Best Tent Camping near Cowanesque Lake in Pennsylvania

If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Cowanesque Lake, look no further. The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Cowanesque Lake. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Cowanesque Lake's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Cowanesque Lake, PA (11)

    Camper-submitted photo from Colton Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colton Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colton Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colton Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colton Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Colton Point State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lawrence Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lawrence Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lawrence Recreation Area

    2. Lawrence Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    9 Saves
    Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania

    Overview

    Lawrence Recreation Area is a day-use facility on the south side of Cowanesque Lake. It is conveniently located on State Route 49 approximately 4 miles west of Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. The area offers a great location for picnicking and shoreline fishing.

    Recreation

    Cowanesque Lake offers many outdoor activities including boating and fishing. A variety of native fish inhabits the area's streams and lakes. The North and South Tailrace areas provide access for fishing below the dam. The fields and forests around the lake are popular destinations for hunters looking for large and small game species that inhabit the eastern hardwood forests. Many miles of hiking trails surround the lake, including the Mid State Trail, which links the trails at Cowanesque and nearby Hammond Lake into a long path that extends all the way through Pennsylvania from Maryland to New York.

    Facilities

    The Cayuga Shelter is reservable for group picnicking. It is fully accessible and comfortably accommodates groups of up to 100 people in a lovely lakeside setting.

    Natural Features

    Cowanesque Lake is situated in the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny Plateau in the Appalachian Mountains. The surrounding land paints a scenic picture of rolling terrain and open fields.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $40 - $100 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Gardner Hill Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gardner Hill Campground

    3. Gardner Hill Campground

    1 Review
    2 Photos
    5 Saves
    Elmira, New York
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Market
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from South Shore Recreation Area

    4. South Shore Recreation Area

    Be the first to review!
    1 Photo
    1 Save
    Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania

    Overview

    South Shore Recreation Area is located on the south side of the Cowanesque Lake along State Route 49, just five miles west of Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania. The area is easily accessible from Route 15 and offers a great location for boating, picnicking and fishing.

    Recreation

    Cowanesque Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities including boating and fishing. A variety of native fish inhabits the area's streams and lakes. The North and South Tailrace areas provide access for fishing below the dam. The fields and forests around the lake are popular destinations for hunters looking for large and small game species that inhabit the eastern hardwood forests. Many miles of hiking trails circle the lake, including the Mid State Trail, which travels through the recreation area. It links the trails at Cowanesque and nearby Hammond Lake into a long path that extends all the way through Pennsylvania from Maryland to New York.

    Facilities

    The recreation area offers three group shelters. The Iroquois and Oneida Shelters have electric and water hookups; the Mohawk Shelter has water hookups only. All three sites are fully accessible and comfortably accommodate groups of up to 100 people in a lovely lakeside setting.

    Natural Features

    Cowanesque Lake is situated in the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny Plateau in the Appalachian Mountains. The surrounding land paints a scenic picture of rolling terrain and open fields.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $40 - $100 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Patterson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Patterson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Patterson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Patterson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Patterson State Park Campground
    • No image available

      6. Lambs Creek Recreation Area

      Be the first to review!
      Mansfield, Pennsylvania

      Overview

      Lambs Creek Recreation Area is located at the southern end of Tioga Lake, just north of the borough of Mansfield, PA. The recreation area is easily accessible from US Route 15 and offers a great location for picnicking, hiking and biking.

      Recreation

      A 3.2-mile paved rail trail travels south from the recreation area into Mansfield. It is open for hiking, biking and roller blading. A boat ramp within the facility provides access to the 498-acre Tioga Lake, which is popular for water skiing, fishing and paddling.

      Facilities

      Lambs Creek offers one group shelter. It is fully accessible and comfortably accommodates up to 100 people in a lovely wooded setting.

      Natural Features

      Lambs Creek is situated in the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny Plateau in the Appalachian Mountains. The surrounding land paints a scenic picture of rolling terrain and open fields.

