Best RV Parks Near Ricketts Glen State Park: 22 Named Waterfalls & Laurel Highlands Camping

Quick Definition

Ricketts Glen State Park is Pennsylvania's waterfall capital and one of the most unforgettable state park experiences in the Northeast. Spanning 13,050 acres across Sullivan and Luzerne counties in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, this park is home to 22 named waterfalls cascading down three branches of Kitchen Creek, with Ganoga Falls dropping a breathtaking 94 feet. The park isn't just about the falls—it's a National Natural Landmark with some of the most pristine old-growth hemlock and mixed hardwood forest in the region, where trees push 500+ years old and the air feels genuinely ancient.

The centerpiece is the Falls Trail: a strenuous 7.2-mile loop that takes you past all 22 waterfalls, over slick rocks, through deep ravines, and across footbridges that span creek beds. It's muddy, it's wet, it rewards careful footwork and good preparation, and it's absolutely worth every ounce of effort. Whether you're a hardcore waterfall chaser or a casual hiker looking for a legitimate challenge, Ricketts Glen is the kind of park that stays with you long after you leave.

For RV campers, the park offers in-park camping plus a roster of excellent base camp options nearby. Check out Pennsylvania Wilds RV Parks for a full regional breakdown.

TL;DR

• 22 waterfalls in one loop: The Falls Trail covers all of them in 7.2 miles—strenuous, wet rocks, hiking poles strongly recommended.
• In-park RV camping available: 120 electric sites + 60 tent sites plus cabins; book months ahead for summer weekends via recreation.gov.
• Lake Jean for water activities: 245-acre lake with swimming beach, rowboat/canoe/kayak rentals ($10–$12/hr), and fishing.
• Old-growth forest experience: National Natural Landmark designation; some hemlocks are over 500 years old—a rare window into pre-colonial Pennsylvania.
• Plan for spring or fall: April–May for peak waterfall flow after snowmelt; October–November for foliage. Summer crowds are heavy.
• Cell service is spotty: No AT&T coverage in the park core; Verizon is marginal. Offline maps and downloaded information are essential.

Base Camp Options by Distance

Zone 1: Inside the Park (Best for Immersion)

Ricketts Glen State Park itself offers the most immersive experience. The park has 120 electric RV sites, 60 tent sites, and rustic cabins. Electric sites run $28–$36 per night and book up months in advance for summer. The trade-off: you're right in the action, minimal drive time to trailheads, and you can wake up to the sound of Kitchen Creek.

Reservations open months ahead via recreation.gov. If you're planning a summer trip, book by March or expect your preferred dates to be gone. Off-season (October through April) offers better availability and fewer crowds, though weather can be unpredictable.

Zone 2: Nearby Towns (15–25 Miles, Good Infrastructure)

The towns of Wellsboro, Eagles Mere, and Benton ring the park with campgrounds and small RV parks that offer full hookups, Wi-Fi, and proximity to dining and supplies. These are ideal if in-park sites are booked.

Check RV Parks in Wellsboro for detailed options in the region's main hub. Wellsboro sits about 20 miles northwest and has the most amenities—coffee shops, grocery stores, restaurants—making it a good resupply stop.

Zone 3: Moderate Distance (30–45 Miles, More Variety)

Bloomsburg (about 35 miles south) hosts the Bloomsburg KOA, a full-featured resort with pull-thru sites, laundry, and strong Wi-Fi. Rates run $55–$70 per night, but you get more comfort and creature comforts. It's a good option if you want to base camp with slightly more amenities and don't mind a scenic 45-minute drive to the park.

Zone 4: Dispersed & Budget Options (Free to Low Cost)

Loyalsock State Forest (Laporte area, about 20 miles north) offers dispersed camping on state land—no hookups, no amenities, completely free. This is for experienced dispersed campers who don't mind primitive conditions. The Loyalsock Creek gorge is spectacular and offers excellent hiking, but you'll need to drive 30–40 minutes to reach Ricketts Glen.

