Stephen R.
Guide
GuideRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
RV Camping near Athens, PA
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Several RV campgrounds operate within 30 miles of Athens, Pennsylvania. Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground in Rome provides full hookup sites with 50-amp service on gravel pads that accommodate large motorhomes. Aspen Family Campground in Candor offers both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical connections with water and sewer hookups on big-rig friendly sites. Most RV parks in the region maintain gravel roads with pull-through sites available for easier access. Hickories Park Campground near Owego features water and electric connections with dump station access, though reservations are not accepted. "The bathhouses were clean and well maintained, and we had plenty of space for our 35-foot class A even though our site was rated for smaller rigs," noted one visitor.
During peak summer months, RV parks throughout the northern Pennsylvania region operate at full capacity, particularly on weekends. While Pine Cradle Lake provides reliable amenities including showers, restrooms and a sanitary dump station, cell service remains spotty across much of the rural terrain. Navigation to some facilities requires driving narrow country roads with moderate elevation changes. Most parks welcome pets with proper documentation, though specific restrictions may apply. A review mentioned that "sites are nice size, but seasonal campers occupy many of the premium lakeside spots." Propane is generally not available on-site at most area campgrounds, requiring trips to nearby towns for refills.
Best RV Campgrounds near Athens (119)
1. Pine Valley RV Park & Campground
"They have hayrides in the summer and swimming in the lake. Lakeside sites are spacious and reasonably priced. The owners are always accessible."
"The staff, the grounds, the amenities made me wish we were closer. So many things for kids to do. From boating, to giant swimming inflatables, putt putt even a giant slide."
2. Finger Lakes RV Resort
"It's still nice to be on the outskirts. We also chose this section per a review we read to be away from the main road noise, but there really isn't much road noise to worry about, anyway."
"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. "
Check Availabilityfrom $80 - $89 / night
3. Lawton - RV park with hookup
Check Availabilityfrom $40 / night
4. Spruce Row Campground
5. Aspen Family Campground
"The pond is beautiful, it was quiet and just relaxing. The kids had a great time. The bathroom and shower house are very rustic which i loved. The owners were super nice and accomidating."
6. Dockside Lane RV
7. Lake Front Campsite !!!
"This campground has access to a private no motor lake for a calm day on the water. Check them out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!"
Check Availabilityfrom $88 / night
8. Park Station Campground
"Convenient location to explore the Finger Lakes. 30-40 minutes from Watkins Glen, Ithaca and Corning."
"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."
9. Gardner Hill Campground
"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."
10. Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground
"Restrooms/showers are immaculate any time of day. Heated swimming pool and the splash pad for kiddies is spotless as well. Nice, pull-through on gravel pad withfull-hookups that can take large rigs."
"Great family campground, decent sized sites, many lake side sites, very clean bathrooms/ showers. Several playgrounds, heated pool, pet friendly with shots paperwork."
Drive Time
- 17 min from Elmira, NY
- 39 min from Binghamton, NY
- 47 min from Ithaca, NY
- 1 hr 20 min from Williamsport, PA
Recent RV Camping Photos near Athens, PA
107 Photos of 119 Athens Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground
Hickories Park Campground
Ferenbaugh CampgroundM
Lakeside Campground
Finger Lakes RV ResortR
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Robert H. Treman State Park Campground
Spruce Row Campsite
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Pioneer Campground
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RV Park Reviews near Athens, PA
563 Reviews of 119 Athens Campgrounds
Nancy W.
LegendRobert H. Treman State Park Campground
Beautiful waterfalls!
This is a really great state park which has a nice campground, beautiful scenery, interesting attractions nearby, and great hiking trails. The biggest attraction are the 12 waterfalls in the park. Some are easy, short walks, and others are moderate and longer. The Rim and Gorge Trails make a loop which makes for a really good workout with lots of stairs and elevation change. Personally, I think the views from the Gorge Trail are better. Or, you can park in the upper lot and walk down (approximately 1/3 mile) to see Lucifer Falls and walk back. Fall is a great time to visit and enhances the views.
