Pennsylvania’s state parks are experiencing a dramatic increase in visitors following federal recreation cutbacks under the Trump administration according to an article by Republican Herald.
With several federally managed campgrounds shutting down due to staffing shortages, the state’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) reports a significant uptick in demand for outdoor getaways.
“We’re seeing a 30 percent increase in campground reservations over this time last year, highlighting a growing demand for outdoor recreation in Pennsylvania state parks and forests,” DCNR said in an April 3 statement.
As federal agencies grapple with the fallout from cuts driven by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), DCNR has launched a new campaign to attract nature lovers to the state’s expansive outdoor offerings.
The campaign, titled “Still Open, Still Awesome,” promotes Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forests as welcoming destinations for RVers, anglers, dog owners, and horseback riders.
With 7,100 campsites—ranging from tent spots to modern cabins and yurts—there’s something for every camper. Many parks are also pet-friendly, and some, like Promised Land State Park, provide overnight options for those traveling with horses.
“From breathtaking hiking trails to peaceful lakeside campsites, Pennsylvania’s parks are the perfect escape for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn.
“With warmer temperatures on the way, now is the time to plan your next outdoor getaway,” Cindy added.
The increased demand follows recent announcements from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Baltimore District, which manages key recreational sites in the Susquehanna River basin.
In March, the Corps revealed that it would close several campsites and beaches for the 2025 season, citing staffing shortages that would make operations unsafe.
Among the affected areas are Seven Points, Susquehannock, and Nancy’s Boat-To-Shore campgrounds near Raystown Lake in Huntingdon County—the largest lake entirely within Pennsylvania, and the only one where houseboats can be rented.
Many of those houseboats were previously docked at Nancy’s, now closed until further notice.
While the lake’s beaches, walking trails, boat launches, picnic pavilions, and mountain bike skills park remain open, scheduled recreational and stewardship events have been reduced or canceled.
Tompkins Campground in Tioga County has also been closed, including its swim beach and boat launch. Located on Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque Lake near the New York border, the site offers 109 campsites and 16 hike-in spots.
However, nearby day-use amenities like trails and boat launches at Cowanesque Lake remain accessible. Updates on closures and availability are being provided via the Raystown Lake, Tioga-Hammond, and Cowanesque Lake websites and social media pages.
Pennsylvania’s state parks appear to be absorbing the resulting wave of displaced campers. A DCNR analysis comparing March 2024 to March 2025 shows a 37% increase in campsite reservations in northeastern Pennsylvania, which includes popular destinations like Ricketts Glen, Hickory Run, and Tobyhanna.
The three other regional park systems have seen reservation increases ranging from 14 to 36%. As of March 31, 24% of the campsites across the state’s 124 parks and 20 forests had already been reserved for the peak season between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Among the most booked sites are Bald Eagle State Park in Centre County, as well as Greenwood Furnace and Trough Creek in Huntingdon County.
While managers say it’s too early to gauge the full impact of the federal cutbacks, signs of a busy summer are already emerging.
At Lackawanna State Park in North Abington Township, which offers forested sites and lakeside amenities, park manager Lee Dillon anticipated a large turnout for the April 5 fishing season opener—weather permitting. Looking ahead to mid-summer, Dillon cautioned, “If we see decreases elsewhere, we’ll see increases here.”
Ricketts Glen State Park, which spans 13,200 acres across Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties, typically operates near full capacity.
“We’re used to operating at a high capacity, regardless of external factors,” said park manager Scott J. Wilson. “Many of our weekends are already being booked at a high rate as part of the normal demand we encounter every year,” Scott added.
Meanwhile, Locust Lake State Park in Schuylkill County has temporarily suspended camping reservations due to ongoing construction, but plans to reopen bookings once the projects conclude.
The Shapiro administration has committed $112 million toward infrastructure upgrades across state parks and forests, including Bald Eagle State Park, and recently reopened Tuttle Point Campground at Pymatuning State Park.
The governor has also established the Office of Outdoor Recreation to support the state’s $19 billion outdoor industry, which currently sustains 168,000 jobs.
Campers looking to explore Pennsylvania’s state parks can make reservations online at visitPAparks.com or by calling PA-PARKS (888-727-2757).
The increased demand highlights the importance of continued investment in state park infrastructure to ensure these natural resources remain available to the public, supporting the outdoor recreation industry and the well-being of residents and visitors.