Best Camping near Athens, PA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Athens, PA (109)

    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    1. Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    86 Reviews
    302 Photos
    614 Saves
    Watkins Glen, New York

    Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Rim trails overlook the gorge. Camping near Watkins Glen allows you to enjoy the Olympic-size pool, scheduled summer tours through the gorge, tent and trailer campsites, picnic facilities and excellent fishing in nearby Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek, which is renowned for its annual spring run of rainbow trout.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

    2. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

    67 Reviews
    242 Photos
    532 Saves
    Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania

    Boasting 22 named waterfalls amid old-growth forest and deeply-incised canyons, Rickett’s Glen State Park encompasses more than 13,000 acres around a high bluff known as the Allegheny Front. On top of the bluff, several lakes—Lake Jean being the largest—are the source of the many creeks that tumble down the canyons and create the spectacular falls. The area was mostly logged out in the early 1900s by the landowner, R. Bruce Ricketts, before he decided to preserve the woodlands in the falls’ three glens. Following efforts to turn the area into a national park in the 1930s failed, he began selling the land to the state of Pennsylvania, who turned the area into a state park in 1944. The park is now a year-round destination for camping, hiking, fishing, bird-watching, paddling, skiing and ice climbing. Just an hour’s drive west of Scranton, the campground at Rickett’s Glen offers 120 drive-in campsites in two areas near the shore of Lake Jean. Sites can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 40 feet; some sites are ADA accessible, and a few group camps are available. Hookups are not available, but there is a dump station outside the camping area. Facilities in the campgrounds include restrooms with showers, drinking water, an amphitheater, a trail to the lake’s beach, and a designated dog area. The Big Loop campground also has five deluxe cottages available to rent. In a separate area, there are 10 cabins available, as well as a boat ramp (rentals available) and snack bar. Campsite rates range from $15–$20/night; cabins and cottages range from $60–$115/night. The most popular activity at Rickett’s Glen is to hike through the three waterfall glens. This can be done via several looping trails ranging from 3.4 miles to 7.2 miles. Two trailheads are located above the falls, from the lakes area, and one is located below the falls, from PA Route 118. Other summer activities in the park include paddling and fishing on Lake Jean, or just soaking up the sun at the beach. An onsite naturalist offers guided walks, nature activities and interpretive programs. There are also limited hunting opportunities. If visiting during the winter season, many of the trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Ice fishing is popular, as is ice climbing on the waterfalls. Check the park’s website for off-season services, accessibility, and ice climbing requirements.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $15 - $150 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Worlds End State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Worlds End State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Worlds End State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Worlds End State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Worlds End State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Worlds End State Park Campground

    4. Worlds End State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    110 Photos
    240 Saves
    Forksville, Pennsylvania

    Warm showers and flush toilets

    This activity or structure is ADA accessible.

    A 70-site tent and trailer campground is located along PA 154, one mile east of the park office. Half of the campsites have electric hookups.

    Water and shower houses are within a short distance of all sites.

    A sanitary dumping station is available for emptying travel trailer holding tanks.

    Pets are permitted at designated sites.

    The campground is closed in the winter.

    The 19 rustic cabins are available for rent year round. Rentals are for one week periods during the summer, and two-night minimum stays in the off-season.

    Organized Group Tenting

    Qualified, non-profit, organized groups can camp in the rustic group tenting area year-round.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Robert H. Treman State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Robert H. Treman State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Robert H. Treman State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Robert H. Treman State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Robert H. Treman State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Robert H. Treman State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickories Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickories Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickories Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickories Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickories Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickories Park Campground

    6. Hickories Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    24 Photos
    28 Saves
    Owego, New York

    **Cash or Check payments only

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground

    7. Buttermilk Falls State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    40 Photos
    177 Saves
    Ithaca, New York

    Just a few miles southwest of downtown Ithaca, NY, Buttermilk Falls State Park is 811 acres of shady woods, wetland meadows, and no less than 10 waterfalls cascading down a narrow gorge toward Cayuga Lake. It also makes a great place for camping near New York. The park was designated in 1924, yet its namesake cascade, Buttermilk Falls, was named as early as 1866, as it was likened to “a mass of thick, frothy foam” as it tumbles down a 165-foot slab of layered stone. This makes Buttermilk Falls the park’s main attraction, and the wide pool beneath the falls is a popular swimming hole for cooling off in the summer months. The park’s many other falls, ranging in height from 5 to 35 feet, are viewable from some of the 5.5 miles of hiking trails along the Buttermilk Creek gorge. The park offers free guided gorge tours and interpretive programs.

