Best Campgrounds near Cedar Run, PA

Cedar Run, Pennsylvania sits at the heart of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon region, offering a diverse selection of established campgrounds. Pettecote Junction Campground provides facilities right along Pine Creek with access to the rail trail, making it popular for kayakers and cyclists. The nearby state parks, including Leonard Harrison, Cherry Springs, and Ole Bull State Parks, accommodate tent campers, RVs, and cabin stays. Most campgrounds in the area are developed with varying levels of amenities, from primitive tent sites to full hookup RV sites with electric, water, and sewer connections. The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon (Pine Creek Gorge) serves as a central attraction for most visitors to the region.

Road conditions throughout the area are generally good during the primary camping season, which runs from April through October for most campgrounds. Winter camping options are limited, with only a few facilities like Happy Acres Resort operating year-round. "This place is removed from commercialize chaos that is found at many campgrounds, it is clean, well managed and quiet," noted one camper about Pettecote Junction. Many campgrounds in this region have limited or no cell service, particularly those in the more remote parts of the state forests. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays, especially during summer months and fall foliage season when the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon attracts significant visitors. Most campgrounds have a mix of reservation and first-come sites, with state parks typically offering the most structured reservation systems.

Waterfront camping ranks highly among visitor preferences in the Cedar Run area, with Pine Creek access being a significant draw. Canyon Country Campground and Pettecote Junction both receive positive reviews for their proximity to natural features and outdoor recreation. As one visitor described, "Pettecote Junction campground is nestled in the PA Grand Canyon with Pine Creek on one side and the Rails to Trails on the other of the campground. This ideal location provides a nice tranquil environment with opportunities for active adventures." Fishing, kayaking and cycling on the Pine Creek Rail Trail are popular activities, with several campgrounds offering equipment rentals. Families often prefer campgrounds with amenities like swimming pools and recreation centers, while those seeking solitude might find better options at the state forest campgrounds or primitive sites along the creek.

Best Camping Sites Near Cedar Run, Pennsylvania (183)

    1. Leonard Harrison State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Gaines, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 724-3061

    $20 - $29 / night

    "It was a lovely 2-night stay and awesome area to explore as we discovered the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon”!!! Who knew!?"

    "Sites 6 and 8, while close to the bathhouse, would likely have people walking through your site to get to the bathhouse. Campers have worn a path between these sites to access it."

    2. Pettecote Junction Campground

    7 Reviews
    Cedar Run, PA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 353-7183

    $30 - $100 / night

    "It is my escape away from technology and my time to be one with nature."

    "Absolutely beautiful well kept campground situated between Pine Creek and the rail trail! Great facilities...there's even glamping tents!"

    3. Little Pine State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Jersey Mills, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 753-6000

    $20 - $48 / night

    "Electric only but water fill up is in convenient locations. Dump station is provided. Well maintained and clean. So many outdoor activities abound."

    "Close to Pine Creek bike trail. Nice bar at entrance with live music we enjoyed. Peaceful and quiet"

    4. Cherry Springs State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Jamison, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 435-5010

    $16 / night

    "Each campsite had a fire pit and a picnic table and most had trees behind them. We stayed in a drive up site that was close to the restrooms and had a clear field near us to look up and stargaze."

    "A little off the beaten path, but definitely a good find away from that light pollution and with other like minded souls!"

    5. Ole Bull State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Cross Fork, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 435-5000

    $20 - $43 / night

    "Electric sites are available with water access to fill tanks but no water hookups. "

    "Ole Bull State Park and the Surrounding  Susquehannock State Forest are breathtaking and certainly live up Potter County’s nickname of Gods Country."

    6. Stony Fork Creek Campground

    5 Reviews
    Wellsboro, PA
    9 miles
    Website

    $40 - $45 / night

    "Was able to choose a location that worked best for us. The area we selected was not busy. Campsite appeared to have a lot of seasonal campers."

    "Stony Fork Creek is beautiful and offers nearby hiking trails, a lake, and activities."

