I've been visiting Pennsylvania state parks since before I could walk. There are over a half dozen within 25 miles of my hometown. Growing up the state parks were often hosts to our "beach" trips, tent camping trips, cabin stays, and family bbqs.
As an adult, I love the parks more than ever. They are my first choice over swimming pools when our creek water is just too cold in the early summer. When I'm looking for an easy birthday trip I just book a site, pack a tent, and invite my friends up for a night by the fire.
Surrounded by endless state forest backroads, the parks and their surrounding woods have always been an escape for me, making a cabin trip an easy first choice for an (almost) solo retreat.
We took off on a Monday afternoon for three nights in modern camping cottage that allowed dogs. It was the off-season and the 50-site campground was nearly empty with the exception of one man with his RV and dog. Our cabin was cozy and the fall trees were gorgeous.
Dempsey spent some time moping after he realized their weren't as many dogs around as our last camping trip. That was quickly remedied by hiking, chipmunk chasing, and of course - groundhog hunting.
