Renting an RV in Pennsylvania
As one of the original 13 colonies, Pennsylvania is steeped in a rich history that shows up almost everywhere you go. Beyond that, it’s also fairly large and quite diverse from its east to west borders. Not only does it sit near the Atlantic (only behind a strip of New Jersey), it also has 140 miles of coast on Lake Erie. With that alone, it’s easy to see why renting an RV in Pennsylvania can make for a great vacation.
From loads of urban areas to storied sports programs to its own mountain ranges, there are dozens of trips you can make in sections of Pennsylvania in an RV that will have something for everyone. Rent an RV and take it solo or load up the family and head across the Turnpike; you’re in for both an adventure and a lot of memories as you hit the open road.
When you rent an RV in Pennsylvania, you’re being given the opportunity to take in a lot of nature. Renting an RV lets you experience that nature-first hand, and then some. You’re staying in (or near) it. That lets you really immerse yourself in your surroundings and take your time, because you’re not on a hard schedule—you don’t have to get out before they close.
And, renting an RV is the perfect test drive for someone looking to buy an RV. You can get familiar with driving, parking, and setting up camp. It lets you hit the road almost immediately, which is great if you’ve got limited time to take your vacation. Plus, it saves you on maintenance and upkeep costs associated with owning an RV.
There’s a wide variety of places to visit in Pennsylvania. From its cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, to its forests and mountains, you can make your vacation anything that you want it to be. If you’re looking for a few key places to center your RV vacation around, we’ve put together a list of 10 places that should be on your list.
With 20 indoor and 20 outdoor gardens, Longwood boasts more than 11,000 varieties of plants. It’s a tranquil walk along the property, taking in not only the plants but also the fountains and other vistas as well. And, believe it or not, it’s not all plants; expect to see a variety of butterflies, deer, beaver, and other wildlife in the park as well.
Much of the forest in and around World’s End is second-growth trees. Amidst them you’ll find 20 miles of hiking trails, plus the Loyalsock Trail: a difficult chunk of 60 miles following the Loyalsock watershed. Swimming, whitewater rafting, fishing, and camping (with electric hookups) are all available onsite.
Out on the isle, there are 11 miles of hiking trails (some of which may be inaccessible due to water heights) but 21 total miles of recreational trails including bike paths. There is a total of 13 beaches that are popular for swimming and kite surfing. Elsewhere, you can find sites for fishing, boating, birdwatching, and even surfing.
Inside the park there are 8.5 miles of hiking trails ranging in difficulty. If you come in the winter, the park will be closed, but the Camelback Ski Area will be open and is the largest ski and snowboard facility in the Poconos. And while you can’t camp overnight in the park, there are 10 other state parks within 30 miles of Big Pocono.
Elsewhere in the park, things get more chocolatey. You can take an immersive chocolate tasting tour and create your own chocolate bar. Take in a Hershey Bears hockey game. Enjoy a meal at one of several excellent dining establishments in the area. You can also enjoy the waterpark, with dozens of slides and rides.
Most of the structures sit on four city blocks, but there are other sites that are also part of the park. Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the First Bank of the United States, Carpenter’s Hall, and City Tavern are all located in the park. Because of its popularity, the park sees about 4 million visitors every year. And while you won’t be able to find an RV campground inside Philadelphia, there are several nearby.
Visit the Gettysburg museum and see photographs and artifacts from the battle. Then, you can tour the battlefield itself and see monuments to the men who fought for three days across the 7,000 acres. For another solemn moment, visit the Gettysburg Cemetery, where more than 3,500 Union soldiers are interred.
The lake is particularly popular for watersports. As a warm-water fishing lake, it’s common to catch walleye, a variety of panfish, and is considered a Trophy Bass lake with tournaments held there regularly. The lake is large enough that sailing, including catamarans, sailboats, windsurfers, kayaks, canoes, and other vessels can all enjoy the water. Take note though: there’s no swimming in the lake itself, but there is a pool in the park.
It’s easy to lose yourself and forget you’re in the city. Wissahockon Creek drops 100 feet as it runs through the gorge and merges with the Schuylkill River. As you’re hiking through, you’ll come across a number of houses and bridges, harkening back to the area’s days as a Quaker settlement and Native American land.
The three primary falls are Factory Falls, Fulmer Falls, and Deer Leap Falls. Keep hiking downstream and you’ll come across Dingmans Falls and Silverthread Falls as well. The entire area is picturesque and beautiful, and you’ll love all of the photo ops. Side note: the pools above the falls look inviting for a swim, but that’s off-limits—and also dangerous.
Some parks in Pennsylvania may require you to reserve your site in advance. In fact, it’s becoming rare to show up to a park and find an empty space. Try to plan your trip in advance and note the campgrounds near locations you intend to spend time. Good Sam has compiled a list of campgrounds in Pennsylvania you can see here.
Pennsylvania is generally a very safe place to camp. Weather tends to be temperate; winters can be snowy but not overly bitter.
The biggest concern about camping in Pennsylvania is the critters. You’ll find ticks in some areas, so repellent is recommended in wooded areas and on hikes. Otherwise, some areas of Pennsylvania have black bears. They’re not likely to bother you, but they won’t have a problem digging through your things looking for food.
Dry camping or boondocking means camping in your RV without using any hookups. No electricity, no water, no sewer. You’re relying exclusively on the water in your tank and a generator for power. It’s more challenging than camping in a traditional location but one that many people enjoy as it gets them away from sometimes-busy campsites.
You’re legally allowed to camp on public ground in Pennsylvania, and it’s a great way to connect with nature. However, always make sure to double-check that you’re not staying on private property accidentally. And, be prepared for a totally different camping experience.
If you happen to be traveling between locations and need to stop over for an evening, some big stores or restaurants also allow RVs to dry camp overnight in their parking lots.