    7. Lyman Run State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Galeton, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 435-5010

    $20 - $29 / night

    "The surrounding area is loaded with things to do as well if you feel like venturing out. Cherry Springs Dark Park is just up the road but the view from our tent was just as good."

    "Our trip was for astrophotography purposes, and Lyman Run is only a 10 minute drive away from the Cherry Springs viewing area. Totally worth it!"

    8. Colton Point State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Gaines, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 724-3061

    "Incredible views, nicknamed the Grand Canyons of Pennsylvania"

    "I loved that you can pick your own tucked away spot within the camp area but yet still close enough to other people. ~$20 a night which isn't to bad."

    9. Canyon Country Campground

    6 Reviews
    Gaines, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 724-3818

    $40 - $60 / night

    "Sites are not very level nor private, but the staff is great and the grounds are walking distance to the canyon. Met some great fellow campers here, biked the river trail, and hiked the state park."

    "Minutes away from a town and the gorge. Hiking trail from the campground to the gorge! Highly recommended!!"

    10. Happy Acres Resort

    5 Reviews
    Jersey Mills, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 753-8000

    "The camp ground fire wood was kiln dried but cost $15 for a bag that lasted less than a day (and we used it pretty sparingly) so I would suggest buying wood nearby where it can be found much cheaper (please"

    "We ended up getting a corner site right on the edge of a hill looking down on the main office and playground. It was perfect. Playground was huge with multiple playsets suitable for all ages."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 183 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Cedar Run, PA

398 Reviews of 183 Cedar Run Campgrounds


  • julian S.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Tiadaghton Campground — Tioga State Forest

    Very crowded with bikers

    Nice campsite and cool view but be prepared to have a lot of bikers walking around the campground or stopping for lunch at near by sites. Also would recommend 4 wheel drive vehicles to drive to site, steep dirt roads to access it. It has a nice water front view but if seclusion is something you would like this spot may not be for you.

  • Dana M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Lyman Run State Park Campground

    Quiet, Quaint and Clean!

    We love the lower loop! We were there on a Monday night and there were 4 sites occupied on our loop. Great stars. Clean bathrooms!

  • B
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Leonard Harrison State Park Campground

    Small campground with clean bathrooms

    We stayed here Wednesday through Saturday of Labor Day weekend.  On Wednesday and Thursday nights there were about 5 sites that were taken. By Friday they were all full

    The campground is a simple loop of 28 sites.  19 are non -electric and 9 are electric. Sites are spacious and easy to back in to. I believe there are two pull throughs. Water spigots are continently located around the campground.  

    The PA Grand Canyon Visitor center and the Turkey Path (main path down into the canyon) are a short 5 minute walk across the parking lot from the campground.  For biking there is the  Pine Creek Rail Trail, that runs the length of the canyon at the bottom. To access from the campground you can drive there in 16 minutes Darling Run trail access area.

  • David A.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Tiadaghton Campground — Tioga State Forest

    Tiadaghaton State Forest, PA

    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.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse

    Great location & proximity to Williamsport

    Came thru for a night and wanted to catch a game at the Little League World Series. Stayed here one night and caught an uber to the museum and game. Got the last site for the night. Did a few loads of laundry, ate a good dinner at the restaurant, kids enjoyed the pool and swam in the river. Big huge park and tons of grassy areas. Really lovely. Nice staff.

  • MacKenzi G.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Pioneer Campground

    Beautiful Campground

    Me and my husband stayed here it was beautiful and has a very nice pool. Seems family friendly and very clean. Staff were friendly as well.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Ravensburg State Park Campground

    Use lat and long to find peaceful woods by stream

    Nice and shaded! No one there but us in site 6, not even a ranger checked on us. Has modern toilets and shower. Most sites are spacious. They have nice raised tent pads. It’s very humid so many picnic tables have green moss.

    First come first serve but still had to pay transaction fee! which was annoying for our one night stay as if rather the state parks get that.

