Red Rock Mountain Campground

For outdoor enthusiasts in Pennsylvania, Red Rock Mountain Campground serves as a rustic and conveniently located home base for exploring one of the Commonwealth's most stunning natural treasures. Situated in Benton, Pennsylvania, this 22-acre family-owned facility is the closest private campground to Ricketts Glen State Park. It is designed for those who prioritize proximity to adventure, offering a classic "mountain life" experience that emphasizes fresh air, starry nights, and the rugged beauty of the North Mountain escarpment. Whether you are a local hiker looking for a quick weekend retreat or an RVer navigating the scenic PA-487 corridor, this campground provides a functional and friendly setting to rest between excursions.

The campground offers a variety of stay options that cater to different levels of outdoor comfort. From primitive tent sites nestled under a canopy of pine trees to full-service RV spots and historic "bygone era" cabins, Red Rock Mountain Campground embraces its identity as a traditional, no-frills mountain getaway. The atmosphere is quiet and unpretentious, reflecting the simple pace of life in rural Columbia and Luzerne Counties. For many Pennsylvanians, the appeal lies in the "lost at last" feeling the park cultivates, providing a space to unplug and immerse oneself in the wooded surroundings of the Allegheny Plateau.

Location and accessibility are the primary reasons many travelers choose Red Rock Mountain Campground. The facility is located at 22 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA, right at the corner of Routes 487 and 118. This strategic placement puts guests just minutes away from the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen, famous for its 22 named waterfalls. For those traveling from regional hubs, the drive is approximately 45 minutes from Williamsport and Scranton, and about an hour and a half from the Binghamton, NY area. The campground features on-site parking and is easily reached via PA-487, though RV owners should note that the stretch of road leading up the mountain is famously steep; those with heavy trailers often prefer to enter the area from the north via Dushore to avoid the intense incline.

The internal layout of the park is designed to separate different camping styles, ensuring that tent campers can enjoy a sense of privacy in the wooded or meadow sites while RVers have the space needed for their rigs. Accessibility within the park is focused on providing stable access to the bathhouse and main office area. While the terrain is naturally sloped—a common feature of mountain side parks—the management is known for being hands-on, often assisting guests with leveling blocks and site orientation to ensure a comfortable setup.

Red Rock Mountain Campground provides a range of essential services to support your stay. As a facility that caters to hikers and explorers, the services are streamlined to focus on what matters most: security, cleanliness, and convenience. The management team, led by hosts often described as incredibly helpful, remains available to assist with everything from delivering firewood to recommending local fly-fishing guides.

• RV camping sites featuring 30-amp electrical service and full hookups, including water and sewer connections.
• A selection of rustic cabins, some including full kitchens and private bathrooms with shower stalls.
• Spacious primitive tent sites available in both wooded and open-field settings, catering to large groups or solo backpackers.
• A central bathhouse equipped with hot showers and toilets for all guests, particularly important for those in primitive sites.
• On-site firewood sales by the barrel, including split ash and fire starter logs (note that outside firewood is prohibited to protect local forests).
• Modern payment convenience, with the acceptance of debit cards and NFC mobile payments for camping fees and supplies.
• An on-site flea market featuring unique local vendors, offering a fun way to browse for treasures during your downtime.

The features and highlights of Red Rock Mountain Campground revolve around its integration with the local environment. Because it sits at such a high elevation on the mountain, the stargazing opportunities are exceptional, particularly in the meadow sites. The park is also a haven for pet owners, as dogs are allowed to join their families at the campsites at no additional charge, making it a truly inclusive family destination.

• Direct proximity to Ricketts Glen State Park, allowing for easy sunrise hikes and multiple trips to the waterfall trails.
• Access to a variety of hiking opportunities, ranging from the difficult Falls Trail to easier "kid-friendly" loops within the state forest.
• A quiet and secluded environment that serves as a peaceful alternative to larger, more crowded state-run campgrounds.
• Comfortable cabin rentals featuring vintage decor, screen doors to let in the mountain breeze, and antique bed frames.
• Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities right from your campsite, including frequent sightings of deer and native bird species.
• Convenient access to local amenities in Benton, including a nearby Dollar General and the famous Red Rock Scoop for ice cream.
• Designated fire rings and picnic tables at every site to facilitate the classic campfire experience.

For those looking to book a site or inquire about seasonal cabin availability, the management can be reached directly via their local Benton line. Given its popularity as the closest lodging to the state park, early reservations are highly recommended during the peak waterfall-viewing months of spring and autumn.

Red Rock Mountain Campground
Address: 22 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
Phone: (570) 925-5039
Mobile Phone: +1 570-925-5039

What makes Red Rock Mountain Campground particularly worth choosing is its status as a "gateway" destination. If your primary goal is to maximize your time on the trails of Ricketts Glen while enjoying the independence of a private campground, this is the most factual choice. Unlike larger resorts that may have hundreds of sites and noisy crowds, Red Rock offers a more intimate and quiet experience. The presence of the on-site flea market and the quirky, vintage charm of the cabins add a layer of character that you won't find at a standard state park site.

Furthermore, the value of the "pet-friendly" policy and the willingness of the staff to go the extra mile—such as delivering firewood or helping level an RV—creates a level of hospitality that local Pennsylvanians truly appreciate. For families who want to teach their children about "mountain life" or for serious hikers who want to beat the crowds to Ganoga Falls, this campground provides the location, the essential services, and the peaceful atmosphere required for a successful mountain retreat. It is a reliable, traditional choice for those who believe the best part of camping is being as close to nature as possible.