Pennsylvania is often known for its important role in the history of the United States. And sure, there’s lots of history to learn about here! But there is much more to explore and experience in Pennsylvania as well. An RV camping trip to Pennsylvania is an excellent way to make memories and see all the state has to offer.
If you’re planning such a trip, this guide will help you out! From what to pack to where to stay to what to see while you’re there, we’ll cover everything you need to know for an RV camping trip in Pennsylvania.
Preparing for RV Camping
The first step in preparing for an RV camping trip? Make sure you have an RV! If you don’t have your own, RVshare has a wide variety of Pennsylvania RV rentals. Even if you don’t have your own motorhome or trailer, you can enjoy a wonderful RV camping trip!
Choosing the right RV for your needs
If you’re trying to choose the right RV rental for your camping trip to Pennsylvania, you’ll want to think about a few things. First, how much room do you need? If you’re traveling alone, or with one other person, your rental is going to be very different than if you’re traveling with a large group. You’ll also want to think about the amenities you’d like. A Class B campervan is going to have very few extras – perhaps just a bed. A Class A motorhome or fifth-wheel trailer will have more room, bathrooms, an entertainment area, and possibly even a washing machine or fireplace. Of course, you’ll also want to consider your budget – those perks are going to cost more!
Finally, think about how you’ll get around after you set up. If you have a trailer, you can use your towing vehicle for transportation. But if you have a Class A motorhome, you may want to tow a vehicle behind you to use.
Packing essentials for a successful trip
Packing an RV is a particular skill all its own! You want to pack all your essentials without forgetting anything, but you don’t want to weigh down your RV with unnecessary things. It might help to make two lists – one for your personal items and one for the RV gear you need for your trip.
Personal Packing List:
- Clothing – be sure to pack enough for your trip, or enough for between laundry days
- Toiletries
- Medications
- Bug spray or citronella candles
- Sunscreen
- First Aid kit
- Outdoor recreation clothing (hiking boots, bathing suit, or other specialized clothing)
- Winter or summer accessories (winter hats, gloves, sun hat, etc)
- Flashlight
- Entertainment (books, games, movies)
- Extra batteries
- Groceries
- Electronics & chargers
- Pet supplies
- Quarters for showers or laundry
Before you make your RV packing list, you’ll want to check and see what’s included in your rental. Some rentals include linens, dishes, and even perks like camp chairs or outdoor equipment. Other rentals don’t have any of those things. Make sure you know what you’ll have in your rental before tracking down the things you’ll need to pack.
RV Packing List:
- Pots & pans
- Dishes
- Utensils – don’t forget a can opener, bottle opener, spatula, set of knives, etc.
- Dish towels & sponges
- Sheets & pillows
- Bath Towels
- Tool kit
- Folding camp chairs
- Blankets
- RV leveling blocks
- Sewer hose and adapter
- Freshwater hose
- Surge protector
This is just a very basic list – you can check this comprehensive RV packing list to be sure you have everything you need.
Considerations for Camping in Pennsylvania
Now that you have your RV sorted and you know what you’re going to pack in it, you’ll want to look at the details of driving an RV in Pennsylvania. Although most RV driving laws are the same from state to state, there are some differences. You’ll want to know what those are to avoid getting a ticket!
In Pennsylvania, the maximum RV width is 102 inches. The maximum motorhome length is 45 feet, and the maximum length of a two-vehicle combination is 60 feet. Passengers can ride in trailers if they have communication with the driver like a two-way radio. Overnight parking in rest areas is not allowed and RVs are not allowed in the carpool lane.
All RVs or vehicles towing trailers must have flares or reflective signs and a fire extinguisher. All trailers must have brakes and a breakaway system if the gross trailer weight with its load exceeds 40% of the towing vehicle’s gross weight with its load. They must also have safety chains and lighting equipment.
As for driving in Pennsylvania, you must have headlights on in the rain. A right turn on red is allowed unless signs indicate otherwise.
Researching campground options and making reservations
Next up? Finding a Pennsylvania campground (or several!) for your camping trip. You can begin your research by checking out websites including Hipcamp, The Dyrt, BookOutdoors, RoverPass, and Campspot. Harvest Hosts is a great option if you’d like to stay at a farm, winery, or other scenic area.
