Camping sites near Jamison, Pennsylvania center around the Pennsylvania Wilds region, a remote area known for its dark skies and limited connectivity. The region sits within the Allegheny Plateau with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,300 feet. Summer temperatures often drop into the 40s at night while daytime highs rarely exceed 80°F, requiring campers to pack layers even for summer trips.
What to do
Explore the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon: The Pine Creek Gorge, nicknamed Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon, offers hiking trails with significant elevation changes. Leonard Harrison State Park Campground provides easy access to the gorge. "There is a hiking trail that will take you down into the canyon. It is a mile or so and pretty steep, but well maintained. Portions are steps. There are a few waterfalls to view on the way down," notes Denice S.
Kayak on local waterways: Kettle Creek State Park allows campers to launch directly from creekside sites. "Creekside sites let you drop kayak directly into creek. 40 ft max campers due to space/turning contraints. Large reservoir lake part of park 3 mi up from lower campground for more fishing/kayaking/electric trolling motors," explains Cheryl W. from Lower Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region hosts diverse wildlife including elk herds. "The park itself is among the best in the entire PA state park system, offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing," reports John V. about Sinnemahoning State Park. "I had a close encounter with a massive bull elk just walking from my campsite to the restrooms at dawn!"
What campers like
Dark sky viewing accessibility: Cherry Springs remains the premier stargazing location, but accessibility options exist for all abilities. "I'm disabled so kinda limited in what I can enjoy, but this place makes it pretty easy. All you really have to do is look up," shares TheKajrak about Cherry Springs State Park. "Easy areas to walk if you have difficulty and can't go uphill, or struggle with balance and stability."
Nearby observation areas: State parks offer dedicated viewing areas for night skies and wildlife. "From cherry springs you can easily access Sinnemahoning, Lyman Run, Ole Bull, Patterson, and Kettle Creek," notes Sadie S. At Sinnemahoning, "During the fall at the nearby dam rangers set up an elk viewing spot with binoculars," adds Amber N.
Quiet campground options: Less-visited sites provide tranquility. "The upper campground has a rustic feel, beautiful views and is a great location for wildlife encounters," writes Mary H. about Kettle Creek's Upper Campground. "Super quiet back there and totally private. Some of the rustic tent sites looked lovely, too."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service disappears throughout much of the region. "There is zero cell service/WiFi at the park, or for at least 5-10 miles from it," reports Shayna about Sinnemahoning State Park Campground. This requires advance planning for navigation and emergencies.
Temperature variations: Weather changes rapidly, especially at night. "That night it was overcast and muggy so there was nothing to see. The following two nights however were crystal clear and the temperature dropped drastically," explains Matthew L. about Cherry Springs.
Site selection considerations: Campgrounds vary in privacy and terrain. "The sites are a bit too expensive for what you get: limited privacy, no feelings of really being in the woods," notes Emily S. about Patterson State Park. At Kettle Creek, "We reserved site 45--but do not recommend it for its challenging slope."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas near campsites. "The playground was right next to our site which is great if you have kids. It is right next to the water and the site has electric," says Cassia M. about Lower Campground at Kettle Creek State Park.
Educational centers: Visitor centers provide kid-friendly learning opportunities. "Adults and Children alike will love the park office / Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park. Learn about this buildings green construction (LEED)geo thermal heat, rain water harvesting system, recycled materials and more! Step inside to view elk bear birds and other wildlife!" recommends Paula L.
Family-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with varied recreation options. At Austin Campground, "We camped over Columbus weekend and got to see gorgeous fall leaves, brilliant night skies, and lots of elk right around the campground plus a bear that took a walk through the campground one evening," reports Kate A.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Many campgrounds have tight access roads and limited turning space. At Ole Bull State Park Campground, visitors find "Electric sites are available with water access to fill tanks but no water hookups. The bath houses are well maintained with newer renovations, tiled floors, shelves over the sinks, large stainless steel utility sinks for dish washing," according to Kristen D.
Electric hookup availability: While many sites offer electric, amenities vary widely. "If you have a large rig it's a tight fit," notes Amber W. about Upper Campground at Kettle Creek. "Have stayed here a number of times! Very clean and peaceful. The shower houses have always been the cleanest and best maintained of any state park we have been too!"
Dump station access: Plan ahead for sanitation needs as facilities are limited. Lyman Run State Park provides "nice & clean restrooms and shower areas. And a larger room that's perfect for camping families with little ones so you can shower & use the restroom all in a one single, larger secure room," according to campground reviews.
