Underrated Destinations

Hidden Gem Campgrounds in Pennsylvania

Discover Pennsylvania's best-kept secrets. 15 exceptional campgrounds with fewer crowds and authentic experiences.

Why these campgrounds? Each hidden gem has a sentiment score of 4.4+ from verified reviews, but fewer overall visitors. They're loved by those who find them.

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

This reclaimed industrial landscape transformed into 16,725 acres of wilderness offers secluded shoreline camping along Lake Arthur's 3,225 acres, where forests now thrive where oil derricks once stood.

Photo coming soon

4.8

(32)

Clear Creek State Park

Brookville

Tucked along the Clarion River's bend, this Pennsylvania hideaway delivers pristine river access where you can paddle all day and fall asleep to flowing water at your campsite.

Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground

Bradford
Allegheny National Forest

Reaching these 20 secluded campsites demands effort—paddle across Kinzua Reservoir's glassy waters or hike woodland trails to claim your waterfront perch.

Tents

About Hidden Gems in Pennsylvania

Hidden gems camping in Pennsylvania reveals a treasure trove of lesser-known campgrounds that offer authentic wilderness experiences away from crowded tourist destinations. The Keystone State's diverse landscapes harbor secluded retreats where restored industrial lands meet pristine forests, where ancient hemlock cathedrals shelter tranquil lakes, and where remote river corridors wind through untouched wilderness.

Best Time

Spring through fall offers the most accessible camping at Pennsylvania's hidden gems, with May through October providing the most reliable weather and full facility operations. Late spring (May-June) brings wildflower blooms, rushing streams from snowmelt, and fewer crowds before summer vacation season.

Why These Campgrounds

High satisfaction ratings (4.4+ sentiment score)
Fewer crowds than popular destinations
Authentic wilderness experiences
Often more affordable than crowded alternatives

More Hidden Gems in Pennsylvania

Discover 12 additional underrated campgrounds

Photo coming soon

4.7

(25)

Tuscarora State Forest

Blain

Ninety-six thousand acres of Pennsylvania wilderness swallow you whole, offering both backcountry solitude and roadside access points that keep your hidden camps within reach of civilization.

Canoe Creek State Park

Hollidaysburg

Wetlands, mature forests, and meadowed fields surround a 155-acre lake, offering natural screening and peaceful seclusion throughout 958 acres of diverse terrain.

Photo coming soon

4.6

(44)

Promised Land State Park

Greentown

Dense hemlock forests and dual mirror-like lakes create secluded pockets throughout 3,000 acres where you can disappear into Pennsylvania's wilderness. Miles of winding trails connect hidden campsites beneath towering trees, while the park's vast size means you'll find peaceful solitude...

Dense Pennsylvania forests swallow you whole at this creekside sanctuary where Big Poe Creek merges with Penns Creek, creating a natural hideaway far from civilization.

The expansive 170-acre lake becomes your private mirror to the seasons, surrounded by dense Pocono forests that muffle modern life. Morning mist rolls across glassy waters where you can ski in winter silence or paddle to secluded coves come summer.

The Nature Inn At Bald Eagle

Howard

This LEED Gold certified eco-lodge dissolves the line between sustainable luxury and wilderness immersion, where private balconies overlook a massive 1,700-acre lake within Bald Eagle State Park.

Photo coming soon

4.5

(38)

Clarion River Campsites

Marienville
Allegheny National Forest

Twenty-seven primitive sites scatter along the Clarion River and Millstone Creek, where first-come camping means no reservations stand between you and riverside solitude.

Towering hemlocks and white pines form a cathedral canopy over secluded creekside sites where Honey Creek's gentle rush drowns out the modern world. The pristine wilderness setting delivers authentic solitude, with your tent nestled among ancient trees and cool stream waters just steps away.

Bald Eagle State Forest

Millmont

Nearly 195,000 acres of Pennsylvania wilderness hide countless primitive campsites tucked beneath ancient hemlocks and along sandstone ridges where few others venture.

Tents

RVs

Campground Locations

Showing top 15 campgrounds near Pennsylvania

Explore Interactive Map →

Map Key

Moraine State Park

Clear Creek State Park

Handsome Lake Boat Access Campground

Tuscarora State Forest

Canoe Creek State Park

Promised Land State Park

Poe Paddy State Park

Tobyhanna State Park

The Nature Inn At Bald Eagle

Clarion River Campsites

Reeds Gap State Park

Bald Eagle State Forest

Hyner Run State Park

Ridley Creek State Park

Moshannon State Forest

View all 58 campgrounds on interactive map

Plan Your Trips

Popular Activities

Discovering secluded campgrounds off the beaten pathKayaking and canoeing on pristine lakes and riversHiking remote trails through ancient forestsFishing for trout in clear mountain streamsSwimming at sandy beach areas and natural swimming holesWildlife watching and bird photography

Tips & Recommendations

1Research access requirements carefully before departure—some hidden gems like Handsome Lake require boats or significant hiking, while others need high-clearance vehicles for rough forest roads.
2State park campgrounds accept reservations through Pennsylvania's online system up to 11 months in advance, while state forest sites typically operate first-come, first-served.
3Bring detailed maps and GPS coordinates as cell service is unreliable; download offline maps before leaving civilization.
4Pack all water for primitive sites or bring filtration systems for natural sources—hand pumps may be seasonal or non-functional.

15 campgrounds ranked

Based on real camper reviews

Curated for Hidden Gems in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Hidden Gems FAQ

Hidden gem campgrounds in Pennsylvania are destinations with exceptional quality (4.4+ sentiment score) but fewer overall reviews, meaning they're less crowded but deeply loved by those who discover them. We identify these by analyzing review patterns to find underrated spots.

We've identified 15 hidden gem campgrounds in Pennsylvania. Each one has been selected for its high visitor satisfaction combined with lower visitor volume, making them perfect for those seeking authentic, uncrowded experiences.

Not necessarily. While some hidden gems are off the beaten path, many are simply lesser-known despite having excellent facilities and accessibility. They're "hidden" because they haven't been widely publicized, not because they're difficult to reach.

Explore More in Pennsylvania

Get Alerts for Pennsylvania Hidden Gems

Even hidden gems can fill up during peak season. Set up alerts and we'll notify you when your favorite spots open up.

Set Up Alerts Create Free Account