Tent camping near Gaines, Pennsylvania offers access to Pennsylvania's Pine Creek Gorge area, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,900 feet. This north-central region experiences cold winters with substantial snowfall and mild summers with average July temperatures between 75-85°F. Most primitive campsites in the area require campers to pack out all trash as part of leave-no-trace practices.
What to do
Pine Creek Rail Trail access: From Darling Run Campground — Tioga State Forest, campers can directly access the 62-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail for biking, hiking and wildlife viewing through the gorge.
Stargazing opportunities: While Cherry Springs gets most attention, Lawrence Recreation Area provides good dark sky viewing with less competition for space. "Had a few great days here camped in RV next to lake. Amazing driftwood to be had. Good kayaking. Peaceful. Trees," notes one reviewer.
Explore Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon: The Turkey Trail at Colton Point offers one perspective, but viewpoints from the opposite rim provide completely different vistas. According to one camper at Colton Point, "Incredible views, nicknamed the Grand Canyons of Pennsylvania."
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Tiadaghton Campground offers roadside primitive sites with substantial privacy. One camper reports, "Roadside 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."
Well-maintained facilities: Despite their rustic nature, many campgrounds maintain clean facilities. At Patterson State Park, a camper noted, "It has a really nice water well with a manual pump. Restroom is the typical hole with no flush, but is very clean."
Easy access to trail systems: Several campgrounds connect directly to regional trail networks. As one camper at Patterson State Park Campground mentioned, "If Hiking is your thing, the STS trail system runs right through it."
What you should know
First-come, first-served limitations: Many primitive sites cannot be reserved ahead of time. A visitor to Patterson noted, "I think the previous reviewer got a bit confused - Patterson State Park is a small campground in PA near Cherry Springs State Park. I kind of view it is overflowing camping for the campground there."
Variable road noise: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds more than others. A Patterson State Park camper warns, "It is just next to the road, so its noisy at night when cars pass."
Pack-in, pack-out requirements: Most Big Woods North Campsites and other Tioga State Forest sites have no trash service, requiring campers to pack out all waste.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly by carrier throughout the region, with most primitive sites having spotty or no service.
Tips for camping with families
Uncrowded alternatives: For families seeking space to play without crowds, Patterson offers an ideal setting. One camper explains, "One of the best features and why we will definitely be back is that at any given time you may have the whole park to yourself. If you are camping with children this can be a plus! They will have plenty of room to play, and it is a poke-stop."
Consider trail difficulty: Some trails in the area have steep sections unsuitable for young children. Routes from Colton Point State Park Campground vary in difficulty, with one camper noting, "I highly suggest this parks Turkey trail. 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."
Pack appropriately for walk-in sites: Some campgrounds require carrying gear from parking areas. A Colton Point camper advises, "I love the walk in sites. They take a small hike so don't over pack!"
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups available: Most primitive sites in the region lack hookups. Lawrence Recreation Area offers electric hookups without water or sewer connections according to the campground features list.
Size restrictions apply: None of the campgrounds near Gaines accommodate big rigs. Larger RVs should consider commercial campgrounds farther from the state forests.
Consider group dynamics: The closeness of sites at some campgrounds affects privacy. A Patterson camper mentions, "Good tranquil place. Not much privacy from site to site but that's fine."