Things to Do

1. The Falls Trail: All 22 Waterfalls in One Epic Loop

The Falls Trail is the headliner. The 7.2-mile loop is rated strenuous, and that rating is honest. You'll navigate steep descents, scramble over moss-covered boulders, ford creek crossings, and climb back out of ravines. The trail stays wet year-round, making footing treacherous even in dry spells.

What makes it unmissable: you hit all 22 named falls in one circuit, from the thunderous lower cascades to hidden upper falls few visitors see. Spring (April–May) brings peak water flow; autumn (October–November) combines lower water with stunning foliage. Bring trekking poles, waterproof footwear, and extra socks.

2. Lake Jean: Swimming, Rowing, and Fishing

The 245-acre Lake Jean sits in the park's northwest corner and offers a complete change of pace from waterfall hiking. There's a sandy swimming beach, rowboat rentals ($10–$12 per hour), canoe and kayak rentals at the same rate, and solid fishing for largemouth bass and bluegill.

If you're hiking the Falls Trail in the morning, Lake Jean is perfect for an afternoon cool-down. Or skip the heavy waterfall effort and spend a full day on the water—equally valid park experience.

3. Old-Growth Forest Exploration

Beyond the main trail, Ricketts Glen protects some of the finest old-growth hemlock and mixed hardwood forest in the Northeast. Some of the eastern hemlocks date back 500+ years, making them older than the United States. Walking among trees that were established before Columbus sailed is a humbling experience.

The park's National Natural Landmark designation reflects this ecological significance. Quieter secondary trails—like the Ganoga Branch Trail (if you want waterfall views without the full 7.2-mile commitment)—let you move slower and absorb the forest's age and scale.

4. World's End State Park (20 Miles North)

Just 20 miles north, World's End State Park offers a completely different landscape: a dramatic gorge carved by the Loyalsock Creek, featuring stunning overlooks, historic sites, and excellent hiking. You can day-trip from Ricketts Glen to explore this 780-acre park, hike the rim trails, and take in views of the Loyalsock gorge.

Many visitors do both parks in a single trip, splitting their time between waterfalls and gorge scenery.

5. Eagles Mere: Historic Summer Resort Town

The quirky village of Eagles Mere (about 15 miles west) is a preserved Gilded Age summer resort town with Victorian inns, a picturesque lake, and a small-town vibe that feels genuinely frozen in time. It's worth a 90-minute loop drive for the architecture and atmosphere, and there are several small restaurants and ice cream shops if you need a break from park time.

Browse RV Parks in State College for additional base camp options if you're exploring the broader Pennsylvania Wilds region.

Practical Tips

1. Trail Safety and Preparation

The Falls Trail is not beginner-friendly. Wet rocks, steep drops, creek crossings, and exposed sections demand respect. Wear quality waterproof hiking boots with aggressive tread, bring trekking poles to steady yourself on slick sections, and don't hike alone if possible.

Start early in the day so you have daylight for the full loop. The trail is well-marked but easy to rush in poor light. Allow 4–5 hours depending on fitness and photo stops.

2. Waterproof Footwear Is Non-Negotiable

You will get wet. Your boots will get wet. Plan for it. Quality waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support are worth the investment. Bring an extra pair of socks in your day pack. Change socks at the halfway point if you're on the trail for 4+ hours.

3. Book In-Park Camping Months Ahead

Ricketts Glen's 120 electric sites fill by March for summer weekends. If you want to stay inside the park during peak season (June–August), book via recreation.gov as soon as reservations open (typically 6 months in advance). Off-season bookings open up more readily.

4. Visit in Spring or Fall for Best Conditions

April–May brings peak waterfall flow after winter snowmelt—the falls are at their most dramatic. October–November offers cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and stunning foliage. Summer is beautiful but busy, with higher humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Winter is for serious hikers only; the trail becomes treacherous with ice.

5. Expect Minimal Cell Service

AT&T has no coverage in the park core. Verizon is spotty at best. Download offline maps before you arrive, grab a park map at the entrance, and don't rely on phone navigation once you're on the trail. Bring a paper map and a compass if you're hiking backcountry areas.

Also note: the park's RV sites and facilities have limited internet. If you need reliable connectivity for work, stick with nearby towns like Wellsboro or book a KOA with full Wi-Fi. For a broader look at RV camping options across the state, see Pennsylvania RV Parks.

Cost Math: RV Camping vs. Hotel

Let's compare a 3-night stay at Ricketts Glen vs. a nearby hotel (Bloomsburg area average):

RV Camping at Ricketts Glen (or nearby park):

• Electric site: $34/night (mid-range estimate)
• 3 nights: $34 × 3 = $102
• Fuel to drive to park: ~$30 (round trip from region)
• Total: ~$132 for 3 nights

Hotel in Bloomsburg (15–20 miles south):

• Average nightly rate: $149
• 3 nights: $149 × 3 = $447
• Fuel: ~$15
• Total: ~$462 for 3 nights

Your Savings: $330

If you travel with a family or group (2–4 people per RV), the per-person savings are even more dramatic. An RV also gives you a kitchen (saving restaurant meals), laundry facilities, and the flexibility to stay up late cooking coffee before a dawn hike. Over a week-long trip, RV camping saves $600–$900 compared to hotels while offering better access to the park.

RV Parks Near Ricketts Glen: At a Glance

FAQ

What's the best time to visit Ricketts Glen? Spring (April–May) for peak waterfall flow, or fall (October–November) for cooler temps and foliage. Summer is busy and humid; winter is icy and slippery.

Do I need hiking poles for the Falls Trail? Highly recommended. The trail is wet year-round, and poles take pressure off your knees on steep descents and improve stability on slick rocks. They're worth carrying.

Can I camp inside the park, or do I need an RV park nearby? Both. Ricketts Glen has 120 electric RV sites and 60 tent sites inside the park—book via recreation.gov months ahead. If in-park is full, nearby options include World's End State Park, Eagles Mere Campground, and Bloomsburg KOA.

How long does the Falls Trail actually take? Plan 4–5 hours for the full 7.2-mile loop at a steady pace, with photo and rest stops. Experienced hikers may complete it in 3.5 hours; slower groups might take 6+.

Is the park good for families with young kids? The Falls Trail is strenuous and not suitable for kids under 8–10. However, the park offers easier walking paths near Lake Jean, picnic areas, and the lake itself is family-friendly with a swimming beach and calm water.

What should I bring for the Falls Trail? Waterproof hiking boots, trekking poles, extra socks, a water bottle, snacks, a pack with rain protection, and a paper map. Dress in layers—the ravine is cooler and damper than the surrounding forest.

Is there cell service in the park? Not reliably. AT&T has no coverage in the park core; Verizon is spotty. Download offline maps and grab a paper park map before heading out.

Can I bring my dog on the Falls Trail? Yes, leashed dogs are permitted on trails. The Falls Trail can be tough on paws, so dog booties or wax paw protectors help. Bring extra water for your dog.

Are there restaurants or shops near the park? Wellsboro (20 miles northwest) has groceries, restaurants, and coffee shops. Eagles Mere (15 miles west) has small cafes and inns. Inside the park, there's no dining—bring your own food or plan supplies before entering.

How far in advance should I book my RV site? For summer weekends, book 6 months ahead via recreation.gov. Spring, fall, and winter offer better availability. Weekday and off-season reservations can sometimes be made 2–4 weeks in advance, but popular dates still fill quickly. Check availability early and book as soon as your travel window opens.

For more tips on finding the right base camp across the region, visit Pennsylvania Wilds RV Parks.

Thinking About Selling Your RV Park Near Ricketts Glen?

If you own or operate an RV park, campground, or glamping property in the Pennsylvania Wilds or nearby, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you're thinking about transitioning out, exploring partnership opportunities, or simply curious about your property's market value, there's no obligation—just a conversation.

Reach out to Jenna at jenna@rv-parks.org or visit /sell to get started.

We know this landscape. We know the operators. And we know the numbers. Let's talk.