Summer Camping in Pennsylvania
Discover the best summer camping across Pennsylvania. Experience the best of outdoor camping during the warmest months. Long days, starry nights, and endless adventure await.
Summer Camping in Other States
Featured Campgrounds
Handpicked destinations that define the region
Summer nights reveal the Milky Way in stunning detail as you recline under some of the darkest skies on the East Coast, with astronomers gathering to marvel at celestial wonders invisible in most of America.
Allegheny National Forest
Towering hemlocks provide cool shade while summer hikers explore trails through rare old-growth forests and into the wild Hickory Creek Wilderness. Evening brings the enchanting spectacle of synchronous fireflies blinking in unison beneath ancient trees that have stood for centuries.
The 63-acre lake becomes summer's playground with sandy beaches for swimming, boats gliding across calm waters, and fishing lines cast from shaded shores. Mountain trails wind through Pennsylvania forests while campfire smoke drifts through sites where families gather under starlit skies.
About Summer Camping in Pennsylvania
Summer camping Pennsylvania offers an extraordinary blend of diverse landscapes, from the pristine dark skies of Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County to the expansive waters of Moraine State Park's 3,200-acre lake in western Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth's summer camping season transforms state parks and national forest campgrounds into vibrant outdoor recreation hubs, where families gather around campfires, anglers cast lines into cool mountain streams, and hikers explore miles of shaded forest trails.
Best Time
The prime summer camping season in Pennsylvania runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, with peak visitation occurring during July and August when schools are closed and weather is most reliable. June offers an excellent balance of warm weather, lower crowds, and the spectacular display of synchronous fireflies at select locations like Hearts Content Recreation Area, typically occurring in the third week of the month.
Season Highlights
- Warm weather and long days
- Swimming and water activities
- Full amenities and services
- Family-friendly activities
Campground Locations
Showing top 20 campgrounds near Summer Camping in Pennsylvania
Plan Your Trips
Popular Activities
Tips & Recommendations
- 1Reserve campsites through Pennsylvania's state park reservation system as early as possible, with bookings opening 11 months in advance for most locations and filling quickly for summer weekends at popular destinations like Cherry Springs and Moraine State Park.
- 2Bring insect repellent containing DEET and consider permethrin-treated clothing, as mosquitoes, black flies, and ticks are active throughout Pennsylvania's summer months, particularly near water sources and in dense forest areas.
- 3Pack layers even for summer camping, as mountain locations and northern tier sites can experience nighttime temperatures dropping into the 50s, while valleys and lakeside areas remain warm and humid.
- 4Invest in a quality rain fly and waterproof gear storage, since afternoon thunderstorms are frequent and can be intense, especially in July.
Summer Camping in Pennsylvania FAQ
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