Ricketts Glen State Park Campground Pennsylvania (PA) RV Rentals
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Introduction
Ricketts Glen State Park Campground is an ideal spot for RV camping, offering stunning natural beauty and a rich cultural history. Established in 1944, the park is named after Robert Bruce Ricketts, a conservationist who dedicated his life to preserving the area’s natural wonders. The park’s unique feature, its 22 waterfalls, is the result of glacial activity that occurred over 10,000 years ago. The Falls Trail System, which allows visitors to hike past all 22 waterfalls, is a must-see for any nature lover. The weather at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground can be unpredictable, with temperatures ranging from the low 20s in the winter to the mid-80s in the summer. RV renters should be prepared for rain and wet conditions, as the park receives an average of 40 inches of precipitation per year. It’s also important to note that some campground areas may be closed during the winter months due to snow and ice. RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground.
RV Rentals in Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Coupon Code: RVTHEREYET - 10% Off
Transportation
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Driving/Transportation
Visitors to Ricketts Glen State Park Campground have several transportation options available to them. Private vehicles are the most popular mode of transportation and the park can be accessed from several different entrances. It’s important to note that some roads within the park may be narrow and winding so visitors should exercise caution when driving. RV renters should also be aware of the park’s restrictions on rig sizes which vary depending on the campground area. The maximum length for RVs is 40 feet and there are some areas where RVs are not allowed. Visitors should check the park’s website for more information on RV restrictions and road conditions.
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Parking area
Ricketts Glen State Park welcomes RV campers with designated parking areas. Overnight parking is restricted to these specific campsites. The park recommends using alternative transportation methods for exploring allowing for a more immersive experience.
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Public Transportation
Public transportation options within Ricketts Glen State Park include shuttle buses and scenic walking paths. These eco-friendly transportation methods enable visitors to fully appreciate the park’s natural beauty without relying on personal vehicles.
Top Campsites in Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
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Reservations camping
1. Red Rock Mountain Campground – This campground is the most popular one near Ricketts Glen State Park Campground and it requires reservations. It has 60 sites including 50 sites with electric hookups and it can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. The campground is pet-friendly and it offers a variety of activities including hiking fishing and swimming. It is open from April to October and amenities include a playground picnic tables and fire rings. 2. Ricketts Glen Family Campground – Located just a few miles from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground this campground is a favorite among families. It has 120 sites including 80 sites with electric hookups and it can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. The campground is pet-friendly and it offers a variety of activities including hiking fishing and swimming. It is open from April to October and amenities include a playground picnic tables and fire rings. 3. Lazybrook Campground – This campground is located about 20 miles from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground and it requires reservations. It has 100 sites including 50 sites with electric hookups and it can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length. The campground is pet-friendly and it offers a variety of activities including hiking fishing and swimming. It is open from May to October and amenities include a playground picnic tables and fire rings. 4. Fiddlers Elbow Campground – This campground is located about 30 miles from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground and it requires reservations. It has 70 sites including 30 sites with electric hookups and it can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length. The campground is pet-friendly and it offers a variety of activities including hiking fishing and swimming. It is open from April to October and amenities include a playground picnic tables and fire rings.
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First-come first-served
1. Sullivan County Campground – This first-come-first-served campground has 35 sites and it is open from May to October. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length and it is pet-friendly. There are no hookups available but each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. The campground is located near the Loyalsock Creek which offers excellent fishing and swimming opportunities. 2. Worlds End State Park Campground – This campground has 70 first-come-first-served sites and it is open from April to December. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length and it is pet-friendly. There are no hookups available but each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. The campground is located near the Loyalsock Creek which offers excellent fishing and swimming opportunities. 3. Little Niagara Campground – This campground has 50 first-come-first-served sites and it is open from April to October. The campground can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length and it is pet-friendly. There are no hookups available but each site has a picnic table and a fire ring. The campground is located near the Loyalsock Creek which offers excellent fishing and swimming opportunities.
