Looking for the best campgrounds in Pennsylvania? Here are my top picks for every type of traveler!
I’ve spent a ton of time traveling around Pennsylvania. While I love staying in a nice hotel, unfortunately my travel budget often dictates where I can stay.
Campgrounds are one of the most budget-friendly ways to save on accomodation. As a bonus, I get to enjoy the outdoors more thoroughly.
For each campground, I’ve ranked who the campground is best fit for, how expensive it is (on a scale of $-$$$$), if it’s pet friendly, if it’s friendly for working remote, and types of accomodation the campground offers.
Read on for more information about the best campgrounds in Pennsylvania for every type of traveler!
Quick Picks: Best Campgrounds in Pennsylvania
Best for Luxury Campers: Airydale Retreat
Best for Families: Bear Run Campground
Best for Traveling with Dogs: Benner's Meadow Campground
Best for a Unique Stay: Camp Ferncrest
Best for Birdwatchers & History Lovers: Ferryboat Campsites
Best for Solo Travelers or Couples: Bellefonte Campground
Note that some of the below stays were part of a press trip and some I paid for out of my own pocket. All opinions are, as always, my own and my journalistic integrity is not influenced by having a stay be compensated.
Airydale Retreat
Price Range: $$$ | Best For: Luxury Campers | Pet Friendly? Yes | Remote Work Friendly Wifi? No | Ways to Stay: Glamping tents (with & without bathrooms inside the tent) and glamping domes
Address: 10272 Big Valley Pike, Mill Creek PA 17060 (Original Location) / 1196 Allensville Mtn Rd Allensville, PA 17002 (Second Location)
What It’s Like to Stay At Airydale
Pennsylvania’s premier glampground is Airydale Retreat. A family owned business that started in 2019, Airydale has now expanded to two locations after the popularity of their original location pushed more demand.
I stayed at Airydale’s second location in Allensville, which opened in 2026. The small, personal touches included in the property make Airydale a luxury stay, even while staying in a tent. I loved that the tent had running water, including a toilet and shower, which is often rare for a camping experience.
You’ll have all the amenties you need without the distraction of modern life (didn’t have wifi and very limited cell service at the Allensville location). For families, some of the tents at the original location have slides right out of the tent. Talk about kid-friendly!
The Stone Mountain Hawk Watch trailhead (as featured in my book, Scenic Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania) is less than a five minute drive from this location, making it the perfect stay + hike combo. This short hike along a section of the Standing Stone Trail is less than a mile and leads to a birdwatching platform with great views of sunrise. However, the footing is very rocky so bring a pole or watch your step.
This is the perfect stay for people who are looking to dip their toe in a camping experience without giving up most modern amenities. For more information and to book your stay at Airydale, visit their website.
If you want a FULL tour of their Allensville Location, check out my full tour of Airydale on Youtube. This video tours the Mountain Laurel glamping tent, available at their new Allensville location.
Bear Run Campground
Price Range: $$ | Best For: Families & Multi-Generational Getaways | Pet Friendly? Yes | Remote Work Friendly Wifi? Not if you need to do video calls, but my hotspot worked | Ways to Stay: RV seasonal sites, tent sites, and rustic & modern cabin rentals
Address: 184 Badger Hill Road, Portersville, Pennsylvania 16051
What It’s Like to Stay At Bear Run
Bear Run Campground is the perfect family getaway if you want to set the kids free while enjoying your own relaxing time. The campground offers kid-friendly activities, kayak rentals at nearby Moraine State Park, a pool, a pickleball court, and an arcade. To ensure a convenient stay, Bear Run also has a laundry and general store with cute (not tacky) souvenirs and things you might have forgotten at home.
I stayed in a cabin in June 2026, where we enjoyed a weekend exploring Butler County. I loved that the kayak rentals were less than a five minute drive down the road and we didn’t have to do any car jenga with kayak launching. The communal fire pit was a great place to hang out and chat with other guests and relax after a long day. The pool is large enough to accomodate kids playing Marco Polo and parents who just want to dip their feet in and read a book on the side.
