Best Camping near Gaines, PA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Gaines, PA (86)

Showing results 1-10 of 86 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Gaines

Recent Reviews In Gaines

297 Reviews of 86 Gaines Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Kanakadea Park
    September 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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Little Pine State Park Campground
    August 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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Stony Fork Creek Campground
    August 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Little Pine State Park Campground
    July 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!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Palmers Pond State Forest
    July 7, 2024

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    Quiet and beautiful

    The written directions from other reviews were easy to follow. The road was gravel but pretty easy to drive. I found one of the first spots and was very comfortable. Beautiful space, some people drove past but not much noise aside from that. Loved this spot!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Stony Fork Creek Campground
    June 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Trout Run Camp Resort
    June 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Twin Streams Campground
    June 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.

  • 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Loyalsock State Forest
    March 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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Riverview Campsites, Benezette PA
    October 30, 2023

    Riverview Campsites, Benezette PA

    Large sites

    Stayed in sites 36 and 37 with friends of ours. Campsites were very large. Pulled our 23 ft and 32 ft campers sideways across the sites. No cell reception. Clean and very nice. Only one shower house in the mountain view entrance so it would be a short drive if you do not use your camper bathroom.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ives Run
    August 24, 2023

    Ives Run

    Beautiful location

    Rolling hills, lots of room between sites, curved roads and loops (versus straight roads and everyone parked like a mobile home park) make for a very pleasant site. Lots of different settings to choose from.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ives Run
    July 29, 2023

    Ives Run

    Great spot. Friendly hosts.

    Well established campground with many campsites, both with and without hookups. Bathrooms, showers, boat launch, beach, playground, and a camp store. Lots of great trails nearby as well. Worth the visit!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park
    July 28, 2023

    Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park

    Nice overnight stop

    This is a big park. We just reserved one night as as an overnight stop after a 10 hr day of driving. We travel with a dog so our only choice for an electric site was on the Sycamore loop. The Oak loop does not allow pets. Sites we nicely laid out with level gravel and a fire ring. Looks like there lots to do around the park, especially for families.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Austin Campground
    June 27, 2023

    Austin Campground

    Austin campground

    Very nice campground, well maintained quiet, clean restrooms and showers, nice sized sites, very nice owners

  • Camper-submitted photo from Riverhurst Park Campground
    June 24, 2023

    Riverhurst Park Campground

    Peaceful

    My family and I had a wonderful stay tent camping here. The grounds are huge and very well maintained, including the grass being mowed. There are large, beautiful trees to tent camp in the shade. There’s lots of amenities like volleyball, basketball, playground, swings, all in a safe area away from roads. There’s entrance spots to kayak/ play in the river. Other than a few mosquito bites, we left with a peaceful, wonderful time and memories. Including seeing an eagle fly over the river!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park
    June 9, 2023

    Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park

    Relaxing week great sites

    Stayed in the modern camping section. Easy access to camp ground. The check in process was just to drive to the site and set up which was different but very easy. The sites are private on the sides with some green space to play on. Lots of extra places to park extra cars or bring a second vehicle with a boat.

    The kids had fun riding the bikes around the loop and taking the short cuts cut in around the loop. We had fun walking to the foot bridge to go fishing.

    The camping area was very quite both mornings and evenings. We saw the park rangers drive through multiple times per day.

    The bathrooms were clean. There are no shelfs in the showers (except for a bar of soap) but they had hooks to hang your clothes.

    The racoons were a fun surprise on our last night! We left the grease trap from the Blackstone out and the they found it. We did not see any bears though we heard they are there.

    We had smoke from Canadian forest fires so haze in the pictures is smoke not haze or rainy days! The walking trails are great. You can see the largest white swamp oak in Pennsylvania!

    Definitely check out Penns Cave too.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sinnemahoning State Park Campground
    June 8, 2023

    Sinnemahoning State Park Campground

    Small, Quiet and Beautiful

    This a small campground, around 33 sites. The pads are all gravel except for the handicapped pad, which is paved. This campground is alcohol free and upon checking on you are asked if you have any alcohol. The sites are fairly spaced apart and many are shaded by large pine trees.

