Pennsylvania RV & Camping: Time, Dates & Rules (With Examples)

Pennsylvania is one of America’s original 13 colonies.

As such, it is a state filled with rich cultural history where you can look forward to enjoying some of the best cheesecakes in the world, taking educational trips through the Gettysburg National Military Park, and participating in tours in the official Dutch Country, which is home to a lovely Amish community.

Pennsylvania has many interesting landscapes with sandy beaches, expansive farmlands, towering forests, and spectacular mountain ranges. There’s truly something for every camper to do in this beautiful state which is why determining where to stay can be time-consuming and perplexing.

Yet, fear not, as we’re here to help with our handy camping and RVing guide:

2 Pennsylvania Campgrounds With Times, Dates, and Rules:

1. Sara’s Campground

Do you want a lakeside beach camping experience and to be close to numerous activities?

If you do, you might want to consider Sara’s Campground. This campground is situated in northern Pennsylvania in Erie, and the campground itself is located on the banks of Lake Erie. There are around 100 tent and RV sites that are equipped with 30 and 50 amp connections.

The RV sites also have a full hookup to water and sewerage, convenient for all RV campers.

Some of the nearby attractions guests can look forward to visiting include Presque Isle State Park, the Bicentennial Tower, the Watson Curtze Mansion, and the Waldameer Amusement Park and Waterworld.

However, if you don’t fancy leaving the campground, there are a few amenities and facilities that will keep you entertained and comfortable. For example, you can enjoy a meal at the on-site Crazy Oven restaurant, have a games evening in the games room, and do laundry in the laundry building.

There is also a convenience store, a souvenir shop, a playground, and a general store.

Besides being close to popular attractions, Sara’s Campground is also well known for its reasonable rates. In 2021  a family of two adults and up to five children can look at paying a tent rate of $35 a night or $210 a week. Additionally, motorhome campers can expect to pay $40 a night or $240 a week.

Times:

There is no set check-in time at this campground, but check-out is at 1 pm.

Dates:

Sara’s Campground is open between April 1st and October 31st.

Rules:

• At this campground, no visitors are allowed.
• Guests have to maintain a 6ft distance from one another.
• The maximum tent size that is permitted is 14×10.
• No campers are allowed to park on the beach.
• Only one car is allowed per registrant.

2. Rose Point Park Cabins And Camping

Not often will you find an RV and tent park that offers luxury amenities and is family-friendly?

If this is the camping combination you seek, you might consider Rose Point Park Cabins and Camping. This campground is situated close to the bustling city of Pittsburgh, which is in the west of Pennsylvania.

It is also near the Benjamin Franklin Highway, making it close to a few of the best RV dealerships in Pennsylvania.

Around 208 RV and tent sites are equipped with full-service hookups and 30 and 50 amp electrical connections at the Rose Point Park Cabins and Camping campground. There are many reasons you will want to make a reservation at this park.

For example, the Rose Point Park Cabins and Camping campground offers guests a fully stocked pond, numerous sporting facilities, two playgrounds, an on-site heated swimming pool, beautiful hiking trails, and a nearby golf course.

Additionally, this park also has wagon rides, restrooms with free hot showers, a sanitary disposal system, free WiFi, a dog park, bingo activities, a recreation program, an arcade, craft classes, and a laundry.

If you want to venture away from camp and into the nearby town, you can visit Alpha pass, Eckert Bridge, the McConnels Mill State Park, and the Cheeseman Farm.

Times:

Check-in and check-out are at 3 pm.

Dates:

The Rose Point Park Cabins And Camping establishment is open throughout the year.

Rules:

• No guest is allowed to have a keg of beer at this park.
• Motorbikes and scooters are permitted if used as a means of transportation. All ATVs are not allowed.
• Guests are not allowed to wash RVs or trailers.
• No smoking is allowed in common gathering areas like the pool, playground, and pavilion.
• No fireworks are allowed, and campfires are only permitted in designated fire rings.

Can You Go RVing in Pennsylvania Outside These Dates?

A few campgrounds are open throughout the year in Pennsylvania, although they are slightly harder to find.

Some are open seasonally, while others are open throughout the year. You will find that this is a common occurrence as many state and national parks and private campgrounds are entitled to set their own dates.

More and more people prefer to stay at a campground, resort, or open park throughout the year. This is primarily because it allows campers the opportunity to camp at a favored location no matter the time of year.

If you’re interested in learning about where you can camp in Pennsylvania, regardless of the time of year, have a look below:

• Whispering Pines Camping Estates.
• Bald Eagle State Forest.
• Shady Rest campground.
• Raccoon Creek State Park.
• Riverside campground.

In Pennsylvania, Where Can You Camp For Free?

There are actually many great free campgrounds in Pennsylvania.

This is good news for those who don’t have the budget or want to camp at privately owned RV and tent campgrounds, parks, and resorts.

In Pennsylvania, there are some state and national parks that have reservable free campsites. This is very different from other states and makes it an attractive option for many.

If you want the freedom of traveling throughout Pennsylvania while staying at free campgrounds along the way, you may want to have a look at the below free campground options available to you.

However, it would be best to keep in mind that free campgrounds usually don’t have as many facilities as their private counterparts:

• Elk State Forest.
• Moshannon State Forest.
• Allegheny National Forest.
• Pine Creek Gorge.
• Moon Lake Recreation Area.
• Meadows Casino.
• Michaux State Forest.
• Havityur Way Boondocking Campground.

In Pennsylvania, Can You Camp On Public Hunting Land?

In Pennsylvania, you can camp on public hunting lands.

This is because 97 out of the 121 state parks are open to hunters and all 20 Pennsylvania forests are open to hunters during various established hunting seasons.

There are 60 state parks with either seasonal or year-round camping for hunters and traditional tent and RV campers.

Additionally, many state park houses, cabins, and yurts are available to hunters and campers on public hunting land.

Pennsylvania Camping and RV Rules For Local State Parks and National Parks

When you choose to stay at a State or National Park in Pennsylvania, you need to note many camping and RV rules and regulations.

If you fail to consider the rules or choose not to abide by them, you could ruin your holiday.

That’s likely the last thing you want to do which is why we have sourced a few of the most important Pennsylvania State and National Park RV and camping rules.

You will find them simplified and listed below so that they are easily understandable and memorizable:

• Campers are only allowed to park in designated areas near campsites, and only one vehicle per campsite is allowed.
• For all guests, check-in time and check-out times are at 3 pm.
• In all Pennsylvania State parks, alcohol is strictly prohibited.
• Campers are not allowed to cut live trees or trees that are standing with a chainsaw. Additionally, Pennsylvania State and National Parks don’t provide firewood.
• Guests are not allowed to wash hands or dishes at lakes, streams, hand pumps, or spigots.
• Quiet hours at all campsites are between 9 pm and 8 am.

Citations:

Pennsylvania State Park Tent And RV Camping Rules

Where In Pennsylvania Can You Camp For Free