The Endless Mountains region surrounding Columbia Cross Roads, Pennsylvania sits at approximately 1,200 feet elevation with rolling terrain and forested valleys. The area experiences seasonal temperature swings with summer highs averaging 80°F and winter lows often below freezing. Camping options span from lakeside sites to mountain ridge locations, with most facilities operating from April through October due to the region's cold winters.
What to do
Lakeside activities at Pine Cradle Lake: Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating and swimming at this family campground with a central lake. "The fishing is good, and the turtles are eager to help themselves to your bait. It truly is a great place to stay," notes a camper at Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground. The campground offers catch-and-release fishing without requiring a PA license.
Hiking forest trails: Worlds End State Park features extensive hiking opportunities with well-marked trails. "There are numerous trails in both the state park and neighboring Loyalsock State Forest, some of which are accessible from the campgrounds. The trails are very well marked and most of them prohibited hunting," writes one visitor to Worlds End State Park Campground. The High Rock Trail is recommended for hikers looking for a challenge.
Vineyard visits: Several campgrounds offer easy access to regional wineries, some even with walking paths directly from the camping areas. A visitor to Finger Lakes RV Resort mentions, "They are bookended by two wineries with walking paths from the campground." The Finger Lakes region has dozens of wineries within short driving distance.
What campers like
Quiet camping atmospheres: Many campers appreciate the peaceful settings found at campgrounds in the area. At Worlds End State Park, a camper notes, "It feels like you're in another world, or at least separated from the daily hassles and vexations of society, with a wall of a mountain between you and them."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds near Columbia Cross Roads maintain high cleanliness standards. At Aspen Family Campground, a visitor shares, "The bathroom and shower house are very rustic which I loved. The owners were super nice and accommodating."
Water features: Lakes, swimming pools and splash pads are popular amenities. "We enjoyed fishing and kayaking in the lake, the heated pool and splash pad, spacious sites and clean amenities," reports a visitor at Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground. Several campgrounds feature dedicated swimming areas to help families beat the summer heat.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds in this rural area have minimal connectivity. A camper at Pine Cradle Lake notes, "There is very very little cell reception and only wifi if you pay for it. We had to put our phones and devices down and just relax."
Reservation requirements: The most desirable sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Get your reservations in early though weekends for lakeside sites are booked super fast!" advises a Pine Cradle Lake camper. Fall foliage season is particularly busy at rv campgrounds in Columbia Cross Roads, Pennsylvania.
Varied terrain and site types: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds has sites with different characteristics. "The entry road to the campground itself is a very steep, narrow road with a small curve at the top. It's well-maintained but keep an eye out for campers coming down. There's space for getting by but it's tight," shares one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-focused amenities: Jellystone Park offers extensive children's activities. "Kids had a great time at this campground. Two playgrounds, a pool, two jumping pillows, mini train, carousel, and activities. Good for bike riding although hilly," notes a visitor.
Tent site selection: For families with tents, some sites offer better experiences than others. A camper at Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground shares, "The tent sites were right behind the athletic field where they did activities the weekend we were there (bounce house). The restrooms were fantastic too, the buildings held two complete rooms with a toilet sink and shower in each."
Off-season cabin options: Worlds End State Park provides cabins during colder months. "We had the pleasure of renting a cabin at World's End State Park for the first time in February 2016... We were immediately in love with the babbling river that ran right beside our cabin," shares a visitor. The cabins sleep 6-8 with four double bunk beds, electricity, stove and refrigerator.
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: RV campers should plan their routes carefully around Columbia Cross Roads rv campgrounds. "Standard GPS directions for this campground are wrong, (coming from 15N they have you turn right at the end of the ramp, you need to turn left) So plot your route before you go. Otherwise it guides you to a gravel road with a no campers sign," advises a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds.
Site selection for shade: At Pine Cradle Lake, different RV sites offer varying levels of shade. "We booked site 211 which had the little bit of tree coverage and was located right next to the showers/bathrooms/playground with a quick walk to the lake for fishing. Most of the other available sites in the road ahead of us had no tree coverage but closer to the lake had more trees and shade," notes a camper.
Seasonal campground considerations: Scenic View Campground LLC operates year-round but has been undergoing improvements. "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," reports a recent visitor, information worth noting for RVers planning extended stays.
