Arnot, Pennsylvania camping destinations sit in the mountainous terrain of north-central Pennsylvania at elevations between 1,600-1,800 feet. The area's Continental climate means warm summer days with temperatures typically reaching 80°F and cooling to the 50s at night. Campers find mostly wooded campsites with deciduous forest providing seasonal changes in scenery from spring greenery to vibrant fall colors.
What to do
Hiking the Turkey Path Trail: Leonard Harrison State Park Campground offers access to this well-maintained trail. "The Turkey Path Trail at Leonard Harrison State Park is CLOSED due to extensive damage with no set reopen date," noted one camper in 2020, though it has since reopened. This trail takes hikers down into the gorge through a series of waterfalls.
Fishing opportunities: Little Pine State Park Campground provides access to excellent fishing spots. "There is a lot of wildlife around. Deer come right through the campsites. At the bottom you will pass the rails to trail and run into pine creek. If you walk to the left to where it gets deep. You will find some of the best fishing ever," reports one visitor.
Biking the Pine Creek Rail Trail: The 60+ mile trail runs through the valley floor. "If you're a cyclist- definitely ride the nearby paved Pine Creek Trail. My husband rode a century on his own on Fathers Day while here. The trail goes through small towns and has spots to grab a bite to eat," notes a camper who stayed at Leonard Harrison.
What campers like
Quiet, secluded atmosphere: Colton Point State Park Campground offers a less crowded alternative on the west rim. "Unlike Leonard Harrison, Colton Point on the western rim of the Pine Creek Gorge isn't a tourist hub. The campsites are private and you get to hike in (varying amounts of distance)," one visitor explains.
Clean facilities: Worlds End State Park receives consistent praise for cleanliness. "This is the third Pennsylvania state park we have stayed at recently and all get an A+ for the bathhouses. Very clean, heated, and the showers appear to be in good condition," a camper reported.
Playground access: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds has multiple play areas. "The big playground is new and very nice. The small one is mainly two very big playsets (pirate ship and castle). My kids enjoyed both. Two jumping pillows were awesome. Pool was cold but fun," shares one family who visited.
What you should know
Navigation challenges: GPS directions can be problematic for some campgrounds. "Standard GPS directions for this campground are wrong, (coming from 15N they have you turn right at the end of the ramp, you need to turn left) So plot your route before you go," warns a visitor to Jellystone Park.
Variable water quality: Water sources at some campgrounds may contain sediment. Filtration is recommended by multiple reviewers across several parks.
Steep access roads: Canyon Country Campground and others have challenging approaches. "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," notes one reviewer.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies dramatically between rv parks near Arnot, Pennsylvania. "No cell service, which is refreshing. The sound of the creek nearby is really soothing," mentions a visitor to Worlds End State Park, highlighting the digital disconnect many campers appreciate.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Stony Fork Creek Campground provides numerous recreation options. "The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals," shares one family.
Consider site location: Worlds End State Park Campground offers varying levels of privacy. "Sites 65 and 66 look like the best ones available, as they are up off the road a bit so they have a bit more privacy," recommends a repeat visitor who prefers quieter family camping.
Wildlife awareness: Multiple campgrounds report wildlife encounters. "There is a lot of wildlife around. Many raccoons too so you must stow your food in the evening," notes a camper at Leonard Harrison State Park, reminding families to secure food items properly.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Finding level sites can be challenging at some Arnot-area rv campgrounds. "Sites are not very level nor private, but the staff is great and the grounds are walking distance to the canyon," reports an RVer who stayed at Canyon Country Campground.
Campsite measurements: Verify site dimensions directly with campgrounds. "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," advises a camper at Jellystone Park.
Year-round options: Scenic View Campground LLC remains open throughout winter while most rv parks near Arnot close seasonally. "The campground is under new ownership and is being renovated. The pool and cabins are being replaced. The camper lots hook ups could use an upgrade," notes a recent visitor, indicating ongoing improvements to year-round facilities.
