Best RV Parks in Pennsylvania

Quick Definition

Pennsylvania's diverse geography makes it an exceptional RV destination, offering everything from mountain gorges to historic attractions and family-friendly attractions. The state breaks naturally into four distinct regions: the Poconos in the northeast, known for rugged beauty and outdoor recreation; Pennsylvania Wilds in the north-central area, featuring remote wilderness and dramatic landscapes; the Southwest (Laurel Highlands) near Pittsburgh, offering cultural attractions and state parks; and the Southeast around Lancaster and Philadelphia, blending heritage sites with agricultural charm. Each region hosts excellent Pennsylvania RV Parks that cater to different camping styles, from luxury resorts to rustic state park sites.

TL;DR

• Pennsylvania welcomes over 2 million RV visitors annually, second only to Florida in regional popularity
• Best seasons: May–June and September–October offer ideal temperatures (60–75°F) without summer crowds
• Average nightly rates range from $35–$65 for full hookup sites, making it one of the most affordable northeastern destinations
• Poconos excels for waterfall hiking and Delaware Water Gap scenery; PA Wilds attracts adventure seekers; Southwest delivers state parks and waterfalls; Southeast offers cultural tourism and farm stays
• Many parks fill 6–8 weeks in advance for summer weekends
• WiFi and cellular coverage vary by region—strongest in Poconos and Southeast, spotty in PA Wilds
• Spring break (March–April) and fall foliage (October) drive peak bookings statewide

Best Poconos RV Parks

The Poconos RV Parks corridor draws RVers seeking dramatic terrain and outdoor recreation. The area encompasses the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, small-town charm in Stroudsburg and Jim Thorpe, and hundreds of lakes and waterfall trails.

Big Bass Lake RV Resort sits within 15 minutes of Stroudsburg and offers 145 full-hookup sites with 50-amp service, pull-through parking, and direct access to lake activities. Most sites include picnic tables and fire rings. The park includes a heated pool, private beach, and boat launch. Rates average $48/night, with weekly discounts available. Cell service is reliable; WiFi reaches most sites.

Masthope Mountain Campground positions RVers near scenic hiking trails and the town of Canadensis. This mid-size park features 60 sites, with 40 offering full hookups. Pull-throughs are available but limited. Amenities include a small camp store, laundry, and access to adjacent state game lands. Rates average $42/night, and the park accepts large rigs (up to 45 feet). Pets are welcome.

Pocono Vacation Park near East Stroudsburg offers year-round camping with 200 sites, 150 featuring full hookups and 50-amp service. The park has both pull-through and back-in options, a recreation hall, heated pool, mini-golf, and planned activities during peak season. Rates hover around $55/night in summer, $38/night off-season. WiFi and cellular coverage are strong. This park caters to families and draws repeat visitors.

River Valley Campground sits along the Delaware River, providing 80 RV sites with 60 offering full hookups. Back-in sites dominate; pull-throughs are scarce. The location excels for water recreation—kayaking, fishing, and river access are primary draws. Rates average $45/night. The park does not charge extra pet fees.

Pocono parks book solid for July–August and holiday weekends; May and September offer better availability and pleasant weather. The region sees significant traffic from Philadelphia and New York visitors, so reserve 4–6 weeks ahead during summer.

Best Pennsylvania Wilds RV Parks

Pennsylvania Wilds RV Parks — Pennsylvania Wilds encompasses the rugged north-central plateau, home to gorges, waterfalls, and some of the state's least-developed landscapes. This region attracts hikers, photographers, and travelers seeking quieter campgrounds away from crowds.

Recketstown RV Park (near Wellsboro) provides 75 sites with 55 offering full hookups and 30-amp or 50-amp service. The park sits within 20 minutes of Ricketts Glen State Park, famous for its 22 waterfalls and dramatic hemlock gorge. Pull-throughs are available but limited. Amenities include laundry, dump station, and propane. Rates average $40/night. Cellular signal is adequate; WiFi is available at the office and some sites.

