Big Loop Campground

For outdoor enthusiasts across Pennsylvania, the name **Big Loop Campground** immediately evokes images of pristine waterfalls and deep, scenic gorges. This popular camping area is an integral part of **Ricketts Glen State Park**, a crown jewel in the Pennsylvania State Park system, located near Sweet Valley. Far from being a simple, roadside stop, Big Loop Campground serves as the primary basecamp for exploring one of the state's most breathtaking natural wonders: the Falls Trail System, which features a stunning cascade of 22 named waterfalls. The experience here is defined by nature—the sound of rushing water, the scent of pine, and the opportunity to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of the commonwealth.

The campground itself is structured into two main sections: the "Big Loop" and the "Small Loop," with the Big Loop generally being favored by visitors seeking a more spacious, shaded, and authentic camping experience. While the campground provides necessary modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, its true appeal lies in its location and the rustic charm of its sites. Many campers, particularly those in Pennsylvania who value privacy and proximity to the water, rave about the generous spacing between sites and the peaceful, wooded setting. For many, a trip to Ricketts Glen—and a stay at Big Loop—is a classic Pennsylvania summer tradition, marking an essential outdoor adventure for families, hikers, and nature lovers alike.

Planning a trip requires advanced booking, especially during peak season (mid-April through mid-October), as the reputation of Ricketts Glen draws visitors from across the state and beyond. The accessibility to the park's major recreational features, including Lake Jean and the challenging but rewarding Falls Trail, makes the Big Loop Campground the perfect hub. Whether you are setting up a tent for a traditional camping experience or pulling in a trailer for a longer stay, the campground’s design balances the need for community with the desire for a private, tranquil retreat under the towering old-growth timber of the Glens.

Unlike some private resorts, the focus here is on low-impact recreation and appreciation of the natural environment. While some campsites offer electric hookups for modern convenience, many of the most scenic spots are non-electric, encouraging a more traditional, unplugged experience. The area is known for its limited cell service, which many Pennsylvania campers see as a feature, not a bug—a genuine chance to put down the phone and pick up a hiking stick or a fishing rod. This dedication to natural beauty and responsible outdoor enjoyment is why Ricketts Glen, and by extension, Big Loop Campground, remains a highly-rated and cherished destination for local users. The high standard of maintenance, particularly of the restroom and shower facilities, is a frequently mentioned positive, ensuring that even a rustic camping trip includes comfortable and clean conveniences.

The overall atmosphere is one of shared adventure and reverence for the surrounding National Natural Landmark. It is a place where you can spend the day traversing slippery stone steps to witness the 94-foot Ganoga Falls, and then spend the evening gathered around a campfire, sharing stories and planning the next day's exploration of Lake Jean or the park's many other scenic trails, like the Evergreen Trail with its spectacular Adams Falls. The Big Loop area embodies the best of Pennsylvania State Park camping—accessible, beautiful, and unforgettable.

Big Loop Campground is located at the heart of Ricketts Glen State Park, with the provided address being **Big Lp, Sweet Valley, PA 18656, USA**. This puts the campground deep within the picturesque expanse of the park, spanning Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties.

For residents of Pennsylvania, the campground is a feasible drive from several major metro areas, making it an ideal weekend or week-long getaway destination. It is situated north of Wilkes-Barre and easily accessed via major state routes like PA Route 487. However, travelers should note that the access roads leading into Ricketts Glen are known to be steep, and those pulling heavy trailers should be cautious and check official park guidance regarding the best approach routes, often recommending entry from the Dushore side. Once inside the park, the Big Loop is well-marked. Its peninsula location, surrounded by Lake Jean, gives campers the distinct advantage of being right near the waterfront, with several outside loop sites offering direct lake access for those wishing to launch kayaks or fish right from their campsite.

