203 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
State parks and forests surrounding Cogan Station, Pennsylvania feature diverse camping options within the scenic Appalachian landscape. Worlds End State Park Campground, approximately 30 miles northeast, offers tent sites, RV hookups, and rustic cabins nestled along Loyalsock Creek. Little Pine State Park Campground provides similar accommodations with electric sites and water fill stations in a mountain valley setting. The region includes both developed facilities with full amenities and primitive backcountry sites, particularly in Loyalsock State Forest where free camping is available with permits from the ranger office. Private campgrounds like Riverside Campground and Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA supplement public options with additional amenities for family camping.
Reservations are essential during peak season from late spring through early fall, with many campgrounds operating from April through October or December. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with many campers reporting limited or no reception at Worlds End and other remote locations. According to one visitor at Leonard Harrison State Park, "The campground is situated directly next to beautiful overlook areas with access to hiking trails" that showcase the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Winter camping options are limited, though some year-round facilities exist. Pennsylvania's cross-county firewood ban requires purchasing wood locally or at campgrounds when available. Bathhouse facilities at state parks receive consistently positive reviews, with one camper noting that "Pennsylvania state parks excel in their bathhouse cleanliness."
Waterfront sites at lakes and along creeks are particularly sought after, with several campgrounds offering direct water access. Visitors to Ricketts Glen State Park highlight the 22 named waterfalls accessible via hiking trails ranging from easy to challenging. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers reporting deer, raccoons, and even elk in some areas. Site privacy varies considerably, with tent sites typically offering more seclusion than RV areas. As one camper at Kettle Creek State Park noted, "The upper campground has a rustic feel, beautiful views and is a great location for wildlife encounters." The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon region draws particular interest, with multiple campgrounds providing access to this natural feature and the 60+ miles of rails-to-trails pathways that follow Pine Creek through the gorge.
"We all took the kayaks out on the Susquehanna River that runs behind the property for a sunny paddle."
"Nice spots right next to river where we set up lawn chairs in river and let the kids play. Sites are smaller and it was dusty but we will definitely go back."
from $25 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Electric only but water fill up is in convenient locations. Dump station is provided. Well maintained and clean. So many outdoor activities abound."
"Very nice PA State Park Campground. 30/50A pedestals, but water is available only at scattered nearby potable hydrants to fill tanks."
from $20 - $48 / night
Check Availability"We decided to stay here based on it's close proximity to Bucknell University. The staff is friendly, clientele is calm. Lots of well maintained seasonal sites."
"We were only there as an overnight stop, but walked around the park and found so many fun family activities!"
"Near to Knoebels amusement park which is a must visit too."
"The 1000 step trail is fun! Only issue is the campgrounds are close to the road and therefore are loud at night occasionally"
"As other reviewers mention, it’s right near a road so you hear car (and horse & buggy!) noise — would try to get a spot further away from the road if possible."
"Bordering bald eagle state forest, RB winter is in a serene wilderness. Nice campground, I have been here many times. The swimming area is a favorite during the summertime."
"So beautiful and away from everything!"
from $20 - $47 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The park has some good trails with amazing views, a beach area and Loyalsock creek. The campsite was a bit cramped and right next to the main road going in and out of the park."
"This is another Pennsylvania state park with excellent recycling facilities."
from $20 - $62 / night
Check Availability"The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) is the 22 waterfalls!"
"Many of the sites looked close to the road and not very private but we were in site 63 which was pretty private(though we were lucky neighboring site 62 was empty)."
from $20 - $92 / night
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TravelerThey have 30 amp sites. No water but there is a dump station. Bring your Starlink there is no cell signal. Bathrooms are decent. Good Stargazing(head to nearby Cherry Springs). This is one of the most “out of the way” places in the eastern US. Not quite boon docking but close. There is a guy on the corner that sells firewood. Download maps to get in and out. Listen for the Elk. Watch for Bears.
TravelerLeonard Harrison State Park sits directly on the ridge of the Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Great hiking trails 800 feet down into the gorge where there is a flat rail trail of 65 miles for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The campsites are roomy and set far apart. There are only about 30 sites and just 8 of them or so have electric. Bathrooms and showers are conveniently located and very clean. No cell service whatsoever, so bring your board games and cards.
