Loyalsock State Forest surrounds Hillsgrove, Pennsylvania, with over 114,000 acres of woodlands situated in the Endless Mountains region. Elevation changes of 1,000+ feet create temperature variations between campsites, with higher elevation locations often 5-10 degrees cooler than valley sites. Most campgrounds in this area are situated along forested creeks that can rise quickly during heavy rainfall.
What to do
Hiking the Falls Trail: At Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, visitors can access a moderate 4-mile loop featuring 18 waterfalls. "The hike is definitely not for the easily winded people, or anyone with bad knees, the hike down was pretty steep at some points but very well maintained! and the hike back up was again steep but maintained! and you got different falls to look at both ways," notes one camper.
Fishing in local streams: Lake Glory Campground offers fishing opportunities in their stocked lake. "The lake is stocked and the fish are always hungry," reports a regular visitor. Nearby creeks in Loyalsock State Forest contain native brook trout in higher elevation sections.
Winter activities: Worlds End State Park Campground remains open year-round with winter recreation options. "We had the pleasure of renting a cabin at World's End State Park for the first time in February 2016... The cabins stay very warm with a wood burning stove- sometimes even too warm and windows need to stay cracked open," shares one winter visitor.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Pioneer Campground offers secluded camping spots. "Pioneer Campground in Dushore Pa is a nice, family friendly place to camp. They are located back in the woods off of route 220 just far enough away to eliminate all road noise yet close enough that making a supply run is easy," explains a camper.
Swimming options: Many rv parks near Hillsgrove, Pennsylvania feature water recreation. "The pool was great, the kids loved the water slides," reports a visitor to Splash Magic RV Resort. At Riverside Campground, another visitor notes, "Nice spots right next to river where we set up lawn chairs in river and let the kids play."
Star viewing: The limited light pollution around Hillsgrove makes for excellent night sky viewing. "Also, the stars are incredible here! I usually come in the fall in October/early November," shares a visitor to Worlds End State Park Campground.
What you should know
Cell service challenges: Connectivity is limited throughout the entire region. "No cell service, which is refreshing. The sound of the creek nearby is really soothing," notes a visitor to Worlds End State Park, highlighting how many view this as a positive feature rather than inconvenience.
Weather preparedness: Temperature swings are common. "I usually come in the fall in October/early November. It's my favorite time to come because it's not extremely packed with campers and the leaves are beautiful. If you come in the fall, make sure you bring a cold weather sleeping bag or heater because the temp does drop," advises one Worlds End visitor.
Seasonal closures: Most Hillsgrove area RV campgrounds operate seasonally. Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse is one of the few facilities open year-round, with most others closing by late October or early November.
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