Winter Camping in Pennsylvania

Discover the best winter camping across Pennsylvania. Experience the serene beauty of winter camping. From snow-covered forests to mild desert escapes.

20+ Campgrounds4.7★ AverageBest: December through February

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Top Picks

Featured Campgrounds

Handpicked destinations that define the region

Hearts Content Recreation Area

Bradford · Allegheny National Forest

Cross-country skiers glide through centuries-old hemlock groves where snow-laden branches create cathedral-like corridors along the winter trails. The old-growth forest transforms into a hushed wonderland, with the Hickory Creek Wilderness offering secluded backcountry routes for...

4.7(269 reviews)

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Cherry Springs State Park

Galeton

Snow-covered forests amplify the brilliance of the Milky Way at this dark sky sanctuary, where frigid winter nights deliver the clearest stargazing conditions of the year.

4.8(326 reviews)

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Laurel Hill State Park

Somerset

Cross-country skiers and snowshoers glide across 4,062 mountain acres surrounding a frozen 63-acre lake, while heated restrooms and well-maintained winter trails keep campers comfortable in Pennsylvania's snowy highlands.

4.6(230 reviews)

Verified

About Winter Camping in Pennsylvania

Winter camping Pennsylvania offers an extraordinary cold-weather adventure across diverse landscapes, from the snow-draped old-growth forests of Allegheny National Forest to the pristine dark skies of Potter County's highlands. The Keystone State transforms into a winter wonderland between December and March, providing campers with opportunities to experience everything from cross-country skiing through ancient hemlock groves to stargazing under crystalline winter skies.

Best Time

The prime winter camping season in Pennsylvania runs from mid-December through early March, with January and February offering the most reliable snow conditions for winter sports enthusiasts. December provides excellent opportunities for holiday camping with fewer crowds and lighter snowfall, ideal for winter camping beginners.

Season Highlights

Year-round open campgrounds
Snow and winter activities
Mild climate destinations
Ultimate solitude and peace

More Winter Camping in Pennsylvania

Discover 17 additional top-rated winter camping in Pennsylvania

Yellow Creek State Park

Penn Run

Sledders carve down snowy hills while snowmobiles traverse 3,000 acres of frozen Pennsylvania wilderness surrounding a vast 720-acre lake. Winter transforms the landscape into a haven for waterfowl migration, where you can spot rare birds between runs down the slopes or across snow-covered trails.

4.6(201)

Sinnemahoning State Park

Austin

Snow-dusted trails wind through 1,910 acres where cross-country skiers glide past one of Pennsylvania's premier elk herds, often spotted against white-mantled pines.

4.6(79)

Moraine State Park

Portersville

Lake Arthur freezes into a 3,225-acre winter playground where ice fishing shanties dot the surface and cross-country skiers glide along 11 miles of groomed trails through restored forests.

4.9(41)

Promised Land State Park

Greentown

Cross-country ski tracks ribbon through 3,000 acres of snow-draped forest, connecting two frozen lakes that transform into pristine winter playgrounds. Heated comfort stations stay open year-round, while groomed trails wind past ice-fishing spots and snow-laden hemlocks in the heart of the Poconos.

4.6(44)

Tobyhanna State Park

Tobyhanna

Cross-country ski trails wind through snow-laden forests while ice skaters glide across the frozen 170-acre lake in the Pocono Mountains. Modern facilities stay open through winter, offering heated restrooms and warm gathering spaces after days spent exploring northeastern Pennsylvania's...

4.6(47)

Greenwood Furnace State Park

Huntingdon

Cross-country ski trails wind through 80,000 acres of snow-blanketed Rothrock State Forest, while frozen lakes invite ice fishing and sledding hills echo with laughter.

4.6(50)

Kettle Creek State Park

Renovo

Snow-covered mountain ridges transform into premier sledding hills and snowmobile trails, while Kettle Creek freezes into a stunning ice-blue ribbon through the forest.

4.8(64)

Cowans Gap State Park

Fort Loudon

Cross-country skiers and snowshoers glide through pristine mountain forests and around the frozen 42-acre lake, with miles of marked trails winding through Pennsylvania's snowy backcountry.

4.6(81)

Clear Creek State Park

Brookville

Snow blankets miles of cross-country ski trails and dedicated sledding hills along the Clarion River, transforming this Pennsylvania forest into a winter playground.

4.8(32)

Explore Winter Camping in Pennsylvania

Browse 20 campgrounds on our interactive map. Filter by amenities, price, ratings, and more.

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Popular Activities

Cross-country skiing on groomed and backcountry trailsSnowshoeing through old-growth forests and mountain terrainWinter stargazing and astronomy at dark sky locationsIce fishing on frozen lakes and reservoirsWildlife viewing, especially elk in north-central regionsWinter photography of snow-covered landscapes and frozen waterfalls

Tips & Recommendations

1Winter camping in Pennsylvania requires thorough preparation and proper cold-weather gear to ensure safety and comfort.
2Invest in a four-season tent rated for temperatures at least 10 degrees below expected lows, and bring a sleeping bag rated to negative temperatures combined with an insulated sleeping pad with an R-value of 5 or higher.
3Layer clothing using moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof outer shells, and pack extra socks, gloves, and hand warmers.
4Most state parks do not require permits for winter camping, but reservations are essential for heated cabins which book months in advance through the Pennsylvania state park reservation system.

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Winter Camping in Pennsylvania FAQ

We've ranked 20+ winter campgrounds in Pennsylvania based on year-round accessibility, winter activities, and weather conditions. Options range from snowy retreats to mild-weather escapes.

Winter camping in Pennsylvania can be safe with proper preparation. Check campground winter hours, bring appropriate cold-weather gear, and monitor weather forecasts closely.

For winter camping in Pennsylvania, bring a cold-rated sleeping bag, insulated pad, layered clothing, emergency supplies, and extra food and water. Four-season tents are recommended for cold conditions.

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Winter Camping in Pennsylvania

Winter Camping in Other States

Featured Campgrounds

Hearts Content Recreation Area

Cherry Springs State Park

Laurel Hill State Park

About Winter Camping in Pennsylvania

Best Time

Season Highlights