5 Reasons to Go Camping at Ricketts Glen State Park

It's been a couple of weeks since we went camping at Rickett's Glen State Park in Benton, PA. Seems we can't get enough of the place because we have been to the State Park the last couple of years. We have always used their modern cabins which are pretty nice. However when we checked to go camping 4th of July weekend, pretty much everything was booked. We were actually pretty lucky to even get the camp site we did (someone must have cancelled because the first time I checked there was nothing available)! This goes to show you that Rickett's Glen is a great place to visit. 

Here are 5 reason to go camping at Rickett's Glen State Park:


1) There are many campsites! There are two loops, a small loop and big loop. They have 120 sites. We managed to get an awesome one! We had site 37 on the big loop and loved how it was an end site and close to Lake Jean. You can check out the map of the camp sites here. I definitely recommend getting an end site but I'm sure they go fast so reserve as soon as you can. The camp sites all have fire rings and a picnic table. 

The Lake is dried up right now due to work with the nearby dam but it was fun walking out on it and the kiddos enjoyed exploring it.

2) The bathrooms are clean!!! Last year we went to Elk Neck Sate Park and I was not happy with the facilities there. Lots of spiders, beetles and other bugs were inside. Here at Ricketts Glen, the bathrooms were great! Not gross at all! No bugs and clean! They are cleaned twice a day which is really nice.

3) Great for Kids! There are lots of things that are kid friendly at Ricketts Glen. The hikes are doable, the campsites have room for play. Bring your balls and the kids can play in areas by the sites. 

Biking can be fun around the loop and just exploring by the lake was fun for our kiddos. When the repairs are done with the nearby dam, the lake should be back to normal and swimming I'm sure is great there. Camping is so much fun, our kiddos love the campfire and of course making S'mores.

4) Break from the outside world! No Cell Service! This can be a con for some but for others a breath of fresh air. There is absolutely no cell service at the campsites nor the Falls Trail hike. It was great to be unplugged and to just spend time with each other without any distractions or interruptions from emails or texts. Of course I was happy when we were able to have it again, but I think everyone should have a break once in a while and it was really nice to have the down time.

5) The Falls Trail hike! This is an amazing hike in itself. I think this is why we keep coming back to Ricketts Glen because on this hike you see 21 waterfalls. You can read about last year's trip here. We took the 3.2 mile loop with the kiddos and some friends and it is always amazing whenever we go. It can be a lot to take in because there are so many falls but take your time and plan for a full day if you can, especially if you have kids. This time around with the recent rain, the falls were gushing more and were a lot fuller. 

There you have it! My top 5 reasons of why you should camp at Ricketts Glen! It is a wonderful place to visit!

Do you enjoy camping?