Go Camping PA Camping Guide

Coal deposits were found in a 500 square mile area in Northeastern Pennsylvania, which were formed over 300 million years ago from the decaying plants and organic substances which once dominated the area. As time progressed, changes to the Earth’s tectonic plates and the environment caused the organic materials to carbonize and form black mineral deposits, which we know as coal today. Unlike other areas in the United States where coal is found, the region underwent a seismic process where coal formation was much more aggressive. Fold mountains created from tectonic plates converging added massive pressure resulting in coal deposits with higher levels of carbon called anthracite.

Today, the majority of coal used in production comes from Northeastern Pennsylvania. During the Industrial Revolution, anthracite coal powered homes and businesses across the Northeastern United States. Railroad transportation between Philadelphia, New York City, and other cities in the Northeast was made possible thanks to these discoveries. European immigrants from Ireland, Germany, Wales, Italy, and Poland found opportunities during this boom in coal to make a living. Despite the violence and anguish which made the lives of these immigrants harder as they risked their lives working under hazardous conditions, they managed to find joy in the hard work they brought to the table and rose up to demand better wages and safety regulations.

They were powerful enough to bring coal production, transportation, and distribution of anthracite coal during Theodore Roosevelt’s presidency (1901-1909). While the region’s coal industry isn’t the same as it once was, you’ll still see many historical remnants of an area that thrived from job opportunities in the coal industry during your visit. Stop by at the Lackawanna Historical Society  in Scranton’s Hill Section and you’ll get a glimpse into what life was like in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. You can also visit the Anthracite Heritage Museum where you can experience the hard work and determination of European immigrants who worked in the coal mining industry’s factories, mills, and mines.

Before going camping, you need to have a plan to get ready. Do your due diligence and search for camping areas with our Campground Locator . Once you’ve reserved your camp tenting spot, make a list of supplies you’ll need. You'll need all kinds of camping essentials to stay cozy. Here’s some suggested gear to bring with you when you go camping:

The essentials listed above will help you start your tent camping getaway off right. Some campers might need a few extras to make tent camping more enjoyable. It’s possible to bring a bit of glamping into the picture by getting a luxury tent with waterproof beds. There are also camp ovens you can use to bake muffins and brownies for the family. Many campgrounds have recreational activities available, but it doesn’t hurt also to bring fishing gear on your trip to spend part of your day fishing if you’re at a campground near a lake, creek, or stream. Other extra equipment ideas include:

You can look for a piece of heaven no matter where you are in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Go hiking along the Loyalsock Trail or visit the Coal Country, where vintage opera houses, railroad depots, speakeasies and many fascinating artifacts of Pennsylvania’s past have been preserved. You’re bound to find excitement, thrills, beauty, and entertainment. Your trip will be an unforgettable experience with all the events, attractions, wildlife parks, and hiking trails you’ll discover!

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