    The campground at Buttermilk Falls is small, offering only 25 tent and RV sites and 18 rental cabins. Campsites are mostly back-in, and can accommodate vehicles/trailers only to a maximum of 20 feet. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and fire pits; hookups are not available. Of the cabins available, visitors can choose from historic cabins with electricity and modern cabins sans electricity. There is one ADA accessible campsite and cabin available. Campground amenities include a bathhouse with showers, a picnic shelter, and a trash/recycling station. A trailhead in the campground provides walking access to the park’s trail network, viewpoints, playground and ball fields. Dogs are permitted, but must remain leashed, and only in pet-friendly areas. Campsite rates are $15–$24/night; cabins are $52–$60/night with two-night minimum. The park also charges an entry fee.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen / Corning KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen / Corning KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen / Corning KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen / Corning KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen / Corning KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen / Corning KOA

    8. Watkins Glen / Corning KOA

    17 Reviews
    40 Photos
    50 Saves
    Montour Falls, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Ives Run
    Camper-submitted photo from Ives Run
    Camper-submitted photo from Ives Run
    Camper-submitted photo from Ives Run
    Camper-submitted photo from Ives Run
    Camper-submitted photo from Ives Run

    9. Ives Run

    15 Reviews
    30 Photos
    142 Saves
    Middlebury Center, Pennsylvania

    Overview

    Ives Run Campground sits on the eastern shore of Hammond Lake in north-central Pennsylvania. Surrounded by lush forested ridges, the lake offers recreation for the entire family, including picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, hunting and wildlife watching. Ives Run, with its beach and grassy sunning area, is a great place for kids of any age. The facility has campsites as well as group picnic shelters that can be reserved for family reunions, company picnics, neighborhood gatherings and other group events.

    Recreation

    Tioga-Hammond Lakes offer a variety of outdoor activities. With a boat ramp and overnight mooring, campers can easily spend time on the water. Anglers seek out record crappie, giant musky, striped, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye and channel catfish. The fields and forests around the lakes are popular destinations for both local and out-of-state hunters looking for large and small game species native to the eastern hardwood forests. Four hiking trails, each offering something different, can be accessed from this facility. Near the visitor center, archers use the mile-long Archery Trail, which has targets and tree stands.

    Natural Features

    The partially forested campground sits in the pristine setting of the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny Plateau in the Appalachian Mountains. The Tioga-Hammond Lakes Project consists of two separate dams and reservoirs. The surrounding land paints a scenic picture of rolling mountains and open fields.

    Contact Info

    This location has limited staffing. Please call (570) 835-5281 for general information.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Reservations to include any reservation changes, such as cancel, refund requests, site transfer, or date changes cannot be made at facility location.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $40 - $100 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Park Station Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Park Station Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Park Station Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Park Station Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Park Station Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Park Station Campground

    10. Park Station Campground

    7 Reviews
    10 Photos
    28 Saves
    Erin, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 109 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Athens

Recent Reviews in Athens

554 Reviews of 109 Athens Campgrounds


  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
    Nov. 5, 2024

    Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

    Comfortable, family oriented, close proximity to lake

    The campground is on a peninsula surrounded by a lake. The larger loop (non electric) sites are more spacious, level and shady. The smaller loop with RV hook ups are more barren. Sites are neat, tidy, and well stocked. Flush toilets. The showers are free but pressure was way too high and water not warm enough. Many families and young campers but CG was quiet at night. There is access to major trails including Ricketts Glen Falls. I did not have cell service with T Mobile.

  • Aegon T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
    Nov. 3, 2024

    Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

    Incredible Experience

    I visited Ricketts Glen State Park last year, and it was an incredible experience! The natural beauty of the park is breathtaking, especially with the waterfalls along the Falls Trail– a must-do hike for anyone visiting. The trail is challenging but so worth it; the views are unmatched. I stayed in one of the campsites, which offered a nice level of privacy and had clean facilities, including showers and well-maintained restrooms. Lake Jean was also a highlight, with opportunities for kayaking and swimming, perfect for cooling off after a day of hiking. I'd recommend visiting during the week to avoid the crowds. Truly a perfect spot for anyone looking to escape into nature!

