Hills Creek State Park Campground and Ricketts Glen State Park provide secluded camping experiences near Grover, Pennsylvania, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,200 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes, with summer daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F and nighttime lows of 55-65°F. Winter camping options remain limited, with most campgrounds closing between late October and mid-December, though several parks maintain year-round cabin rentals.
What to do
Hiking the trails around Pine Creek Gorge: Access numerous trails from Canyon Country Campground, which offers direct hiking access to the rim. "Our site was well laid out. The owners were extremely helpful concerning the Pa. Grand Canyon, where to go, the trails, etc. It is a 5 hour drive for us but we are already booked again for this June," notes camper Sheilah C.
Kayaking and river activities: The region features multiple water access points for seasonal paddling. "Pettecote Junction is a great park to camp! The location is perfect for fishing, floating/kayaking, and biking/hiking the rails to trail. The office has biking/tubing/boating rentals for its campers," reports Craig F.
Visit the PA Grand Canyon lookouts: The west rim provides less crowded viewing platforms. "Unlike Leonard Harrison, Colton Point on the western rim of the Pine Creek Gorge isn't a tourist hub. The campsites are private and you get to hike in. The trails aren't built up with steps and the like, but I think the Colton Point Turkey trail is much more manageable even without them," explains Emily S.
What campers like
Spacious, shaded camping sites: Hills Creek State Park Campground provides generous camping spaces. "Generously sized park with something for everyone. Clean, good facilities. Good walking, hiking, kayaking. Private sites can be found pretty easily," says Rebecca E.
Clean facilities with modern amenities: Many campgrounds maintain above-average bathhouses. "Great campground that we use for a layover en-route to NY. The shower and bathroom facilities looks brand new. Everywhere you look there is green space. The campground also does nature tours for local flora/fauna," notes Dave G.
Family-oriented recreation options: Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground focuses on kid-friendly activities. "I chose this campground because the photos of the pool/splash pad looked fun. The tent sites were right behind the athletic field where they did activities the weekend we were there (bounce house). The restrooms were fantastic too, the buildings held two complete rooms with a toilet sink and shower in each," reports Katye M.
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds close by late fall. "Pioneer Campground offers camping from early April to early December, extending later than many parks in the region that close by October," according to their seasonal schedule.
Wildlife awareness needed: Bears and other wildlife are present. "Warning, there are black bears and other wild life at Hills Creek, take care to lock up your coolers! We heard some fighting raccoons at night!" advises Amanda H.
Limited cell coverage in remote areas: Pettecote Junction Campground and other canyon locations have minimal connectivity. "I love this campground! It is my escape away from technology and my time to be one with nature. We tent camp and love the sites as they are right on the creek, a few have direct access to the creek if you have kayaks which is awesome," explains Anna L.
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Multiple swimming areas available for kids. "The swim area is one of the best around. Playgrounds are fun. 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. The nature talks were really fun for the kids and interesting for the adults," shares J K.
Halloween camping traditions: Pioneer Campground offers special seasonal events. "This has become a new tradition for our family and friends. We love decorating the sites and taking the kids trick or treating. They do a haunted woods that we felt the kids were too young for. They do hot chocolate and goodies in the store during the evening and there are tons of photo ops!" describes Gayle B.
Off-peak visits recommended: Crowding can affect experience during summer weekends. "Hills creek was a beautiful park, but it is crowded and ruins the nice environment of quiet camping. Beautiful at sunrise, not so at sunset because the sun sets behind the mountain," observes Alexandria.
Tips from RVers
Limited full hookup availability: Little Pine State Park Campground has electric-only sites. "Beautiful setting for camping along a stream and the mountains. Electric only but water fill up is in convenient locations. Dump station is provided. Well maintained and clean. There is a lake for swimming, kayaking and fishing," notes James P.
Site selection considerations: Look for level spaces with adequate shade. "Not much shade in the full hookup loop, so was happy to have electricity for A/C. The beach was a little more than a half mile walk from our site," reports James S. about Ricketts Glen.
Pack appropriately for limited supplies: Small campground stores offer basics but not comprehensive supplies. "The campground sits atop one of NEPA's 'rolling hills' in quiet, rural farming area. Cell service is spotty. Local winery/cafe just down the road for tastings and lunch," explains Cheryl W., noting the remoteness of these glamping spots close to Grover, Pennsylvania.
