The 20 "must-see" Pennsylvania state parks (Pittsburgh, Clarion: campsites, dangerous)

[sheena12]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

The bait and tackle shop and dinor, and all the cottages and trailers, have been there as long as I can remember, probably have been there before I was born; obviously, so has Waldameer. And the Ridge center replaced a three-screen drive-in, one of which showed soft porn (oh, no, I never went there as a teenager ... ) although I do miss the flea market. And gone is the restaurant/night club at the bottom of the hill, which had a variety of names over the years before being replaced by condos.

Where is the best place to stay/ We are planning a sort of "last family Va-Ca.
Part will be in Sandusky Park in OH where we will meet freinds and my eldests girl friend. Do you NEED a camper or trailer?

Been thinking of picking up a ised pop-up, but haven't fad any luck.

[Ohiogirl81]

Originally Posted by Kathee the camper

Presque Isle is beautiful, but you can't stay in the park. It's near Erie, right on the lake. There is a wonderful park there for kids called Waldameer. A small amusement park for kids under 12.

Seriously? My sister and I go to Waldameer at least two or three times each summer. I assure you, we are well over 12.

[Magritte25]

Originally Posted by Kathee the camper

Presque Isle is beautiful, but you can't stay in the park. It's near Erie, right on the lake. There is a wonderful park there for kids called Waldameer. A small amusement park for kids under 12.
Pymatuning is 1 hr from Erie, and Presque Isle. Great camping, boating, fishing, and water activities. Some good hikes. It has a fish hatchery. There is also a separate area where you can feed the fish. There are so many that they claim the ducks walk on the fishes backs, and they do.

Ohiopyle is my favorite. Known for French and Indian war history, whitewater rafting (best in PA), natural waterslides, beautiful hikes, a great bike trail that goes for miles. If you're an active person, this is your place. Campsites are nice, and bath houses are average. Great educational activities given by the park rangers in all parks (on weekends). You could stay here for at least a week.

Rickettes Glenn is another must see, if you are healthy enough to do the waterfall trail. We take a lunch, and eat it at the bottom. Soak your feet in the water, and hike the second half. They have nice cabins here if you prefer not to camp.

Worlds End is not my favorite. The trees were all dead from some kind of insect, and it just didn't really float my boat.

Hickory Run is nice. The boulder field is cool, and there is a great deal to do the area. They do have a bear problem at night. The rangers scare the crap out of campers when they sound a horn that scares away the bears. Geez o' whiz!!!

One not on the list is Cordorus. It is near Gettysburg, so you can easily drive there for the day. A must see. Also if you have children, they have a great pool with a kiddie area, and water slides. An inexpensive way to get to Gettysburg, and relax in nature.

Note that PA state parks are known for there cleanliness, and amenities. Not found in other states. PA proud.

Great post!

I still have to get to Pymatuning and Ohiopyle. Presque Isle is beautiful and one of my favorite spots in PA.

[North Beach Person]

If you go to Pymatuning be sure to go to Lyonsville where the carp and ducks really jam up. Throw bread into the water (interestingly enough there's a store there where you can buy old bread) and watch the fish and fowl compete for it.

[Magritte25]

Originally Posted by North Beach Person

If you go to Pymatuning be sure to go to Lyonsville where the carp and ducks really jam up. Throw bread into the water (interestingly enough there's a store there where you can buy old bread) and watch the fish and fowl compete for it.

Thanks! My kids will love that!

[Ohiogirl81]

Linesville. The name of the town is Linesville.

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

Linesville. The name of the town is Linesville.

Blame Mrs. NBP whom I asked for reference, she mumbled and it sounded like "Lyonsville". That's my story and I'm sticking to it, or she was on my bad side and that's what I heard (fall back position, but it really did sound like Lyonsville). I can get to it I just didn't remember the name.

[Magritte25]

Originally Posted by Ohiogirl81

Linesville. The name of the town is Linesville.

Wow. It's possible to politely correct someone OG.

[JettaPA]

My personal favs (In no particular order):

Hyner View/Hyner Run
Kettle Creek
Colton Point
World's End
Cowans Gap
Kinzua Bridge
Leonard Harrison
Little Pine
Ohiopyle
Ricketts Glenn

[faeryedark]

Originally Posted by JettaPA

My personal favs (In no particular order):

Hyner View/Hyner Run
Kettle Creek
Colton Point
World's End
Cowans Gap
Kinzua Bridge
Leonard Harrison
Little Pine
Ohiopyle
Ricketts Glenn

I love Cowan's Gap and Caledonia. i sure hope they have the problem fixed at Cowan's Gap this summer