Athens is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Athens camping trip.
"The tent sites are located in the back of the campground behind the sports field within the trees. I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to see them but they have them pictured on their website."
"Great family campground, decent sized sites, many lake side sites, very clean bathrooms/ showers. Several playgrounds, heated pool, pet friendly with shots paperwork."
$20 - $58 / night
"I absolutely love coming to Watkins Glen Campground, especially when I went to get away from the busy city. This park has gorgeous waterfalls, and great paths to walk and hike on."
"There was one central bathroom/shower house, so if being close to a restroom is important, choose your site accordingly. Some of the campsites were quite a walk from the facilities. "
"i pulled in at about 6pm mid week, the ranger station was closed
drove around & found tent site 79 open, it's next to the river."
"Lovely but simple views all around and rolling green hills in the distance. Campground is well-kept and relatively modern but not particularly memorable. Nice little stopover on a road trip."
$17 - $81 / night
"Pretty self serve, rangers drive through often but never seems to be anyone at the check-in. You can reserve a site or a cabin, or you can show up after three and see what is open."
"I happened upon this campground by following the blue tent sign on the highway. No frills but very comfy and nice views. Don’t forget to look for the Peace sign."
"Sandy beach, man-made lake with enough space to swim, and boating to explore. Nice trail around the lake to walk or bike with a little difficulty."
"Convenient location to explore the Finger Lakes. 30-40 minutes from Watkins Glen, Ithaca and Corning."
$20 - $100 / night
"The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) is the 22 waterfalls!"
"Many of the sites looked close to the road and not very private but we were in site 63 which was pretty private(though we were lucky neighboring site 62 was empty)."
$20 - $68 / night
"The park has some good trails with amazing views, a beach area and Loyalsock creek. The campsite was a bit cramped and right next to the main road going in and out of the park."
"This is another Pennsylvania state park with excellent recycling facilities."
$20 - $128 / night
"The exception to this is cabin 14 which is a double cabin and is located near the playground and surrounded by standard electric camping sites."
"We stayed in site 35 which is a wooded site located at the end of a loop. It was one of the larger, more private sites; reserve it if it is available.
The park contains nine miles of hiking trails."
ScoutCampers arriving at Watkins Glen State Park are immediately captivated by its dramatic gorge scenery, where 19 waterfalls cascade through narrow stone walls. Their campsites are nestled among hardwood forests, offering a perfect balance of sunlit clearings and shady retreats. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, making it easy to prepare meals after a day spent exploring the park’s famous Gorge Trail. The park’s facilities blend rustic charm with modern comforts: clean flush toilets, hot-water showers, and convenient potable water stations. Hiking enthusiasts appreciate the interconnected trail system, which includes the popular Rim Trail for elevated views of the gorge, as well as more secluded footpaths through hemlock groves. Families particularly enjoy the nearby swimming pool and easy-access picnic areas overlooking Seneca Lake. To simplify travel logistics for out-of-state visitors, many campers opt to pre-book an airport transfer so they can arrive at Ithaca or Elmira–Corning Regional Airport and head straight to the park without the hassle of car rentals. Those planning to explore multiple stops along the Finger Lakes often choose the provider’s reliable city-to-city rides for comfortable, door-to-door transportation between destinations. All in all, Watkins Glen State Park delivers an unforgettable combination of awe-inspiring gorge hikes, well-appointed campsites, and family-friendly amenities. Campers seeking both adventure and relaxation will find this New York treasure hard to surpass.
TravelerArrived mid-afternoon, visitor center/Ranger office was closed, our reservation sheet was available in a mailbox near the door with instructions. No human contact. Park was not mowed, seemed a little rough & unattended. Our full hookup site was large with table and fire ring, and required some leveling. Not much shade in the full hookup loop, so was happy to have electricity for A/C. The beach was a little more than a half mile walk from our site.
GuideI stayed here July 4th. Was quiet at night. Really pretty. Bathrooms with actual toilets and running water! Register for overnight at bathroom building kiosk. Day visits just sign log
TravelerThis camp is full of nice people. Lots of dogs are here, and they bark all day and start again at 6:30 am. It's under new management and they are very helpful and knowledgeable people. Lots of great activities here! This camp keeps the kids and dogs busy!! The pool is clean and looks great. Hot showers and clean bathrooms.
ScoutLots of amenities and great location.
TravelerThe coordinates are wrong. Search for sugar hill fire tower and you’ll find it. (42.3868868, -77.0025425)
The place itself is really great.
TravelerThis campground is basically a big field surrounded by the forest. The sites are really nice, each one has a table with benches and a fire place. You can drive your car in here (gravel road). It has a toilet house.
TravelerBeautiful camp site with electricity. Close to lots of trails.
ScoutThe 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.
Camping near Athens, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Athens, PA, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Athens, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 138 campgrounds and RV parks near Athens, PA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Athens, PA is Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Athens, PA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Athens, PA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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