      • Pets
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Picnic Table

      $75 / night

      Camper-submitted photo from Back-Achers Campsites
      Camper-submitted photo from Back-Achers Campsites
      Camper-submitted photo from Back-Achers Campsites

      7. Back-Achers Campsites

      4 Reviews
      3 Photos
      50 Saves
      Dresden, New York
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • No image available

        8. Riverside Acres Campground

        2 Reviews
        18 Saves
        Towanda, Pennsylvania
        • Pets
        • Fires
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • Reservable
        • Tents

        $22 - $35 / night

        Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Park Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Riverside Park Campground

        9. Riverside Park Campground

        1 Review
        2 Photos
        11 Saves
        Wellsville, New York
        • Pets
        • Electric Hookups
        • Phone Service
        • Tents
        • Standard (Tent/RV)
        • Trash
        Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Hill Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Hill Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Hill Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Hill Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Hill Campground
        Camper-submitted photo from Holiday Hill Campground
      Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews in Cowanesque Lake

      461 Reviews of 11 Cowanesque Lake Campgrounds


      • C
        Camper-submitted photo from DB Adventures
        Nov. 14, 2024

        DB Adventures

        A great spot to camp

        So myself, my Girlfriend and our dog went up to hike the Grand Canyon and decided to spend the night. We were met with extremely friendly personnel. The site was easy to get to. And the bathrooms and showers were extremely clean. Honestly it was a huge plus picking this place to stay the night.

      • B
        Camper-submitted photo from Taughannock Falls State Park Campground
        Oct. 14, 2024

        Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

        Great little campground

        Pulled back and punted bc of Storm Debbie. Lucked out with a find in the Finger Lakes. Nice campground. Has everything you need. Small sites but fine for our hybrid. Ours was shady. Check out which side the hookups are on. Some not situated on the right side so you’ll need extra long cords. Just beautiful area. Hiked here. Drove to Watkins Glen-hiked-absolutely breathtaking. That campground is much larger. Went to Buttermilk Falls too.

      • AThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping
        Oct. 1, 2024

        Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

        Amazing campground

        Very well maintained. Some sites are close and some a spread out. About half of them are in the sun and half get shade all day. I switched sites after a day to get some solar charging. Clean bathrooms with flush toilets. Sign in near bathrooms on arrival. Dogs must be on a leash but I found a spot down the hill to the south where there are no campsites to let them play fetch for a bit.

      • v
        Camper-submitted photo from Kanakadea Park
        Sep. 15, 2024

        Kanakadea Park

        Noisy

        Big open campground with lots of sites both electric and non electric. Many rigs in non electric sites running generators 24 hours. Very noisy. Would not recommend

      • Jacob D.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Foster Pond Camping Area
        Sep. 13, 2024

        Foster Pond Camping Area

        Relaxed Free Dispersed Camping

        Right at the intersection of Potomac Road and Chicken Coop road in the Finger Lakes National Forest. If heading North on Potomac Road, turn left at the intersection and you’ll find a parking lot. Into the woods around the Lake you’ll find free dispersed camping.

        My mom and I stayed just in the parking lot and had no issues and weren’t bothered. NO AMENITIES

      • Jolene J.
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Pine State Park Campground
        Aug. 17, 2024

        Little Pine State Park Campground

        Clean quiet campground

        This is a nice clean quiet campground. It's a great stop if you're doing rails to trails or swimming at the beach up the road. (Note to get to both places you'll need to drive). We went on a weekday and it wasn't crowded but I've heard on the weekends it gets packed. There are two sets of swings and one slide. The bathrooms have showers and were clean. Some of the spots are smaller and right next to each other (down by the creek and up around top). But spots 68,69,70 are prime. We were in spot 75 right next to the bridge and not ideal

      • Emily F.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Stony Brook State Park Campground
        Aug. 2, 2024

        Stony Brook State Park Campground

        Review about sites 321 to 325

        I stayed here and it was very peaceful, but it was also pretty empty. Some of the sides are very close together, but if you look around, you can get one that has a little bit more privacy. Clean bathrooms, clean showers. Hikes from the site. Swimming as well!!

      • Greg W.
        Camper-submitted photo from Stony Fork Creek Campground
        Aug. 2, 2024

        Stony Fork Creek Campground

        Great experience

        We arrived on Saturday and departed the following Friday. The campground was exceptionally maintained, bathrooms and showers virtually spotless and the pool was clearly and consistently maintained at all times. Plenty of space to spread out and walk. All of the roads were paved and sites were very large.

