Camping was our family’s go-to vacation until my teenage years. As I got older, my adventures expanded from tent camping to backpacking with the Scouts and friends. We hit the Appalachian Trail and even made trips out to New Mexico. I can’t say exactly why I loved camping so much—it was just something we always did, and over time, it became part of who I was. Many of those trips naturally involved fishing. While my dad wasn’t a fly fisherman, he enjoyed trout fishing in Pennsylvania and bass fishing during our camping trips in Canada. I can still recall the unmistakable scent of DEET and pipe smoke while swatting at mosquitoes the size of small birds—somehow, even those moments are fun memories now.
Camping and fishing are a natural pair that enhance each other. It’s hard to say which came first—the chicken or the egg—but for many anglers, camping is the perfect way to complement a fishing trip. Some of the biggest advantages include staying closer to prime fishing spots, making last-minute trips possible, and the convenience of mobility, which means not being tied to one location for days. Many of Pennsylvania’s best wild brook trout streams and natural reproduction waters are found in remote areas where camping is often the only overnight option. These days, my camping trips aren’t just about fishing—I’ve come to appreciate stargazing, hiking, and simply taking in the scenery. Still, my best camping adventures always include fly fishing, with carefully planned stops to make the trip even more memorable.
Pennsylvania offers a vast array of camping options, especially in its state parks. Traditional tent camping, RVing, cabins, and car camping are all readily available. There are hundreds of state, federal, and private campgrounds offering thousands of campsites across the Keystone State. Estimates put the number of campsites well over 25,000. The one thing all camping trips require is some investment in gear. You can keep it simple with just a sleeping bag, cooler, chair, and portable stove for car camping, or go all-in with high-end tents and glamping setups. No matter how you camp, staying warm, dry, and hydrated is non-negotiable.
Pennsylvania State Parks
The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) oversees 105 state park campgrounds, offering about 7,000 campsites. These include options for tent and RV camping, as well as unique accommodations like yurts and cabins. Basic campsites start at $16 per night, with additional fees for amenities like electricity, water hookups, and pet accommodations. Generally, a campsite includes a parking spot, picnic table, fire ring, and space to pitch a tent. Most state park campgrounds have public restrooms, showers, potable water, and firewood for purchase. To protect Pennsylvania’s forests, campers are asked not to bring firewood from home due to the risk of invasive species.Each state park has its own set of regulations, so it’s always best to check ahead before you arrive. Typically, a park ranger will be available at check-in to answer questions and provide guidance on park rules. For more details, visit the DCNR website.
Pennsylvania State Forests
Pennsylvania’s state forests offer diverse camping opportunities, from primitive backpacking to designated motorized campsites. Primitive camping is allowed free of charge in most state forests, provided campers set up at least one mile from a motorized access point. No permits are required for single-night stays, making this a convenient option for backpackers looking for solitude. Those opting for motorized or vehicle-accessible camping can find designated campsites with amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. A free permit is required for stays longer than one night at these sites. Group camping is also allowed in some state forests but usually requires prior approval and a permit.To help preserve Pennsylvania’s natural beauty, campers must adhere to Leave No Trace principles, packing out all trash and minimizing their impact on the environment. Stay limits typically restrict camping to seven consecutive nights in one location, and campfire restrictions may apply during dry conditions—so always check fire regulations before heading out. Many state forests are popular for hunting, so wearing blaze orange during hunting seasons is strongly recommended for safety.
For more information on state forest camping, visit the DCNR State Forests website.
Federal Camping Options in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has several federal camping opportunities through the Allegheny National Forest, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. These federally managed lands offer both developed campgrounds and more primitive dispersed camping experiences.- Allegheny National Forest features over 1,000 campsites across 15+ developed campgrounds, with tent and RV camping options. Dispersed camping is also permitted, with no permits required in most areas.
- Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area offers primitive riverside camping, primarily accessible via canoe or kayak. A permit is required for overnight river camping.
- The Appalachian Trail runs through Pennsylvania and provides primitive shelters and tent sites along its route. No permits are generally required, but campers should follow Leave No Trace principles.
Private Campgrounds
Private campgrounds often provide additional amenities that state and federal sites may lack. Some allow pets, offer small convenience stores, and even have on-site entertainment. Fees vary widely, and reservations are highly recommended. One example is Seven Mountains Campground, where Paflyfish holds its annual Spring Jamboree, offering comfortable cabins close to some of the best wild brown trout fishing on the East Coast.For a comprehensive list of private campgrounds, visit Pacamping.com.
Car Camping
Car camping is a great option for fly fishing trips, allowing for quick setup and flexibility. I often camp out of my SUV for a couple of nights, but after that, it can start to feel cramped—especially if the weather turns bad. Camping in the rain can be a nightmare, and sometimes I’ll opt for a hotel or cabin instead of dealing with soggy gear. Boondocking, or camping outside of designated campgrounds, is another option some people try. However, I avoid it due to safety concerns and the risk of being told to move in the middle of the night.Regardless of how you camp, the key is to plan ahead and there plenty of outstanding camping options to explore in Pennsylvania. Once you have a few trips under your belt, the process becomes second nature. But no matter where you go or how you camp, it’s still tough to beat the smell of crispy bacon and a campfire to start your day. Check out the forums as there are plenty of conversations about camping and fly fishing.
Pictures by Dave Kile @2025
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