Gaines is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Gaines is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Pennsylvania camping adventure.
$20 - $29 / night
"The surrounding area is loaded with things to do as well if you feel like venturing out. Cherry Springs Dark Park is just up the road but the view from our tent was just as good."
"Our trip was for astrophotography purposes, and Lyman Run is only a 10 minute drive away from the Cherry Springs viewing area. Totally worth it!"
$16 / night
"Each campsite had a fire pit and a picnic table and most had trees behind them. We stayed in a drive up site that was close to the restrooms and had a clear field near us to look up and stargaze."
"A little off the beaten path, but definitely a good find away from that light pollution and with other like minded souls!"
$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."
"Incredible views, nicknamed the Grand Canyons of Pennsylvania"
"I loved that you can pick your own tucked away spot within the camp area but yet still close enough to other people. ~$20 a night which isn't to bad."
$18 - $117 / night
"A fantastic hidden gem next to the picturesque pine creek. Perfect for a river float on your tube or kayak with a nearby shuttle service. Quiet campground with a brand new bath house."
"Sites are not very level nor private, but the staff is great and the grounds are walking distance to the canyon. Met some great fellow campers here, biked the river trail, and hiked the state park."
"Minutes away from a town and the gorge. Hiking trail from the campground to the gorge! Highly recommended!!"
$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."
$10 - $92 / night
"Electric sites are available with water access to fill tanks but no water hookups. "
"Ole Bull State Park and the Surrounding  Susquehannock State Forest are breathtaking and certainly live up Potter County’s nickname of Gods Country."
$40 - $45 / night
"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."
"Stony Fork Creek is beautiful and offers nearby hiking trails, a lake, and activities."
GuideThis campground is very small, only 12 sites. 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. Check in on arrival. All hookups are located at the back of the sites, so you might need a longer sewer hose and water hose.
Note: You must pay cash for the site for now.
The location is quiet, minor road noise. Close by is a grocery store and gas station, post office is a short walk away.
GuideThis CG has two distinct sections. Near the entrance is the Pull Through Area. Behind a row of trees there are several sites with full hookups including cable TV and Wi-Fi. The sites are open, reasonably level, and a good size. The other sites are in the woods, most of these sites do not have sewer connections. There is a honey wagon service available. We camped with a relative who was new and we were teaching them how to operate their camper. We had a couple of dry days then some rain. Still was a great teaching/learning experience.
Make sure you use a water filter, there was a lot of sediment in the water when we were there. See pictures of 4 days on a new cartridge.
We had a fantastic sunrise one morning.
GuideMy family of 4 stopped at the Leonard Harrison campground for a 2-night camp while on our way to Maine from Indiana. It was a lovely 2-night stay and awesome area to explore as we discovered the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon”!!! Who knew!?
The campground is situated directly next to the beautiful and accessible overlook area with new restrooms and completely new outdoor area to explore the canyon views and get direct access to hiking trails. It also had a new nature center that my kids enjoyed.
The campground had nice & clean restrooms and shower areas. And a larger room that’s perfect for camping families with little ones so you can shower & use the restroom all in a one single, larger secure room.
There was a cute little playground onsite. And the ranger station was next to the campground with friendly staff giving trail maps, advice and directions.
100% recommend exploring this area AND driving to nearby Kolten State Park. It has amazing outlook views and trails that are fun and run along the canyon.
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.
Don’t sleep on this area. It’s really cool and unknown for those looking for a neat spot to explore!
TravelerI'm disabled so kinda limited in what I can enjoy, but this place makes it pretty easy. All you really have to do is look up. We went during a full moon so didn't get the most out of it, but it was still beautiful. Plenty of space. Easy areas to walk if you have difficulty and can't go uphill, or struggle with balance and stability. But worst case, sitting around the fire and just enjoying gorgeous views, skies and time with family... Makes any trip worth it. Absolutely going again.
TravelerIt was cloudy the first night we stayed but I woke up in the middle of the night to the bright beautiful stars. The campground is beautiful and we had a great view of the sunset.
ScoutSo 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.
ScoutBig 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
TravelerThis 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
TravelerWe 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.
Camping near Gaines, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of stunning natural beauty and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there’s something for everyone in this area.
Camping near Gaines, Pennsylvania, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, with plenty of options for everyone. Whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure, this area has it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Gaines, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 86 campgrounds and RV parks near Gaines, PA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gaines, PA is Lyman Run State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 23 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Gaines, PA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Gaines, PA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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