Stephen R.
Guide
GuideRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Camping here for many years and still love it here got it all camping trails water fall trail and lake.
Camping near Columbia Cross Roads, PA
60 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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The landscape surrounding Columbia Cross Roads, Pennsylvania includes a mix of established campgrounds offering diverse camping accommodations. Several well-maintained campgrounds are located within a 30-mile radius, including Ives Run near Tioga and Hills Creek State Park Campground near Wellsboro. The campgrounds in this region provide various accommodation options ranging from tent sites and RV hookups to cabins and glamping facilities. Many locations like Ives Run feature full hook-up sites with water, electric, and sewer connections, while others such as Sunfish Pond County Park offer more primitive camping experiences.
Seasonal operations influence availability throughout the area, with most campgrounds open from April through October. The topography varies from lakeside settings to wooded areas within Pennsylvania's scenic northeastern region. "Beautiful, scenic and clean! Wonderful campgrounds for the whole family! Beautiful lakes, boating, fishing, swimming, trails, paved sites, full hookups and primitives as well," noted one visitor about Ives Run. Weather conditions can change quickly in this mountainous area, particularly during spring and fall, making advance planning essential. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holidays when popular sites fill quickly. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage at developed campgrounds near larger towns.
Waterfront camping opportunities represent a significant draw for visitors to the area. Hammond Lake at Ives Run and Hills Creek Lake provide popular water recreation access points for campers. One camper highlighted that "The Pine loop is a pleasant escape for tent campers hoping for a good view of the lake," referring to Ives Run's primitive camping area. Developed campgrounds typically feature well-maintained facilities including clean restrooms, showers, and garbage service. Reviews frequently mention the spaciousness of sites at locations like Ives Run, where campsites are described as having "plenty of room between sites" with "curved roads and loops" creating a pleasant camping environment. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region, with eagles and various small mammals commonly spotted from camping areas near water sources.
Best Campgrounds near Columbia Cross Roads (175)
1. Ives Run
"It was a great spot and happily, I was totally alone as no one had booked any of the sites near me( the closest people were about 400m away)."
"Lake Hammond is beautiful with great access."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $100 / night
2. Hills Creek State Park Campground
"Sites and huge and we had one of the lakes right behind our site. If you like nature this is a great place. Wildlife everywhere. Hiking, fishing, kayaking...you name it."
"Our family loved the modern cabins which are available in my of Pennsylvania's state parks. I'd rank any other park that we visit with a five star rating."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $90 / night
3. Watkins Glen State Park Campground
"I absolutely love coming to Watkins Glen Campground, especially when I went to get away from the busy city. This park has gorgeous waterfalls, and great paths to walk and hike on."
"There was one central bathroom/shower house, so if being close to a restroom is important, choose your site accordingly. Some of the campsites were quite a walk from the facilities. "
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $58 / night
4. Worlds End State Park Campground
"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."
23 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $62 / night
5. Newtown Battlefield State Park Campground
"Pretty self serve, rangers drive through often but never seems to be anyone at the check-in. You can reserve a site or a cabin, or you can show up after three and see what is open."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $17 - $81 / night
6. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds
"We always get a site on the outside of the main circle by the tower slide. There’s lots of shade and optimum view of both playgrounds to keep an eye on the kiddos."
"Woods and shade but very close to all the happenings. The big playground is new and very nice. The small one is mainly two very big playsets (pirate ship and castle). My kids enjoyed both."
7. Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground
"The tent sites are located in the back of the campground behind the sports field within the trees. I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to see them but they have them pictured on their website."
"Great family campground, decent sized sites, many lake side sites, very clean bathrooms/ showers. Several playgrounds, heated pool, pet friendly with shots paperwork."
8. Sunfish Pond County Park
9. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground
"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)."
10 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $15 - $92 / night
10. Gardner Hill Campground
"I happened upon this campground by following the blue tent sign on the highway. No frills but very comfy and nice views. Don’t forget to look for the Peace sign."
