year ahead.
Hickory Run and Ricketts Glen Are the Toughest
Hickory Run, Ricketts Glen, and Promised Land state parks are the most competitive bookings in the system. Lake-front and waterfall-adjacent sites go first.
Glamping Is Expanding in 2026
Pennsylvania is adding glamping options to 8 state parks in 2026. These premium sites book fast, so watch for release announcements on the PA DCNR website.
Fall Foliage Peak Season
October is peak foliage season in Pennsylvania's mountains. Campgrounds in the Pocono and Laurel Highlands regions fill up for every October weekend. Book 11 months ahead for fall color camping.
Popular PA State Parks Campgrounds
Can't Find Availability on PA State Parks?
Outdoorithm monitors 50+ PA State Parks campgrounds every 2 minutes and sends you instant SMS, email, and push notifications when cancellations open up campsites.
PA State Parks Booking FAQ
When do Pennsylvania State Park reservations open?
Pennsylvania opens reservations 11 months in advance at 12:00 PM (noon) Eastern Time. The noon release time is unusual among state park systems.
What are the best Pennsylvania campgrounds?
Ricketts Glen (waterfalls), Hickory Run (boulder field), Promised Land (Pocono lakes), Ohiopyle (whitewater), and Presque Isle (Lake Erie beaches) are perennial favorites.
Can I get cancellation alerts for PA State Parks?
Yes. Outdoorithm monitors Pennsylvania State Park availability and sends free SMS and email alerts when cancellations create openings.
Are Pennsylvania State Park cabins worth booking?
Pennsylvania's 286 cabins are excellent for family camping, especially in cooler months. They range from rustic (no plumbing) to modern (full kitchen, bathroom). Modern cabins book fastest.
PA State Parks Alerts
Get notified instantly when campsites open up on Pennsylvania State Parks.