The Tioga State Forest surrounds Gaines, Pennsylvania, with over 160,000 acres of woodland between 1,300 and 2,200 feet elevation. The region experiences four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and mild summers that average 75-80°F during peak camping months. Several campgrounds offer year-round accommodations including cabins and yurts for all-season comfort.
What to do
Rail trail biking: Pine Creek Trail runs through the canyon with a trailhead near DB Adventures. "Our site was literally on the river, we even saw an eagle," reports a camper from Pettecote Junction Campground. The trail stretches 62 miles through the canyon with minimal grade changes.
Trout fishing: Fish Pine Creek for native and stocked trout. "Great views of pine creek that's stocked with trout. Large sites and quiet place," notes a visitor at DB Adventures. Fishing season typically runs mid-April through September with special regulations in some sections.
Hiking: Explore the Turkey Trail at Colton Point. "Unlike Lenard Harrison's trail it's not so easy for EVERYONE to access, so you won't see near as many tourists. It's a rougher climb but you follow a small stream filled with waterfalls down into the canyon," explains a hiker at Colton Point State Park. The trail drops 800 feet into the canyon over approximately 1 mile.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Camp within earshot of moving water. "What saved this place from total mediocrity is its location right on the river...while I couldn't see the river from my campsite due to brush, it was clearly audible, which was nice," writes a camper from Pettecote Junction Campground. Many riverside sites include direct creek access.
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and showers get high marks. "The 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," notes a visitor at Pettecote Junction Campground. Most campgrounds maintain central bathroom facilities from April through October.
Yurt camping options: Heated structures for three-season comfort. "We stayed in yurts, which are round tents ($38 per night). We had a cozy wooden deck and slept four people in two bunk beds. We also had a cooking stove, refrigerator, heat and electricity," explains a guest at Hills Creek State Park Campground. Yurt camping near Gaines, Pennsylvania provides an alternative to traditional tent camping.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Prepare for disconnection. "No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster," reports a visitor to Tompkins Campground. Most campgrounds offer limited WiFi in central areas only.
Seasonal restrictions: Many facilities close for winter. "We spent labor day weekend here had a great time very clean campground and very clean bathroom and showers," notes a camper at DB Adventures. Most campgrounds operate April through October, with limited winter camping options.
Wildlife awareness: Bears and snakes are present. "It was the height of rattle snake season. A site near ours and very close to the playground had a rattler under their camper. A little too close for comfort," cautions a visitor to Little Pine State Park Campground. Store food securely and check for wildlife before setting up camp.
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. "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," recommends a family at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds. Many campgrounds offer weekend programming during summer.
Short hiking options: Choose trails under 1 mile for young children. "The hike around the lake is not that long and a pretty easy walk. We did it with a 5 year old and he had no complaints," shares a parent who visited Hills Creek State Park. Several campgrounds maintain nature trails under 1 mile in length.
Level sites: Request areas with minimal slope for tent camping. "Sites are level and paved. It is always clean. There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy," notes a repeat visitor to Tompkins Campground. Tents require flatter terrain than RVs.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited. "All roads and parking pads are paved. The sites are closer together than most other COE parks where we've stayed," reports an RVer at Tompkins Campground. Many campgrounds offer electric-only sites with central water access points.
Site dimensions: Verify measurements before booking. "The site we booked online had bad measurements, so when we got there we found our trailer wouldn't fit. The camp map is close but not very accurate, so calling them to book if you have any questions is the way to go," advises an RVer at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds. Most campgrounds accommodate rigs up to 32 feet.
Challenging access roads: Be prepared for steep grades. "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 a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds. Most campgrounds have narrow access roads with limited passing zones.