The services at Big Loop Campground are designed to cater to both tent campers seeking a rustic experience and RV users looking for comfort, all within a traditional State Park setting:

• **Campsite Types:** A mix of shaded, non-electric sites, electric hookup sites (30- and 50-amp available in some loops/sections), and rustic tent sites. The Big Loop features more non-electric sites, which are often the most spacious and private.
• **Comfort Facilities:** Modern, well-maintained restrooms with flush toilets and warm, free showers are centrally located within the Big Loop.
• **Waste Management:** A sanitary dump station is available outside the main camping area for RV and trailer use.
• **Water Access:** Drinking water faucets are available throughout the loop for refilling, though direct water hookups are less common than in private RV parks.
• **Recreational Rentals:** Boat rentals (including kayaks and canoes) are typically available at the concession stand/marina near Lake Jean for exploring the lake.
• **Lodging Alternatives:** The park also features deluxe cottages and modern cabins in separate areas for those who prefer an indoor stay, with five deluxe cottages conveniently located in a lakefront area along the Big Loop.
• **Essential Site Amenities:** Every campsite includes a picnic table, a fire ring for campfires (attended at all times, with strict rules on firewood gathering), and a relatively flat area for tent setup or trailer parking.

The Big Loop Campground’s true highlights are intrinsically tied to its location within Ricketts Glen State Park:

• **Access to the Falls Trail System:** Direct access to the park’s primary attraction—a challenging 7.2-mile loop trail that showcases 22 spectacular waterfalls, a bucket-list hike for any Pennsylvania outdoor enthusiast.
• **Lake Jean Proximity:** The campground sits on a peninsula surrounded by Lake Jean, offering opportunities for swimming at the public beach (open Memorial Day to Labor Day), fishing, and boating (non-motorized or electric motors only).
• **High Site Privacy:** The Big Loop is noted for offering more spacious and private campsites compared to other park loops, with the outside sites providing desirable views or direct trails to the lake.
• **Deluxe Cottage Option:** Unique to the Big Loop area are five ADA-accessible deluxe cottages, offering a more comfortable, rustic glamping experience without losing proximity to the lake and trails.
• **Clean and Maintained Facilities:** Consistent positive reviews highlight the cleanliness of the bathhouses and grounds, a crucial feature for a pleasant State Park camping trip.
• **Amphitheater:** The presence of an amphitheater suggests seasonal educational or interpretive programs offered by the park staff, adding a valuable feature for families and curious campers.

As Big Loop is a section of Ricketts Glen State Park, all reservations and primary inquiries are handled through the park or the official Pennsylvania State Park reservation system.

**Address:** Big Lp, Sweet Valley, PA 18656, USA (Ricketts Glen State Park Campground)

**Park Office Phone:** 570-477-5675

**Reservations:** Campsites are reservable 11 months in advance via the official Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center or their online portal. Given the campground's popularity, especially for weekend trips, Pennsylvania residents are strongly advised to book well in advance.

For any Pennsylvanian seeking an authentic and spectacular outdoor getaway, Big Loop Campground at Ricketts Glen is worth choosing because it is the **unrivaled gateway to the state’s most magnificent waterfall experience.** You are not just booking a campsite; you are securing immediate access to the Falls Trail, a National Natural Landmark that promises breathtaking views, challenging hikes, and unmatched photographic opportunities. The Big Loop offers the ideal blend of rugged nature and essential convenience, with its spacious, shaded sites and impeccably clean facilities. Its location next to Lake Jean is a huge draw, allowing campers to easily transition from a day of strenuous hiking to a refreshing dip or a quiet evening paddle. Choosing Big Loop means prioritizing an immersive natural experience that is both challenging and rejuvenating. It is the perfect place for Pennsylvania locals to proudly showcase the natural heritage of their state to friends and family, and an essential spot for anyone who cherishes the unique, scenic splendor of the Catskill/Poconos foothills. The balance of privacy, lakeside access, and immediate trail proximity makes Big Loop the superior choice within a park that is already a must-see destination.

Big Loop Campground

Big Lp, Sweet Valley, PA 18656, USA