Tomlinson Run State Park Campground provides tent, RV, and cabin camping options 25 miles northeast of Avella. Located at an elevation of approximately 1,100 feet, this wooded area experiences typical Appalachian seasonal changes with warm summers averaging 80°F and cold winters. The campground operates from April through October with both primitive and developed sites available.
What to do
Fishing and boating at Atwood Lake Park: The lake offers multiple fishing spots with various species. "Nice to see sailboats on the lake. All new camping spots with full hookup. Grass is coming in nicely. Kids love the playgrounds and being able to bike or scoot all around," notes a visitor at Atwood Lake Park Campground.
Explore McConnell's Mill trails: Access hiking paths directly from your campsite. "There are designated fireplaces. It is quite a walk up the hill to the campground amenities, but worth it to feel secluded down by the creek. From our campsite we walked along the creek into McConnells Mill State Park and joined the covered bridge trail," reports a camper at Breakneck Campground.
Visit adventure attractions: Try ziplines and climbing activities nearby. "GrandVue has many things to do including games, climbing, and of course those huge zip lines (the longest over 2000 feet)," explains a reviewer about recreational options.
What campers like
Quiet wooded camping: Many campsites offer peaceful natural settings. "Tomlinson Run is a great state park with trails for hiking and biking. The campground is nice with clean bathrooms and showers," writes one reviewer about Tomlinson Run State Park Campground.
Privacy between sites: Some campgrounds feature well-spaced sites. "My girlfriend and I stayed at tent site 40 Friday August 9th and Saturday August 10th. Most of the sites were pretty private and ours was probably the most private and had a lot of space since we were on the very end of the road / cul-de-sac," mentions a visitor.
Lake access for recreation: Sites near water are popular. "We could leave our camper, take the boat over to the beach and drop off the grandkids and me the Nana for swimming at the beach dock. Good fishing, clean clean clean," comments a reviewer at Atwood Lake Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds around Avella close during winter. "Tomlinson Run State Park Campground operates from April 1 to October 31," according to the official information.
Site levelness varies: Prepare leveling equipment for some locations. "Campground has three main sections, one for permanent campers and boaters, the new section (Section 5 which is great) and another primitive section up on the hill. Section 5 is the bomb!! We stayed in the 5-520-531 section. Sites are new, clean, full hookups, with plenty of paved surfaces to park," notes a camper at Tappan Lake Park Campground.
Limited cell reception: Some areas have minimal service. "I have AT&T cell service and found 1 and 2 bars throughout the park," reports a visitor about connectivity options.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with children's activities: Many sites offer family-specific amenities. "The campground hosted a gigantic bonfire the night we were there which was a sight! The camp store staff were all very friendly and helpful," mentions a visitor to Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Choose sites near amenities: Some locations have playgrounds and water features. "They have a pool, brook, trees, space, quiet! Every time we come here it gets better," says a camper about their experience.
Plan for shower facilities: Bathroom availability varies by location. "Electric Site 37 - pad is pretty level, plenty for our small camper and truck, on a slight hill to get to fire ring but lots of space to spread out. In womens the shower on the left never got warm, other two were fine. There are 4 flush toilets," observes a camper.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: Some campgrounds have limited space. "The views are amazing! If you love peace and quiet this is the place for you. All sites are amongst the very tall trees. The sites are a bit close, think KOA close. This might be a turnoff if the campground was full," advises an RVer at Zion Retreat & RV Park.
Prepare for hills: Some locations have steep entrance roads. "Was a great camp, clean and well kept. Had a great spot by the lake right off the back of our camper. Make sure you have a good tow vehicle as there is a steep hill at the entrance/exit of the camp ground," warns a visitor.
Consider full-hookup options: Several parks offer complete services. "This is a large campground with play grounds, well maintained pool and grounds, fishing, party pavilions, and store. Some sites are a bit close, the pull through sites are very ample. Gravel roads and level sites," reports a camper about campground facilities.
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