Campgrounds across western Pennsylvania are seeing a rise in occupancy as families arrive in preparation for the Fourth of July holiday, with many sites nearing full capacity.
At Raccoon Creek State Park in Beaver County, campers were arriving and setting up. Among them was the Craig family, who traveled with children, parents, and grandparents to enjoy the holiday outdoors.
“It has the potential to be the best Fourth of July yet,” said Catherine Craig, who noted that while her family enjoys camping, this marks their first time doing so during the Independence Day weekend.
The Craigs’ gathering included an RV driven in from North Carolina by the grandparents and two children, ages 2 and 4, who were eager for outdoor activities like fishing and bird watching.
Raccoon Creek State Park offers a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors throughout the year, including boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and hunting.
Mountain biking trails and picnic areas provide options for daytime recreation, while sightseeing and wildlife watching remain popular among families.
Guests can also enjoy swimming during warmer months or take advantage of winter recreation opportunities when conditions permit.
Elsewhere in the campground, the Nabozny family also established a sizable setup that included a new camper and multiple tents. For them, the focus was on connecting with nature rather than fireworks.
“We’re not big on shooting off fireworks. We just like being out to see all the natural beauty America has to offer,” Logan Nabozny said, as reported by CBS News on July 2.
The Naboznys, who live in Maryland, said the trip was a way to spend quality time with family over the holiday weekend.
The Fourth of July holiday represents an opportunity for campground operators and RV park owners, often resulting in one of the busiest weekends of the year. As families seek out scenic locations to celebrate, campgrounds see a notable surge in bookings, with many sites reaching near or full capacity.
By aligning activities during the Fourth of July with family-friendly traditions—such as outdoor games, group hikes, and nature-based programming—campground operators can create memorable experiences that encourage bookings, repeat visits, and positive reviews.