Group Camping and Tenting at Ricketts Glen State Park Area, Benton Township, PA

Introduction / Overview: Your Basecamp for Adventure in the Glens

For organized groups—including scout troops, youth organizations, school trips, and large family gatherings—looking for an authentic, convenient, and affordable way to experience the stunning natural beauty of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Group Camping Area in Benton Township, PA 18414, is an exceptional choice. While the address points to the general township, public records and resident feedback strongly indicate that this specific organized group tenting area is affiliated with or located immediately adjacent to the renowned Ricketts Glen State Park, one of Pennsylvania’s most popular and scenic outdoor destinations.

This dedicated camping section is designed specifically to accommodate larger parties, providing the necessary space and structure for a memorable outdoor experience. Unlike individual family campsites, the Group Camping Area is purpose-built for communal living, offering a practical and centralized spot for groups to set up basecamp. The location is distinct, often situated separately from the main park campground to minimize disruption, as noted by local users: “The organized group tenting area is across from lot 2 and not in the park campground section.” This strategic placement allows large groups to enjoy their activities while maintaining the quiet atmosphere of the main family camping loops. It provides direct, walkable access to key park features, most notably the day use area and the swimming pool, making it a perfect blend of rustic camping with convenient amenities.

Location and Accessibility: Near the Iconic Ricketts Glen Waterfalls

The Group Camping Area is strategically positioned in Benton Township, PA 18414, which places it firmly within the sphere of influence of Ricketts Glen State Park, spanning parts of Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia counties. This location makes it a prime staging area for exploring the park’s crown jewel, the Glens Natural Area, which features a spectacular trail system with 22 named waterfalls, including the 94-foot Ganoga Falls.

Accessibility is excellent for groups traveling from across Pennsylvania. The area is situated off State Route 487, and while the roads in the immediate vicinity of the park can be steep, the overall access is straightforward from major regional hubs. It is a reasonable drive from cities like Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, and Bloomsburg. The convenience of the location extends beyond the park's natural features; the campsite is close enough for groups to walk to the "day use area," which serves as the hub for swimming and picnicking. This walkability is a significant logistical advantage for groups, especially those with children or numerous participants, eliminating the need to move multiple vehicles for daytime activities. The serene, wooded setting of the group area provides a true escape, while the short distance to park facilities ensures modern conveniences are always within reach.

Services Offered (Community and Site Facilities)

The Group Camping Area, being a dedicated facility for organized groups, provides a mix of rustic charm for tenting and essential services to support larger numbers of campers. These services are typically managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), ensuring a reliable and regulated experience.

Dedicated Group Tenting Sites: The area consists of multiple group sites designed for tent pitching, accommodating a high capacity, often up to 40 or more campers per group, with advance reservations required.
Restroom Facilities: Access to dedicated restroom facilities, which may include flush toilets depending on the specific location within the park.
Water Access: Provision of drinking water, likely via centralized spigots or hydrants near the tenting area, essential for cooking and sanitation.
Walkable Pool Access: A major convenience is the short, safe walking distance to the park's pool or beach area, which is open seasonally (typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day).
Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each group site is typically equipped with multiple picnic tables and a fire ring or grill, facilitating communal meal preparation and evening gatherings.
Easy Access to Day Use Area: Proximity and walkable access to the main day use facilities, which often include picnic pavilions and open playfields.
On-Site Parking: Designated parking spaces are available for group leaders and supporting vehicles, though large group sites often limit the number of vehicles permitted directly within the tenting area.

Features / Highlights (Focus on Group Experience and Recreation)

The Group Camping Area offers an unparalleled experience for organized trips, centering on a blend of wilderness immersion and convenient communal resources.

Unmatched Waterfall Hiking: The primary highlight is the immediate access to Ricketts Glen State Park's famous Falls Trail System. This is a powerful, educational, and adventurous feature that serves as a spectacular backdrop for any group outing.
Recreational Hub Access: The short walk to the day use area, which includes the public swimming pool (in-season) and Lake Jean for swimming, boating, and fishing, is a huge benefit for group activities, offering built-in fun and cooling-off options.
Ideal for Organizational Bonding: The rustic, centralized nature of the group tenting area fosters teamwork, cooperation, and social bonding, making it perfect for scouting, church, or educational groups. It’s a genuine outdoor experience that encourages self-reliance and shared memory-making.
Spacious and Secluded Layout: Being situated apart from the main family campground, the Group Camping Area offers a more secluded feel with ample space for activities, while still ensuring groups are safely within the park's boundaries and service reach.
Affordable Group Accommodations: For nonprofit organizations and large groups, reserving a group tenting site is generally a highly cost-effective way to provide overnight lodging in a premier Pennsylvania State Park.

Contact Information

As the Group Camping Area is managed by the State Park system, direct inquiries should be made through the park office or the state park reservation system. While the exact lot number is for directional reference, reservations and official contact must be directed to the Ricketts Glen State Park administration.

General Area Address (Ricketts Glen State Park): Benton Township, PA 18414, USA

General Park Phone Number for Reservations and Inquiries: 1-888-PA-PARKS (1-888-727-2757)

Note: Group camping reservations are typically required well in advance and may have specific rules regarding capacity, minimum/maximum stay length, and adult-to-camper ratios, especially for youth groups. Call the State Parks reservation line or visit the DCNR website for the most accurate and up-to-date reservation procedures.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Pennsylvania locals, especially those involved in youth development, educational programs, or large family reunions, the Group Camping Area in the Benton Township/Ricketts Glen area is an invaluable resource. It represents a quintessential Pennsylvania outdoor experience, offering direct access to one of the Commonwealth's most treasured natural landmarks—the Falls Trail. The state-managed facility ensures a well-regulated, safe, and clean environment. The dedicated space is perfectly suited for organized activities, allowing leaders to manage their groups effectively while providing participants with the adventure of tent camping. This unique combination of rugged natural beauty, organized group capacity, and the convenience of nearby amenities like the pool ensures that the Group Camping Area provides an enriching, logistically sound, and unforgettable experience for any Pennsylvania group seeking to connect with the great outdoors. It is a genuine local gem that turns a simple camping trip into a grand adventure amidst the cascades of the Glens.