Big Loop Campground

For outdoor enthusiasts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, few destinations carry as much prestige as Ricketts Glen State Park. Nestled within this vast 13,000-acre wilderness is the Big Loop Campground, a premier destination for local campers who want to experience the "Pennsylvania Wilds" at their finest. Located near Sweet Valley and Benton, the Big Loop offers a traditional and scenic camping experience that serves as a central hub for exploring the park’s famous waterfalls and old-growth forests. This campground is part of the larger state park system and is specifically designed to provide a rustic yet comfortable basecamp for families, hikers, and anglers looking to immerse themselves in nature.

The Big Loop Campground is particularly favored by local residents for its strategic layout on a peninsula jutting into Lake Jean. This unique geography provides many campers with direct lake views or easy access to the water's edge, creating a serene atmosphere that is hard to find in more commercialized parks. Whether you are pitching a tent under a canopy of hemlocks or backing a small trailer into a wooded site, the Big Loop emphasizes the quiet, restorative power of the Pennsylvania mountains. It is a place where the morning mist over the lake and the evening chorus of the forest define the daily schedule, offering a perfect escape for those looking to unplug from the digital world.

Location and accessibility are major draws for Pennsylvanians traveling from the Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, or Bloomsburg areas. The campground is officially addressed at Big Lp, Sweet Valley, PA 18656, USA, situated within the Ricketts Glen State Park boundaries. Accessing the park typically involves a scenic drive along PA-487 or PA-118. It is important for local travelers to note that the ascent from the town of Red Rock via PA-487 features a very steep 18% grade that lasts for two miles; consequently, those towing larger trailers or driving heavy RVs are often advised to enter from the north through Dushore to avoid the strain on their vehicles. Once inside, the campground features gravel parking spurs at each site and dedicated on-site parking for guests, ensuring that the transition from the road to the campsite is straightforward.

The services offered at Big Loop Campground are designed to support a self-sufficient camping experience while providing the necessary modern conveniences. As a traditional state park facility, the sites are non-electric, which preserves the rustic charm and encourages a true "off-grid" feel. However, the park does not leave campers without essential comforts. The Big Loop is known for its well-maintained infrastructure, including modern restrooms and shower houses that are frequently cited by visitors for their cleanliness. These facilities provide a reliable source of hot water, which is a significant perk after a long day of tackling the park’s rugged trail systems.

• Spacious non-electric campsites suitable for both tents and various sizes of recreational vehicles.
• Modern restroom facilities with flush toilets located conveniently throughout the loop.
• Clean shower houses providing hot water at no additional cost to registered campers.
• On-site potable water stations positioned frequently within the campground for easy access.
• A sanitary dump station located near the campground entrance for RV and trailer maintenance.
• Designated ADA-accessible campsites designed to provide easier access for individuals with mobility needs.
• Standard equipment at every site, including a sturdy picnic table and a heavy-duty fire ring for cooking and campfires.
• A dedicated park office nearby to assist with check-ins, local information, and emergency services.

The features and highlights of the Big Loop Campground are centered on its unparalleled access to Ricketts Glen’s natural wonders. The most prominent highlight is Lake Jean, a 245-acre body of water that offers a peaceful backdrop for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The campground’s "peninsula" layout means that many sites are just a short walk from the shoreline. For those who enjoy active recreation, the Big Loop serves as a gateway to over 26 miles of hiking trails. Most notably, the Falls Trail System is easily reachable, where hikers can witness 22 named waterfalls cascading through rock-strewn clefts. The park also features a 600-foot swimming beach and an amphitheater where educational programs are often held during the summer months.

• Lakeside and lake-view sites that offer some of the most scenic views in the Pennsylvania state park system.
• Direct access to the Falls Trail, home to the 94-foot Ganoga Falls and 21 other named waterfalls.
• Proximity to the Lake Jean beach area for swimming and sunbathing during the summer season.
• Kid-friendly environment with plenty of space for biking around the loop and exploring the shoreline.
• Wooded and shaded sites that provide natural cooling and privacy from neighboring campers.
• A boat rental concession on Lake Jean, offering kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats for guest use.
• Picnic areas throughout the park that are perfect for large family gatherings and day-use visitors.
• Seasonal interpretive programs and guided nature walks led by park naturalists.

For those planning their next trip to the Sweet Valley area, contact information is vital for securing a spot during the busy summer and fall seasons. While the physical location is on Big Loop within Ricketts Glen, all reservations are handled through the central Pennsylvania State Parks system. You can book a site online or by calling 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757). For specific local questions regarding park conditions or winter accessibility, the Ricketts Glen State Park office can be reached at (570) 477-5675. The campground typically operates from the second Friday in April through the third Sunday in October, though the nearby Small Loop offers year-round opportunities for the truly adventurous.

What is worth choosing at Big Loop Campground is the opportunity to stay in a National Natural Landmark without the typical crowds found in urban-adjacent parks. Choosing a site on the "outside" of the loop is particularly worth it, as these sites often provide the most direct access to Lake Jean, allowing you to launch a kayak or cast a fishing line right from your temporary backyard. For families, this campground is worth choosing because of the balance it strikes between rugged adventure and safe, clean facilities. The "free" showers (included in your site fee) and the lack of cell service make it a premier choice for those who genuinely want to reconnect with their companions and the great outdoors.

Furthermore, the Big Loop is a fantastic choice for those who appreciate the changing seasons of Pennsylvania. In the spring, the waterfalls are at their most thunderous, and in the autumn, the surrounding old-growth timber transforms into a brilliant tapestry of gold and red. The professional management by the DCNR ensures that the park remains a pristine environment for future generations. If you are looking for a place where the sites are a good size, the bathrooms are reliable, and the sky is dark enough for spectacular stargazing, Big Loop Campground at Ricketts Glen is a destination that consistently earns its place at the top of local favorites.

Would you like me to help you find the best time for fall foliage viewing at Ricketts Glen or provide a list of essential gear for a non-electric camping trip?