How do I know this is great place to stay? Folks I talked to during my stay had been coming as kids and were now bringing their own kids. There’s no better review than that level of repeat customer.
This property is the perfect getaway spot for Pennsylvania families looking for a stay that appeals to multiple generations. For more information, and to book your stay, check out the Bear Run Campground website.
For more things to do near Bear Run Campground, check out my guide to the best outdoor adventures in Butler County (and where to get a cool treat after!)
Benner’s Meadow Run Campground
Price Range: $$ | Best For: Campers with Dogs | Pet Friendly? Yes, extra fee for pets in cabins and yurts | Remote Work Friendly Wifi? Yes – call ahead to make sure you’re booking a property close to the wifi | Ways to Stay: Cabins, RV sites, Yurts, and Tent Sites
Address: 315 Nelson Road Farmington, PA 15437
What it’s Like to Stay at Benner’s
Benner’s Meadow Run Campground has dog-friendly lodging and a dog park, so is perfect for travelers who love bringing their furry family member on adventures. Each site allows two pets and a $25 fee is required for having pets in the yurts and cabins.
I stayed here on opening weekend in April 2026. Despite the chilly weather, the stay was super cozy. We stayed in a two bedroom cabin, with wifi strong enough for me to take video calls for remote work and all of the amenities we needed for a comfortable stay.
We enjoyed roasting marshamllows in our onsite fire ring and even though it was cold, we still got ice cream at the general store. Other amenities include a swimming pool, mini golf, a fishing pond, a general store (with ice cream), basketball, volleyball, and a game room. For dog owners, there’s also a dog park!
For more information and to book your stay, visit the Benner’s Meadow Run Campground website.
For more information on what to do with your time in the Laurel Highlands, check out my Ohiopyle Weekend Itinerary and my guide to the best hikes in the Laurel Highlands.
Ferncrest
Price Range: $$$ | Best For: Luxury travelers | Pet Friendly? Yes | Remote Work Friendly Wifi? No | Ways to Stay: Geodome tents, family geodome tents, and canvas tents
Address: 16 Edgar Lane, Greentown, PA 18426
What it’s Like to Stay At Camp Ferncrest
Camp Ferncrest started in the Poconos and is now located in four states. The Poconos location offers a camp store, communal sauna, a converted RV as an “ice cream trailer”, and a game room. I loved staying in the geodome tent.
The geodome tents are super unique. We stayed in the normal size with a king bed, but Ferncrest also offers giant family domes that fit up to six people with bunk beds. When we visited in early April 2025, the weather was iffy. It was great to have the super open windows to feel like I was outside when I was cozy inside. They also offer traditional canvas tents, but I’d only visit if I could stay in the geodome.
I thought the campsites were well spaced and didn’t feel like we were on top of others. Each dome came with a wood-fired hot tub, which seemed cool at first, until we realized how much work it was going to be to get it going. Our campsite also had a firepit and a picnic table, so we were able to make smores easily.
Personally, I thought this campground was a little pricey for what it offers, but understand that they are pricing for a NYC market. They have renovated the bathrooms since my stay and that was the least luxury part of the experience so I’d be interested to visit again and see their changes! Note that Ferncrest has no tent sites or RV sites – it is a luxury camping experience only.
For more information, and to book your stay, visit the Camp Ferncrest website.
Ferryboat Campground
Price Range: $$ | Best For: Campers looking for a great location | Pet Friendly? Yes, with fees and restrictions | Ways to Stay: RV rentals, RV hookup, tent sites, rustic cabins, and canvas tents
Address: 32 Ferry Lane | Liverpool, PA 17045
Ferryboat Campground Stay Summary
This campground is one of the most unique campgrounds I’ve stayed at. The location right on the Susquehanna River makes for great bird watching and amazing sunrise and sunsets. Campers can drive 30 minutes south to experience all that Harrisburg has to offer.