    Use lat and long coordinates for directions or you will be in the wrong spot.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Scenic View Campground LLC

    Scenic View Campground

    The 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Rusted Acres

    Located behind a Gastropub

    This campground is very small, only 12 sites. It is a gravel lot with full hookups located behind a Gastropub with an outstanding menu. Its called Rusted Acres CG and the gastropub is The Rusted Nut. You call the pub and make a reservation. Check in on arrival. All hookups are located at the back of the sites, so you might need a longer sewer hose and water hose.

    Note: You must pay cash for the site for now.

    The location is quiet, minor road noise. Close by is a grocery store and gas station, post office is a short walk away.


Guide to Cedar Run

Camping near Cedar Run, Pennsylvania, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds that cater to different preferences. Whether you’re looking for stargazing opportunities or family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Stargazing: Head to Cherry Springs State Park Campground for some of the best night skies. One camper said, "Great place for stargazing and astronomy! The campground was well maintained."
  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Lyman Run State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Nice hiking trails, beach area by the lake, fishing and then the stars! One of my favs."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy the lake at Ives Run. A reviewer shared, "Lake Hammond is beautiful with great access. You can easily walk, bike, skate on miles of paved roads."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One happy visitor at Lyman Run State Park Campground said, "The site and facilities were very well kept and clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Ives Run noted, "Rolling hills, lots of room between sites, curved roads and loops make for a very pleasant site."
  • Wildlife Viewing: Campers love the chance to see wildlife. One visitor at Sinnemahoning State Park Campground mentioned, "It was fun trying to use maps along with GPS to find our way to the campground... Plenty of trees in the northwestern end for hammocks, and we were able to watch squirrels, chipmunks, fireflies, and a variety of birds."

What you should know:

  • Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Bald Eagle State Park Primitive Campsite, do not allow alcohol. A camper noted, "This campground is alcohol-free and upon checking in, you are asked if you have any alcohol."
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busier weekends, especially at popular spots. A visitor at Little Pine State Park Campground mentioned, "It does get crowded on nice weekends but mostly families."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many areas have poor cell reception. A camper at Sinnemahoning State Park Campground said, "There is zero cell service/WiFi at the park, or for at least 5-10 miles from it."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. One reviewer at Little Pine State Park Campground noted, "There are two sets of swings and one slide."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at the same campground mentioned, "It was extremely buggy when we went. Our dogs wouldn't come out of the camper because there was no relief."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Keep kids entertained with outdoor games. A camper at Hills Creek State Park Campground suggested, "If you like nature, this is a great place. Wildlife everywhere."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Russell P Letterman Campground mentioned, "The sites are nicely laid out with level gravel and a fire ring."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Choose campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A camper at Ives Run said, "Well established campground with many campsites, both with and without hookups."
  • Plan for Road Noise: Some campgrounds may have road noise. A visitor at Bald Eagle State Park Primitive Campsite noted, "Expect road noise and light pollution at night."

Camping near Cedar Run, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Cedar Run Campground?

Cedar Run area campgrounds offer various amenities to enhance your camping experience. Pettecote Junction Campground near Cedar Run provides water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly with reservable sites accessible by multiple means including driving or hiking in. For those looking for more developed options, Ole Bull State Park Campground offers flat campsites in both shaded and open areas with electric hookups, water fill stations (though no direct hookups), and recently renovated bath houses with tiled floors and shelving for toiletries.

How do I navigate the Cedar Run Campground using a campground map?

When navigating Cedar Run area campgrounds, official campground maps are essential for orientation. At Pettecote Junction Campground, maps are typically available at check-in points and help identify site locations, facilities, and trail access points. For a more comprehensive experience, Russell P Letterman Campground demonstrates effective campground navigation with clearly marked asphalt parking pads and designated areas for utilities. Maps here show the modern camping section with easy access routes and help locate extra parking areas for additional vehicles. The check-in process is streamlined - simply drive to your site and set up according to the map layout.

What camping is available near Cedar Run, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cedar Run, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 183 campgrounds and RV parks near Cedar Run, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Cedar Run, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cedar Run, PA is Leonard Harrison State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cedar Run, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Cedar Run, PA.

What parks are near Cedar Run, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Cedar Run, PA that allow camping, notably Tioga-Hammond Lakes and Cowanesque Lake.