Pennsylvania urban camping promises a unique and unforgettable experience. Not only will you have access to some big bustling cities with lots to see and do, but youβll also have the opportunity to check out the stateβs many beautiful natural areas. From historic sites and museums to mountain hiking trails and green rolling hills, there is something for everyone in this amazing state.
Not sure where to go urban camping in Pennsylvania? The parks below are excellent picks.
Urban RV Parks in Pennsylvania
Mountaintop Campground
A family-owned favorite, the Mountaintop Campground located in Tarentum offers a convenient oasis, as itβs just minutes from all Pittsburgh attractions. Campsites are large enough to stretch out and enjoy the on-site amenities, such as personal firepits and picnic tables. On-site shower and laundry services, a dump station, and even tank cleanout services are available seven days a week.
Things to do nearby include:
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- The Andy Warhol Museum
- Randyland
- Point State Park
- Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Philadelphia South KOA Campground
Located in Clarksboro, this KOA campsite is one of the most popular urban RV parks in the area. Located just about 20 minutes from downtown Philadelphia, the campground boasts all the necessary amenities. These include Wi-Fi, electric hookups, a swimming pool, showers, and laundry services. The RV park is also pet-friendly and offers a dog park. To top it all off, bike rentals are available onsite, giving you an easy way to get around the downtown Philly area and take in the City of Brotherly Love.
Nearby attractions include:
- The Franklin Institute
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Independence National Historical Park
- Reading Terminal Market
- Philadelphia Magic Gardens
Hersheypark Camping Resort
This campsite in Hummelstown features everything from luxury vacation rental cabins to full hookup RV sites. In addition to family-friendly activities that vary each week, the Hersheypark Camping Resort also features a host of helpful amenities. A country store has a variety of necessities and sweet treats, a pool offers lots of family fun, and sports courts will keep you active during your stay.
There are tons of things to do nearby, including:
Harrisburg East Campground and Storage
Flexibility and availability are the key benefits of the Harrisburg East Campground in the heart of Harrisburg. Urban attractions in Harrisburg, Hershey, and York are just a few minutes away. Lancaster features a suburban setting with a host of unique sightseeing opportunities, including a personal look at Amish living. Water, sewer, electric, cable, and Wi-Fi hookups are readily available, and there is also public access to a dump station.
Some of the things to do in the area include:
- Broad Street Market
- Pennsylvania State Capitol
- The National Civil War Museum
- The State Museum of Pennsylvania
Lackawanna State Park
Lackawanna State Park is nestled among a number of dedicated Pennsylvania heritage sites near the city of Scranton, and those wondering where to go urban camping in Pennsylvania need to look no further than this scenic state park. Countless opportunities for hiking, biking, bird-watching, and enjoying numerous water sports are available in the park. An easy jaunt to major interstate highways, this convenient spot makes a great weekend getaway or stopping point on points west or north, such as New York and Canada.
Attractions in the area include:
- Steamtown National Historical Park
- The Electric City Trolley Museum
- Electric City Aquarium and Reptile Den
- Anthracite Heritage Museum
- Everhart Museum
Where to Urban Camp in Pennsylvania
- Philadelphia is the obvious first choice for Pennsylvania urban camping. The city has museums, historic sites, shopping, dining, and more.Β
- Another good pick is Pittsburgh. While not quite as big and bustling as Philadelphia, the city is still chock-full of things to see and do and well worth a visit.Β
- If you love history, consider a visit to Gettysburg. This is a small town, but the historic sites and museums found here make it fun to explore.Β
- Harrisburg is the capital city and is also a good pick for urban camping in Pennsylvania.Β
- Other great towns to visit include Scranton, Hershey, Lancaster, and Erie.Β
Ease of Urban RV Camping in Pennsylvania
The rural areas of Pennsylvania tend to be easy to drive through, offering rolling hills and beautiful scenery. There are some mountainous areas, so you will want to be prepared for steep grades and winding roads. Additionally, the bigger cities see a lot of traffic, something that can lead to traffic jams and a more stressful driving experience.
Parking near attractions in the big cities can be a pain, especially for an RV. That said, RV parks are plentiful. Therefore, we recommend parking the RV right off the bat and driving a smaller car or truck while exploring the cities. Another option is to make use of public transportation.
Winter weather can be harsh in this state. We recommend urban camping in Pennsylvania in the spring, summer, or fall.
With an RV rental, your urban vacation will be a little more comfortable! After youβve spent a long day exploring the city, you can relax around the fire at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home onboard your RV. Plan your perfect urban getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.