Small Loop Campground, Benton, PA

Introduction / Overview

For Pennsylvania residents looking to experience one of the state's true natural treasures—Ricketts Glen State Park—the Small Loop Campground offers a highly convenient and amenity-rich basecamp. Situated near Benton, the Small Loop is one of two primary camping areas within the Ricketts Glen State Park Campground and is particularly noteworthy for its blend of traditional camping with modern conveniences. While the adjacent Big Loop offers more rustic sites, the Small Loop is the go-to destination for campers who require essential hookups for their trailers or recreational vehicles, making it a favorite for traveling families and those who value a few extra comforts.

Comprising a portion of the 120 total campsites in the park, the Small Loop features several recently upgraded sites that now offer crucial electric and, in some cases, full hookups (water, electric, and sewer). This evolution has made it a vital area for the park, ensuring it can accommodate a wider range of campers. Critically, the Small Loop is the *only* designated area within the Ricketts Glen State Park Campground where pets are permitted on specific sites. This single policy alone makes the Small Loop a top choice for thousands of Pennsylvanian families who travel with their beloved canine companions, allowing every member of the household to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Glens Natural Area.

Location and Accessibility

The Small Loop Campground is geographically placed within the massive Ricketts Glen State Park. Although the campground is a section of the main park facilities, the closest general area is identified by the address: Small Lp and Campground Rd, Benton, PA 17814, USA. This location places the campground squarely in Northeastern Pennsylvania, easily accessible from major population centers like Bloomsburg, Williamsport, and Wilkes-Barre. The park is approximately 30 miles north of Bloomsburg on PA Route 487.

A key factor for accessibility, especially for those in Pennsylvania who are towing larger RVs or heavy trailers, is the advice provided by the State Park itself: the section of PA 487 leading directly to the Lake Jean area can be exceptionally steep. It is strongly recommended that heavy trailer units and larger rigs avoid this direct route and instead enter the park by taking PA 487 south from Dushore, a much gentler approach. Once inside the park, the Small Loop is well-signed and connected to all major attractions. It is situated a moderate walk (approximately three-quarters of a mile via the Beach Trail) from the popular swimming area on Lake Jean and serves as a convenient gateway to the Falls Trail System, which features the park’s 22 renowned waterfalls. However, local visitors should be prepared for very limited, or sometimes non-existent, cell phone service within the campground and the deep glens, adding to the sense of a true wilderness retreat.

Services Offered

The Small Loop Campground is maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and focuses on providing modern amenities to enhance the camping experience, particularly for those with RVs or pets. The services offered in and around the Small Loop are comprehensive for a state park setting:

Utility Hookups: A significant number of campsites are equipped with electric hookups (ranging from 20 to 50 Amp service), and some have been upgraded to provide full hookups (water, sewer, and electric).
Modern Comfort Facilities: The loop includes a centrally located bathhouse with modern, clean facilities, featuring flush toilets and warm showers for camper use.
Pet-Friendly Sites: The Small Loop is the designated pet camping area within the Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, allowing guests to camp with up to two dogs per site in specific, marked areas for a fee.
Sanitary Station: A sanitary dump station is available outside the main camping area for easy waste disposal from trailers and RVs.
Campsite Furnishings: Every site is equipped with essential features, including a picnic table and a sturdy fire ring for enjoyable outdoor cooking and campfires.
Water Access: Potable drinking water faucets are available throughout the loop for easy replenishment of supplies.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets the Small Loop Campground apart as a destination for Pennsylvania residents are its distinct features that cater to specific camping needs and preferences. These highlights make it a standout choice within the region:

Designated Pet Camping: This is the premier and necessary feature for local pet owners, as it allows dogs to stay overnight with their families in the campground, unlike the nearby Big Loop (which prohibits pets).
Electric and Full Hookups: The availability of modern hookups, particularly the full hookup sites, makes the Small Loop highly attractive for RV and trailer owners seeking convenience and comfort.
Year-Round Availability: Unlike the Big Loop, selected campsites within the Small Loop remain open year-round, offering an opportunity for cold-weather camping, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing adventures in the Glens.
Direct Trail Connectivity: Campers have simple access to the Beach Trail, which provides a safe, non-road route to the sandy swimming area on Lake Jean and the main trailhead for the legendary Falls Trail System.
Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The area is generally well-suited for families, with level sites and essential facilities within easy walking distance, ensuring a comfortable stay for all age groups.

Contact Information

As the Small Loop is a specific section of the Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, all contact, including reservations and inquiries, must be handled through the official State Park office. Locals are encouraged to use the provided information for accurate, real-time details on site availability, fees, and current park conditions.

Official Park Name: Ricketts Glen State Park Campground (Small Loop Section)
Physical Address (Park Headquarters): 695 State Route 487, Benton, PA 17814
Park Office Phone: (570) 477-5675 (Use this number for specific questions regarding campground policies, winter conditions, and pet rules).
Reservations: All campsite reservations should be secured through the official Pennsylvania State Parks website or by calling the toll-free number at 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757).

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Small Loop Campground is an outstanding option for Pennsylvania residents, perfectly blending the adventure of a State Park with the necessities of modern camping. Its primary suitability for locals is twofold: first, its designation as the pet-friendly camping area means no family member is left behind, allowing Pennsylvanians to fully embrace the outdoors with their dogs. Second, the availability of electric and full hookups ensures that families and RV enthusiasts from across the Commonwealth can enjoy Ricketts Glen’s spectacular scenery without sacrificing comfort or convenience, which is a major draw for weekend getaways.

By offering a year-round option and easy, safe access to the unparalleled hiking of the Falls Trail and the water activities on Lake Jean, the Small Loop serves as the ultimate staging area for regional adventurers. It’s an accessible, well-maintained, and proudly Pennsylvanian destination, making it a reliable and rewarding choice for a local escape into the state’s wild, waterfall-laden landscape. The Small Loop represents the best of Pennsylvania State Parks: adventure, accessibility, and accommodation for the entire family.