Finding Campgrounds
You’ll find a wide variety of campgrounds available across the state, so whether you want to stay at a luxury campground, an urban campground, or a boondocking site, you’re sure to find something!
Exploring public campgrounds in Pennsylvania
First, you may want to look at public campgrounds in Pennsylvania. Public campgrounds are likely going to be less expensive than private campgrounds…but they’ll also likely have fewer amenities. You’ll find public campgrounds in national and state parks and national forests.
National Park Camping
Although there aren’t any national parks in Pennsylvania, you’ll find other national sites like the Delaware Gap National Recreation Area, the First State National Historical Park, and the Gettysburg National Military Park.
National Forest Camping
National forests have lots of public campgrounds as well! The Allegheny National Forest is the only one in Pennsylvania, and blankets the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. You’ll find lots of hiking, fishing along the Allegheny River and the Kinzua Reservoir, and winter activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
State Park Camping
There are plenty of state parks in Pennsylvania with public campgrounds as well. Lackawanna State Park is just outside of Scranton and has a beautiful lake surrounded by mountains. Trough Creek State Park is home to Rainbow Falls and the precariously-perched Balanced Rock. You might also spot bald eagles in the park. Hickory Run State Park in the foothills of the Poconos has a unique boulder field to explore. You’ll also find miles of trout streams and you may spot a variety of wildlife in the park.
Exploring private campgrounds and RV parks
If you want more amenities, you may want to check out the private RV campgrounds in Pennsylvania. For a truly upscale experience, try glamping somewhere like the Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort or Lake-In-Wood Campground near The Amish Village.
However, most private campgrounds at least offer showers, laundry, and dump stations. Pocono Point RV & Campground has beautiful views over the Delaware Gap. Benners Meadow Run is near whitewater rafting, hiking, and fishing.
Boondocking in Pennsylvania
You can also try the polar opposite of glamping and go boondocking in Pennsylvania instead. There are lots of spots for camping off the grid, including Sproul State Forest in north-central Pennsylvania. You’ll find plenty of hiking and hunting in the forest here. Hickory Creek Wilderness is an excellent spot for fishing, and Buchanan State Forest also has some great fishing creeks.
Planning your itinerary
After you’ve chosen your campground, it’s time to start planning what to do on your trip! Whether you want to commune with nature, check out a museum, or spend a day in cities like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, there are plenty of options for you.
Features and attractions in Pennsylvania
One of the best ways to see Pennsylvania is by taking a scenic drive in the state! The Amish Country Scenic Drive is a 102-mile loop through Lancaster County. You’ll spot covered bridges, rustic farms, and horse-drawn carriages.
You’ll also want to spend time visiting some of Pennsylvania’s famous landmarks while you’re in the state. The Liberty Bell is, of course, a must-see in Philadelphia. Independence Hall and the American Philosophical Society Hall next door are imposing, historic brick buildings and the Eastern State Penitentiary is a good stop for true-crime lovers.
National sites like the Friendship Hill National Historic Site, the National Constitution Center, and the Steamtown National Historic Site help visitors learn more about important parts of U.S. history.
Festivals, fairs, and events in Pennsylvania
You might also want to plan your Pennsylvania camping trip around a big festival or other event. You can find plenty of interesting events in Pennsylvania to attend! The Taste of Pennsylvania happens in late spring and features delicious wines, food, and more. America’s Largest RV Show takes place in September in Hershey and showcases more than 1,400 RVs. Elements Festival is a 3-day art and music festival on grounds with a private lake and a magical forest.
If you’re headed to an event, you might also want to see if your RV rental owner offers set-up. For a fee, many owners will set their RV up at the site so you can arrive and get right to celebrating.
Exploring Outdoor Activities in Pennsylvania
There are lots of places to enjoy the outdoors in Pennsylvania! Whether you want to hike, mountain bike, swim, or try other activities, you’re sure to find something to do.
Hiking, biking, and nature trails
Hiking is a great way to experience nature in Pennsylvania! It’s inexpensive, and you can tailor your hikes to any ability. Here are some of the best hiking trails to try in the state.
- Mount Minsi via Appalachian Trail
- Ricketts Glen Falls Loop
- Wissahickon Gorge North Loop
- Glen Onoko Falls and Lehigh Gorge Overlook Trail
- Shades of Death Trail
If you enjoy mountain biking more than hiking, you can try one of these trails instead.