Drive Time
- 25 min from Elmira, NY
- 57 min from Williamsport, PA
- 1 hr 1 min from Ithaca, NY
- 1 hr 3 min from Binghamton, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Columbia Cross Roads, PA
180 Photos of 175 Columbia Cross Roads Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Gardner Hill Campground
Hills Creek State Park Campground
Old Logger's Path
Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground
Big Hollow Road Campsites — Loyalsock State Forest
Worlds End State Park Campground
Camp Kit Adin Outfitters
Doo Dah Campgrounds
Lake Front Campsite !!!R
Stony Fork Creek CampgroundJ
Pioneer Campground
Watkins Glen / Corning KOAA
Recent Reviews near Columbia Cross Roads, PA
614 Reviews of 175 Columbia Cross Roads Campgrounds
Nancy W.
LegendRobert H. Treman State Park Campground
Beautiful waterfalls!
This is a really great state park which has a nice campground, beautiful scenery, interesting attractions nearby, and great hiking trails. The biggest attraction are the 12 waterfalls in the park. Some are easy, short walks, and others are moderate and longer. The Rim and Gorge Trails make a loop which makes for a really good workout with lots of stairs and elevation change. Personally, I think the views from the Gorge Trail are better. Or, you can park in the upper lot and walk down (approximately 1/3 mile) to see Lucifer Falls and walk back. Fall is a great time to visit and enhances the views.
All campsites are back-in and have fire pits and picnic tables. Some are in the open(#49-72)with a scattering of trees, while others are tucked in the woods with lots of shade. The open sites are much easier for big rigs to navigate and back into. There is no water or sewer at sites but water spigots are located throughout the campground and the dump station is easy to access on your way out and has a dedicated water fill station away from the dump site. Our site (#52) was open which we appreciated in because the fall weather was cool and we had a clear sky for Dish satelitte. The pad was gravel and level. The patio is grass and there is nice distance between you and your neighbors Some sites are dry camping and other have electric that varies from 30 or 50-amp and the price reflects which you choose. Our site was electric only (50-amp which worked well) and we were close enough to a shared water spigot so we could add water. There are signs that say you can only hookup to the spigots for five minutes and “Y” connectors are not allowed. Swimming is allowed in the pools and river but has certain daily hours and is only open from late-June to Labor Day. Your receipt and park pass allow you access to other NY state parks in the area. Definitely check out Buttermilk Falls State Park which is just a couple of miles away and has nice hiking trails and more beautiful waterfalls. We visited the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (which is free) and has interesting exhibits, short films, and hiking trails.
- SSean A.
ScoutFinger Lakes RV Resort
Another fantastic stay at Finger Lakes RV Resort! This continues to be one of our absolute favorite campgrounds, and visiting during the fall made it even more special. The changing leaves and beautiful fall colors throughout the Finger Lakes were incredible.
As always, the campground was beautifully maintained, exceptionally clean, and peaceful, with spacious sites and gorgeous views. The family that owns and operates the resort is incredibly friendly, welcoming, and accommodating. You can really tell how much pride they take in the property and in making sure their guests have a great experience.
We had a wonderful time exploring the area this trip. We hiked Watkins Glen Gorge and Buttermilk Falls Gorge, both absolutely stunning with the fall foliage. We also visited Watkins Glen International Raceway, enjoyed some great food and drinks at Grist Iron Brewing, and spent time at Hector Wine Company and Red Newt Cellars. The wineries were fantastic, and we especially appreciated how welcoming and dog-friendly the area was.
The location really is hard to beat, with so many great hikes, wineries, breweries, restaurants, and attractions just a short drive away. It’s a wonderful destination for families traveling with young children and dogs.
We always look forward to coming back to Finger Lakes RV Resort, and this visit was no exception. Between the beautiful campground, wonderful owners, and everything the Finger Lakes has to offer, it’s a place we never get tired of visiting. Already looking forward to our next stay!
SkywaystoHighways.com Y.LegendRicketts Glen State Park Campground
Beautiful Falls!
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!
- SSophia F.
TravelerSugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite
Amazing campground for free camping- with amenities
We got here late at night and thought we weren’t at the right place with the fog and everything but trust keep driving. Campsites are easy to locate with a picnic table, fire pit with attached grill, and a standing little grill. There was no running water to use for dishes or filling water but the bathroom sink works along with flushing toilets!!! Overall and amazing stay!!
