drenfro

Looking for suggestions for a summer vacation.
Our Family plans to visit Pennsylvania in July. We plan to see Gettysburg and Philly. We would also like to save some money and camp. We enjoy history, hiking, great local food and the outdoors. Which camping sites are the best in July? What else should we plan to do if we have 10 days? (Our family includes 2 parents and 2 teens)

schmerl

I'm not a camper, but you and your teens might enjoy a day at Hershey Park.

RoseH

wjat part of PA.? There is Seven springs, they have a lot to do in the summer and a lot to do around this area, all the parks, Iddlewild, Kennywood. Check out all the local fetivals, Pa. has some really great ones all over the state. Have fun !

algalli

Falling Waters, Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece is South of Pittsburg so if you go camping toward western PA that is a possiblity. THey have an extra cost tour before the place opens to the public which is 2 hours rather than the standard 1 hour tour.

LN

Hi

If you'd like to see or stay in Pennsylvania's beautiful state park try this site
http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/index.aspx. It will give locations convenient to Gettysburg and Philly. I, personally, love the Pocono Mt area and Promised Land.

Kelly1212

Lancaster County, home of the largest Amish population in the U.S., is nearby and there are many Amish shops and buggy tours, etc. The countryside around there is very nice, but my husband and I found many parts of the area a little too overrun with tourists (like us, I know I know..). But it's popular, so thought I'd mention.

GBC

You will be about two hours from the Jersey shore is that is of interest to your family. Plenty of camping possibilities there - particularly at the southern end on Route 9 near Sea Isle City.

For Philadelphia, you need to define your interests; art, history, sports, science, etc.

twelveoaks

My wife and I took a day trip to Valley Forge and found it to be beautiful and informative.

cheapbutnice2

Under the PA State Parks, consider Cowan's Gap or Caledonia. Both are fairly close to Gettysburg & Hershey and very rustic. A beautiful part of PA! Although I live in Lancaster, I can't help with camping suggestions here but I am sure that the Lancaster Tourist Bureau could help. The Amtrak train to Philly is always a great idea especially with the long daylight hours in July.

skatedancer

Fallingwater is in the Laurel Highlands area of PA, which is where we're going to spend a few days with our teens this summer. Haven't been yet, so can't say what it will be like, but we are looking forward to seeing the Wright houses as well as rafting on the "Yough," biking on the Allegheny Passage and going on some natural water slides. Check out Ohiopyle State Park and www.laurelhighlands.org. Also, we are going to spend a day using the facilities of Nemacolin Woodlands; we are not staying there, but the facilities are available for day use. We intend to ride horses there. All in all, it looks like a fantastic region for outdoor enthusiasts!!

I don't know if this area is farther west than you wanted to go, though.

When you go to Philly, I highly recommend going to the Constitution Center. It is interactive and fascinating for young and old.

GBC

skatedancer....I think that you will be very pleased with your visit to the Wright houses. They truely are exceptional.

drenfro....If you are going to actually be IN Philly (and I hope that you are), this information from Slow Travel may be very helpful to you: http://www.slowtrav.com/usa/pennsylv...avel_guide.htm

drenfro

GBC
What a great site! It has been most helpful. Thank you!