Camping options near Arnot, Pennsylvania center around the Pine Creek Gorge region at approximately 1,200-1,800 feet elevation. The area experiences distinct seasons with peak camping from late spring through early fall when temperatures average 75-85°F during summer days and 50-60°F at night. Most campgrounds in this region follow the natural contour of the land, with sites often situated along creek beds or nestled among mixed hardwood forests that display vibrant fall colors by mid-October.
What to do
Hiking the Turkey Path Trail: Leonard Harrison State Park Campground offers access to one of the region's signature hiking experiences. "The Turkey Path Trail at Leonard Harrison State Park takes you down into the canyon. It is a mile or so and pretty steep, but well maintained. Portions are steps. There are a few waterfalls to view on the way down," notes one visitor.
Biking the Pine Creek Rail Trail: From Pettecote Junction Campground, you can directly access the rail trail. "The location of PJC is perfect for fishing, floating/kayaking, and biking/hiking the rails to trail. There are many nearby hikes throughout the canyon for the more adventures travelers," explains a camper.
Water activities on multiple lakes: Ives Run provides excellent water access. "Taking everything into consideration, it's hard to find a nicer campground to stay for a night or two weeks...numerous hiking trails, large lake for boating, fishing and swimming," states a regular visitor.
Tower climbing for panoramic views: Some campgrounds offer unique vantage points. "Very dog friendly with a tower you can walk up to enjoy the view," mentions a Canyon Country Campground visitor, while another notes, "You can hike from the campground out to the Turkey trail or go check out the fire tower (It's $5 per person and credit card only)."
What campers like
Spacious, level campsites: Hills Creek State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its sites. "Generously sized park with something for everyone. Clean, good facilities. Good walking, hiking, kayaking. Private sites can be found pretty easily," shares one camper.
Clean, modern facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. "The shower and bathroom facilities looks brand new. Everywhere you look there is green space. The campground also does nature tours for local flora/fauna," reports a visitor at Hills Creek.
Quiet camping experience: Little Pine State Park Campground offers a more peaceful setting. "Beautiful setting for camping along a stream and the mountains. We try to get here a couple times a year. Electric only but water fill up is in convenient locations," notes a regular visitor.
Creek and water access: Sites along waterways are highly sought after. "We tent camp and love the sites as they are right on the creek, a few have direct access to the creek if you have kayaks which is awesome!" explains a Pettecote Junction camper.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Most campgrounds have minimal cell service. At Pettecote Junction, one camper appreciates that "It is my escape away from technology and my time to be one with nature."
Seasonal availability varies: Campground operating dates differ throughout the region. Leonard Harrison operates from "2nd Friday in April to 3rd Sunday in October" while Twin Streams Campground remains open until mid-December.
Wildlife encounters: Colton Point State Park Campground offers more rustic camping with frequent wildlife sightings. "Deer come right through the campsites. Many raccoons too so you must stow your food in the evening," warns a visitor.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. "The only draw back is that it fills up quickly and you need to reserve many months ahead of time especially for holidays," cautions an Ives Run visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Explore multiple playgrounds: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds offers extensive children's activities. "Kids had a great time at this campground. Two playgrounds, a pool, two jumping pillows, mini train, carousel, and activities. Good for bike riding although hilly," shares one family.
Consider the seasonal cabins: Hills Creek offers alternative accommodations. "The modern cabins are available for a week at a time in the summer. We paid for the week but knew we could only stay for 5 nights. We were impressed with the 2 bedroom cabin," notes a family who visited.
Look for educational opportunities: Some parks offer learning experiences. "The nature talks were really fun for the kids and interesting for the adults," mentions a visitor to Hills Creek State Park.
Check site locations carefully: At Jellystone Park, a visitor recommends, "I'd recommend the outer part of the loop that circles the common areas. Woods and shade but very close to all the happenings."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for full hookups: Choose campgrounds with complete services. "We decided to camp where the RVs were so we have more space. It was closer to the lake then the tent-only spots," reports a visitor at Hills Creek.
Plan for RV access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging entrances. One Jellystone Park visitor notes, "The entry road to the campground itself is a very steep, narrow road with a small curve at the top. It's well-maintained but keep an eye out for campers coming down."
Hookup placement varies: At Ives Run, a visitor cautions, "Some site you will need 2 hoses for your water because the hook ups are far from the sites and some of them will have the hook up facing the front of your camper."
Check site dimensions: Verify measurements before booking. "The site we booked online had bad measurements, so when we got there we found our trailer wouldn't fit. The camp map is close but not very accurate, so calling them to book if you have any questions is the way to go."