All campsites are back-in and have fire pits and picnic tables. Some are in the open(#49-72)with a scattering of trees, while others are tucked in the woods with lots of shade. The open sites are much easier for big rigs to navigate and back into. There is no water or sewer at sites but water spigots are located throughout the campground and the dump station is easy to access on your way out and has a dedicated water fill station away from the dump site. Our site (#52) was open which we appreciated in because the fall weather was cool and we had a clear sky for Dish satelitte. The pad was gravel and level. The patio is grass and there is nice distance between you and your neighbors Some sites are dry camping and other have electric that varies from 30 or 50-amp and the price reflects which you choose. Our site was electric only (50-amp which worked well) and we were close enough to a shared water spigot so we could add water. There are signs that say you can only hookup to the spigots for five minutes and “Y” connectors are not allowed. Swimming is allowed in the pools and river but has certain daily hours and is only open from late-June to Labor Day. Your receipt and park pass allow you access to other NY state parks in the area. Definitely check out Buttermilk Falls State Park which is just a couple of miles away and has nice hiking trails and more beautiful waterfalls. We visited the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (which is free) and has interesting exhibits, short films, and hiking trails.
- SSean A.
ScoutFinger Lakes RV Resort
Another fantastic stay at Finger Lakes RV Resort! This continues to be one of our absolute favorite campgrounds, and visiting during the fall made it even more special. The changing leaves and beautiful fall colors throughout the Finger Lakes were incredible.
As always, the campground was beautifully maintained, exceptionally clean, and peaceful, with spacious sites and gorgeous views. The family that owns and operates the resort is incredibly friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. You can really tell how much pride they take in the property and in making sure their guests have a great experience.
We had a wonderful time exploring the area this trip. We hiked Watkins Glen Gorge and Buttermilk Falls Gorge, both absolutely stunning with the fall foliage. We also visited Watkins Glen International Raceway, enjoyed some great food and drinks at Grist Iron Brewing, and spent time at Hector Wine Company and Red Newt Cellars. The wineries were fantastic, and we especially appreciated how welcoming and dog-friendly the area was.
The location really is hard to beat, with so many great hikes, wineries, breweries, restaurants, and attractions just a short drive away. It’s a wonderful destination for families traveling with young children and dogs.
We always look forward to coming back to Finger Lakes RV Resort, and this visit was no exception. Between the beautiful campground, wonderful owners, and everything the Finger Lakes has to offer, it’s a place we never get tired of visiting. Already looking forward to our next stay!
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Beautiful Falls!
What a great campground! We stayed here on a recommendation from a friend after the Overland Expo. Great hiking trails and the falls were absolutely breathtaking. Truly enjoyed our stay and plan to return!
- WWill W.Guide
Lackawanna State Park Campground
Car camping
Stayed October 14 without reservations because website showed lots of availability. Office was closed (M-F 8-4) so submitted honor system envelope with cash and stayed at Site 041 on Carpenter loop. Shower building was a short walk and was spacious enough. Water temp didn’t quite reach hot but was warm enough.
Electric kept on tripping breaker.
- RRobert L.
TravelerWatkins Glen State Park Campground
Great Car Camping Stay
Spent a peaceful night car camping in site 151. Beautiful trees, nice shower houses, quiet neighbors. Just a beautiful and very affordable - $32 - stay. We’ll be back whenever we pass this way.
- kkeith R.Scout
Stony Fork Creek Campground
Great location
Second trip here. Everything you need. Peaceful, large open areas with sites in sun and shade nestled in small valley surrounded by forest,
- llori T.Traveler
Blueberry Patch Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests
Very nice
Stopped for one night while traveling upstate and usually dispersed camping but it was getting late so we stopped in.
MJ W.GuideTaughannock Falls State Park Campground
Great Place to camp
This was a great camping trip! We had site 29, nice spot with the North Rim trail right behind our site. Trails are beautiful. Restroom and shower close. You do need to be careful, lots of oaks trees and falling acorns! Easily dings you car hood, watch where you park. Close to down town for a visit to the awesome farmers market in Ithaca.
