If you’ve been considering spending time outdoors but the thought of roughing it a campsite isn’t your idea of an enjoyable outing, state officials might have an option that appeals to you.
Officials this week announced the debut of 61 “glamping” sites in eight state parks, including French Creek.
Glamping — short for “glamorous camping” — combines the traditional camping experience with modern amenities like real beds, electricity and climate control, officials said in a release.
“This new offering is another way we’re ensuring that our state parks remain welcoming and enjoyable for all Pennsylvanians,” said Cindy Adams Dunn, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources secretary. “By transforming underused campsites into beautiful glamping experiences, we’re expanding overnight options in a way that’s affordable, sustainable, and beneficial to local communities. These are truly places where adventure feels like home.”
Glamping sites are at the following state parks, with availability based on each park’s season:
• French Creek: Loop A, March 6–Dec. 31 (first all-season glamping site in the Northeast); Loop B, April 24–Oct. 31
• Poe Valley, Centre County: March 27–Dec. 12
• Hills Creek, Tioga County: May 1–Oct. 17
• Laurel Hill, Somerset County: April 10–Oct. 17
• Pymatuning, Crawford County: April 10–Oct. 31
• Codorus, York County: April 10–Oct. 31
• Hickory Run, Carbon County: April 10–Oct. 17
• Promised Land, Pike County: May 1–Oct. 11
The sites are a partnership between the department and Timberline Glamping Company.
Each Timberline glamping site features safari-style tents with real beds, heat and air conditioning, lighting, decor and outdoor seating. Each park with glamping sites will include one ADA-accessible tent.
“We believe that time spent in the great outdoors with family and friends can create some of life’s most meaningful memories,” said Timberline Glamping Company Co-Owners Nathan and Rebeka Self. “We are passionate about creating beautiful, truly unique, and unforgettable spaces, where people can explore our incredible State Parks, without sacrificing comfort, luxury, and style. We believe in the traditional camping experience happening outside while the convenience of modern amenities happens inside our accommodations. Each of our locations offer add-ons and experiences unique to that location, which means each guest can truly customize their stay.”
Guests can book one-night weekday stays or two-night weekend and holiday stays, with check-in at 3 p.m. and check-out at 10 a.m., and can choose from add-ons, including local experiences, firewood bundles, games and gourmet s’mores kits.
Reservations can be made for spring through at DCNR’s “Stay the Night” webpage or at timberlineglamping.com.
Under the partnership, officials said, DCNR will receive a flat rate plus a share of revenue from Timberline’s operations, generating funds for additional park improvements.
Officials said this is Timberline’s first venture in the Northeast and Pennsylvania will host more Timberline glamping locations than any other state.