    Retro Bowl Pro

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Taughannock Falls State Park Campground
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

    Great little campground

    Pulled back and punted bc of Storm Debbie. Lucked out with a find in the Finger Lakes. Nice campground. Has everything you need. Small sites but fine for our hybrid. Ours was shady. Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you’ll need extra long cords. Just beautiful area. Hiked here. Drove to Watkins Glen-hiked-absolutely breathtaking. That campground is much larger. Went to Buttermilk Falls too.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen State Park Campground
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Favorite State Park Spot

    I love that despite there being so many sites, you don’t feel on top of each other in Seneca Village. It’s a state campground so don’t expect it to be anything close to dispersed camping. Trees separated me from my neighbors on either side, woods behind my tent, lots of quiet, no one blasted music or anything like that. I woke up to seeing trees above me and hearing birds. The bathroom was clean, with multiple ways to enter it without going near someone else’s site. The campground felt safe, and you are able to buy firewood (I didn’t due to quite a bit of rain). To get to the gorge trail, you have to walk over to the next site (Oswego I think) but it’s not too far. I would most likely stay at that loop next time though because it seemed to have even more space on each site. I didn’t see any bears and asked a few workers but only one had seen a bear the entire time they’ve been there. Definitely recommend this location. Lots of beautiful trails, red cat wine slushies were delicious, grounds were fun to explore and people were either friendly or kept to themselves which was great. Super dog friendly and I met many of them! Just a note, dogs are NOT allowed on the gorge trail.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

    Amazing campground

    Very well maintained. Some sites are close and some a spread out. About half of them are in the sun and half get shade all day. I switched sites after a day to get some solar charging. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets. Sign in near bathrooms on arrival. Dogs must be on a leash but I found a spot down the hill to the south where there are no campsites to let them play fetch for a bit.

  • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Foster Pond Camping Area
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Foster Pond Camping Area

    Relaxed Free Dispersed Camping

    Right at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop road in the Finger Lakes National Forest. If heading North on Potomac Road, turn left at the intersection and you’ll find a parking lot. Into the woods around the Lake you’ll find free dispersed camping.

    My mom and I stayed just in the parking lot and had no issues and weren’t bothered. NO AMENITIES

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Quiet and secluded

    Camped here for a one night stay. Campground was easy to locate and the road was in good shape.

    We stayed in the space across from the port-a-pottie. The other camping spaces we close enough to see their campfire at night but far enough away that it's still quiet.

    Campsites are level and long enough for a very small trailer. The trees are so thick we could not feed our solar panel.

    Site has no water, no garbage service and no phone signal.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Aug. 25, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Nice Rustic Campground

    We came into the camping area on a Sunday and found site 7 available. While this is next to the road, it is also within 40 yards of the only potta potty in the park.

    About 100 yards away was the public fishing dock and another camp site. There were two young men fishing there at about 7 PM.

    There is no water or garbage services at this site. Most camping spots are ideal for tents or very small campers or trailers.

    The camp sites I saw all seemed to be large and level spots all located beneath the tree canopy. Sites seemed disbursed enough to provide a modest level of privacy.

    Would rate 5 stars if it had water and a garbage dumpster.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Excellent Free Site

    No show but decent bathrooms. I spent a night at Watkins Glen the only advantage was the shower. But you can wash up well here. You can stay horses here, each site has a fire pit and it feels safe.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Aug. 16, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Great for Dispersed Camping!

    I was initially worried about the other people camping here because I was almost immediately visited by them but the poor kids just needed to charge their phone so I obliged. Aside from that this was a short drive in and I was able to score a spot right on the pond next to a dock. People have driven in to fish and kayak so I don’t feel isolated and afraid, and I am just a few steps away from sitting on the dock and admiring the scenery.

    There is a port-a-potty near the entrance but otherwise a “leave no trace” situation which is fine considering the ample forest coverage in case there is someone who drives in.

    Each spot seems to have plenty of shade and access to downed firewood, and it looks like there are fire pits at each site. Lots of good tinder left over from previous guests which has been helpful.

