Rickett's Glen SP

[bmbkamp]

Hi, all.  Thinking of a late August trip to Ricketts Glen SP.  Oldest DS has been there before with the Boy Scouts and recommended it highly.  I've never been there before.  Would anyone care to recommend specific campsites in the park, and maybe more importantly, which ones to avoid (at this late stage in the game)?  I know there's no electric, which is no big deal.  
 
Thanks!
 
Bob

[dademt]

It's been years so I can't tell you which sites but I don't think you will be disappointed.  It is a great place.  No pets however.

[bmbkamp]

Thanks!  We're really looking forward to it.

[tlhdoc]

It has been over 10 years since I have been there.  It is a beautiful park, but I can't offer any recommendations as far as campsites go.  Have a good time and if you could take note of some of the better sites and post the information for the rest of us.

[busdriverwc75]

We camped at Ricketts 2 yrs ago. It was beautiful. Our site was #29. It was open at the road, but both sides were filled with shrubbery & the back faced the lake. Since it was a wide site, we positioned our pup & truck almost parallel to the road which created a wall of privacy & our big pup windows faced the lakefront.
As for pets, starting this yr, 2008, a small number of sites are now pet friendly. A ranger noted that since the dogs have been allowed in the campground this yr, the bears seem to be keeping their distance. When we were there 2 yrs ago, they were very visible & active in the campground.

[dademt]

Thank you so very much for the feedback on the pet sites.  That is great news.

[goforit75]

Hi, all.  Thinking of a late August trip to Ricketts Glen SP.  Oldest DS has been there before with the Boy Scouts and recommended it highly.  I've never been there before.  Would anyone care to recommend specific campsites in the park, and maybe more importantly, which ones to avoid (at this late stage in the game)?  I know there's no electric, which is no big deal.  
 
Thanks!
 
Bob

Thinking about heading up there 08/20,21,22...anybody else thinkin about going.

Rich

[dademt]

Thinking about heading up there 08/20,21,22...anybody else thinkin about going.
 
Rich

Wish I could but I will already be camping up in acadia at that point.  Maybe some other time.

[goforit75]

Wish I could but I will already be camping up in acadia at that point.  Maybe some other time.

Not a problem...found out there are no sites available those days, in fact most of the more popular parks such as Promised Land, Hickory Run, Locust Lake are all booked.  Finally got a site at Frances Slocum.  Has any body been there recently.

Rich

[tlhdoc]

Not a problem...found out there are no sites available those days, in fact most of the more popular parks such as Promised Land, Hickory Run, Locust Lake are all booked. Finally got a site at Frances Slocum. Has any body been there recently.
 
Rich

Rich I will be camping at Assateague Island National Seashore.  I have never been to Frances Slocum, so please take notes about the sites in the park, that is if you like the park.  Have a good time.

[bmbkamp]

We returned Friday from Ricketts Glen. One of the most beautiful places I've ever visited. The waterfall hike, while strenuous, is a must! The campsites were pristine. The bath houses were cleaned twice a day right on schedule w/ no complaints from anyone in my family. The park ranger was (nicely) all over anyone who had more than 2 cars or two tents. Although I don't think he said anything to a few knuckleheads who left food and coolers out in the open. The only thing missing there was a lighted sign that said "Bears Welcome!"

We took notes on all the campsites, and I'll post that as soon as I can find it. :banghead:

Getting there was kind of a hassle, as the most direct route includes an 18% grade, which necessitated us driving about 45 minutes extra.

If you go, do not get firewood (or anything else) from the store at the intersection of 487 and 118. It was soaking wet white pine, and the people there were not friendly at all. We ended up driving a few miles east on 118 (just outside the park boundaries) and found a real nice guy selling firewood from his house for $12 for a wheelbarrow-full. We had a great campfire that night!

Double-check your food and amenity list. There is nothing nearby. No supermarkets, walmarts, etc. And as I said, the corner store was a joke.

Will post the campsite recommendations soon.

[DiW]

So happy to hear about a new park. Would love to try it sometime. Mapquest puts it about 2 1/2 hrs with us coming in on 118 West to 487 North. Is that part of 487 doable? I read the warnings to avoid 487 north in favor of coming in 487south from Dushore. We tow a popup.

[bmbkamp]

You'll definitely need to come in thru Dushore.  That's what we did.  The grade on 220 into Dushore is 5%.  The 18% grade (the most direct route to the park)starts at the intersection of 118 and 487 and continues up 487 for about 2.5 miles.  It stinks to go so far around, but it's worth it.  Once you unhitch, it's no problem getting up and down the hill, but I wouldn't try it with a camper.

[DiW]

Darn. But thanks for the info. I was hoping the bad part was south of that intersection and we would miss it. Oh well...

[tlhdoc]

Di,

I towed my first PU (under 1000 pounds) up the hill with a minivan.  It was a very tough hall.  I would not tow up that with a minivan.  I would possibly do it with the Explorer, but I know it would be a struggle even for it.  If you tow down the hill make sure your brakes are in good working condition.