Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

Ricketts Glen Campground sits atop a forested peninsula that juts into the pristine waters of Lake Jean. But lakeside hangs are far from the top activity in the park. Meander through beech and hemlock stands, while taking in the area’s 22 waterfalls, finishing at the most striking: the 94-foot Ganoga Falls.

The park spans over 13,000 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, camping, and during winter, snowmobiling and ice fishing.

Ricketts Glen State Park features three campgrounds, each with its own charm and amenities. The Lake Jean Campground is situated along the picturesque Lake Jean, offering a tranquil setting for campers. The Beach Campground provides easy access to the swimming area and beach, while the Shawnee Campground is nestled in a wooded area, providing a more secluded camping experience.

Named “Best Camping in Pennsylvania” by Conde Nast Traveler in 2024.

Campground Season: Campsites 1 to 73 and the deluxe cottages open in mid-April and close in mid-October. Selected campsites from 74 to 137 are open year round. Access cannot be guaranteed during winter months. Call the park office for campground conditions.

To secure your spot in one of Ricketts Glen’s campgrounds, it is advisable to make reservations in advance. The Pennsylvania State Park Reservation System allows campers to book sites online, ensuring a smooth and convenient process. During peak seasons, such as summer and fall, securing reservations well in advance is recommended to guarantee your preferred camping dates and location.

“A stay at Ricketts Glen Park Campground puts you right on the shores of Lake Jean, but if that’s not enough H2O for you, take a stroll to the beach area, take a boat out, or take one of many intense, challenging trails to glimpse the area’s best-loved feature: spectacular cascading waterfalls. No visit to Ricketts Glen is complete without checking out these extraordinary natural phenomena, and no visitor has time to experience the waterfalls in all their glory without at least one overnight. So dust off those hiking boots and get book’n!” — HipCamp

People complain a lot about the Park Rangers, so watch your step!

Perhaps the most enchanting aspect of camping at Ricketts Glen is the chance to sleep under the stars, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature. As night falls, the park transforms into a tranquil sanctuary, offering a serene and immersive experience. Whether you’re in a tent, RV, or camper, the campgrounds provide a front-row seat to the beauty of the night sky, allowing campers to connect with the natural world in a profound way.

“Went there twice, once in summer, I was shocked! Perfect place escaping from hot crowd city! All of us enjoyed the hiking along river/waterfalls. Then in Oct. I went again. Totally different experience. Beautiful colors! But be careful, some place could be slippery.”