I stayed here during my van trip in Summer 2026. I was worried it would be too hot, but I was able to sleep with just the doors open and the breeze off the water kept me cool.
If you're thinking about a van trip, check out my guide to ten beginner mistakes for your first van rental (and how to avoid them).
This private campground makes use of their space very well, meaning sites are pretty close together. I was worried about this at first, but I made friends with both of my neighbors and they were super nice. Everyone at camp was respectful of quiet hours and I slept really well with the white noise of the Susquehanna River rushing by.
One of the most unique features of this campsite is what gives the campground its name. The Millersburg Ferryboat operates right onsite. History lovers will be thrilled to hear that this ferry has been operating since 1817 and is one of the oldest public transportation routes in the country. The ferry operates Friday to Monday 11a to dusk, connecting routes 11/15 and 34 on the western side of the river to routes 209 and 147 at Millersburg on the eastern shores. Note that operating hours are subject to change based on weather and/or river conditions.
The campground also offers fun for the whole family with kayak and canoe rentals, horseshoes, seasonal hayrides, mini golf, cornhole, and a playground. And if you stay for 6 days, you can get the 7th night free!
I would only recommend staying here if you could get a site right on the river. I was lucky enough to book only a couple weeks out and managed to snag a spot during the week. I’d bet it’s a lot more competitive to get prime spots on the weekend or for long term rentals. For more information, and to book your stay, check out Ferryboat Campsites’ website.
Looking for more outdoorsy activities to do in the Dauphin County region? Check out my guide to the best hikes near Harrisburg.
Bellefonte Campground
Price Range: Budget | Best For: Solo Travelers wanting to feel luxurious without spending a lot | Pet Friendly? Yes, only for certain rentals, and must email proof of rabies vaccination at least 24 hrs prior to visit | Remote Work Friendly Wifi? In cabins, yes, but not in the campground itself – I was able to use my hotspot | Ways to Stay: Full size cabins, RV sites, tent sites, and A frames
Address: 2023 Jacksonville Rd, Bellefonte, PA 16823
Bellefonte Campground Stay Summary
I’ve stayed at the Bellefonte Campground twice and for good reason. It’s a super convenient location for a lot of things near State College and it is solidly budget friendly. They offer RV hookups, cabins, RV rentals, and A frame rentals (with sauna and hot tub).
My experience at the A frame was a great one. Normally I am not a fan of having to go outside to go to the bathroom at night, but because it was a private bathroom and super close to the A-frame, it was totally fine. The sauna and tub made the experience feel SO much more luxurious than the $70/night cost. I think that for anything longer than a night the A frame may have felt crammed – you can’t really stand up on either side of the bed.
I also enjoyed the cabin rental. The wifi worked well for a presentation we had to prep late into the night and then the hot tub was great for relaxing afterwards. The couch was actually comfortable, which is rare in a cabin rental, and the kitchen was functional enough to cook for ourselves. Pets are not allowed in the deluxe cabins.
The one downside to the property is that they use every inch of the campground, so driving in feels like you’re going to feel super crowded. However, they’re pretty creative about the space so it doesn’t feel too bad when you’re inside your cabin or A-frame.
I think this property is perfect for a solo traveler on a budget. For more information, and to book your stay, check out the Bellefonte Campground’s website.
If you're a solo traveler staying at the Bellefonte Campground, check out my guide to the best solo activities near State College!
Final Thoughts on Best Campgrounds in Pennsylvania
Camping is one of the best ways to stick to a budget, enjoy the outdoors, and get away from the world for a little bit. I love all of these campgrounds because they offer unique amenities without having to rough it too much (unless you want to!)
Each of the campsites listed above is a place I plan on visiting again and again as I continue to travel around Pennsylvania.
Have any campgrounds I missed or looking for more information? Comment below or send me a DM on socials @torytalkstrails!