Cowanesque Lake, PA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Pennsylvania camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Cowanesque Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$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."
"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."
$35 / night
"It is a gravel lot with full hookups located behind a Gastropub with an outstanding menu. Its called Rusted Acres CG and the gastropub is The Rusted Nut. You call the pub and make a reservation."
$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."
ScoutWe stayed here Wednesday through Saturday of Labor Day weekend. On Wednesday and Thursday nights there were about 5 sites that were taken. By Friday they were all full
The campground is a simple loop of 28 sites. 19 are non -electric and 9 are electric. Sites are spacious and easy to back in to. I believe there are two pull throughs. Water spigots are continently located around the campground.
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. For biking there is the Pine Creek Rail Trail, that runs the length of the canyon at the bottom. To access from the campground you can drive there in 16 minutes Darling Run trail access area.
GuideThe campground is cute and quiet. Staff is friendly and helpful. My only complaint is the condition of the roads. They are in dire need of grading and new gravel. Be careful!
ScoutRoadside site 1/4 mile from the nearest site. You can drive right to the site on Hackett Rd. Very secluded and peaceful. Picnic table and fire ring, but no water or latrine.
RangerSites are level, some are more spaced apart than others but none seemed crowded as they seemed to all have trees between. Main complaint was most people speed way too fast through the campground. There was poison Ivy around the edges of our site and on the path to the bathroom. Bathroom was fairly modern and clean. It was nice to be able to access the gorge right from the campground.
ScoutThe road in (a loop) is steep on both sides (a truck or vehicle with clearance would be helpful but you could also park at the bottom if you needed to). The site was trashy so we picked up a lot of what we could. A bonus—the site was quiet, roomy and once at the ‘top’ is quite level. Not vehicles came in or out all night (and it was a Saturday!).
GuideThis was a great visit! The owners were amazing and accommodating. We had everything we needed.
RangerSite 54 at Robert H Treman is very large, flat, nonelectric and well shaded with areas of sun. A long walk to the restroom. Beautiful waterfall swimming pool is very cold, but great on a hot day. The new loop is a large field--we got one of the few shady sites in the new loop. Old loop has plenty of trees, but sites are much smaller. Restrooms were ok--not terrible, but could use updates. Great playgrounds for the kids. Good central location for exploring the Finger Lakes, Watkins Glen, Seneca Falls, Cornell and Ithaca.
ScoutCampers arriving at Watkins Glen State Park are immediately captivated by its dramatic gorge scenery, where 19 waterfalls cascade through narrow stone walls. Their campsites are nestled among hardwood forests, offering a perfect balance of sunlit clearings and shady retreats. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, making it easy to prepare meals after a day spent exploring the park’s famous Gorge Trail. The park’s facilities blend rustic charm with modern comforts: clean flush toilets, hot-water showers, and convenient potable water stations. Hiking enthusiasts appreciate the interconnected trail system, which includes the popular Rim Trail for elevated views of the gorge, as well as more secluded footpaths through hemlock groves. Families particularly enjoy the nearby swimming pool and easy-access picnic areas overlooking Seneca Lake. To simplify travel logistics for out-of-state visitors, many campers opt to pre-book an airport transfer so they can arrive at Ithaca or Elmira–Corning Regional Airport and head straight to the park without the hassle of car rentals. Those planning to explore multiple stops along the Finger Lakes often choose the provider’s reliable city-to-city rides for comfortable, door-to-door transportation between destinations. All in all, Watkins Glen State Park delivers an unforgettable combination of awe-inspiring gorge hikes, well-appointed campsites, and family-friendly amenities. Campers seeking both adventure and relaxation will find this New York treasure hard to surpass.
RangerI stayed here July 4th. Was quiet at night. Really pretty. Bathrooms with actual toilets and running water! Register for overnight at bathroom building kiosk. Day visits just sign log
Camping near Cowanesque Lake, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Cowanesque Lake, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some unforgettable memories!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cowanesque Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cowanesque Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 200 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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