I am looking for recommendations on interesting routes to cross Pennsylvania from east to west with a nice overnight stop somewhere in the middle of the state. We're traveling with children ages 4 - 11, so parks with activities for them in the late afternoon and evening would be welcomed. We're pretty flexible with routes in terms of where they cross the state (north, south, middle). We'll be traveling in a 45' class A with a vehicle in tow. The trip is planned for late summer.

With the little bit of information given, I'll make a few suggestions.Most interesting Route would be Route 6 across the northern tier. Lots of small towns with some interesting history spread throughout. Most efficient route (middle) to get across would be I-80. Typical interstate. Nothing to see but trees unless you take an exit.Last choice for me would be the southern route I-76 PA turnpike. Will cost you a lot of money in tolls.Where to stay for an overnight? Your gonna need more than one night to see PA. The state is big and there are lots of interesting things to see and do. But with kids looking for entertainment, it'll be hard to beat Knoeble's Grove Amusement Park. They have kiddie rides for the little one and more exciting rides for the older ones (including you). Park admission is free. You buy books of tickets and use them to pay as you ride. If you want to camp on site call them now and try to get in. They have two campgrounds. One is a few miles away but provides a shuttle bus to the park.If they can't get you in do a search in the area for campgrounds. There are several nearby.

One route to consider is US 30, the Lincoln Highway. It crosses the southern part of Pennsylvania. You can stop at the Amish sites in the Lancaster area. Gettysburg for the Battlefield and town sites.There are several CG's in the Gettysburg area and the Chambersburg area.The Flight 93 Memorial is just off US 30 at Shanksville.US 30 is a nice drive. However, I recommend avoiding US 30 between Chambersburg and Breezewood. It's 2 lane, mountains and curves.Taking the PA Turnpike is the best way to avoid this section of 30.The tolls on the turnpike are expensive.

Like gbop said, use the worthless overpriced turnpike. As a 50 year plus resident of Chambersburg it is better to pay the fiddler. And as a matter of fact C-burg is no picnic either.

I second the suggestion of Knoebels as a stop. It's a wonderful place to spend an afternoon or a day.If your timing is correct for the end of summer, you could stop to see a game or two of the Little League World Series. Camping opportunities are pretty limited in the immediate area (particularly while the event is going on), though some local residents do offer camping/boondocking/RV parking on their property. Regardless, it's a fun and free and very family-friendly event to stop in at.

As others said, not sure the north south level of travel but another option if more north would be I 86 in NY and hair a few Western sites then angle down through pa. Pa elk herd is cool to see, St Mary's or benezette area but not much else there. Kneobles is great, we always stay at their off site campground, much more space, lake glory.

Pennsylvania Route Recommendations | Good Sam Community

schlep1967
Nomad
Feb 12, 2020
With the little bit of information given, I'll make a few suggestions.
Most interesting Route would be Route 6 across the northern tier. Lots of small towns with some interesting history spread throughout.
Most efficient route (middle) to get across would be I-80. Typical interstate. Nothing to see but trees unless you take an exit.
Last choice for me would be the southern route I-76 PA turnpike. Will cost you a lot of money in tolls.

Where to stay for an overnight? Your gonna need more than one night to see PA. The state is big and there are lots of interesting things to see and do. But with kids looking for entertainment, it'll be hard to beat Knoeble's Grove Amusement Park. They have kiddie rides for the little one and more exciting rides for the older ones (including you). Park admission is free. You buy books of tickets and use them to pay as you ride. If you want to camp on site call them now and try to get in. They have two campgrounds. One is a few miles away but provides a shuttle bus to the park.
If they can't get you in do a search in the area for campgrounds. There are several nearby.

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