Camping Cottages

Most campsites in Pennsylvania state parks can be reserved 11 months in advance to noon of the day of arrival.

How do I make a reservation?

Make an online reservation or call 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on the Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day holidays.

Reservations can be made using MasterCard, VISA, American Express and Discover credit cards or personal, traveler’s and cashier’s checks. To receive a confirmed reservation, full payment must be received by the Bureau within ten days of making the reservation.

What if I arrive without a reservation?

Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Campers without a reservation arriving after noon should check at the contact station or near the campground entrance for instructions. If an employee is not available, read posted instructions and check the "After Hours Posting Report." The appropriate fee must be paid to a park employee or deposited in a supplied honor system envelope before setting up on a campsite. Proceed to an available site and set up.

Transfers and changes to a reservation

Changes to a reservation (even ones made online) must be made by calling the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center at 888-PA-PARKS, Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.

Cancellations

Cancellations can be handled via the Internet under "My Account" or by calling the call center. Cancellations made up to the close of business seven days prior to your scheduled arrival date will incur a $10 cancellation fee. If you cancel six days or less prior to the arrival date, you will forfeit the first night’s fee or $75, whichever is the lesser amount. There is a $10 fee assessed for all changes made to your reservation, except adding nights to the reservation. Changes to a reservation can be made at the call center, but not via the Internet. Any cancellation or change on the day of arrival must be made through the state park that you have the reservation with.

 

Camping Cottage	Time Frame	Resident Price Peak Season	Resident Price Non-peak Season	Non-resident Price Peak Season	Non-resident Price Non-peak Season
Sleep 5	Per Week	$232.00	$209.00	$264.00	$241.00
Sleep 5	Per Night Fri - Sat	$44.00	$40.00	$47.00	$43.00
Sleep 5	Per Night Sun - Thur	$36.00	$33.00	$40.00	$36.00

A camping cottage sleeps 5 people in bunk beds and a double bunk bed.	A camping cottage sleeps 5 people in bunk beds and a double bunk bed.
Some camping cottages have chairs, others have a table.	A camping cottage comes with a picnic table and fire ring, like this one at Gifford Pinchot State Park.
Restrooms are nearby camping cottages, like this one at Codorus State Park.	Some camping cottages have screened porches like this one at Ohiopyle State Park.

 

Video tour of a camping cottage

Please be familiar with all state park rules and especially the following rules and regulations.

Maximum camping period

Campers may stay in a state park campground for up to 14 consecutive nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Campers may camp for 21 consecutive nights during the remainder of the year.

Maximum number of people per site

Site occupancy is limited to one family unit (persons living under one household) or one non-family unit limited to five persons per site. Anyone renting a campsite must be 18 years of age or older and must be present at the campsite.

Parking

Only one vehicle per campsite is allowed unless otherwise posted. Park only in designated areas.

Alcoholic beverages

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in all Pennsylvania state parks.

Check-in time

Check-in time is 3 p.m.

Check-out time

Check-out time for camping cottages and yurts is 10 a.m.

Visitors, quiet hours and noise

Visitors are welcome to campsites from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Campers must not disturb the sleep of others between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. Electric generators that create excessive noise are prohibited.

Fires

Fires are permitted only in provided fireplaces or grills. Gas and propane camp stoves are permitted. Please be careful with fire. Fires must be attended at all times and extinguished before leaving the campsite.

Firewood

Firewood is not provided. Cutting live trees or standing trees and the operation of chainsaws are prohibited.

Firewood advisory

Firewood may contain non-native insects and plant diseases. Bringing firewood into the park from other areas may accidentally spread pest insects and diseases that threaten park resources and the health of our forests. Campers should use local firewood. Do not take wood home and do not leave firewood - Burn It!

Handwashing

Handwashing and dishwashing are permitted only where appropriate facilities are available. Hand-washing and dishwashing are prohibited at water spigots, hand pumps, springs, lakes and streams.

Hunting

Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner’s car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are within the park.