    Beautiful views, quiet, no insect issues so far, and if I had a rod and reel I wouldn’t need to worry for food at all. T-Mobile service has been exceptional as well. I am planning on staying here for a week or more and I see no reason to find another location as there is no fee or permit needed and you can stay up to 14 days I believe.

  • Greg W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Stony Fork Creek Campground
    Aug. 2, 2024

    Stony Fork Creek Campground

    Great experience

    We arrived on Saturday and departed the following Friday. The campground was exceptionally maintained, bathrooms and showers virtually spotless and the pool was clearly and consistently maintained at all times. Plenty of space to spread out and walk. All of the roads were paved and sites were very large.

  • Craig F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Finger Lakes RV Resort
    Jul. 31, 2024

    Finger Lakes RV Resort

    Quiet and Relaxing

    Amazing RV park!I can't stop talking about the Finger Lakes RV park and the great experience we had there. FLRV opened in the last couple years and is a great addition to the camping options around the Finger Lakes. Located about 1/3 of the way up the eastern side of Seneca Lake, the location provides easy access to the wineries, distilleries, and breweries along the lake.

    This is a family owned campground and the owners were very friendly and took pride in their business. Fresh baked chocolate chip cookies are included at check-in. The campground sites are very large and spread out. Being a newer campground, the trees are small, but that did not take away from the experience. Easy maneuverability, great wifi and water pressure, along with level sites make it a great place to stay. The bath house is immaculate and rivals those at Fort Wilderness Resort. 

    Amenities are minimal(no pool, playground, or golf carts), but they are bookended by two wineries with walking paths from the campground. Due to the minimal amenities, it is very quiet and relaxing especially in the evenings sitting around the campfire. 

    I look forward to returning to the Finger Lakes RV park as this is easily one of our top campgrounds when needing to relax.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Amazing campsite!!

    Stopped in to "ride out a rain storm." After surviving the night, we discovered all the amenities. Free garbage service daily, Water faucets were placed all over the campground. There is a Forest Fire Lookout Tower next to the bathrooms.

    Camp sites are disbursed so you don't feel crowded or squeezed for space.

    Weekends are very busy but weekdays there were no more than 7 or 8 campsites occupied each night.

    The horse stalls were used regularly and seeing horses coming and going on trail rides is a daily occurrence.

  • V
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

    A must do

    This is one of the best camping experiences we've had. This state park has so much to offer and the campground is very nice. The campsites are really good, most of them fairly private and level. There are some pull through sites for big rigs but those don't have trees and are not private. We had a site with power for our small trailer and it was fantastic. The bathrooms were kept very clean and they had 4 showers so we never had to wait. There is absolutely no cell service, however, and we had to go all the way down the mountain to get texts or make calls. The trails are very well maintained. If you want to do the Falls Trail ( 21 beautiful waterfalls), it is quite challenging. We were glad to have trecking poles and hiking boots. It took us over 4 hours to do the entire hike. There is a nice beach for swimming, the lake felt clean and wasn't too cold in July. Lake Jean is nice to kayak and there are quite a few tent sites you can launch your watercraft from, as well as 2 public launch sites. I was worried about the weather because it was 98 degrees in NJ but as the park is up in elevation, we did not get over the mid 80's the whole time we were there and the mornings were quite cool. I definitely recommend this park. It does get very busy on weekends so if you can stay during the week it's much nicer.

  • Matt S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Finger Lakes RV Resort
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Finger Lakes RV Resort

    Great for Waterfalls & Wine!

    We stayed at Finger Lakes RV Resort in Hector, a short drive from Watkins Glen and Ithaca, in search of waterfalls and wine in the Finger Lakes region of NY state. 

    This is a fairly new campground, operated by a friendly husband and wife who show great pride in the condition and cleanliness of every square inch. 

    THINGS I ESPECIALLY LIKED: 

    • Easy drive to Watkins Glen, Lake Seneca, Ithaca, and the greater Finger Lakes region. 

    • Everything is in great condition and clean. 

    • Daily trash and recycling pick-up from each site. 

    • Walking paths from the campground to two different wineries. 

    • Really nice pavilion for group gatherings and watching the sunset. 

