The Pine Creek Valley area near Cedar Run sits at approximately 800 feet elevation, characterized by steep forested hills and the meandering Pine Creek which cuts through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Summer temperatures typically range between 50-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while fall brings colorful foliage and temperatures dropping to 30-60°F. The area's designated Dark Sky status means minimal light pollution for exceptional stargazing opportunities during clear nights.
What to Do
Hiking the Turkey Path: Access the Pine Creek Gorge via Leonard Harrison State Park's trails, where "The Turkey Path Trail at Leonard Harrison State Park is CLOSED due to extensive damage with no set reopen date" according to camper Audrey P., so check current trail status before planning your visit.
Stargazing at Cherry Springs: Visit the internationally recognized Dark Sky preserve where "We decided to go mid October due to a new moon and a trip to Cherry Springs to see the stars! Ole Bull was just a short drive from Cherry Springs and they had everything we needed" notes Kelly C. who stayed at Ole Bull State Park Campground.
Rail Trail Cycling: The Pine Creek Rail Trail offers miles of flat, scenic riding. At Pettecote Junction Campground, "The location of PJC is perfect for fishing, floating/kayaking, and biking/hiking the rails to trail. There are many nearby hikes throughout the canyon for the more adventures travelers," explains Craig F.
Fishing in Kettle Creek: Multiple access points provide excellent trout fishing opportunities. "Ole Bull State Park and the Surrounding Susquehannock State Forest are breathtaking and certainly live Potter County's nickname of Gods Country. We set up camp at a site along Kettle Creek, and we saw half a dozen campers walking back to their sites with trout caught within walking distance," reports Andrew C.
What Campers Like
Clean Facilities: Leonard Harrison State Park Campground maintains excellent bathrooms according to Brad W.: "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. Water spigots are continently located around the campground."
Direct Stream Access: Many campsites provide immediate water access, which pets particularly enjoy. "We stated in one of the water/electric hook-up sites along the creek, which was wonderful. Very flat and larger than average in size, which was nice not being on top of your neighbor," notes Craig F. about Pettecote Junction Campground.
Wildlife Viewing: The forests support diverse wildlife populations. "There is a lot of wildlife around. Deer come right through the campsites. Many raccoons too so you must stow your food in the evening," warns Denice S. about Leonard Harrison State Park Campground.
Quiet Setting: Most campgrounds enforce noise regulations. At Little Pine State Park Campground, James P. reports: "Beautiful setting for camping along a stream and the mountains. We try to get here a couple times a year. Electric only but water fill up is in convenient locations."
What You Should Know
Limited Cell Service: Most campgrounds have minimal to no cellular connectivity. Thomas R. notes at Pettecote Junction: "This place is not really a campground, it seems to mainly be a seasonal RV resort...What saved this place from total mediocrity is its location right on the river."
Seasonal Crowds: Rail trail areas become congested during summer and peak fall foliage. "We were there during the week and there were only 3 other campers in the campground," reports Denice S. about Leonard Harrison, indicating weekday visits might offer more solitude.
Campground Reservation Needs: Canyon Country Campground fills quickly, especially during peak seasons. "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," notes Pamela H.
Weather Variability: Mountain weather changes rapidly, particularly in spring and fall. Christopher E. found at Happy Acres: "We tent camped and they had openings on Memorial Day weekend. The weather turned out to be bad for camping but management was very accommodating with our requests to change dates and spots."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground Access: Happy Acres Resort offers excellent recreational facilities. "Playground was huge with multiple playsets suitable for all ages. Bathrooms/showers were clean and well kept. There was a basketball court, shuffleboard and carpet pool that you could borrow equipment for," reports Penny C.
Kid-Friendly Bathrooms: Leonard Harrison features family-friendly facilities. Whitney W. notes: "The campground had nice & clean restrooms and shower areas. And a larger room that's perfect for camping families with little ones so you can shower & use the restroom all in a one single, larger secure room."
Educational Opportunities: Visit nature centers for interactive learning. "The campground is situated directly next to the beautiful and accessible overlook area with new restrooms and completely new outdoor area to explore the canyon views and get direct access to hiking trails. It also had a new nature center that my kids enjoyed," shares Whitney W.
Swimming Options: Several locations offer safe water play areas. Carmie reports about Happy Acres: "We tent glamp with a Q air mattress and lots of room. Happy Acres had tent spots with electric and water. We were put in a hollow that had space for 6 tents."
Tips from RVers
Site Size Considerations: Many campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. At Stony Fork Creek Campground, Greg W. reports: "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."
Hook-up Availability: Electric sites are more common than full hook-ups in state parks. "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," notes Brad W. about Leonard Harrison State Park.
Pet-Friendly Options: For RVers with dogs, several campgrounds accommodate pets with designated areas. Amber C. shares about Little Pine State Park: "The campground is beautifully kept. Bathrooms and sites were nice. Some sites are a little closer personally especially in the dog area."
Road Access Challenges: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads. Brandon W. cautions about Stony Fork Creek: "Nice clean place. Can get a bit crowded in some spots where the campers seem to be on top of one another. Luckily we didn't have one of those sites."
Traveler