Pine Creek Valley Campground positions RVers near Pine Creek Gorge and the 63-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail, a converted railroad grade perfect for biking. The park offers 60 sites, with 45 featuring full hookups. Back-in sites predominate; a few pull-throughs exist. Rates average $38/night. The park is seasonal (April–October) and fills quickly during fall foliage (late September–early October). Pets are permitted.

Harrison State Park Campground near Harrison provides 80 RV sites with 50 offering electrical hookups (no water on many sites). This is a state-operated facility with lower rates ($28–$35/night) but fewer amenities than private parks. The setting is quieter and less developed, appealing to RVers seeking authentic state park camping. Access to Leonard Harrison State Park overlook and hiking is direct.

WiFi and cellular coverage in PA Wilds are spotty outside of park office areas. This region suits RVers comfortable disconnecting. June and September are prime months—warm but not crowded. July–August can be humid; October brings peak foliage but also peak crowds.

Best Southwest PA RV Parks

The Southwest PA RV Parks region encompasses Pittsburgh's urban amenities, the Laurel Highlands' dramatic topography, and attractions like Fallingwater, Ohiopyle State Park, and the Great Allegheny Passage trail. RVers here balance outdoor recreation with cultural attractions.

Ohiopyle State Park Campground sits within the 20,500-acre state park along the Youghiogheny River. The park operates approximately 200 RV sites, though only about 50 offer full hookups; others provide electrical only. This Pennsylvania state park site delivers dramatic river gorges, world-class whitewater, and hiking. Rates are state-subsidized ($30–$45/night). Reservations open 11 months in advance and fill fast. The location itself is the main attraction—scenic and rugged.

Laurel Highlands RV Park near Farmington provides 120 sites, with 90 offering full hookups and 50-amp service. Pull-throughs are available. The park sits 10 minutes from Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece, and near Mount Davis (Pennsylvania's highest point). Amenities include pool, game room, and laundry. Rates average $50/night. Cellular and WiFi coverage are reliable.

Shawnee Park Campground near Ohiopyle offers 85 RV sites, 65 with full hookups. The park is more casual than resort-style, attracting hikers and adventure seekers. Rates average $42/night. Access to the Great Allegheny Passage trail (for biking and hiking) is adjacent. Pets are welcome.

June through October is peak season in Southwest PA. The region draws visitors to Fallingwater tours, whitewater rafting, and hiking. Spring and fall weather are ideal; summer heat can be oppressive. Book 8 weeks ahead for July–August weekends.

Cost Math: RV vs. Hotel in Pennsylvania

Let's compare a typical three-night RV camping trip to a hotel stay in a popular Pennsylvania destination (e.g., Pocono Vacation Park or a similar-quality facility versus a three-star hotel in Stroudsburg or Pittsburgh).

RV Full-Hookup Stay (3 nights):

• Nightly rate: $48–$55
• Three nights: $144–$165
• Electrical/water/sewer included: $0
• Amenities (pool, WiFi, activities): included
• Total: ~$150

Hotel Stay (3 nights, equivalent comfort level):

• Nightly rate: $180–$250 (three-star, peak season)
• Three nights: $540–$750
• Parking fees: $0–$15/night ($0–$45 total)
• WiFi: sometimes included, sometimes $10–$15/night
• Breakfast: not included; expect $12–$18/person/day
• Total: $590–$835

Your Savings: $440–$685 per three-night trip

Across a typical RV travel season (April–October = 26 weekends), RV camping saves families $11,440–$17,810 compared to equivalent hotel stays. For extended stays (1–2 weeks), the savings multiply. Most Pennsylvania RV parks offer weekly discounts (10–15%), further reducing your cost.

Pennsylvania's Top RV Parks: At a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time to visit Pennsylvania RV parks? May–June and September–October offer the ideal balance: temperatures between 60–75°F, lower humidity, fewer crowds than July–August, and strong availability. Fall foliage (late September–early October) is spectacular but books up fast.