ScoutA lot of people recommended this campground. We were late to book for Memorial Day weekend and Indian Head had plenty of spots open so we gave it a chance. Upon arriving, they gave us a map to our spot, we drove to the area and it was essentially a big open field with no spots marked, no numbers, no direction to really pull in. We had to ask the owner where our spot was because there was nothing to show where it was in the fielded grass area. I understand they are putting work into the campground to improve it, it seems, but seemed Alittle messy just from the store, entrance and overall upkeep of the campground. Overall, if we had the chance to camp here again, we probably wouldn’t. I would reccomend J&D or Lake Glory that’s in the same area if able to be booked.
GuideThe campground was decent enough, but I would probably skip it next time and stay in the state forest instead. The campsites are not especially private and while they are not directly on top of each other, you are definitely aware of nearby campers. That said, it is a great location for stargazing and the pit toilets are convenient if you prefer at least some amenities.
The biggest downside was the lack of firewood. None was available on site and there was little opportunity to gather any from the surrounding woods. After one night, I felt like I had gotten the experience. For my money, I would rather camp nearby in Susquehannock State Forest where you can find far more private and secluded spots for less cost. You give up amenities like toilets, but if privacy and a quieter camping experience matter more, the state forest feels like the better option while still keeping you close enough to enjoy the dark skies near Cherry Springs State Park.
One nearby spot that is absolutely worth the short drive is the Water Tank Vista overlook. The view alone makes the trip worthwhile, especially around sunset or on a clear day. If you are camping in the area, it is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem and adds a lot to the overall experience.
GuideThe campsite is located about three miles down from Cherry Springs State Park and Campground, just off the road. It is visible from the road, so if complete privacy is important to you, keep that in mind. That said, the setting itself is beautiful, especially the drive in through the tall pine forests which immediately gave the area a peaceful feel.
The site has two good level tent spots and one semi level spot, all within view of where you park, which made unloading and setup easy. It took me roughly an hour to get camp fully set up. One thing to know going in: there is absolutely no cell service at least with T mobile, which can either be a huge positive or a dealbreaker depending on what you’re looking for.
One of the best features of the site is a nice trail leading back to a creek that you can hear flowing from camp. I spent some time walking along it and tossed a fishing line in a few times. The current was moving pretty fast and I did not see signs of fish during my visit, but it was still a relaxing place to explore.
Firewood was a mixed bag. There are plenty of fallen trees around, but much of it was surrounded by poison ivy, so gathering wood took a little caution. Bugs were present enough that I ended up using a head net in the evening, especially after dark.
For stargazing, the location was solid. I stayed up late and managed to catch three shooting stars. I brought a telescope but the angle of the sky from my setup made it harder to use than expected. If astronomy is your main goal, you may still want to head up to Cherry Springs proper for the best viewing experience.
Overall, this is a peaceful, simple campsite with good access to nature and a quiet atmosphere. Best suited for people who are okay disconnecting completely, enjoy creekside wandering and do not mind a more rustic experience. I would camp here again, especially for a quick getaway near Cherry Springs.
GuideThis is a full service RV campground with nightly and seasonal stays. I was tent camping and, unlike most RV campgrounds, the dedicated tent area was very nice and right on the river. There’s a camp store, laundromat, showers and many different boats available for rent right in the campground. Very well run place and everything looked well kept.
The sites face a small mountain wall with the river at the base so very scenic. The river is fairly fast running so boating and swimming are for older kids/adults in this area or put in someplace calmer.
For those riding the MABDR, this is only 5 mins off the trail and a good place to relax before the final 70 miles through the PA Grand Canyon.
GuideSite SS007 sits roughly two miles off pavement along a fairly rough access road. A standard Ford Explorer handled the drive without trouble, though bringing a trailer would likely only be practical if it is set up for overlanding conditions.
The location offers excellent views of the Susquehanna River and exceptionally clear night skies with strong stargazing opportunities. There was no existing fire ring on site, so we built one using nearby stones. The site does not include a picnic table or other amenities, making it a primative experience.
Cell service was limited but usable, averaging about one bar with AT&T and two bars with T-Mobile.
Overall, it is a quiet, scenic roadside site best suited for campers comfortable with minimal facilities and no other people around.
ScoutEveryone here was helpful and friendly. It is extremely clean and well run while the showers and laundry room could use a little facelift but clean clean clean.
ScoutI stayed at a tent site here and was the only one in the tent area. The tent plots are a bit small especially if you have a large car. The bath house was really well kept and modern. The camp was clean and looks pleasant. Great location for hiking.
