For those who want to immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Sullivan Highlands without sacrificing the comforts of home, Ricketts Glen glamping is an increasingly popular choice. While the state park itself offers traditional campsites and rustic cabins, the surrounding region of Northeastern Pennsylvania features a variety of upscale outdoor accommodations. From safari-style tents to modern yurts, these stays allow you to fall asleep to the sounds of the forest while enjoying a plush mattress and thoughtful amenities.
The Glamping Experience vs. Traditional Camping
Choosing glamping over traditional camping near Ricketts Glen means trading your sleeping pad for a real bed and your campfire cooking for more convenient options. While traditional camping at the park's Lake Jean campground offers a classic, low-cost experience, it requires bringing a significant amount of gear, including tents, stoves, and lanterns. Glamping sites in the area typically provide all the essentials, often including linens, lighting, and sometimes even small kitchenettes or climate control. This makes it an excellent option for travelers flying into Williamsport Regional Airport who may not want to check heavy camping equipment.
Glamping also tends to offer a higher level of privacy and space compared to the sometimes-crowded state park loops. Many glamping sites are situated on private land or within boutique outdoor resorts, providing a sense of seclusion that enhances the connection to nature. You still get the crackling fire and the starlit sky, but with the added benefit of a hot shower and a comfortable place to sit at the end of a long day hiking the Falls Trail. It bridges the gap between a standard hotel stay and a rugged backcountry expedition.
Where to Find Glamping Near Ricketts Glen
While there are no 'glamping' specific sites directly inside the state park boundaries, the surrounding gateway communities offer several excellent choices. The area around Benton and the nearby Endless Mountains region is a hotspot for unique outdoor stays. You can find properties that offer large bell tents or safari tents perched on wooden platforms, overlooking rolling hills or wooded creeks. These sites are often located just a 15- to 20-minute drive from the park entrance, making it easy to reach the trailheads early in the morning.
Another popular option in the vicinity is the rental of luxury yurts or 'tiny houses.' These structures provide a bit more protection from the elements than a canvas tent while still maintaining an outdoor feel with large windows and decks. Towns like Wilkes-Barre and Williamsport are a bit further away, so for the best glamping experience, look for stays in the rural corridor between Route 118 and Route 487. This area is characterized by vast tracts of private forest and farmland, providing the perfect quiet backdrop for an elevated camping experience.
State Park Cabins: The Original Glamping
If you want to stay as close as possible to the waterfalls, the modern cabins within Ricketts Glen State Park are a fantastic middle ground. While not strictly 'glamping' in the boutique sense, these cabins provide a significant step up from tent camping. They feature solid walls, electric heat, a kitchen with a stove and refrigerator, and a private bathroom with a shower. You will need to bring your own linens, towels, and cooking utensils, but the comfort of a roof and a real door is a welcome luxury during a rainy spell or a chilly autumn night.
These cabins are highly sought after and often book up as soon as the reservation window opens, which is typically 11 months in advance. Staying here means you are just minutes away from the Falls Trail and Lake Jean, allowing you to beat the day-trip crowds with ease. For families or groups who want the convenience of the park's location but aren't ready to commit to sleeping on the ground, these cabins are the most stable and reliable 'luxe-adjacent' option in the immediate area.
Best Seasons for Glamping in the Region
The best time for Ricketts Glen glamping is generally from late spring through early autumn. Safari tents and bell tents are typically seasonal, opening in May and closing by late September or October when the mountain nights begin to drop toward freezing. The peak summer months of July and August are wonderful for glamping, as the elevated location of many sites allows for cooler evening breezes. Even during a humid Pennsylvania summer, a well-ventilated glamping tent can be a comfortable sanctuary.
Fall is perhaps the most magical time for a glamping stay. As the foliage turns and the air becomes crisp, there is nothing quite like sitting by a private fire pit outside your tent with a warm blanket. However, keep in mind that many glamping structures are not fully insulated. If you plan to visit in late October, check if your site provides a wood-burning stove or space heater. For those looking for a winter experience, you will likely need to transition to a hard-walled cabin or a year-round yurt, as the heavy snow and ice of the Sullivan Highlands make canvas living impractical.
Planning Your Glamping Trip
When booking a glamping stay near Ricketts Glen, it is important to read the descriptions carefully to understand exactly what is provided. Some sites are 'off-grid,' meaning they might use solar power and composting toilets, while others offer full modern utilities. Budget roughly $150 to $300 per night for these types of accommodations, depending on the level of luxury and the season. Because these sites are often individually owned or part of small businesses, booking in advance is essential, especially for weekends during the fall foliage peak.
Regardless of where you stay, remember that Ricketts Glen is a remote area. Even the most luxurious glamping site is still in bear country, so following proper food storage rules is a must. Bring a good headlamp for navigating the site at night, and pack layers of clothing, as mountain weather can be unpredictable. By choosing a glamping stay, you turn your visit to Ricketts Glen into a full-scale retreat, combining the physical challenge of the waterfalls with the deep relaxation of a high-end outdoor home base. Always check the official park site for trail conditions before heading out from your glamping oasis.