Do I need reservations in advance, or can I show up? For summer weekends (July–August), book 6–8 weeks ahead. For shoulder seasons (May, June, September, October), 3–4 weeks is typically sufficient. Winter and early spring offer more walk-up flexibility, but weather limits camping comfort.

Which region is best for families with young children? The Poconos and Southeast regions offer the most family-friendly infrastructure: pools, mini-golf, planned activities, and proximity to attractions like amusement parks and heritage sites. Pocono Vacation Park and Southeast PA RV Parks are particularly geared toward families.

Are there RV parks in Pennsylvania with full hookups for large rigs (40+ feet)? Yes, several parks accommodate rigs up to 45 feet, though pull-throughs are more common than back-ins. Big Bass Lake RV Resort, Pocono Vacation Park, and Laurel Highlands RV Park all accept large RVs. Always confirm length limits and back-in radius with the park before booking.

What's the average cost of staying at a Pennsylvania RV park for a week? Most full-hookup parks charge $38–$55/night, making a seven-night stay $266–$385. Many parks offer 10–15% weekly discounts, bringing the weekly cost to $225–$330. Winter rates are often 30–40% cheaper than summer rates.

Do Pennsylvania RV parks accept pets? Nearly all parks welcome dogs and cats, though some charge pet fees ($3–$8/night) or restrict breed/size. River Valley Campground and Pine Creek Valley Campground do not charge additional pet fees. Always confirm pet policies when reserving.

Is cell service and WiFi reliable at Pennsylvania RV parks? Cell coverage is strongest in the Poconos and Southeast regions; PA Wilds and remote Southwest areas have spotty cellular service. Most parks offer WiFi at the office and some sites, but speeds and reliability vary. Don't rely on working remotely in PA Wilds without confirming site-specific coverage.

What are the quietest parks for a peaceful retreat? Harrison State Park Campground, Pine Creek Valley Campground, and Shawnee Park Campground attract quieter crowds focused on hiking and nature. Avoid July–August weekends if you seek solitude; visit June, September, or October instead.

Can I stay year-round at Pennsylvania RV parks? Most private parks operate year-round, but many state parks close seasonally (November–March). Winter camping is possible but requires additional preparation: winterization, heated water lines, and sometimes diesel heaters. Check with parks about winter amenities before booking.

What nearby attractions can I visit from these RV parks? Poconos parks offer Delaware Water Gap hiking, Jim Thorpe heritage tours, and lake activities. PA Wilds parks provide waterfall trails, the Pine Creek Rail Trail, and Ricketts Glen State Park. Southwest parks access Fallingwater, the Great Allegheny Passage, Ohiopyle rafting, and Pittsburgh museums. Southeast parks (Lancaster area) feature Amish country tours, farmers markets, and Philadelphia day trips.

Thinking About Selling Your RV Park in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania's outdoor hospitality market is thriving. The state hosts over 2 million RV visitors annually, with tourism traffic projected to grow 4–6% year-over-year. Your park's location matters: Pocono parks benefit from proximity to New York City and Philadelphia; Southwest parks draw Pittsburgh and mid-Atlantic travelers; PA Wilds parks attract national adventure seekers seeking remote, scenic settings.

Whether you operate a well-established resort or a smaller campground, Pennsylvania's central location between NYC, Philadelphia, and DC positions your property as a premium acquisition target. Buyers recognize that Pennsylvania parks deliver strong seasonal occupancy, loyal repeat visitors, and year-round operational potential.

If you've been considering a transition—whether retiring, consolidating operations, or exploring new ventures—we'd like to talk. Our team understands RV park operations, property valuation, and what drives sustainable returns in this sector.

Reach out to Jenna Reed, Director of Acquisitions, at jenna@rv-parks.org or via Contact Us. We handle confidentiality, fair valuations, and streamlined conversations. Let's explore what your park is worth and what a transition might look like for you.