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Camping is one of my favorite summer time activities. It not only gets you out into nature more, but it also allows you to connect with other travelers while disconnecting from online devices. Some people choose to participate in what can be described as "glamping," and while I admit to liking the air conditioner in our camper on super hot days, my family prefers the campfire over an indoor fireplace every time.
When my daughter was younger, we used to go tenting more, and showed her how to make mountain pies, dough-boys (refrigerated crescents on a stick), and foil babies (potatoes, chicken, and cream of chicken in aluminum). We gradually made our way up to a pop-up before transitioning over to a camper a few years back, and while we have to ensure that the designated site can accommodate a thirty-two foot beast nowadays, the peace of the woods is second to none.
If you are looking to take your vacations at one of the state parks in Pennsylvania, now dubbed The Great American Getaway, here are three locations that we have really liked during our stays:
Caledonia State Park:
This wonderful park is located in Fayetteville, just outside of Chambersburg, PA. It is within driving distance of the Gettysburg National Military Park, and is practically neighbors with local favorite, Mr. Ed's Elephant Museum and Candy Store. If you are into history, there is an old blacksmith shop they open up on special occasions, the ruins of an iron furnace that was once partially owned by Thaddeus Stevens, and a museum of park services sitting across from the ranger station. There is an on-site pool manned by a lifeguard, trails and areas for picnics near a stream that cuts through the main entrance, as well as two camping loops to pick from. (If you like cooler temps, you might want to check out Hosack Run's campground)
To find out more about the park, you can check out their website for booking information and what upcoming activities they will be hosting.
Little Buffalo State Park:
With a large lake to fish in from numerous access points, camping in a loop just off the main road, and a park steeped in the state's vast history, what more could you want? This area is more rustic than cityscape, but that doesn't mean that there isn't interesting things to do! Near the ranger station, you will find a tavern dating back to the early 1800s, that has found new life as a museum of history and old weapons/tools of the area. The Grist Mill is located a little further up the road, and still makes apple cider the traditional way throughout the tourist season. If you are looking for a day trip, I would like to suggest the Old Fashioned Apple Festival held in October, when the park is alive with artisans, food trucks, and guides into the past.
And if you are into plants, then you might want to check out the Box Huckleberry area located a short distance from the park. The plant is estimated to being around 1,300 years old, and has a nice trail loop with markers stationed along its route. I will warn you, that getting there can be a little tricky, and parking is almost nonexistent, so a short stay would probably be for the better. When we visited, we found this article to be extremely helpful in locating the hidden entrance to this registered National Natural Landmark.
If this sounds like the place for you, then be sure to see when their sites will be available at their website, because there is only one campground here.
Pine Grove State Park:
The campground, like the previously mentioned parks, is really nice and the abundant amount of trees over the area, means more shade and beautiful foliage in the fall. There are two lakes to swim at, trails to either bike or set out on foot, and a general store within walking distance from the campground. A favorite stop of the locals, is Keck's store, down the mountainside from the park, and the Cumberland Valley Drive-In about thirty minutes away, located in Newville, PA. Cell reception is spotty at best, so this would be a good place to go when seeking a break from the electronic world. And perhaps, you might just learn a few things about the secret internment camp concealed behind the trees during WWII.
This park also happens to be well-known as the half-way milestone of the Appalachian Trail, and has a nice museum dedicated to the men and women who have walked up and down its elongated path. To check out the park, be sure to give the museum a look, as well as the park's official website.
Now, when it comes to gazing up at the night sky, did you know that our state has a Dark Sky registered park? Tune into my next blog post on PA's state parks, to find out where! Thanks for reading, and see ya next time.
Thank you to my daughter, Sarah Ickes, for these great snap-shots of each of the parks when we vacationed there. #statepark #camping #naturetrails #pennsylvania #camper #campfire #summer #vacation
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