You’re planning to hike the Falls Trail. You’ve seen the photos of Ganoga Falls—that massive 94-foot drop—and you’re ready to see all 21 waterfalls in one go. But here is the thing about hotels near Ricketts Glen State Park: if you wait until you're driving up Route 487 to find a place to crash, you’re basically going to end up sleeping in your car or driving an hour back toward Wilkes-Barre.
The park is remote. Like, "no cell service for twenty miles" remote.
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Most people assume there’s a line of modern Marriotts right at the park gates. There isn't. The "lodging landscape" here is a mix of hyper-local guest houses, tiny home clusters, and older inns that feel like stepping back into 1994. Honestly, that’s part of the charm, but it requires some strategy if you actually want a hot shower and a decent mattress after trekking seven miles of slippery stone steps.
The Closest Beds: Staying Within 15 Minutes
If your goal is to be the first person at the Lake Rose trailhead before the crowds descend at 10:00 AM, you have very few options. You’re looking at Benton or Fairmount Springs.
The Ricketts Glen Hotel is practically legendary in these parts. It’s located on State Route 118, literally minutes from the park south entrance. It’s a classic tavern-style hotel. Don't expect a gym or a business center. You get a room, usually with a shared bath (though some have privates), and an incredible restaurant downstairs. Their seafood and steaks are surprisingly legit for being in the middle of the woods.
Just down the road, you’ll find the Vista Lodge. These are tiny house-style lodges. They’re super clean and modern, which is a rare find out here. They have kitchenettes, so you can actually prep your hiking snacks without relying on gas station beef jerky.
Why the B&Bs Win Here
Honestly, the bed and breakfast scene is where the "real" expert travelers stay.
- Paper Mill Pines B&B: Located in Shickshinny, about 15-20 minutes away. It’s a gorgeous property with a pond. The hosts, like Karen or Richard, actually know the trail conditions. If the glens are icy or the creek is high, they’ll tell you before you waste your morning.
- The Old Tioga Inn: This is a log home B&B. It’s roughly 4 miles from the park. It’s rustic. It’s quiet. If you want to "disconnect" (mostly because the WiFi is spotty at best), this is the spot.
- Raven Creek Lodge: Located in Benton. It's a peaceful seven-acre property. It feels like staying at a friend’s country house, if that friend made you a massive breakfast before you went out to destroy your knees on the trails.
The "Comfort" Zone: Bloomsburg and Dallas
Maybe you aren't into the "quaint" thing. I get it. Sometimes you just want a Hilton Garden Inn where the WiFi actually works and there’s a pool for the kids.
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For the big-name hotels near Ricketts Glen State Park, you have to look at Bloomsburg or Dallas/Wilkes-Barre.
Bloomsburg is about 30 miles south. It’s a straight shot up Route 487. You’ll find the Hampton Inn Bloomsburg and the Fairfield Inn & Suites. These are your standard, reliable 2026-era hotels. They’ve mostly been remodeled recently. The trade-off? You’re driving 45 minutes to get to the park.
On the other side, near Dallas, PA, you have the Beaumont Inn. This is a bit more upscale. It’s about 17 miles away. It’s got a great bar and feels a bit more "vacation-y" than a roadside motel.
What No One Tells You About Booking
The "Ricketts Glen Surge" is real. From June through October, especially on weekends, these places sell out months in advance.
If you’re looking for a last-minute Saturday in October to see the foliage? Forget it. You’ll be staying in a Motel 6 in Wilkes-Barre, an hour away.
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Also, pay attention to the "cabin" vs "hotel" distinction. The park itself has modern cabins, but they book up through the PA state park reservation system nearly 11 months out. They have kitchens and heat, but you have to bring your own linens. If you want a "hotel experience" where someone else makes the bed, stick to the private inns mentioned above.
A Quick Reality Check on Amenities
- Cell Service: Expect zero. Download your maps before you leave the hotel.
- Food: Benton has a few spots like the Old Filling Station or Kozy Korner, but many close early. If you're staying at a B&B, ask about their breakfast times; some don't start until 8:30 AM, which might be too late if you're a "sunrise hiker."
- Pets: The Sequoia Room at Paper Mill Pines or Room 3 at the Ricketts Glen Hotel are your best bets for bringing a dog. Most other local inns are strictly no-pets.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
If you want the best experience, do this:
- Book the Ricketts Glen Hotel or Vista Lodge if you want to be within 10 minutes of the falls.
- Verify the check-in process. Many of these local spots are "contactless" or have limited front desk hours. You don't want to be wandering around Benton at 10:00 PM trying to find a lockbox.
- Check the DCNR website for trail closures. The Falls Trail often closes in winter (or requires ice gear) and sometimes closes for maintenance in the spring.
- Pack a cooler. Even if your hotel has a restaurant, having your own water and sandwiches is non-negotiable because there are no food concessions inside the park itself.
The best way to do Ricketts Glen is to embrace the isolation. Stay local, support the small inns, and get to the trailhead before the first tour bus arrives.