Guide to Athens
Camping options near Athens, Pennsylvania concentrate in rural settings where cell service remains inconsistent. Located in Bradford County with elevations ranging from 700-1,100 feet, the area experiences distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 82°F. Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with limited services during spring and fall shoulder seasons.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground offers catch-and-release fishing without requiring a Pennsylvania fishing license. "My son caught 2 sunfish," reported a visitor. The lake also attracts wildlife, with another camper noting "the turtles are eager to help themselves to your bait."
Vineyard exploration: Several campgrounds position campers near local wineries. Finger Lakes RV Resort connects directly to vineyard experiences. "They are bookended by two wineries with walking paths from the campground," writes one reviewer. Another mentions the "easy access to the wineries, distilleries, and breweries along the lake."
Outdoor swimming: Swimming areas vary across facilities, with some offering natural and others providing constructed options. "The heated pool and splash pad for kiddies is spotless," notes a visitor about Pine Cradle Lake. At Park Station Campground, "Water is very shallow however, so not the best place for swimming for older kids and there is no pool, but there are life guards and plenty of depth for young kids."
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Hickories Park Campground receives consistent praise for upkeep. "The campground is well maintained, the porta potty in the tent area was very clean," states one reviewer. Another adds that "green grass perfect space for kids to play" characterizes the grounds.
Natural water features: Several campgrounds feature lake or river access. Lake Front Campsite offers "access to a private no motor lake for a calm day on the water." A Hickories Park visitor appreciated "serenity next to the river" and "some of the best river access there is to paddle through a great small town."
Kid-focused amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds concentrates on family entertainment. "Two playgrounds, a pool, two jumping pillows, mini train, carousel, and activities. Good for bike riding although hilly," explains one camper. Another notes, "The big playground is new and very nice. The small one is mainly two very big playsets (pirate ship and castle)."
What you should know
Site differences: Campgrounds offer varying site configurations. At Aspen Family Campground, sites accommodate big rigs with 50-amp hookups. At Spruce Row Campground, a reviewer warned about crowding: "The campground is primarily seasonal sites and the sites are very close together."
Access challenges: Navigation to some rv campgrounds near Athens, Pennsylvania requires attention. For Yogi Bear's Jellystone, "Standard GPS directions for this campground are wrong... The entry road to the campground itself is a very steep, narrow road with a small curve at the top." At Park Station, "Sites are gravel so tent fixing is Hard."
Reservation timing: Popular weekends book quickly. For Pine Cradle Lake, "Get your reservations in early though weekends for lakeside sites are booked super fast!" At Hickories Park, no reservations are accepted, as it operates on "first come first serve" basis.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly camping loops: Selecting the right location within a campground improves the family experience. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone, one family recommends "the outer part of the loop that circles the common areas. Woods and shade but very close to all the happenings."
Activity planning: Structured activities vary by season and day of week. "Very quiet during the week, but fills up on weekends with guests using own (or renting) golf carts. Activities on weekends," notes a Pine Cradle Lake visitor. At Park Station Campground, "There is also a newer and good sized playground in the day visit area."
Digital detox preparation: Limited connectivity characterizes many area campgrounds. At Pine Cradle Lake, a family appreciated the disconnect: "There is very very little cell reception and only wifi if you pay for it. We had to put our phones and devices down and just relax."
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: When booking at rv campgrounds around Athens, Pennsylvania, experienced RVers suggest requesting specific information. For Yogi Bear's Jellystone, a camper advised, "The camp map is close but not very accurate, so calling them to book if you have any questions is the way to go."
Seasonal considerations: RV campers report varying experiences throughout the camping season. At Finger Lakes RV Resort, "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."
Facility availability: RV campers should verify specific amenities before arrival. Many campgrounds have limited or specific shower arrangements. At Pine Cradle Lake, "The restrooms/showers are immaculate any time of day," while Finger Lakes RV Resort has a bath house that "rivals those at Fort Wilderness Resort."
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular RV campsite near Athens, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Athens, PA is Pine Valley RV Park & Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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