State Guide: Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania packs more than potholes and Philly cheesesteaks. From the glassy miles of Raystown Lake and the flowy Allegrippis Trails to Rothrock’s rooty, meditative singletrack and fern‑lined hollows, the Keystone State is a legit playground for van dwellers who ride. This guide lays out the best mountain bike zones, scenic drives, boondocking nooks, and handy Thousand Trails stops—plus where to rinse off the mud, grab good coffee, and sneak in a history fix between laps. Roll in, air down, and let’s start shifting gears across PA.

🗺️ Trail + Van Life Highlights Map

The map below shows the highlights of where I stopped. I actually ended up spending almsot two weeks in Hershey. Largely due to a electrical issue wiuth Jack Karavan – but also because I just eneded up liking Hershey!  

Shifting Gears with Ty Pennsylvania Itinerary

Quick Stats:

 ⏱️ Time in State: 25 Days
 🚵 MTB destinations visited: RothRock SF, Allegrippis, Jake’s Rocks, Blue Mountain Resort
🏕️ Favorite campground / boondocking spot: Thousand Trails Hershey
📍 Favorite Highlight:| Allegrippis Trail System or making my own candy bar at Hershey Chocolate World Experience!

🚐📓 quick Trip Notes.

Pennsylvania  is a diverse and interesting state. From idyllic post card small towns, to tourists destinations like Herhsey, PA has a physical and cultural landscape that is unique in the 50.  I would find myself randomly in some quaint small town and have to just stop for five minutes to take it in.

This is also the first time a Thousand Trails Park has earned the distinction of being my favorite site. I got lucky and got on the H loop – which while far from everything, put the back of my rig against the forest and offered some privacy.  It was the first time I felt like I had it all – a “resort” type campground with amenities and privacy. Hershey definitely had its fair share of things to do!

🚴‍♂️ MTB Info + Ride Logs

PA offered a plethora of riding opportunities.  From exhiliration at BMR as I flew down the lift served terrain, to near death at the IMBA Epix Certified Cooper’s Gap in RothRock, I experienced it all. Read about it here:

🏕️ Campground + Van Life Recap

Coming soon I’ll post some videos on the various TT Parks I hit up.

Other than that, I stayed in the Allegheny National Forest and at a few Cracker Barrels. The Cracker Barrel in Muncy, PA may get the top boondocking CB award so far. Quiet. Not by a noisy Highwway.

Thousand Trails
Circle M Pennsylvania

Thousand Trails
Hershey Pennsylvania

Thousand Trails
PA Dutch Country Pennsylvania

🎥 Videos

Join the Adventure in Real Time, watch Shifting Gears with Ty on YouTube – Subscribe using the button below and turn on notifications to know when I drop a new video!

Blue Mountain Resort

My first bike park experience was at Blue Mountain Resort in the Poconos. And wow! What anb amazing bit of luck because BMR is the perfect beginner/intermediate bike park. Want to know why? Check out the video!

Rothrock State Forest.

Rothrock State Forest gets consistently reviewed as one of the best mountain biking destinations in all of Pennsylvania. Is it though? I have my opinions and I share them with you in this Video! Make sure to check t out before you head to Rothrock – even if it is “IMBA Epic Certified”.

Jake's Rocks.

Jake’s Rocks in the Allegheny National Forest routinely gets high marks among mountain bike enthusiasts and I can see why! With abundant dispersed camping and a nearby established camground, #vanlife opportunities abound and the riding is spectcular. Join me for this video wher I take you along for the Adventure!

Jake's Rocks Overlook

One of my favorite moments in Pennsylvania (and ther were many to chose from), came after a ride. I actually had to find the overlook, but when I did – man oh man was it pretty. It sort of just capped off a perfect day of riding. I sat at the overlook for a while, took a phone call, and just hung out enjoying the stillness and beauty. Didn’t hurt that I had the place to myself!

Useful Info/External Resources

Ready to explore the diverse landscapes and vibrant attractions of Pennsylvania? From rugged mountain biking trails and vast state forests perfect for van camping to sweet family fun and historical gems, the Keystone State has something for every adventurer. Here are some essential external resources to help you plan your journey:

  • PA DCNR – State Parks: The official hub for all Pennsylvania State Parks, offering detailed information on camping (including RV and tent sites), activities, park amenities, and reservation systems. Crucial for planning your van stays. 
 
  • PA DCNR – Motorized Roadside Camping in State Forests: Specifically for van lifers looking for dispersed or rustic camping, this page details opportunities within Pennsylvania’s expansive State Forests. A must-read for boondocking or more secluded stays. 
 
  • Visit PA (Official State Tourism Website): The primary official tourism site for Pennsylvania. It’s an excellent resource for finding information on attractions, events, regional guides, and trip ideas across the entire state, catering to all interests beyond just outdoor recreation.
 
  • Singletracks.com – Best Pennsylvania Mountain Bike Trails: A highly respected independent resource for mountain bikers worldwide. This page offers a comprehensive list of trails in PA, often with reviews, photos, and detailed stats (distance, elevation), including many popular spots. 
 
  • Trailforks – Pennsylvania Trails: Another excellent, community-driven resource for mountain bike trail maps and information. Riders can upload routes and conditions, making it very current for trail planning. 
 
  • Hersheypark Official Website: The definitive source for Hersheypark, Hershey’s Chocolate World, and ZooAmerica. Essential for anyone planning a trip to “The Sweetest Place On Earth.” 
 
 
  • Pennsylvania Grand Canyon (Leonard Harrison State Park / Colton Point State Park): This natural wonder offers stunning views, hiking, and camping. It’s a classic PA outdoor destination and an iconic van life stop in the northern part of the state. 
Ty Chapman relaxing for lunch during a hike at Big Bend National Park.

A Little Bit About Me.

I started writing this blog as a way to capture the adventurous and free lifestyle I’m privileged to live. I’ve traveled to over 28 countries and 35 U.S States. I’ve lived aboard in multiple countries and averaged over 100 days a year of travel for work. I’ve skied and hiked all over the world – and my new obsession is mountain biking.

What I bring to you isn’t AI generated. It’s based on my feet on the ground – or sometimes conversations with locals. Click here to read more about me! 

🏕 Join the Live Free RV Crew
Free swag. Invites. First to know. No spam — ever.