Watkins Glen State Park Campground
Watkins Glen worth the trip
Campground is quiet, bathrooms are OK. Some sites have power, some don’t, none have water or sewer. Lots of things to do here. Been here 5 days and still haven’t done it all.
172 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $24 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $20 - $58 / night
Check Availability"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"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."
from $21 - $81 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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
Check Availability"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."











Campground is quiet, bathrooms are OK. Some sites have power, some don’t, none have water or sewer. Lots of things to do here. Been here 5 days and still haven’t done it all.
Site 80 is across from water access. But only 5 minutes to fill your tank. If you book an inside loop close to #80 you will be close to water.
Leonard 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.
We stayed two nights the week immediately after Memorial Day 2026. Park was almost empty. We had only one other travel trailer in our section. Short distance to Hammondsport NY at the south end of Keuka Lake. Great place to visit and have dinner.
This 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.
Stayed one night. Spot was great! It had rained so we weren't able to have a fire, but there was a spot where others had one previously. A little road noise from Rt 79, but honestly wasn't terrible.
Everyone 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.
I 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.
This is a state park centered on the amazing geologic features of Enfield Glen. A waterfall cascades through a gorge here, ending in a beautiful pool for swimming at the base of the falls, with a trout stream flowing out of it towards nearby Cayuga Lake. For the geologically curious, the trails through the gorge are fascinating and educational. And fossils abound, easily visible in the stream flowing out of the falls. This was a main draw for me about this park, as was the proximity to the paleontology institute and Museum of the Earth just to the north in the hamlet of Trumansburg. https://www.museumoftheearth.org/
Within the park itself, there are camping options for both tent and trailer camping. However, even if you usually prefer campground camping, it might be well worth your while to consider the camper cabins. These beautiful rustic cabins are located alongshore and adjacent to the falls in one of the most beautiful parts of the park! Although hikers and swimmers walk the trails nearby to the cabins alot during the day, they are usually done by late afternoon and then your cabin site is peaceful, shady and quiet, with the main sound being wind through the hemlocks and rippling of water over the stones in the brook closeby. Pull up a rocker and ease your way into a peaceful evening! Great location as a basecamp not only to explore the park, but also the nearby Geology museum as mentioned, plus Ithaca, Cayuga Lake, and area vineyards
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.
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.
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.
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, Columbia Cross Roads, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 172 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?
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots 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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