    The park visitor's center has many participatory A/V camping and wildlife exhibits. The law enforcement/ranger was exceptionally helpful and friendly and he provided me with the locations of current elk sightings.

    I had no verizon cell service in the park.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sugar Creek Glen Campground
    June 6, 2023

    Sugar Creek Glen Campground

    Amazing for tents

    Tent sites along a confluence of creeks; ankle deep clear water. Amazing miles of upstream hiking, water holes, rope swings, etc.

    Perfect for little kids and adults.

    Short drive from Letchwood State Park

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ives Run
    May 30, 2023

    Ives Run

    Good views from Pine Loop

    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. This loop only has pit latrines. Site #136 was slightly sloped towards the lake, the ground was soft enough to get stakes in easily.  Would return again but probably stay on the lakeside of the Pine loop next time.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Country Campground
    January 12, 2023

    Canyon Country Campground

    Zero response

    Would like to stay at this campground, but these folks do not respond to reservation requests or vmail requests per their website instruction. Have lost all interest - horrible

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lyman Run State Park Campground
    November 6, 2022

    Lyman Run State Park Campground

    Lyman Run State Park

    The site and facilities were very well kept and clean. The night we arrived there was several other campers but cleared out for the weekend so we basically got the whole lower camp ground to ourselves which was great. Sites are well spaced so you don’t feel like it’s crowded. Would definitely visit again!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Palmers Pond State Forest
    October 22, 2022

    Palmers Pond State Forest

    Pretty but hard to find

    The directions took us to a dead end like the other reviews stated. Do not take Palmers pond road. When you get off of Interstate 86 you will want to take turnpike rd to south road. There are not any lights to show the sign so it’s kinda hard to find. The pond was dried up when we got there so that sad kind of a bummer. Lots of camping along the road and around the pond. Nice quiet spot



Guide to Gaines

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.

What to do:

  • Stargazing: Head to Cherry Springs State Park Campground for some of the best stargazing in the region. One camper raved, "Great place for stargazing and astronomy! The campground was well maintained."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Lyman Run State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Nice hiking trails, beach area by the lake, fishing and then the stars! One of my favs."
  • Fishing and Kayaking: Enjoy the water at Ives Run. A reviewer said, "Lake Hammond is beautiful with great access. You can easily walk, bike, skate on miles of paved roads."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. At Hills Creek State Park Campground, one visitor noted, "Very well kept state park. Bathrooms are super clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites that provide a sense of privacy. A camper at Lyman Run State Park Campground shared, "Sites are well spaced so you don’t feel like it’s crowded."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Ole Bull State Park Campground are known for being quiet and suitable for families. One reviewer said, "Lots to do for all ages. We stayed here in May and went to Cherry Springs State Park to star gaze; it was amazing."

What you should know:

  • Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Hills Creek State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A camper mentioned, "NO alcohol allowed."
  • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Little Pine State Park Campground is open from the first weekend in April to mid-December.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings, especially at Sinnemahoning State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "I had a close encounter with a massive bull elk just walking from my campsite to the restrooms at dawn!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and family activities. Ives Run has a beach area and trails that are great for kids. One parent said, "The site and facilities were very well kept and clean."
  • Quiet Hours: Respect quiet hours to ensure everyone has a good time. A camper at Leonard Harrison State Park mentioned, "I wish the rangers came around to silence noise."
  • Plan for Bugs: Be ready for bugs, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Little Pine State Park Campground noted, "It was extremely buggy when we went."

Tips from RVers:

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds, like Pettecote Junction Campground, are big rig friendly. A reviewer said, "Big rig friendly, drinking water, electric hookups."
  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Ives Run mentioned, "Well established campground with many campsites, both with and without hookups."
  • Explore Nearby Towns: Don’t forget to check out nearby towns for supplies and local attractions. A visitor at Sinnemahoning State Park Campground suggested, "Make your first stop the park office and grab a bunch of maps to see what’s around."

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

  • What camping is available near Gaines, PA?

    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.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Gaines, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gaines, PA is Cherry Springs State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 27 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gaines, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Gaines, PA.

  • What parks are near Gaines, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Gaines, PA that allow camping, notably Cowanesque Lake and Tioga-Hammond Lakes.