Fishing, boating, and water activities
Pennsylvania’s many lakes and streams mean it’s a wonderful spot for water activities! You can go fishing at Lake Wallenpaupack, on the Allegheny River, or on Lake Erie. View some of Pennsylvania’s beautiful waterfalls like Cucumber Falls, Bushkill Falls, or Ganoga Falls. You can also picnic at one of Pennsylvania’s beaches like the ones at Black Moshannon State Park or Poe Valley State Park.
Wildlife viewing and photography
You’ll find lots of wildlife living in Pennsylvania, and there are lots of places where you might spot some animals. You could see bears, eagles, otters, or elk at the Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park. The aptly-named Bald Eagle State Park is home to nesting eagles, which you can watch from afar. And the observation deck at Fort Washington State Park is a popular place to watch fall bird migrations.
Family-friendly activities and attractions
Traveling with family? There are lots of activities and things to see in Pennsylvania for all ages! Browse a museum, visit a national site, or spend a day at a thrilling amusement park.
Historical sites and museums
Museums and historic sites are great spots to combine education and fun in one trip! The Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is a tribute to the hardworking men and women who powered the Industrial Revolution. Valley Forge National Historical Park includes recreations of many important buildings, bridges, and even Washington’s own headquarters.
If you want to spend a day at a museum, here are some of the best ones to visit:
- The Carnegie Science Center
- Please Touch Museum
- The Andy Warhol Museum
- The State Museum of Pennsylvania
- The National Watch and Clock Museum
- The Crayola Experience
Amusement parks, zoos, and wildlife refuges
If you want to spend the day on exhilarating rides at an amusement park in Pennsylvania, you can do that, too! Hersheypark is perhaps one of the best-known amusement parks in the entire country. You can indulge your need for speed and your love for chocolate all in one visit. Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg has a helicopter kids’ ride, bumper cars, a carousel, and lots of other entertainment. Camelbeach Outdoor Waterpark in the Pocono Mountains has waterslides, a tube slide, a lazy river, and other water fun.
Want to see animals at a local zoo? The Philadelphia Zoo has more than 1,900 rare and endangered animals and was America’s first zoo. If you’d like to view animals in their natural habitats, visit the Erie National Wildlife Refuge, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, or the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge.
Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Pennsylvania
While you’ll love RV camping in Pennsylvania, you do want to know about safety threats so you can be ready in case of an emergency. Here are the top natural disaster and weather threats and what you can do to be ready.
Weather conditions and natural disaster preparedness
Flooding is the biggest natural disaster threat in Pennsylvania. Floods in the state can occur in a number of ways. Rivers or creeks can overflow. Snow can melt quickly after a warm spell. Areas can flood simply from a long period of rain.
If you do encounter flooding, be careful when driving your RV. Flooded areas don’t always look as deep as they are, and you can accidentally attempt to drive through a flooded area and get stuck. Head to higher ground during flooding. Listen to local radio or TV weather reports to know whether any storms are continuing. You’ll also want to listen for whether your area needs to evacuate. If you can, head to higher ground during flooding.
Wildlife encounters and precautions
Pennsylvania has plenty of wildlife you could encounter as well, especially in state parks or wildlife preserves. Don’t let small children or dogs run ahead of you on hiking trails. Read posted warning signs and follow instructions on what you should do if you encounter a wild animal. Make sure you stay well back from any wild animals you do see.
An RV camping trip to Pennsylvania is a wonderful way to spend a vacation! You’re sure to make lifelong memories while exploring the state’s parks, historic cities, and other exciting attractions. Hopefully, this guide has helped you to plan the trip of your dreams!
More Inspiration for Your Pennsylvania Travels
- Top 10 Amusement Parks in Pennsylvania
- Urban Camping in Pennsylvania
- Top 10 Waterfalls in Pennsylvania
- Luxury Camping in Pennsylvania
- Glamping in Pennsylvania
- Fishing in Pennsylvania
- Top 10 Beaches in Pennsylvania
- The Top 36 Bucket List Destinations in Pennsylvania
- Boondocking in Pennsylvania
- Top 10 Landmarks in Pennsylvania
- The 10 Best RV Trips to Take in Pennsylvania
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