There are many state parks across Pennsylvania which feature RV campsites. Pennsylvania state parks are open seasonally, with the months beginning Memorial Day and ending Labor Day being the busiest time. All RV sites include a fire ring and picnic table, some state park RV sites also include electric, water and sewer hookups. Amenities vary from park to park. Pennsylvania state park rules mandate that campers are allowed to stay for a maximum of 14 consecutive nights during the peak season, 21 consecutive nights during the off-season; after the maximum time limit, campers and all camping equipment must leave the park and not return for at least 48 hours. Pets are permitted. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all state parks. As of 2010, rates for Pennsylvania state parks start at $15 per night, water, sewer and electricity are extra.
There are several RV parks located in and near the picturesque Pocono Mountains. Nearby attractions include hiking on the Appalachian Trail, visiting the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Center, shopping The Crossings Factory Outlets, visiting Bushkill Falls or the Pocono Indian Museum, golfing, eating and fishing. RV parks like Cranberry Run Campground feature amenities such as swimming pool, heated pavilion, laundry facilities, shady RV sites, sun deck and video arcade in a quiet, wooded setting near to all area attractions. As of 2010, RV rates start at $35 daily; parks offer weekly, monthly and annual rates.
Hundreds of miles from the ocean, campers in Pennsylvania can camp along the beaches of Lake Erie, in the northwestern region of the state. RV parks such as Sara’s Campground offer RV camping by the beach, overlooking the water. Nearby activities include Presque Isle State Park, which features public beaches spanning more than 12 miles along with nature trails and bike paths. Additional activities include Waldameer Amusement Park and Water World. Beach-front RV Parks such as Sara’s Campground feature full hookups, picnic tables, restaurants, restrooms with showers and on-site restaurants. Pets are welcome at the campgrounds; however, pets are not permitted on the beaches.
RV camping in Pennsylvania offers a host of opportunities to engage in activities such as hiking, boating, swimming, canoeing, wildlife observation, birdwatching, picnicking and biking. Many RV parks are located close to other attractions and within driving distance to cities such as Pittsburg or Philadelphia, amusement parks such as Dorney Park or Waldameer Amusement Park and Water World or in proximity to areas such as the Pocono Mountains, the Pennsylvania Dutch country or the Great Lakes.
In 2007, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture issued a firewood quarantine to prevent invasive pests such as Bark Beetles, Sirex Wood Wasps, Emerald Ash Borers or Asian Longhorned Beetles from entering Pennsylvania. The state rules prohibit campers from bringing firewood into Pennsylvania from other states. The quarantine includes all types of processed or unprocessed wood which is intended for use in a campfire, outdoor fire or indoor fire. Pennsylvania revised the quarantine exemptions in 2010 to include heat-treated, fumigated, USDA Certified and kiln-dried firewoods as being allowed for use by campers.