    • We experienced a severe thunderstorm one evening which resulted in an area-wide power outage that lasted a couple days. Of course, the campground had no responsibility or control over this situation, but they refunded everybody a night’s stay as a courtesy. Thanks, Rachael and Doug! 

    THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: 

    • This campground does not offer a pool, jump pad, sports facilities, amenities, or activities. They offer a clean and safe place to stay while visiting the area. For me, this is a positive, not a complaint. 

    • There’s no shade from trees or otherwise. If you’re visiting during the summer, be sure your air conditioning and awnings are working. 

    • They sell firewood and propane. 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    • Absolutely, this is a great place to stay for wine and waterfalls.
  • Michael G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
    Jul. 13, 2024

    Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

    Mostly Rustic Camping with Great Hikes

    The campground is mostly rustic with no hookups, but there are some electric and full hookup sites. Best ones don't have hookups. Have to do the Falls Hike. It's a fairly challenging hike and gets very busy on weekends and past noon, but its a must do.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Salt Springs State Park Campground
    Jun. 29, 2024

    Salt Springs State Park Campground

    Unique park with unique natural features

    This park is technically a “state park” because the land for it was donated to the state for public use. However, once the state became the official stewards, there werent funds in the state budget to maintain it as a park. A lical group, the Friends of Salt Springs, stepped up and offered to maintain the park with funds raised by their group. The result is a small but unique property open to the public for day use (picnicking and hiking and fishing) along with 2 small rustic campgrounds. One campground has a large open mowed grassy meadow with level sites for car camping or small campers, no hookups are available but each site has a fire ring and picnic table. On the other side of the parks trout stream are seven secluded primitive hike-in tent sites along with three basic camper cabins. The Friends of Salt Springs makes a good effort to maintain these two rustic campgrounds, however it seems there isnt a ranger on site at night so a camper said the meadow campground can get a little noisy some nights. The hike in sites are relatively quiet and secluded though, and are positioned nicely along the stream, one site actually adjacent to a good swimming hole.

    The camper cabins are basic with bunks, bring all your own gear. They are fairly new and have electricity but no water or heat.

    On the grounds in the day use area are picnic spits, a pavilion, and an activity barn. When I was there, the barn was featuring a local quilt show.

    The special aspect of this park are the hiking trails through old growth hemlock forest, said to be the largest hemlocks in Pennsylvania. The trout stream also cascades through some some waterfalls, and there are gorges with unique geology.

    There is a village nearby with limited supplies, you may want to stock up on groceries before heading out to this somewhat remote park. There is, however, a local brewery, plus an odd coffee shop featuring both donuts and ammo, an unusual combination…..

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen State Park Campground
    Jun. 29, 2024

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Nice campground and beautiful gorge

    Site is sloped, shaded and right next to the bathrooms and water spigot. ATT coverage is decent. Other side of the bathrooms is access to the gorge trails. Pets are not allowed on the gorge trail itself but the rim and other trails are fine.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Pond Campground
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Long Pond Campground

    Long Pond

    Some of the other state forests in the area are really nice, so I had high hopes for Long Pond but was disappointed. Long Pond is located in a state forest west of Smithfield Flats and Greene NY, and many locals come to Long Pond for fishing. The pond is quite large compared to other area pinds, and three are three accesses for fishing: a regular boat launch with parking lot and dock, a carry-in kayak access near campsite 6, and a handicapped accessible fishing puer near campsite 1. All seem to be very popular, and the lake is very scrnic and very productive for fisherman. The camping situation is a little strange though. Campsite 1 is adjacent to the handicapped fishing pier, and is supposedly an accessible campsite. Though an all terrain wheelchair could navigate from car to campsite, a regular one could not due to gravel. In addition, there is no outhouse by the site, only one quite a ways down the lake. Also, the parking area at this campsite seems to be a major party spot as beer cans were thrown all over and even in the water. It was sad to see this. The other campsites nearby are not located in a distinct campground, but are strung out along the shoreline clise to the highways, each with its own driveway right off the highway, which creates a lake of privacy as passersby can quite easily pop right in off the highway. This doesnt seem real secure, and some if the campsites closest to the road had evidence of driveby garbage dumpers who popped in and dumped household garbage right in a couple of the campsites. In addition, the relatively new outhouse installed near the middle of the camping area has been vandalized and damaged already. Its a shame to see this, as otherwise the campsites are large and shaded and well spaced from each other and close to the pond. But I wouldnt want to camp here given the garbage and security and vandalism issues. Also, other than fishing there isnt much too do as there arent designated hiking trails here, though you could drive a few miles away to access some truck trails that are in another part of the state forest. Get a map of the forest from the website ahead of time though, as the info kiosk has been damaged and all info and signs and maps are missing!

