Several state parks, including three in eastern Pennsylvania, will soon offer a more glamorous way to camp.
Starting next spring, eight locations will offer “glamping” spots, the first of their kind offered at Pennsylvania state parks, according to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
“Glamping,” short for glamorous camping, offers camping along with modern amenities, including beds, electricity and climate control, according to a DCNR news release.
Timberline Glamping Co. will have 61 glamping sites between the eight parks, and reservations can be made now for spring through next fall.
“This new offering is another way we’re ensuring that our state parks remain welcoming and enjoyable for all Pennsylvanians,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said in the release. “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.”
Each site will have “safari-style” tents with beds, heating and air conditioning, lighting, and outdoor seating, the DCNR said. Each site will also include one tent accessible to those with disabilities.
Guests can book single-night weekday stays or two-night weekend and holiday stays. They can also add local experiences, firewood bundles, games and gourmet s’more kits to their reservations, the DCNR said.
Glamping, which was once niche, has become more mainstream in recent years. The glamping market is expected to reach $1.3 billion by 2029, according to a report from Arizton.
Modern travelers are looking for “meaningful, immersive experiences” that allow for a connection with nature, according to a March report from Forbes.
Timberline’s glamping spots in Pennsylvania mark the first venture for the company in the northeast, according to the release. The company has spots in Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Virginia. The DCNR gets a flat rate and a share of the revenue from Timberline, which will be used for park improvements.
Timberline is also working with local vendors for the sites.
The following state parks will have glamping spots:
- Hickory Run in Carbon County: April 10-Oct. 17
- French Creek in Chester County: Loop A, March 6-Dec. 31; Loop B, April 24-Oct. 31
- Promised Land in Pike County: May 1-Oct. 11
- Codorus in York County: April 10-Oct. 31
- Hills Creek State Park in Tioga County: May 1–Oct. 17
- Laurel Hill in Somerset County: April 10-Oct. 17
- Poe Valley in Centre County: March 27-Dec. 12
- Pymatuning in Crawford County: April 10–Oct. 31
Reservations may be made at timberlineglamping.com/locations#Pennsylvania