Camping near Cogan Station, Pennsylvania provides access to the diverse Appalachian Mountain terrain at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,000 feet. The region experiences significant seasonal variations with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F while winter often drops below freezing with occasional snowfall. Spring campers should prepare for mud season conditions from March through mid-May when many unpaved roads and trails become difficult to navigate.
Kayaking local waterways: At Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse, visitors can access the Susquehanna River directly. One camper reported, "We all took the kayaks out on the Susquehanna River that runs behind the property for a sunny paddle." Some paddlers drop in at Montgomery boat club instead of Muncy for an easier float.
Waterfall hiking: The region features numerous cascades within short drives from Cogan Station. At Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, hikers can access 22 named waterfalls. A visitor explained, "We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike, but if you want to see the additional four, you could make it a seven-mile hike. The trails are very well marked."
Winter exploration: While many campgrounds close seasonally, some facilities remain open year-round. A visitor to Worlds End noted, "In the colder months, they even have cabins you can rent out... I usually come in the fall in October/early November. It's my favorite time to come because it's not extremely packed with campers and the leaves are beautiful."
Secluded mountain settings: Little Pine State Park Campground draws campers seeking quiet mountain experiences. One visitor described it as "Beautiful setting for camping along a stream and the mountains. The Mid State hiking trail comes right through the Campground and there are numerous other trails within the park."
Star viewing opportunities: Several campsites offer excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. At Raymond B. Winter State Park Campground, one camper shared, "The night skies were beautiful (starry starry night w/little light pollution) and trails galore leading directly from the campground."
Clean facilities: Pennsylvania state parks consistently receive praise for maintenance standards. A camper at Ravensburg State Park mentioned, "Tent camped here one night, perfect for a quick little stopover. As other reviewers mention, it's right near a road so you hear car (and horse & buggy!) noise — would try to get a spot further away from the road if possible. Pretty clean bathroom, easy self-registration process."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies dramatically throughout the region with some campgrounds offering WiFi near offices but most lacking reliable coverage. As one camper at Worlds End State Park Campground noted, "No cell service, which is refreshing. The sound of the creek nearby is really soothing."
Water quality concerns: Occasionally campgrounds experience water issues. At Ricketts Glen, "The water had been tested earlier in the season and unsafe levels of manganese were detected. All water spigots were shut off and covered but we were told it was safe to wash our dishes and brush our teeth."
Weekend crowds: The most popular sites fill quickly, especially during summer months. A visitor at Worlds End advised, "I'd recommend the higher loop if you can. However, some of the sites on the lower loop are close to the road but the road noise isn't too bad."
Animal encounters: Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA offers unique children's activities including a petting zoo. A visitor mentioned, "The playground was fantastic and looked to be new, and there was a jumping pillow and a pool. There is a well stocked camp store where we were able to get some fresh eggs and delicious ice cream by the scoop."
Swimming options: Multiple campgrounds feature swimming areas, important for summer visits. At Little Pine, a camper noted, "There is a lake for swimming, kayaking and fishing. Minutes away from Big Pine Creek and additional swimming, boating and fishing opportunity."
Playground access: When selecting sites, consider proximity to play areas. At Ravensburg, a visitor reported, "There is some nice hiking here and lots of nature to explore. There are bushes and trees between the sites and it feels very private."
Site leveling requirements: Several campgrounds require preparation for uneven terrain. At Squarewood Acres Campground, a visitor found "Nice quiet sites, good wifi, clean bathrooms, drinking water and power at all sites. Hosts are very friendly."
Off-season value: Shoulder seasons offer better availability and quieter experiences. An RVer at Ricketts Glen stated, "We stayed in the large loop, which is a peninsula on Lake Jean. Many of the sites have lake views. The bathhouse was clean but not adequate for 73 sites."
Hook-up limitations: Water and electric services vary significantly between locations. At Riverside Campground, a camper advised, "We had campsite 19 - pull through with full hookups (50amp, cable, water, sewer). The site was nice and long. Even though they have had a lot of rain in this area, our jacks did not sink into the ground and the site was pretty level."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cogan Station, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cogan Station, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 203 campgrounds and RV parks near Cogan Station, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Cogan Station, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cogan Station, PA is Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cogan Station, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Cogan Station, PA.
What parks are near Cogan Station, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Cogan Station, PA that allow camping, notably Tioga-Hammond Lakes and Cowanesque Lake.
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