      • Amber C.
        Camper-submitted photo from Little Pine State Park Campground
        Jul. 14, 2024

        Little Pine State Park Campground

        Nice Place

        The campground is beautifully kept. Bathrooms and sites were nice. Some sites are alittle closer personally esp in the dog area. It was extremely buggy when we went. Our dogs wouldn't come out of the camper because there was no relief. It was the height of rattle snake season. A site near ours and very close to the playground had a rattler under their camper. Alittle too close for comfort. Otherwise, campers, rangers and hosts were nice to deal!

      • P
        Camper-submitted photo from Taughannock Falls State Park Campground
        Jun. 20, 2024

        Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

        Below average SP campground

        As for RV camping, this place is outdated. Sites are on top of one another, but some have good shade. Ours, site 6 didn't. Really can't walk to beach area or store. Cheap enough at $25. T-storms knocked out power overnight.

      • MJ B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Stony Fork Creek Campground
        Jun. 19, 2024

        Stony Fork Creek Campground

        Good Camping Option to the Grand Canyon of PA

        Stayed at this campsite, taking our pop-up camper on its maiden voyage to the Grand Canyon of PA. Was able to choose a location that worked best for us. The area we selected was not busy. Campsite appeared to have a lot of seasonal campers. My husband does not like staying in crowded campgrounds with people surrounding you and up all night screaming and singing. We go camping to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Not to listen to people pretending to relive their college days....lol. Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us, and the ground was grassy and level. The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals. We chose this campsite due to its proximity to the Leonard Harrison State Park. We had no issues here and would recommend.

      • SThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Trout Run Camp Resort
        Jun. 17, 2024

        Trout Run Camp Resort

        Trout Run Review

        Bathrooms were very clean. Lots of things to do for young ones; heated pool, splash pad, pickleball court, basketball hoops and Gaga ball court. Opportunity to rent kayaks, bikes and golf carts.

      • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping
        Jun. 7, 2024

        Sugar Hill Recreation Area Camping

        Dog Friendly Retreat near Watkins Glen

        We stayed at Sugar Hill for about 10 days, arriving right after Memorial Day weekend. The campground offers a variety of great options for various rig sizes, accommodating different needs comfortably. Its location is convenient, just a 15-minute drive from Watkins Glen, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.

        During our stay, the campsite never even got near half full, providing a peaceful and uncrowded experience. For those seeking more privacy, there are numerous secluded spots along the side roads throughout the park.

        However, it's worth noting that WiFi and phone service are pretty limited, typically ranging between 1-2 bars. Despite this minor inconvenience, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would recommend Sugar Hill for its tranquility and proximity to local attractions.

      • Paulina B.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Twin Streams Campground
        Jun. 4, 2024

        Twin Streams Campground

        Family Retreat by the Stream

        Spent Memorial Day weekend at this campground and found it bustling with activity yet still retaining a serene charm. Despite the crowd, we snagged a spot by the stream, which added an extra layer of tranquility to our stay. As the holiday wound down, so did the crowd, leaving behind a peaceful ambiance. Its proximity to the PA Grand Canyon made it an ideal base for exploration. While the WiFi was a bit spotty, offering only two bars in certain areas, it encouraged us to disconnect and fully immerse ourselves in nature, especially during the mesmerizing stargazing nights. Although there were plenty of annual RV residents, the atmosphere remained quaint and inviting. Overall, a delightful spot for a camping getaway.

      • V
        Camper-submitted photo from Pettecote Junction Campground
        May. 28, 2024

        Pettecote Junction Campground

        Nature Lover's Dream

        This is one of the best campgrounds we've ever stayed at. Beautifully maintained and landscaped, and the sites are level. Our site was literally on the river, we even saw an eagle. Their bathrooms are so clean I almost swept from joy. Keep in mind you need quarters for a hot shower but I only needed 2 quarters for 6 minutes, plenty of time. What I love most is how accessible the biking trail and river are. The staff will even shuttle you to the kayak drop off site for a fee, and then you just pull in right to the campground. We have been coming to this area for years and this is the first time we were lucky to snag a site for a Holiday weekend. We won't stay anywhere else from now on.

