RV camping is a long-held and cherished American tradition that brings friends and families together. With some of the most beautiful state parks in the country, the state of Pennsylvania offers a wide variety of campsites for a relaxing retreat into the wilderness.

There's nothing like hitting the open road of the Keystone State. With 300 miles between its eastern and western borders, Pennsylvania State Park system includes 120 parks.

If you live in East Pennsylvania, you're only a short drive from a nice weekend away from the noise of city life. What better diversion from the hustle and bustle of everyday life than an RV camping expedition to Ricketts Glen State Park. Located in Benton, PA, Ricketts Glenn is nestled between Wilkes-Barreand Williamsport, approximately 1 hour west of Scranton and 2 hours north of Harrisburg.

The campgrounds at Ricketts Glen are open year-round. You can reserve one of the 120 tent and trailer campsites up to 11 months in advance, up to noon the day of arrival. Amenities and facilities at the site include showers, flush toilets, shaded sites, gravel parking spurs and a sanitary dump station

Your family and friends will be fascinated by the series of 22 waterfalls spread throughout this scenic park. Known as one of the most picturesque parks in the state, Rickett's Glenn, spans 13,000 acres over Luzerne, Sullivan and Columbia counties. Ganoga Falls drops 94 feet and is the tallest waterfall in the park. For the adventurous camper, a variety trails are laid out for hikers of various skill levels, with some tracks spanning as long as seven miles. Young campers often opt for the Bear Walk trail, which leads from the cabin area to Lake Rose. Guided educational tours are given throughout the day.

Lake Jean covers 245 acres of the park. Paddleboats, canoes and kayaks are available for rental. Gas powered boats are prohibited, but electric engine boats with proper registration from the state park are permitted. Fishing is permitted with the exception of the Glens Natural Area.

Hunters head to Ricketts Glen for deer, pheasant, turkey and bears. Approximately 10,150 acres are designated for hunting during established hunting seasons.

If you're a horse owner, a 12.5 mile loop parallels the Cherry Run Trail and Mountain Springs Trail.

National sites and parks include Valley Forge National Historic Park, where George Washington and the continental army endured extreme cold during the Revolutionary War. Currently, Valley Forge doesn't offer on-site RV camping accommodations, but RV camps within 30 miles include Beaver Valley Campground, Moyers Fishing Lake and Campground, Philadelphia / West Chester KOA and Sacony Park Campsite & Cabins.

If you need an RV to rent, there are many great rv rental compaines in Pennsylvania to rent the ideal trailer or camper for your family.