Organized Group Tenting

For organized organizations in Pennsylvania looking for a truly immersive wilderness experience, the Organized Group Tenting area at Ricketts Glen State Park offers a unique and spacious solution. Located in the heart of the park along Lake Rose Drive, this specialized campground is designed specifically to accommodate large gatherings, ranging from youth groups and scout troops to adult organizations and civic clubs. Unlike standard individual family sites, this area is structured to foster community, providing expansive clearings where groups can set up multiple tents, share meals around collective campfires, and embark on adventures through one of the most celebrated natural landmarks in the Keystone State.

Ricketts Glen State Park itself is a crown jewel of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and the Organized Group Tenting area serves as the gateway to its most famous features. From this location, groups have unparalleled access to the legendary Falls Trail, which showcases 22 named waterfalls as they tumble through ancient rock formations. For local Pennsylvanians, this site represents more than just a place to sleep; it is a classroom in the woods, a training ground for outdoor leadership, and a sanctuary where the silence of the forest is only broken by the distant roar of cascading water and the rustle of hemlock trees. The environment is one of rugged beauty, maintained to high standards to ensure that every group visit is both safe and memorable.

Location and accessibility are primary considerations for group coordinators planning a trip to Benton. The Organized Group Tenting area is situated on Lake Rose Drive, Benton, PA 17814, within the sprawling 13,000-acre Ricketts Glen State Park. This location is strategically placed at the top of the "Allegheny Front," the plateau from which the park's famous creeks descend. Accessing the site is straightforward for local travelers coming from the Wilkes-Barre or Williamsport areas via PA-118 and PA-487. Once inside the park, the group area features on-site parking specifically designed to handle the logistical needs of group travel, including space for up to five vehicles per site and additional overflow parking nearby for larger caravans. This ensures that while the setting feels remote and wild, the practicalities of arrival and gear unloading are well-managed.

The services offered at this specific campground are tailored to the requirements of organized youth and adult groups. To maintain the integrity of the group experience, these sites are reserved for organizations that have a formal structure, such as schools, churches, or non-profit clubs. The park provides essential infrastructure that allows groups to remain self-sufficient while enjoying a level of comfort that supports a multi-day stay. From reliable drinking water to modern sanitary facilities, the services are designed to support a total capacity of up to 240 people across the various group sites, making it one of the most robust group camping facilities in the region.

• Dedicated group campsites with a total area capacity of 240 people.
• Access to potable drinking water situated within a short distance of the camping pads.
• Modern restroom facilities featuring flush toilets for guest convenience.
• On-site parking for up to five vehicles per group site, with additional overflow parking available.
• Reservations available up to 11 months in advance through the Pennsylvania State Park system.
• Waste management services, including nearby trash disposal points to keep the forest pristine.
• Proximity to the park's main office for assistance with check-ins and emergency support.
• Discounted rates may be available for groups participating in approved conservation volunteer projects.

The features and highlights of the Organized Group Tenting area are deeply connected to the natural splendor of the Glens Natural Area, a National Natural Landmark. The most significant highlight is the immediate proximity to the Lake Rose Trailhead, which provides the most direct access to the upper reaches of the Falls Trail and Ganoga Falls—the tallest waterfall in the park at 94 feet. Additionally, the area is exceptionally kid-friendly, providing a safe and enclosed environment for younger campers to learn about wildlife spotting, as the park is a designated Important Bird Area. The wide-open clearings are perfect for group activities, from educational nature talks to evening stargazing in some of the darkest skies in Columbia County.

• Immediate access to the Falls Trail and its 22 cascading waterfalls.
• Spacious sites equipped with multiple picnic tables and large fire rings for group meals.
• Proximity to Lake Jean for swimming, fishing, and human-powered boating (kayaks and canoes).
• A family-friendly atmosphere that is ideal for introducing children to the outdoors.
• Heavily wooded surroundings that offer natural shade and a sense of deep-forest seclusion.
• Accessibility to the park’s beach area and concession stands for snacks and ice cream.
• Diverse wildlife spotting opportunities, including bald eagles, deer, and black bears.
• Well-maintained trails that connect the group area to the wider park network and scenic vistas.

For groups ready to plan their next expedition, contact information and coordination are essential. While the physical address is Lake Rose Dr, Benton, PA 17814, USA, the central point of contact for all Ricketts Glen facilities is the park office. Reservations must be made in advance, typically by calling 1-888-PA-PARKS (1-888-727-2757) or through the official Pennsylvania State Park online reservation portal. For specific inquiries regarding group eligibility or site conditions, the local park office can be reached at (570) 477-5675. Since this area is seasonal, typically opening in mid-April and closing in mid-October, it is highly recommended that coordinators reach out well in advance to secure their preferred dates, especially for peak fall foliage weekends.

What is worth choosing at Organized Group Tenting is the rare ability to host a large-scale, coordinated outdoor event in a world-class natural setting. For scout leaders and youth coordinators, this location is worth choosing because it simplifies the logistics of keeping a large group together while being literally steps away from some of the best hiking in the United States. The inclusion of flush toilets—a luxury in many group camping scenarios—makes the experience much more approachable for younger or less experienced campers. Furthermore, the shared experience of tackling the rugged Falls Trail as a team creates bonds and memories that individual family camping simply cannot replicate.

Finally, the value of choosing this specific Benton location lies in the holistic "Ricketts Glen experience." Groups can spend their mornings hiking the glens, their afternoons swimming at the 600-foot beach at Lake Jean, and their evenings gathering around a large communal fire under a canopy of old-growth pines. The combination of high-capacity sites, modern sanitary amenities, and access to a National Natural Landmark makes Organized Group Tenting the definitive choice for Pennsylvania organizations seeking the pinnacle of group outdoor recreation. It is an investment in community and a deep dive into the natural heritage of the Pennsylvania mountains.

Would you like me to help you find the specific group reservation guidelines or provide a list of the 22 waterfalls your group can discover during their stay?