Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
36 campgrounds with availability this weekend
State parks and forests surrounding Blossburg, Pennsylvania offer diverse tent camping options within the scenic Pennsylvania wilderness. Colton Point State Park Campground, located on the western rim of Pine Creek Gorge (often called Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon), provides walk-in tent sites with varying hiking distances to reach them. Tioga State Forest offers several primitive tent camping areas including Darling Run, Hoffman, and Tiadaghton campgrounds, all within a 30-minute drive of Blossburg. Loyalsock State Forest, slightly farther east, maintains multiple tent-friendly sites along Yellow Dog Road, Long Run Road, and Browns Road.
Most tent campsites in the region feature basic amenities with rustic facilities. Colton Point's tent sites include fire rings and picnic tables, but only vault toilets are available. Campers note the park doesn't offer modern bathrooms or advance reservations. Many state forest sites require self-registration at pay stations with first-come, first-served availability. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some sites offering manual pumps while others require bringing all water supplies. The camping season typically runs from mid-April through mid-October, though specific opening dates vary by location. Pet-friendly policies are common throughout the area's tent campgrounds.
In early fall, many backcountry tent sites offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. One camper described Colton Point as "unlike Leonard Harrison, not a tourist hub" with private campsites requiring "a small hike, so don't over pack." The walk-in tent sites at Colton Point connect to numerous hiking trails, including the Turkey Trail which follows a stream with waterfalls down into the canyon. Patterson State Park, though small, serves as overflow primitive tent camping for nearby Cherry Springs State Park, with approximately eight tent sites arranged around a gravel loop. According to reviews, Lawrence Recreation Area provides peaceful tent camping with good kayaking opportunities and sites positioned near the water.
"The campsites are private and you get to hike in (varying amounts of distance.)"
"I love the walk in sites. They take a small hike so don't over pack! There is so much that this park has to offer. So many hikes, so many scenic overlooks. I highly suggest this parks Turkey trail."
"Had a great few days here camped in RV next to lake. Amazing driftwood to be had. Good kayaking. Peaceful. Trees. Nice sites if close. I'd go back mid week or off season."
from $40 - $100 / night
"Roadside site 1/4 mile from the nearest site. You can drive right to the site on Hackett Rd. Very secluded and peaceful. Picnic table and fire ring, but no water or latrine."
from $10 / night
from $75 / night
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
"Plenty of trout right next to camp that I could catch. No cell service which was also a plus."
from $10 / night
from $10 / night
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
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!
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.
Second trip here. Everything you need. Peaceful, large open areas with sites in sun and shade nestled in small valley surrounded by forest,
We had difficulty finding our original site so stopped here. Decent road access from the pavement, wide open campsite with a picnic table and fire pit. Good views of the night sky.
We wasted a couple of hours looking for the site. The directions sent us in circles. Finally just grabbed a random spot for the night.
Clean facilities and nice sized lots. Nature all around and extremely quiet. This place is a real price performer. Book it!
Great campsite nestled right against Slate run. Plenty of trout right next to camp that I could catch. No cell service which was also a plus.
Terrible service/wifi in spot 1. Numerous open campsites yet we were pushed right next to dump station. And im talking half this campground is empty.
Tent campsites near Blossburg, Pennsylvania typically receive approximately 40 inches of annual precipitation, with elevation ranges from 1,300 to 2,300 feet across the region's diverse camping areas. The area experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, making late spring through early fall the primary camping period. Winter camping is generally unavailable at most locations due to road closures and facilities winterization.
Hiking to canyon overlooks: From Colton Point State Park Campground, access the West Rim Trail system with multiple overlooks of Pine Creek Gorge. A camper noted, "Incredible views, nicknamed the Grand Canyons of Pennsylvania" while highlighting the "highest trail elevation in PA."
Fishing nearby waters: Primitive camping at Lawrence Recreation Area provides direct water access. One visitor mentioned, "Had a great few days here camped in RV next to lake. Amazing driftwood to be had. Good kayaking. Peaceful."
Wildlife observation: Tiadaghton Campground offers secluded sites within Tioga State Forest where campers can spot native wildlife including white-tailed deer and various bird species. A camper described their experience: "Roadside site 1/4 mile from the nearest site. You can drive right to the site on Hackett Rd. Very secluded and peaceful."
Secluded campsites: Colton Point State Park Campground offers walk-in sites that provide privacy. One camper shared, "I love this camping area! I used to go with my school when i was in high school. And since i graduated i have always enjoyed coming back to this wonderfull place!"
Riverside locations: Many tent sites throughout the region provide access to streams and creeks. A camper at Lawrence Recreation Area stated, "George was fantastic and helpful. It was one of the most relaxing places. Only negative was when my vacation ended."
Trail connectivity: The network of trails throughout the region allows for multi-day hiking adventures from several campgrounds. A visitor to Colton Point mentioned, "Great hiking with great views!" highlighting the recreational opportunities directly from campsites.
Primitive facilities: Most Darling Run Campground sites and other state forest campgrounds have limited amenities. At Colton Point, a camper noted, "Small sites with porta potty's, did not stay found another campground," indicating expectations should be adjusted for rustic conditions.
Packing considerations: When using walk-in sites, lightweight gear becomes essential. Some Colton Point sites require carrying equipment between 100-500 feet from parking areas.
Water availability: Many tent camping areas lack potable water sources. Visitors must transport drinking water or bring purification methods for natural water sources.
Site selection: Choose campgrounds with shorter hiking distances for children. One Colton Point camper advised, "This was our first camping trip of the summer and damn did we pick a good spot. I loved that you can pick your own tucked away spot within the camp area but yet still close enough to other people."
Educational opportunities: Hoffman Campground and surrounding forests provide natural classrooms for geology, ecology and wildlife education with interpretive materials at some trailheads.
Activity planning: Schedule shorter hiking routes (under 2 miles) for younger children. Canyon overlooks often have safer viewing areas suitable for families with clear boundaries and railings.
Access limitations: Most primitive camping areas have narrow access roads unsuitable for larger RVs. Sites at Colton Point accommodate smaller campervans but not full-size motorhomes.
Limited hookups: RV campers at most locations should prepare for dry camping. A visitor to Lawrence Recreation Area mentioned camping "in RV next to lake" but noted no hookups were available.
Road conditions: Forest roads to Yellow Dog Road Campsite and other remote areas can become difficult after rain, requiring higher clearance vehicles even for smaller RVs and campervans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Blossburg, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Blossburg, PA is Colton Point State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Blossburg, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 49 tent camping locations near Blossburg, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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