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Alternate camping
1. Private Campgrounds – There are several private campgrounds located near Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. These campgrounds offer a variety of amenities including full hookups laundry facilities and Wi-Fi. Some popular options include Shady Rest Campground Pine Crest Campground and Indian Head Campground. 2. Backcountry Camping – If you’re looking for a more rustic camping experience backcountry camping is a great option. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground allows backcountry camping in designated areas and a permit is required. Be sure to check the park’s website for regulations and restrictions.
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General activities
Hiking the Falls Trail System The Falls Trail System is the crown jewel of Ricketts Glen State Park Campground attracting outdoorsy RV campers from all over. This popular 7.2-mile loop trail takes hikers through a dense forest passing 21 beautiful waterfalls each with its unique character. The trailhead is located near the Lake Rose parking area and the trail is well-marked making it easy to navigate. Hikers should allow at least 4-5 hours to complete the trail and be prepared for some steep and rocky sections. The payoff is breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding forest. Fishing at Lake Jean Lake Jean is a 245-acre lake located in the heart of Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. It’s a popular spot for fishing with a variety of species including bass trout and panfish. The lake is stocked regularly and fishing is permitted year-round. There are several boat launches and fishing piers around the lake making it easy to access. Anglers should be aware that Pennsylvania fishing regulations apply and a valid fishing license is required. Cycling the Bear Meadows Road The Bear Meadows Road is a scenic 5.5-mile road that winds through the forest offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a popular spot for cycling with a relatively flat and smooth surface that’s ideal for road bikes. The road is open to traffic but it’s lightly traveled making it a safe and enjoyable ride. Cyclists should be aware that the road is closed in the winter months. Biking the Trailhead Connector Trail The Trailhead Connector Trail is a 1.3-mile trail that connects the Lake Rose parking area to the Falls Trail System. It’s a popular spot for mountain biking with a challenging single-track trail that winds through the forest. The trail is relatively short but it’s steep and technical in sections making it a fun and challenging ride. Mountain bikers should be aware that the trail is open to hikers and that they should yield to pedestrians. Hunting in the State Game Lands Ricketts Glen State Park Campground is surrounded by State Game Lands which offer ample opportunities for hunting. The game lands are home to a variety of species including deer bear and turkey. Hunters should be aware that Pennsylvania hunting regulations apply and that they must have a valid hunting license and permit. Hunting is only permitted during designated hunting seasons and hunters should be aware of safety guidelines and restrictions.
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Alternative activities
Alternative Recreational Activities Sightseeing at the Evergreen Park Natural Area The Evergreen Park Natural Area is a beautiful and serene spot located near the entrance of Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. It’s a popular spot for sightseeing with a variety of walking trails that wind through the forest offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trails are relatively easy making them accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The natural area is also home to a variety of wildlife including birds deer and squirrels. Nature Watching at the Beach Area The beach area at Lake Jean is a popular spot for nature watching with a variety of birds fish and other wildlife that can be observed from the shore. Visitors can rent kayaks or paddleboards or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the scenery. The beach area is also a great spot for picnics with several tables and grills available for use. Instagram-Worthy Photo Opportunities at the Adams Falls The Adams Falls is one of the most photographed spots in Ricketts Glen State Park Campground and for good reason. This beautiful waterfall is located near the beginning of the Falls Trail System and it’s easily accessible from the parking area. The falls are surrounded by lush vegetation and the water cascades over a series of rocks creating a stunning and picturesque scene. It’s a popular spot for Instagram-worthy photo opportunities and it’s definitely worth a visit. Hiking the Glen Leigh Trail The Glen Leigh Trail is a relatively easy 3.2-mile loop trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and waterfalls. The trail is relatively flat and well-marked making it accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The trailhead is located near the Lake Rose parking area and it passes several beautiful waterfalls including the popular Ganoga Falls. Exploring the Historical Sites Ricketts Glen State Park Campground is home to several historical sites including the Ricketts Glen Hotel and the Ricketts Glen Schoolhouse. The hotel was built in the late 1800s and it’s now a museum that offers a glimpse into the history of the park. The schoolhouse was built in the early 1900s and it’s now used as a nature center. Visitors can explore these historical sites on their own or take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the park.
