AN EXAMPLE OF A ‘GLAMPING’ SITE, A NEW TYPE OF CAMPING THAT WILL BE INTRODUCED AT EIGHT PENNSYLVANIA STATE PARKS BEGINNING NEXT YEAR. THESE ARE PROVIDED BY THE TIMBERLINE GLAMPING COMPANY | PHOTO COURTESY STATE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

For those who want to experience Pennsylvania’s outdoor beauty but aren’t very fond of the bugs, bears and sleeping in a tent on the hard ground — glamping may be for you.

Glamping (short for glamorous camping) is the modern way to be in nature without having to face the elements.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources have partnered with Timberline Glamping Company to expand overnight stay options in eight state parks across Pennsylvania, beginning in 2026.

Pennsylvania has one of the largest public trail systems in the eastern U.S., with 2.2 million acres of forest lands and 124 state parks, according to the department.

With this initiative, the state will offer the most Timberline sites in the nation, making it easier to enjoy the commonwealth’s beauty while having amenities like electricity and climate control.

“Glamping provides the best of both worlds — all the creature comforts of a hotel but close to nature and the outdoors,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said in a recent announcement at French Creek State Park in southeastern Pennsylvania about the new program.

“This continuum of options for the outdoors is what we’re looking for,” she said. “This allows you to be close to nature, close to conservation but hear the insects, hear the birds, smell the wonderful smell of the outdoors, the camp fire, but be in nature and be very comfortable.”

THE INTERIOR OF ONE OF THE GLAMPING SITES PROVIDED BY TIMBERLINE GLAMPING COMPANY | PHOTO COURTESY PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

She added that the tents have a “very thoughtful design, nice accommodations but you’re outdoors.”

Online reservations are now open for Spring 2026, with 61 new glamping sites to choose from including RV full-service sites, yurts, rustic cabins with fireplaces and modern cabins with heat and bathrooms. Guests can expect safari-style tents with real beds and mattresses, heat and air-conditioning, lighting, decor, electrical outlets and outdoor seating at each Timberline site.

This expansion of glamping sites also supports the department’s recent campaign, Still Open. Still Awesome, highlighting the commonwealth’s effort to create accessible and affordable outdoor recreation.

A guide to outdoor activities across the state is outlined at the commonwealth’s website. Guests can book one-night weekday stays or two-night weekend and holiday stays. Add-ons like local experiences, firewood bundles, games and gourmet s’mores kits are also available.

Here are the parks and 2026 dates that they’re open:

• Poe Valley – March 27-Dec. 12
• Hills Creek – May 1-Oct. 17
• Laurel Hill – April 10-Oct. 17
• Pymatuning – April 10- Oct. 31
• Codorus – April 10-Oct. 31
• French Creek
  Loop A – March 6-Dec. 31 (first all-season glamping site in the Northeast)
  Loop B – April 24-Oct. 31
• Hickory Run – April 10-Oct. 17
• Promised Land – May 1-Oct. 11

Booking details can be found at Timberline Glamping’s website.