Laurel_Hill_Bluegrass_Festival_2021
Laurel Hill Bluegrass Festival
The Daily American
- Pennsylvania is introducing ‘glamping’ accommodations in eight state parks through a partnership with Timberline Glamping Co.
- Glamping sites will feature safari-style tents with amenities like real beds, electricity and climate control.
- Reservations for the 2026 season are now open, with Pennsylvania set to host more Timberline locations than any other state.
Pennsylvania’s first-ever glamping accommodations in state parks, offering visitors new ways to enjoy the outdoors with comfort and style, were debuted by the Shapiro Administration in October.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn joined Timberline Glamping Co. at an event at French Creek State Park to talk about the expansion. It will add 61 glamping sites across eight state parks in regions throughout Pennsylvania. One of those sites is in Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Road, Somerset.
What is glamping?
Glamping is short for “glamorous camping,” which combines the camping experience with modern amenities like real beds, electricity and climate control. Add-ons include local experiences, firewood bundles, games and gourmet s’mores kits, connecting visitors with local communities and businesses.
Timberline Clamping Co. was founded in 2018 by Nathan and Rebeka Self.
“We believe that time spent in the great outdoors with family and friends can create some of life’s most meaningful memories,” the couple said in a statement. “We are passionate about creating beautiful, truly unique and unforgettable spaces, where people can explore our incredible state parks, without sacrificing comfort, luxury and style. We believe in the traditional camping experience happening outside, while the convenience of modern amenities happens inside our accommodations. Each of our locations offers add-ons and experiences unique to that location, which means each guest can truly customize their stay.”
Each Timberline glamping site features safari-style tents with real beds, heat and air conditioning, lighting, décor and outdoor seating. Each park with glamping sites will include one ADA-accessible tent, ensuring access for all visitors.
“This new offering is another way we’re ensuring that our state parks remain welcoming and enjoyable for all Pennsylvanians,” said Dunn in a statement. “By transforming underused campsites into beautiful glamping experiences, we’re expanding overnight options in a way that’s affordable, sustainable and beneficial to local communities. These are truly places where adventure feels like home.”
Guests can book one-night weekday stays or two-night weekend and holiday stays, with check-in at 3 p.m. and check-out at 10 a.m. Online reservations are now open for spring 2026. Visit DCNR’s “Stay the Night” webpage or go directly to timberlineglamping.com to book a site.
Pennsylvania will now host more Timberline glamping locations than any other state, according to the DCNR press release.
“Pennsylvania has always been where families come to connect with nature and each other around campfires and under the stars,” said Anne Ryan, deputy secretary of the Pennsylvania Tourism Office, in a statement. “Now, with glamping, we’re expanding that tradition to welcome travelers who want the magic of the outdoors with modern comfort and convenience.”
Make reservations now for 2026
Glamping will be brand new to Laurel Hill State Park for the 2026 camping season.
“Campers can make reservations for the 2026 season now. Reservations can be made in advance on the Timberline website,” said Hope Wagner, environmental education specialist for the Bureau of State Parks, Laurel Hill State Park Complex. “Laurel Hill will have a total of six glamping sites – two of those sites will have two queen beds. The other four sites will come with one king bed and two sets of bunk beds. Construction on these sites will be completed by April 2026.”
Glamping reservations are open at these state parks, with availability based on each park’s season:
- Poe Valley – March 27–Dec. 12
- Hills Creek – May 1–Oct. 17
- Laurel Hill – April 10–Oct. 17
- Pymatuning – April 10–Oct. 31
- Codorus – April 10–Oct. 31
- French Creek
- Loop A – March 6–Dec. 31 (first all-season glamping site in the Northeast)
- Loop B – April 24–Oct. 31
- Hickory Run – April 10–Oct. 17
- Promised Land – May 1–Oct. 11
Under this collaboration, DCNR will receive a flat rate plus a share of revenue from Timberline’s operations, generating funds for additional park improvements. Timberline also works with local vendors to offer regionally sourced products and experiences.
Working with shifts in camping business
With more than 14,000 miles of trails, 6,400 local parks, 124 state parks, and 2.2 million acres of forest land, all of which are free and open to the public, Pennsylvania boasts one of the largest public trail systems in the eastern U.S.
DCNR is fulfilling a goal of the state park strategic plan, Penn’s Parks for All, to explore new types of overnight facilities that respond to shifts in camping interests. Pennsylvania state parks now offer a wide range of overnight accommodations, including tent and glamping sites; RV full-service sites; yurts; rustic cabins with fireplaces and modern cabins with heat and bathrooms and the eco-lodge, The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle in Centre County.
published 2025-11-24 17:15:47
