From primitive campsites deep in the woods to full-hookup RV spots and cozy yurts, Pennsylvania offers a wide spectrum of overnight options for every outdoor adventurer!

Joined by our host Marci Mowery to discuss these camping and lodging options are Matt Crosbie, Non-motorized Recreation Specialist at the Bureau of Forestry, and Beth Grove, Park Operations Manager at the Bureau of State Parks.

Matt breaks down the rustic side: 2.2 million acres of state forest provide opportunities for backpackers, roadside campers, and water trail explorers. Minimal amenities mean packing in—and out—is essential, but the payoff is solitude, waterfalls, and vast trail systems. Meanwhile, Beth showcases the more developed side, with over 6,000 campsites and 400 roofed facilities ranging from rustic cabins to the hotel-like Nature Inn.

They also share a handful of pro tips: use the reservation system’s alert feature, check for permit rules, and always be a good steward. Whether you're an equestrian camper, a Scout group leader, or a first-timer trying out a modern cabin, there’s a fit for you.

Start with a yurt, graduate to a trail, or settle into a lodge—Pennsylvania’s parks and forests meet you where you are!

Key Topics:

• A Wide Range of Overnight Options (01:39)
• State Park Lodging: From Cabins to Yurts (05:22)
• Group and Family Campgrounds (10:05)
• Permits and Trailside Camping Tips (12:40)
• Reservation System Features (15:50)
• Equestrian Camping (20:12)
• Stewardship and Safety in the Outdoors (25:25)
• Best Spots for New Campers (32:28)

Resources:

• Bureau of Forestry Camping Brochure, which gives an overview of camping types and the guidelines/rules
• Bureau of Forestry’s interactive map that shows all reservable state forest campsites. It provides the ability to view all at once, rather than district by district. It does then direct to the reservation system
• Motorized Roadside Camping
• Primitive Camping in State Forests and Parks
• Bureau of Forestry
• Bureau of State Parks
• DCNR Events
• PPFF Events
• State Park Reservations
• Cabins and Campsites and Yurts, Oh My! Article
• Camping Etiquette
• Trailside Camping and State Forest Hiking...

“It’s embracing the solitude of the forest that I think brings the most amount of reward to people.”

Nestled in Pennsylvania's Endless Mountains, Loyalsock State Forest spans 115,000 acres across Sullivan, Bradford, and Lycoming counties. Our host, Marci Mowery, talks with District Forester Rich Glinski, who calls Loyalsock “rugged, pristine, and beautiful”—an apt summary for a forest full of remote waterfalls, cliff overlooks, and legacy trails like the 59-mile Loyalsock Trail and the historic Old Loggers Path.

Named 2025’s Forest of the Year, Loyalsock is more than scenic; it's a dynamic landscape balancing recreation with energy development, timber management, and environmental conservation. Visitors hike, rock climb, fish, paddle, hunt, and drive along 130 miles of well-maintained forest roads. Popular sites include the Haystacks, Angel Falls, and High Knob Overlook, while lesser-known gems like Yellow Dog Falls reward the adventurous.

Rich makes sure to highlight the deep-rooted human connection to the forest. Generations of families return here, often aided by decades of stewardship from volunteers like the Alpine Club of Williamsport. Rich histories, including Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) legacy sites and Indigenous trails such as the Sheshequin and Towanda Paths, quietly shape the terrain.

Floods, wild weather, and even the occasional llama on a trail are all part of the forester’s unpredictable job. Still, seeing visitors having the time of their lives as they experience Loyalsock makes it all worth it for Rich. He urges newcomers to come prepared: maps over phones, water in the pack, and a plan shared with friends.

Key Topics:

• Hidden Gems and Trails at Loyalsock State Forest (01:41)
• Forest of the Year and Resource Management (03:31)
• Historic Flooding and Climate Challenges (06:35)
• Loyal Sock and Old Loggers Path Trails (08:00)
• CCC History and Local Culture (14:36)
• Careers in Forestry (17:58)
• Volunteerism and Trail Clubs (25:39)
• Safety and Map Reading Tips (29:05)
• Recreation Opportunities (36:13)

Resources:

• Loyalsock State Forest
• Alpine Club of Williamsport
• Loyalsock State Forest Facebook
• Loyalsock Trail
• State Forest Hiking Trail Maps
• Song mentioned: Let’s Work Together - Canned Heat

🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well!

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy.

Pennsylvania is home to one of the most accessible state park systems in the nation. With 124 parks—and a 125th on the way—the state offers free admission and parking, a rarity in the U.S. This isn’t just policy; it’s principle. Our host, Marci Mowery, chats with the Director of the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks, John Hallas, who states, these parks are 'democratizing spaces,' open to all, regardless of income or background.

Each park reflects the state's natural and cultural diversity, from the historic battlegrounds of Valley Forge to the quiet trails of Boyd Big Tree Preserve. Whether you're hiking, skiing, or exploring Revolutionary War sites, the experience is intentionally broad. It’s about meeting people where they are—physically, emotionally, and recreationally.

During the pandemic, visitation to state parks jumped 27%, highlighting just how vital these spaces are for public health and well-being. Even as life returns to normal, use remains high. The state is responding with forward-thinking projects like expanded trail access, diverse overnight options including yurts and “great gathering” family sites, and the development of its first underground park, Laurel Caverns.

These efforts are guided by the Penn’s Parks for All plan, a strategic blueprint focused on accessibility, infrastructure, and conservation. The state is also reinvesting in its aging facilities—many built during the Civilian Conservation Corps era—while adapting to modern recreation trends like e-bikes and paddleboards.

Ultimately, Pennsylvania’s parks aren’t just green space. They’re public assets with cultural, economic, and environmental value. And in an era where so much comes at a cost, they remain free—on purpose.

Key Topics:

• Defining “Conservation Area” (00:00)
• Why It’s Important to Have a Diversity of State Parks (04:04)
• Historic Sites in Pennsylvania’s State Parks (07:00)
• Why Free Admission to State Parks is a Right (11:24)
• About the Upcoming Underground State Park (14:44)
• Keeping Trails Well-Maintained (20:15)
• About the Penn’s Parks for All Plan (25:17)

Resources:

• Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks
• Penn’s Parks for All
• Pennsylvania State Parks and Forests Reservations

🎧 Listen to the Think Outside Podcast on Spotify, Apple, or your favorite app while on the go! New episodes drop bi-weekly on Mondays, and you may occasionally find a bonus episode, as well!

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation inspires stewardship of YOUR state parks and forests through volunteerism, education, recreation, and philanthropy.

Learn more, find events, download outdoor resources, and get involved!

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