- RRobert L.Traveler
Watkins Glen State Park Campground
Great Car Camping Stay
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.
- kkeith R.Scout
Stony Fork Creek Campground
Great location
Second trip here. Everything you need. Peaceful, large open areas with sites in sun and shade nestled in small valley surrounded by forest,
- llori T.Traveler
Blueberry Patch Campground — Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forests
Very nice
Stopped for one night while traveling upstate and usually dispersed camping but it was getting late so we stopped in.
MJ W.GuideTaughannock Falls State Park Campground
Great Place to camp
This was a great camping trip! We had site 29, nice spot with the North Rim trail right behind our site. Trails are beautiful. Restroom and shower close. You do need to be careful, lots of oaks trees and falling acorns! Easily dings you car hood, watch where you park. Close to down town for a visit to the awesome farmers market in Ithaca.
Guide to Columbia Cross Roads
Campgrounds within a 30-mile radius of Columbia Cross Roads, Pennsylvania offer diverse overnight options across rural landscapes at elevations between 1,100-1,800 feet. Most camping areas sit in the Chemung River watershed, where summer temperatures range from 55-85°F with afternoon thunderstorms common. Cell service varies significantly throughout this region, with better reception typically available near Mansfield and Wellsboro.
What to do
Swimming at designated beaches: Hills Creek State Park Campground features a swimming area with snack service. "The swim area is one of the best around. Playgrounds are fun & the snack stand is a little expensive, but delicious!" reports J K.
Hiking through gorges: Watkins Glen State Park Campground offers access to dramatic rock formations and waterfalls. "Watkins Glen was absolutely beautiful. The sites are quite wooded with plenty of space in between. The gorge trail is a MUST," notes Laura L.
Fishing opportunities: Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground provides catch-and-release fishing without requiring a Pennsylvania license. "You can rent non electric boats and they offer catch & release fishing without a PA license in the lake. My son caught 2 sunfish," shares Amy R.
Seasonal nature programs: Educational activities run through summer at many campgrounds. "The rangers offer educational programs that are free of charge!" explains a camper at Hills Creek. Rangers conduct guided walks identifying local flora and fauna at several area campgrounds between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention the generous spacing between sites. "Sites are very spacious and clean. Love it here peaceful and quiet," notes John E. about Ives Run.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive high marks for cleanliness across multiple campgrounds. "Bathroom/showers were well cared for," reports a visitor to Newtown Battlefield State Park, while Pine Cradle Lake earns praise for "immaculate" restrooms that are cleaned "twice daily."
Water recreation: Lakes provide multiple activity options. "Well organized camp with sites in full sun to full shade and everything in between. Grounds had swimming area and multiple boat launch locations on large man made lake," explains Jeremy C. about Ives Run.
Limited connectivity: Many campers appreciate the reduced cell coverage. "No cell service, which is refreshing. The sound of the creek nearby is really soothing," notes Katy R. about her stay at Worlds End State Park Campground.
What you should know
Weather variability: Temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night are common in spring and fall. "I think we picked the week with the most rain of the year to camp but it was still a lot of fun," shares a Hills Creek camper, highlighting the need for proper rain gear.
Advanced booking requirements: Popular campgrounds fill months ahead for peak season. "The only draw back is that it fills up quickly and you need to reserve many months ahead of time especially for holidays," cautions James P. about Ives Run.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Columbia Cross Roads, PA?
What camping is available near Columbia Cross Roads, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Columbia Cross Roads, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 175 campgrounds and RV parks near Columbia Cross Roads, PA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Columbia Cross Roads, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Columbia Cross Roads, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Columbia Cross Roads, PA is Ives Run with a 4.8-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Columbia Cross Roads, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Columbia Cross Roads, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Columbia Cross Roads, PA.
What parks are near Columbia Cross Roads, PA?
What parks are near Columbia Cross Roads, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Columbia Cross Roads, PA that allow camping, notably Tioga-Hammond Lakes and Cowanesque Lake.
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