Travelers: are you longing to escape, explore, and enjoy the great outdoors this spring, but want a few of your favorite modern amenities for your night in the woods? We have just the answer — from glamping getaways to semi-rustic cabins and cottages, you can adventure all day and then catch some sweet shuteye at these unique Pennsylvania woodland retreats. The wilderness is waiting!
1. GATEWAY LODGE
Cooksburg
No phone service. No TV. No Netflix. Think you can do it? The Gateway Lodge encourages you to disconnect from your devices and reconnect with that special someone with a stay at one of their luxury, retreat, or rustic cabins. Nestled under the majestic ancient pines and hemlocks of Cook Forest, you’ll forget about the outside world — completely delighting in the cabin’s plush linens, dual-headed shower, gas log furnace, outdoor jetted tub, and hammock porch swing. Never fear! You can always plug back in at the Main Lodge.
2. FRENCH CREEK STATE PARK
Elverson
French Creek State Park is a favorite destination for both serious glampers and those who like a little rustic charm in their close-to-nature accommodations. Rent a cabin with all the modern amenities or a simpler cottage to enjoy cooking your meals over an open fire pit. Regardless of where you choose to lay your head, the park’s many trails, woods, lake, and wildlife offer countless opportunities for fun-filled adventures.
3. LAKE RAYSTOWN RESORT
Entriken
Love the idea of camping and sleeping under the stars, but hate the thought of bugs, heat, and humidity that can come with it? Push those worries aside with a stay in one of Lake Raystown Resort’s climate-controlled yurts, where you can cook your dinner and roast marshmallows over a campfire and retreat to bug-free indoor safety when needed. Then, fall asleep in comfort gazing at the twinkling stars above through the yurt’s large skylight. During the day, hike, bike, fish, swim, or simply relax enjoying the outdoor splendor of the resort’s 400 acres of waterfront and woodlands.
4. SHAWNEE INN
Shawnee
Disconnect from the world and recharge your inner battery pack by glamping on an island accessible only by canoe at the Shawnee Inn. No worries if disconnecting isn’t an option: this luxurious outdoor retreat comes complete with high-speed Wi-Fi, electricity, showers, queen beds, hammocks, daybeds, a glampsite concierge, and access to all the resort’s amenities. Enjoy a hearty breakfast in the River Room Restaurant and s’mores served around the campfire in the evening as the perfect end to your day.
5. CAMPBELL FARMS GLAMPING
Fort Hill
Queen beds with organic cotton sheets, open-air claw-foot tubs, bent wood rocking chairs, Wi-Fi, and a fully equipped kitchen…who knew camping could be so much like a stay at a luxury resort? Soak up the picturesque scenery of the Laurel Highlands at Campbell Farms Glamping where all you need to bring is food for your meals and a sense of adventure. They provide the rest — including the kindling, firewood, cast iron cookware, and utensils for those special glamp-site treats.
6. GIFFORD PINCHOT STATE PARK
Lewisberry
Gifford Pinchot State Park is an outdoor lover’s paradise. Travelers can swim, fish, boat, or relax on the beach at Pinchot Lake and hike, bike, play disc golf, go horseback riding, or explore the park’s geology. As the sun sets, retire to a modern cabin complete with a kitchen, full bathroom, bedrooms, and living area or — for a slightly more rustic experience — opt for a cottage or yurt.
7. HERSHEYPARK CAMPING RESORT
Hershey
Nestled among woods just down the road from the storied amusement park, the deluxe cabins at Hersheypark Camping Resort offer all the modern comforts — including air conditioning! Take a dip in one of the resort’s two swimming pools, roast marshmallows, and enjoy animal encounters hosted by ZooAmerica. Resort guests receive some sweet Hershey perks, including complimentary shuttle service to and from the park and preferred pricing for a variety of Hershey attractions. You’ll agree there’s no better place for a cabin escape than The Sweetest Place on Earth™!
8. BLACK MOSHANNON STATE PARK
Phillipsburg
Spend a day kayaking, canoeing, swimming, fishing, hiking, and exploring the forests and wetlands of Black Moshannon State Park. Afterwards, relax and spend the night in one of the park’s modern cabins, where you can whip up your favorite camping fare in the cabin’s kitchen. Pack just your lightweight sheets, as the cabin’s electric heat will chase away the early morning chill.
9. VIRGINIA’S BEACH LAKEFRONT CABINS & CAMPING
North Springfield
You’ll have a hard time deciding between a cottage perched right above Lake Erie or a cabin in the woods at Virginia’s Beach Lakefront Cabins & Camping. Each cottage comes with all the amenities, including a kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, air conditioning, a screened front porch, picnic table, lawn chairs, and fire ring. The cabins are a bit more rustic, but also offer a wonderful escape. Either way, you can’t go wrong with 1,100 feet of easy-access lake frontage and 46 acres of woods and walking/biking trails to explore!
10. THE NATURE INN AT BALD EAGLE STATE PARK
Howard
The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park is just waiting for you to explore Pennsylvania’s natural beauty with all the creature comforts of home at this unique state park property. Watch beautiful sunrises from your private balcony or listen to the soothing sounds of nature from a forest view room or suite. Best yet, you’re just steps away from countless outdoor wonders and experiences.
Bonus: You just might spy the nesting pair of bald eagles soaring through the skies above the lake and the Inn.
11. LAKE-IN-WOOD CAMPING RESORT
Narvon
Ever wonder what it would be like to sleep in a covered wagon? How about a caboose, pirate ship, or covered wagon? Wonder no more, because you’ll find these and many other fun and unique places to stay nestled under the woods of the Lake-In-Wood Camping Resort. Want something a little more serene? Book one of the resort’s cabins or cottages, most with full-size kitchens, air conditioning, charcoal grills, and fire rings. The resort offers all sorts of fun, including an arcade, stocked lake, and old timey entertainment hall with its antique pipe organ.
12. OAK MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY
Frenchville
Enjoy the “Ultimate Rest-ination” and escape the craziness of everyday life or simply get away from it all at Oak Mountain Hideaway. Bring your tent and spend a night or more at one of the three rustic campsites or opt to rent a bedroom complete with private bath in the main house. Either way, you’ll be surrounded by nature and spectacular views of the star-filled dark night sky.
Bonus: Enjoy live music performances on select evenings throughout the summer and fall.
13. KEEN LAKE CAMPING & COTTAGE RESORT
Waymart
You’re never far from the water staying in a cottage at Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort. Enjoy summer days filled with fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and other aquatic adventures, then retire to one of the resort’s fully furnished cottages to rest up for the next day’s fun. Have a pooch who loves the water? They’ll have a grand time at Keen Lake’s Pet Beach, reserved exclusively for visitors’ furry friends.
To learn about more top places to camp this season, check out the VISIT PA website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter.