Worlds End State Park, Pennsylvania
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
What more can you say about a place called Worlds End State Park that isn’t already in the name? Maybe that the park is located in a valley of the Endless Mountains where Loyalsock Creek has carved its way through the stone to create an outdoor destination that attracts visitors from all over the country. As you’re preparing for your next big camping trip with a rented RV in Pennsylvania, Worlds End can act as a single stop along the way or, with everything it has to offer, an entire getaway in its own right. No matter what the season, Worlds End is just the beginning of some fantastic family memories. This is everything you need to know about it.
Worlds End is a fantastic destination for hiking, boasting 20 miles of trails. That’s split up across six distinct trails, each with different levels of difficulty. For a supreme challenge, there’s the aptly-dubbed High Rock Trail, which runs one incredibly steep mile up mossy rocks and boulders to a vista that’s well worth the effort. Still challenging but with fewer steep sections is the Double Run Nature Trail with its wildflowers and waterfalls. Get a complete list of all six trails and their features on the Worlds End website.
Of special note is the Loyalsock Trail, a nearly 60-mile path through mountain ridges on old logging roads and abandoned railroads. Only a portion of the massive loop runs through Worlds End, but those looking for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience can start their 60-mile hike right from within the park. Find detailed maps of Loyalsock Trail here.
In the heart of Worlds End State Park, Loyalsock Creek is dammed to form a small swimming area that’s open all summer long. Enjoy the beach and the crystal-clear mountain waters to beat the heat after a long day’s hike through the rough mountain trails of the park.
Other than the swimming area in the warmer months, the entirety of Loyalsock Creek throughout the park is also open for whitewater boating. You’ll need a boat registration or a permit either from Pennsylvania state parks or the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, but once you have it, strap in for some excellent paddling along the rapids. Note that there’s no kayak rental within the park, so plan ahead by either bringing your own boat or visiting one of Pennsylvania’s great outdoor outfitters, like Lake Augusta Boat Rentals, for a rental.
If you prefer to stay on dry land while still enjoying the water, Loyalsock Creek is also a great place to fish. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission keeps the creek stocked with trout, and the clear and cool mountain water has plenty to offer anglers pretty much year-round. If you’re interested in fishing, click here to learn more about the state’s rules and regulations, and to purchase a fishing license.
Nearly half of the land in Worlds End is also open to hunting during the seasons established by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Come to hunt, trap, or even train your hunting dogs and explore the untouched wilderness in the process. Hunters come to Worlds End State Park for deer, grouse, squirrel, bear, and wild turkey. More information on hunting seasons and regulations can be found on the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.
When the temperature drops and the snow falls, Worlds End transforms into a fantastic place for fans of winter sports. Though it’s located in a valley, there aren’t any developed downhill ski resorts—but much of the park is perfect for cross-country skiing. It’s also close to Loyalsock State Forest, which features 21 miles of Nordic ski trails—click here to learn more about them.
Because Worlds End is so remote, the roads going in and out of the park double as snowmobile trails after big snows. Again, Loyalsock State Forest also has many trails just for snowmobiling, which are located just a short distance from Worlds End State Park. You can also take Worlds End Road south of the park to visit Eagles Mere, a small mountain town with toboggan slides, a museum, and a cozy bed and breakfast—a perfect snowmobile trip.
Worlds End State Park is home to an impressive number of species, including large game that call the park home for its thick cover and relatively untouched nature. As you walk the trails, keep an eye out for deer, bear, turkey, goshawks, flycatchers, sparrows, and hundreds more species of bird. They’re harder to spot, but bobcat, coyote, and river otter also call the park home and can make for some excellent photography to share with friends and family.
Another way to see the wildlife in the park is by vehicle—lucky that you’re planning to visit with your very own rented RV! The roads winding in and out of the park, including those that connect Worlds End State Park to Loyalsock State Forest, make for scenic slow drives, and often result in wildlife spottings along the way.
There’s plenty of comfortable and accessible RV camping to be had both in Worlds End State Park and in the surrounding areas. Whether you want a rustic spot deep in the state park or something with a little more in the way of comfort and frills, you won’t have to travel far to make the most out of your trip to the Endless Mountains.
If you want to be close to all the action, there’s no place better than the park’s own campground just one mile away from the park’s office. There are 35 sites with electric hookups for your RV rental, and also potable water and shower facilities near all sites. Keep in mind the campground is not open in winter months. To reserve your spot, click here.
High atop Sonestown Mountain in Muncy Valley, Pennsylvania and just a short drive from Worlds End State Park is Pioneer Campground, a family-run resort perfect for your family visit to the mountains. There are dozens of campsites with hookups to accommodate your RV, along with a pool, hiking trail, playground, and other great amenities to make your stay complete.
Whispering Pines Camping Estates in Benton, Pennsylvania has full hookup sites that can fit RVs of any size—so if you’re hauling a big family along for the trip, this is the spot for you! This wild escape in the Red Rock Mountains is a getaway all on its own with a private pond to fish and plenty of close attractions like the falls at Ricketts Glen.
Golfers won’t want to miss Mill Race, also in Benton, which is a combination golf course and campground. Set up shop at one of 100 full-service RV sites, then grab your clubs and hit the links for a full 18. When you’re done, be sure to swing by Fishing Creek to hook one of the rainbow trout hatched on-site or pull up at the Sandtrap Bar & Grill for a meal and a round.
South of Williamsport on the banks of the Susquehanna River is the appropriately named Riverside Campground. Get free cable at any of the park’s RV-friendly campsites—most of which have sewer hookups in addition to the standard electric and water. There’s a boat ramp near the campground and a park just down the road. Between the on-site amenities and the shops within walking distance, you’ll have everything you need at Riverside.
A snack bar operates within the park from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. It’s by no means a culinary destination, but it offers all of the quick snacks and beverage options you’d expect from a camp concession stand. They also offer ice and charcoal so you can get the grill good and hot for all those fish you caught out in the park!
Restaurants are few and far between in the immediate vicinity of Worlds End, but there are a few popular places a short drive from the park itself. Locals and travelers alike enjoy D&D Brew Works, a roadside bar and restaurant that boasts delicious burgers, a rotating tap list of craft beers, and a pretty good shoo fly pie for dessert. Sonestown Country Inn is another favorite celebrated for its vintage décor and comfort food offerings. Finally, The Barn Tavern on Worlds End Road (coincidence?) is a no-frills bar with a famous Philly cheesesteak sandwich.