      • Jim M.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Loyalsock State Forest
        Mar. 19, 2024

        Loyalsock State Forest

        The campsites aren't too bad but I choose a bad night to stay.

        The sites are just pull offs along the road. the road isn't heavily traveled so it's not too bad. The problem was the night that I stayed there it had been raining non stop for several day and the whole campsite. was several inches of mud. there wasn't any grassy areas to park near. All in all not a bad place in dry conditions. it was reported to be free with a permit but the permit was about $15

      • Nicole S.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen / Corning KOA
        Mar. 13, 2024

        Watkins Glen / Corning KOA

        Mixed Feelings

        This was our families first SoLo trip with our camper. It had alot of things to do indoor/ outdoor pool, pirate ship, slide, big pillow, waterside, golf and rock wall. The campground and showers were clean. There were some things that didn't work like the army truck ride, zipline, and playground. The biggest downfall was being near the dump station and something going on with this makeshift site next to us where around our area smelled of sewer fumes all the time we went out for dinner one night because my 3 yr old was gaging. However the area was absolutely gorgeous we hiked so many waterfalls, went and rented a boat for the day to check out the lake, and drive to the next lake to check out the park.

      • Sunny B.
        Camper-submitted photo from Harpy Hollow
        Jan. 12, 2024

        Harpy Hollow

        Nice place

        A great place to visit, I really like this place. I often lie here admiring the scenery and playing suika game. I like everything that is peaceful and slow

      • P
        Camper-submitted photo from Finger Lakes Campground
        Dec. 29, 2023

        Finger Lakes Campground

        Scenic, pleasant campground

        Good size sites, mostly back-in, some gravel and some grass. New owner making daily improvements. Great manager doing her best to accommodate every camper. Very limited to non existent cell service, Reason for 4 stars.

      • P
        Camper-submitted photo from Camp Elmbois
        Dec. 29, 2023

        Camp Elmbois

        Mostly Seasonal

        Owners on site, very friendly, and accommodating. Water and 30a, dump station. Some larger sites to accommodate up to 40’ rigs. Reasonable width sites.

      • Carl G.
        Camper-submitted photo from Keuka Lake State Park Campground
        Oct. 2, 2023

        Keuka Lake State Park Campground

        Another beautiful State Park

        Keuka Lake is small, boat launch, small beach playground at beach and camp ground. Hiking, biking. Not far from Penn Yan, nice city, winery's are all over. TV reception there is none, cell phone not great either. Lake is clean and clear, great for fishing, boating, and swimming. Park is clean and well maintained.

      • L
        Camper-submitted photo from Taughannock Falls State Park Campground
        Sep. 30, 2023

        Taughannock Falls State Park Campground

        Met the basic needs, but have seen better

        The park itself is located in a great region, close to many other top attractions of the Finger Lakes region. There are few nice hiking trails right from the park, which our whole family enjoyed. 

        We camped as a small group in two sites across from each other. Where we were, the sites were close to the road, and the road noise was distracting. The sites were also very close to each other and rather shallow, thereby limiting privacy. Upper sites, closer to the falls looked a lot nicer, deeper, and quieter, but we had no choice since it was booked with short notice. Not much to say about park facilities. Basic restroom and shower facilities, but the ability to do dishes in the designated sink in the bathroom was a plus. Bathroom facilities were old and not well maintained. We barely saw any real cleaning either. So, that was a bummer.

        All in all, if you are eager to get out and camp, and have no better choice, I would say you will be OK. Otherwise, there are nicer options around.

      • G
        Camper-submitted photo from Watkins Glen / Corning KOA
        Sep. 18, 2023

        Watkins Glen / Corning KOA

        Better than usual KOA

        Very convenient to Watkins Glenn State Park and the Speedway. Restrooms are modern clean and adequate. WiFi was good on a fall weekend with park pretty full. Some sites are concrete, ours was gravel and not particularly level. Good cable TV.



      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cowanesque Lake?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cowanesque Lake is Colton Point State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Cowanesque Lake?

        TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Cowanesque Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.