Campgrounds around Cowanesque Lake in northern Pennsylvania provide a mix of lakefront and forested sites managed primarily by the Army Corps of Engineers. Ives Run Campground offers spacious sites with both full-hookup and primitive options, while Tompkins Campground features paved roads and parking pads near the New York border. Hills Creek State Park Campground and Lawrence Recreation Area add to the diverse camping landscape, offering tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and in some cases yurts. Most campgrounds in this region provide access to water recreation on Cowanesque Lake, with facilities ranging from basic to comprehensive.
Access to most campgrounds typically requires reservations, particularly during the peak season from May through September. The region experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters, making spring and fall popular for their moderate temperatures and reduced crowds. Many campsites feature level pads with varying degrees of shade and proximity to the water. Verizon and AT&T service works well in most developed areas, though coverage can be spotty in more remote locations. A camper noted, "The sites are closer together than most other COE parks where we've stayed. Our first week, we were on site 54 (W/E 50A) and waterfront."
Waterfront camping experiences receive consistently positive feedback from visitors to the Cowanesque Lake area. Campers appreciate the clean facilities and spacious sites at Ives Run, with several noting the exceptional maintenance of the grounds. One visitor mentioned, "Sites are very spacious and clean. Love it here peaceful and quiet." The primitive Pine Camp loop at Ives Run provides a more secluded experience with lake access, while the main loops offer more amenities. Many campgrounds in the area serve as convenient bases for exploring nearby attractions like the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, Pine Creek Rail Trail, and the historic town of Wellsboro. Boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities abound, with several campgrounds providing direct lake access and boat launches.
$24 - $100 / night
"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."
$20 - $75 / night
"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."
$20 - $58 / night
"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. "
$24 - $46 / night
"Just off US 15 at the New York border. All roads and parking pads are paved. The sites are closer together than most other COE parks where we’ve stayed."
"It is run by Army Corp of Engineers because it is on a lake with a dam. Spots are level and paved. It is always clean."
$40 - $100 / night
"Had a great few days here camped in RV next to lake. Amazing driftwood to be had. Good kayaking. Peaceful. Trees. Nice sites if close. I'd go back mid week or off season."
$40 - $100 / night
"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."
$20 - $29 / night
"It was a lovely 2-night stay and awesome area to explore as we discovered the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon”!!! Who knew!?"
"Sites 6 and 8, while close to the bathhouse, would likely have people walking through your site to get to the bathhouse. Campers have worn a path between these sites to access it."
TravelerCampground 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.
ScoutI've been coming to this campsite my whole life. It's nice and quiet, there's fishing and kayaking.
TravelerSite 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.
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.
ScoutWe 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.
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.
TravelerWill absolutely be back here. Easy to find with multiple spots around the pond. Stayed in the furthest spot, just past the parking lot. Fire pit and pond access. Cleaned up a bunch of diapers and some socks though (shame!). Please leave it better than you found it.
Cowanesque Lake campsites sit at approximately 1,090 feet elevation in northcentral Pennsylvania's Tioga County, just south of the New York border. The lake spans 1,090 acres with 18 miles of shoreline created by the Cowanesque Dam, built for flood control on the Cowanesque River. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline camping conditions particularly during spring runoff when water levels rise.
Hiking at Pine Loop: Access trails directly from campsites at Ives Run Main Campground with both wooded and lake view options. "The Pine loop is a pleasant escape for tent campers hoping for a good view of the lake. Note that the access gravel access road to this loop is about a mile to the 'comfort station' with flush toilets and showers," reports Katherine T.
Boat from multiple launches: Launch from several points around the lake with both motorized and non-motorized options. "Grounds had swimming area and multiple boat launch locations on large man made lake," notes Jeremy C.
Visit PA Grand Canyon: Take a day trip 30 minutes south to Leonard Harrison State Park Campground to see Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon. "The PA Grand Canyon Visitor center and the Turkey Path (main path down into the canyon) are a short 5 minute walk across the parking lot from the campground," writes Brad W.
Cycle the Pine Creek Rail Trail: Access this 60+ mile trail system from nearby access points. "If you're a cyclist- definitely ride the nearby paved Pine Creek Trail. My husband rode a century on his own on Fathers Day while here. The trail goes through small towns and has spots to grab a bite to eat," says Whitney W.
Spacious waterfront sites: Lakefront camping receives high marks for both views and access. "I booked site 144 at the primitive sites in Oct 2021. It was a great spot and happily, I was totally alone as no one had booked any of the sites near me. The sites I was located on all had a small piece of water access which allowed you to sit by the water," explains Christopher D. at Ives Run Main Campground.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and common areas receive consistent positive comments. "Bathrooms were very clean. The swim area is one of the best around. Playgrounds are fun," notes J K. at Hills Creek State Park Campground.
Paved camping pads: Level, well-maintained sites allow for easier setup. "Spots are level and paved. It is always clean. There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy," states Stacey C. about Tompkins Campground.
Year-round access options: Several nearby facilities extend camping seasons. "The campground is under new ownership and is being renovated. The pool and cabins are being replaced," reports Carl M. about Scenic View Campground, which offers year-round access.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies by location and carrier. "No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster," notes Bran P. about Tompkins Campground.
Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill months in advance, especially for holidays and summer weekends. "The only draw back is that it fills up quickly and you need to reserve many months ahead of time especially for holidays," advises James P.
Site selection strategy: Sites vary significantly in size, shade, and proximity to facilities. "During the hike you would pass a red pine plantation, a reminder of the Civilian Conservation Corps," notes John S. about Lawrence Recreation Area, highlighting the historical forestry efforts in the region.
Seasonal considerations: Spring brings higher lake levels, while fall offers colorful foliage but cooler temperatures. "Had a great few days here camped in RV next to lake. Amazing driftwood to be had. Good kayaking. Peaceful. Trees. Nice sites if close. I'd go back mid week or off season," suggests Rebecca E.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play equipment for children. "Two playgrounds, a pool, two jumping pillows, mini train, carousel, and activities. Good for bike riding although hilly," describes B C. at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds.
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs provide learning experiences. "The rangers offer educational programs that are free of charge," notes Amanda H.
Beach swimming options: Designated swimming areas with varying amenities. "We were impressed with the 2 bedroom cabin. The kitchen had the usual plus a microwave, toaster and coffee pot. The furniture was comfortable for a cabin and the porch was delightful to sit on during a rainy morning," shares Barbara S.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for local fauna while maintaining proper food storage. "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.
Hookup configurations: Some sites require extended hoses or cords. "This campground is very small, only 12 sites. It is a gravel lot with full hookups located behind a Gastropub with an outstanding menu. All hookups are located at the back of the sites, so you might need a longer sewer hose and water hose," advises Michael H. about Rusted Acres.
Loop selection: Different camping areas offer varying levels of privacy and amenities. "We stayed in the Bench Loop which is very busy since it is waterfront. Our first week, we were on site 54 (W/E 50A) and waterfront. Our second week, we stayed on site 44 (FHU 50A) right across from the seldom used playground," shares Bran P.
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have steep entry roads requiring caution. "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," warns B C.
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping. Check in advance or use nearby facilities when unavailable at your selected campsite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cowanesque Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cowanesque Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 208 campgrounds and RV parks near Cowanesque Lake and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cowanesque Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cowanesque Lake is Ives Run with a 4.8-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cowanesque Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Cowanesque Lake.
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