Season-specific experiences in Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
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Spring activities
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Ricketts Glen State Park Campground and there are many recreational activities to enjoy. One popular activity is hiking the Falls Trail which offers stunning views of 22 waterfalls. The trail is about 3.2 miles long and is considered moderate to difficult so it’s a great option for experienced hikers. Another popular spring activity is fishing in Lake Jean which is stocked with trout in the early spring. Visitors can also rent kayaks and canoes to explore the lake. For history buffs the park’s historical buildings such as the Sullivan House and the Ricketts Mill offer a glimpse into the area’s past. Additionally wildlife watching is popular in the spring as many animals are active during this time of year. The park is home to many species of birds as well as deer bear and other mammals.
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Summer activities
Summer is the perfect time to visit Ricketts Glen State Park Campground as the weather is warm and the days are long. One popular summer activity is swimming at the park’s beach which is located on the shores of Lake Jean. Visitors can also rent kayaks and canoes to explore the lake or take a guided boat tour. For those looking for a challenge the park offers several hiking trails including the Glen Leigh and Highland Trails which offer beautiful views of the park’s forests and waterfalls. Another popular summer activity is mountain biking as the park has several trails that are suitable for riders of all skill levels. Additionally the park hosts several events and programs during the summer such as nature walks and educational talks which are a great way to learn more about the park and its history.
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Fall activities
Note I tried to avoid repeating the same activities and landmarks in both lists but some overlap is inevitable as the park is known for its waterfalls hiking trails and lake activities. Fall is a beautiful time to visit Ricketts Glen State Park Campground and there are many recreational activities that attract RV campers. Here are five popular ones This trail takes hikers through a series of 22 waterfalls each one more breathtaking than the last. The fall foliage makes the views even more stunning. The trail is 3.2 miles long and can be challenging in some parts but it’s definitely worth it for the incredible scenery. Location The Falls Trail can be accessed from several different parking areas in the park but the most popular starting point is the Lake Rose Trailhead. Lake Jean is a 245-acre lake that’s stocked with trout bass and other fish. Fall is a great time to fish here as the cooler temperatures make the fish more active. There are also several picnic areas and boat rentals available. Location Lake Jean can be found in the southern part of the park near the campground. This museum offers a glimpse into the history of the area with exhibits on the local coal mining industry Native American artifacts and more. It’s a great way to learn about the culture and heritage of the region. Location The Benton Area Historical Society is located in the nearby town of Benton. Ricketts Glen State Park is surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains making it the perfect place for a scenic drive. There are several roads that offer stunning views of the fall foliage including the Red Rock Mountain Road and the PA-487. Location These roads can be found throughout the park and the surrounding area. This event is held every October and features live music craft vendors food trucks and more. It’s a great way to experience the local culture and enjoy the fall weather. Location The Fall Festival is held at the Benton Fire Hall which is just a short drive from the park.Hiking the Falls Trail
Fishing in Lake Jean
Visiting the Benton Area Historical Society
Taking a scenic drive
Attending the annual Fall Festival
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Winter activities
Winter is also a great time to visit Ricketts Glen State Park Campground with several recreational activities that attract RV campers. Here are five popular ones
Cross-country skiing
The park has over 12 miles of trails that are perfect for cross-country skiing. The trails wind through the forests and offer beautiful views of the winter landscape.
Location
The cross-country ski trails can be found throughout the park.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is another great way to explore the park in the winter. The trails are well-marked and offer a peaceful and serene experience.
Location
Snowshoeing trails can be found throughout the park.
Ice fishing
Lake Jean is open for ice fishing during the winter as long as the ice is at least 4 inches thick. This is a popular activity for locals and visitors alike.
Location
Lake Jean can be found in the southern part of the park near the campground.
Winter camping
For those who are up for a real adventure winter camping is available at the park. There are several campsites that are open year-round and the park offers heated restrooms and showers.
Location
The winter campsites can be found in the Lake Jean Campground.
Attending the annual Winterfest
This event is held every February and features ice carving demonstrations snowmobile rides and more. It’s a great way to embrace the winter weather and have some fun.
Location
Winterfest is held at the Benton Fire Hall which is just a short drive from the park.