Mountain Camping in Pennsylvania
Discover the best mountain camping across Pennsylvania. Rise above it all in mountain campgrounds. Crisp air, towering peaks, and endless alpine adventure.
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Perched atop the Allegheny Plateau at 2,300 feet, this remote highland retreat delivers sweeping views across Pennsylvania's wild mountain ridges, where dense forests of cherry, maple, and hemlock stretch endlessly toward the horizon.
Allegheny National Forest
Situated in the rolling Allegheny Mountains, this campground offers direct trail access through densely forested wilderness where ridgelines and valleys create dramatic natural contours.
Towering hemlocks frame Kettle Creek Valley as it winds through Potter County's wilderness, where morning mists cling to forested ridges and reveal the dramatic contours of Pennsylvania's Black Forest.
About Mountain Camping in Pennsylvania
Mountain camping Pennsylvania offers some of the most diverse highland experiences in the Mid-Atlantic, from the ancient peaks of the Allegheny Plateau to the glacially-carved ridges of the Laurel Highlands. Pennsylvania's mountain ranges may not reach the dramatic elevations of western peaks, but they provide authentic wilderness experiences with old-growth forests, pristine dark skies, and remote valleys that feel worlds away from civilization.
Best Time
Late spring through early fall provides the most reliable mountain camping weather in Pennsylvania, with May through October offering the longest season for accessible highland camping. June through August delivers warm days perfect for hiking mountain trails and exploring ridgeline vistas, though these months also bring the highest visitor numbers at popular destinations like Cherry Springs and Laurel Hill.
Scenery Highlights
- Stunning mountain panoramas
- Cool alpine temperatures
- Alpine lakes and meadows
- World-class hiking trails
Campground Locations
Showing top 20 campgrounds near Mountain Camping in Pennsylvania
Plan Your Trips
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve mountain campgrounds well in advance through the Pennsylvania state park system or Recreation.gov for national forest sites, as popular destinations like Cherry Springs and Hearts Content fill quickly for summer and fall weekends.
- 2Bring layered clothing regardless of season, as mountain temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees after sunset even in July, and ridge-top locations experience stronger winds than valley campgrounds.
- 3Pack a quality headlamp or flashlight with red-light mode for dark sky locations like Cherry Springs, where preserving night vision enhances stargazing experiences.
- 4Mountain roads can be challenging—check current conditions before departure and ensure your vehicle can handle steep grades and tight turns, especially if towing a trailer.
Mountain Camping in Pennsylvania FAQ
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