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chenango County Cook Park
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Chenango County Cook Park

    Hike in to the lean-to!

    This is a small county park and campground located east of Greene NY. It gets a lot if day use for fishing, hiking and picnicking. There is also a wooded campground, mostly RV’s and some tents. The sites are a bit crowded in, though the trees provide shade. For folks planning a group campout or family reunion, this would be a good option. For a solo camper who wants a bit if solitude, there is a better and super-nice option—the hike-in lean-to! Its a short hike in, and it is lively, well built shelter and nice fire pit. The small lake that is central to the park has nicely mowed shoreline paths around it, and the hiking trails in the woods are not brushy, but you still should be on the lookout for ticks. Price is reasonable compared to other area campgrounds, and you could access several other state forests and parks in the area for hiking etc note: though you can fish and paddle here, there is no swimming allowed!

  • P
    Camper-submitted photo from Taughannock Falls State Park Campground
    Jun. 20, 2024

    Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

    Below average SP campground

    As for RV camping, this place is outdated. Sites are on top of one another, but some have good shade. Ours, site 6 didn't. Really can't walk to beach area or store. Cheap enough at $25. T-storms knocked out power overnight.

  • Janet R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lackawanna State Park Campground
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Lackawanna State Park Campground

    Something for everyone!

    This is an amazing state park that has something for everyone. There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails. There are several campgrounds, with tremendous variety for every camping style. There are standard car camping tent sites, RV sites, and yurts and camper cabins. For those who like more rustic options, there are hike-in sites that are beautiful and not far from the parking area. The campsites are nestled in a deep shady mature forest, and peaceful and quiet due to the wooded aspect and spacing of sites (at least for me, in September in a hike-in site not far from the regular campground). It is nice to have such a fine camping and outdoor recreation opportunity within an easy drive of the city of Clarks Summit, so probably a great weekend getaway for local folks, but a wonderful stopover for anyone on a road trip through northern PA as it is not far off Interstate 81. I was there only one day, but would like to be back to explore the trails!



Guide to Athens

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.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Watkins Glen State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The access to Watkins Glen! My site was in Loop D which has a direct hiking trail to the trail along Watkins Glen!"
  • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming and kayaking at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "There is a nice beach for swimming, the lake felt clean and wasn't too cold in July."
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Worlds End State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "Great hiking and vistas. Beautiful river and great fishing."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review from Ricketts Glen State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms were kept very clean and they had 4 showers so we never had to wait."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy campsites. A visitor at Sampson State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are generous in size but the power poles are between sites and are often more than 20’ away."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Watkins Glen / Corning KOA offer plenty of activities for kids. One family said, "The campground and showers were clean... there were some things that didn't work... but the area was absolutely gorgeous."

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Worlds End State Park Campground noted, "Absolutely no cell service, however, and we had to go all the way down the mountain to get texts or make calls."
  • Booking in Advance: Popular spots fill up quickly. A reviewer at Sampson State Park Campground advised, "Book quickly because they fill up fast and then you’re waiting for cancellations."
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. One camper at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground mentioned, "I was worried about the weather... but as the park is up in elevation, we did not get over the mid 80's the whole time we were there."

Tips for camping with families

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Taughannock Falls State Park Campground said, "The sites are not very large but sufficient."
  • Bring Extension Cords: Some sites have power poles far from the pads. A camper at Sampson State Park Campground advised, "Electric service boxes are shared in-between sites."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of the local attractions. A visitor at Watkins Glen State Park Campground shared, "The area was absolutely gorgeous... we hiked so many waterfalls."

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

  • What camping is available near Athens, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Athens, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near Athens, PA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Athens, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Athens, PA is Watkins Glen State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 86 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Athens, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Athens, PA.

  • What parks are near Athens, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Athens, PA that allow camping, notably Tioga-Hammond Lakes and Cowanesque Lake.