State Parks See Surge in Reservations as Federal Campgrounds Face Closures

Pennsylvania state parks are experiencing a sharp rise in campground reservations as federally managed sites prepare for reduced operations this summer due to staffing shortages. 

According to an article published by WITF, the changes are prompting travelers to seek alternative accommodations across the state’s 124 parks and 2.2 million acres of forest.

At Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County, a popular federally run destination, officials have stopped accepting overnight reservations. 

In response, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources reported a nearly 30% increase in campsite bookings during March compared to the same period in 2024. 

The state has also launched a “Still Open, Still Awesome” campaign to promote its park system.

Twenty percent of all state campsites were reserved for the peak season spanning Memorial Day through Labor Day, according to DCNR data. Officials expect those numbers to continue climbing as the summer approaches.

Trough Creek State Park, located near Raystown Lake, has seen a 189% spike in reservations compared to last year, highlighting a significant shift in visitor demand from federal to state-run campgrounds.

Top destinations drawing increased interest include parks with large lakes, such as Prince Gallitzin in Cambria County, Bald Eagle in Centre County, and Greenwood Furnace in Huntingdon County, the DCNR said.

“From breathtaking hiking trails to peaceful lakeside campsites, Pennsylvania’s parks are the perfect escape for those looking to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with nature,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.

Southcentral Pennsylvania offers several camping options, including Gifford Pinchot State Park in York County, which has one of the state’s largest campgrounds with 289 sites. It also features cabins, cottages, yurts, and group camping areas.

Codorus State Park, also in York County, has 190 campsites and offers additional amenities such as cottages, yurts, and a lodge. The campground operates from mid-April to early November.

At French Creek State Park in Berks County, nearly 200 campsites—along with modern cabins and yurts—remain available, although park operations manager Kaitlyn Gundersen-Thorpe said the park was full last summer and may not see a noticeable increase this year.

Other regional options include Caledonia in Franklin County, Colonel Denning and Pine Grove Furnace in Cumberland County, and Little Buffalo and Fowlers Hollow in Perry County.