Small Loop Campground

For Pennsylvania residents seeking one of the state’s most spectacular natural destinations, the **Small Loop Campground** serves as a vital gateway. This campground is an integral part of the larger, renowned **Ricketts Glen State Park**, located near Benton, PA. Ricketts Glen is a must-visit location for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly known as a National Natural Landmark that boasts the breathtaking Glens Natural Area, featuring 22 named, wild, free-flowing waterfalls cascading through ancient rock clefts.

The campground itself is divided into two main sections: the Big Loop and the Small Loop. The Small Loop, identified by its address on Small Lp and Campground Rd, often features a different selection of amenities and seasonal availability compared to the Big Loop. Local users generally find the Small Loop appealing because it includes some of the more modern amenities, such as sites with RV hookups, making it a convenient base for travelers with trailers and larger recreational vehicles.

Unlike the Big Loop, which is typically open seasonally from mid-April to mid-October, the **Small Loop is often open year-round** in some sections, providing a unique option for Pennsylvania campers looking to experience the park's beauty in the quieter shoulder seasons or even during winter (with appropriate winter access and use restrictions). This year-round access is a significant draw, allowing hikers, cross-country skiers, and ice climbers to use the park when the crowds are smaller.

Whether you're planning a challenging day on the Falls Trail, which showcases the majestic 94-foot Ganoga Falls, or simply looking for a peaceful lakeside retreat, the Small Loop Campground offers a dedicated **Campground** environment that puts you close to all the park’s activities. Visitors should note the essential difference in site style—the Small Loop's hookup sites are sometimes described as less shaded or private than the Big Loop's non-electric sites, but the trade-off is the convenience of power and water for a comfortable stay.

**Location and Accessibility**

The Small Loop Campground is geographically located within the expansive boundaries of Ricketts Glen State Park. Its physical address is **Small Lp and Campground Rd, Benton, PA 17814, USA**. The park spans across three counties (Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia), making it a major recreational hub in northeastern Pennsylvania.

Accessibility to Ricketts Glen is generally straightforward, but Pennsylvania travelers with heavy trailer units should note a critical advisory: the section of PA Route 487 leading to the Lake Jean area (where the campground is located) from the south (near Red Rock) is known to be **very steep**. Park officials recommend that **heavy trailer units avoid this hill** and instead enter the park by taking PA 487 South from Dushore. This local knowledge is crucial for a safe and comfortable arrival.

The campground is situated above the Falls Trail area, providing relatively easy access to Lake Jean, which is the largest lake in the park. From the campground, visitors can access a trail that leads to the lake's beach area, often less than a mile walk. For accessibility within the campground itself, Ricketts Glen State Park is committed to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), and certain amenities and potentially specific campsites are designed to be accessible, though guests should confirm availability when reserving.

A frequent note from local users is the **lack of reliable cell service** within the park and campground. This is a common feature of many remote Pennsylvania State Parks and should be viewed as an opportunity to truly disconnect, though hikers should download maps and be prepared for communication gaps.

**Services Offered**

As part of a premier Pennsylvania State Park, the Small Loop Campground offers a range of modern and essential services to support camping in both RVs and tents.

• **Campsite Varieties:** The Small Loop features sites that often include modern amenities, such as electric, water, and full hookups, alongside non-electric sites.
• **RV Hookups:** Several sites offer **Electric Hookups** (20, 30, and 50 amp service), and some may offer **Water Hookups** and **Sewer Hookups**, which is highly valued by RV travelers.
• **Modern Restroom Facilities:** The loop includes a **Showerhouse/Restrooms** building with flush toilets and warm showers, which are generally well-maintained and free for campers to use.
• **Sanitary Dump Station:** A dedicated **Sanitary Dump Station** is available outside the main camping area for the convenient disposal of RV waste.
• **Campground Host:** During the summer season, a designated **Campground Host** is typically present to assist visitors and address immediate concerns.
• **Amphitheater:** An **Amphitheater** is available, often hosting interpretive programs and educational talks by the park's environmental education specialist.
• **Water Access:** **Drinking Water** faucets are available throughout the loop.
• **Site Amenities:** Each campsite is equipped with a **Picnic Table** and a **Fire Ring** (often with a grill grate) for cooking and campfires.
• **Pet-Friendly Camping:** Certain sections of the campground are designated as **Pet Camping Sites**, allowing Pennsylvania residents to bring their dogs along for the adventure.
• **Year-Round Availability:** The Small Loop is often designated to be open year-round, which is a key service for winter recreationalists.

**Features / Highlights**

The Small Loop Campground’s primary highlights stem from its location within Ricketts Glen State Park, making it a unique destination for Pennsylvania adventurers.

• **Proximity to the Falls Trail:** This is the most significant feature. The campground is the essential base for hiking the famous Falls Trail System, which allows access to **22 named waterfalls** and the Glens Natural Area, a challenging and rewarding 7.2-mile loop.
• **Availability of Hookups:** The inclusion of sites with **full hookups** (electric, water, sewer) in the Small Loop makes it exceptionally convenient for modern RV camping, though these sites tend to be less shaded.
• **Year-Round Access:** The Small Loop often remains open when the Big Loop closes, allowing for unique winter activities like **ice climbing on the frozen falls**, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.
• **Lake Jean Recreation:** Campers have access to **Lake Jean**, where they can enjoy swimming at the designated beach (open Memorial Day to Labor Day), fishing, and boating (rentals may be available seasonally).
• **Clean and Maintained Facilities:** Guests frequently praise the **cleanliness and functionality** of the restrooms and showers, enhancing the overall comfort of the state park camping experience.
• **Designated Dog Area:** A specific area for dogs is available, acknowledging the need for pet owners to exercise their companions comfortably.

**Contact Information**

Since the Small Loop is part of Ricketts Glen State Park, all reservations and inquiries are managed through the official Pennsylvania State Park system.

Park Office Address: 695 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814, USA

Park Office Phone: (570) 477-5675

Reservations Toll-Free: 1-888-PA-PARKS (1-888-727-2757)

**What is Worth Choosing Small Loop Campground**

For Pennsylvania residents, choosing the **Small Loop Campground** is the optimal decision if your priority is accessing the **Falls Trail System** with the **convenience of modern RV amenities**. While the adjacent Big Loop might offer shadier, more spacious sites, the Small Loop often provides the necessary **electric, water, and sewer hookups** that are non-negotiable for many RV owners seeking an extended, comfortable stay.

Moreover, the Small Loop's **year-round operating season** is a compelling factor. If you are a dedicated outdoor enthusiast who wants to experience the raw, snow-covered beauty of Ricketts Glen and potentially attempt the challenging **ice climbing on the waterfalls**—an exclusive Pennsylvania experience—the Small Loop is your reliable base. This year-round access ensures you can enjoy the park when the crowds of summer have long departed.

The accessibility to **Lake Jean for swimming and boating**, coupled with the assurance of clean facilities (flush toilets and hot showers), makes it a practical and functional choice for both short and long trips. In short, the Small Loop is worth choosing because it provides the **modern infrastructure necessary for a comfortable stay** while placing you within minutes of one of Pennsylvania's most beautiful and challenging natural landmarks.

Small Loop Campground

Small Lp and Campground Rd, Benton, PA 17814, USA