Tent campsites near Jersey Mills, Pennsylvania offer direct access to Pine Creek and portions of the Tiadaghton State Forest trail system. Situated within the deep valleys of north-central Pennsylvania, this region experiences typical northeastern seasonal variations with warm, occasionally humid summers and cold winters. Winter camping is limited at many sites, with several state forest campgrounds operating seasonally between April and October.
What to do
Trail exploration: Take advantage of the Pine Creek Rail Trail connecting to multiple campgrounds. At Colton Point State Park Campground, visitors can access the West Rim Trail. As one camper noted, "You can connect to the West Rim Trail if you'd like. My only warning is that I managed to get turned around on the trails, nothing too serious, but I recommend a reliable map."
Creek activities: Set up hammocks along waterways at many state forest sites. A camper at Ravensburg State Park Campground shared their experience: "There are few hiking trails; short and long that take you to beautiful views along the creek with a couple of places deep enough to swim. And in a few sites, you can set them up right by the creek, which is my favorite part."
Scenic viewpoints: Visit the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon overlooks accessible from several campgrounds. One camper at Colton Point mentioned, "Incredible views, nicknamed the Grand Canyons of Pennsylvania." Another noted that "Beautiful views just 2 minute walk away overlooking PA Grand Canyon."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Natural vegetation creates secluded camping environments even at established campgrounds. One camper at Ravensburg stated, "There are bushes and trees between the sites and it feels very private. Sometimes it can feel too secluded but the park ranger drives through a number of times."
Walk-in site options: Middle Hill Road Site and other Tiadaghton forest locations provide walk-in tent sites for those seeking greater seclusion. At Colton Point, a camper recommended, "I love the walk in sites. They take a small hike so don't over pack!"
Stream sounds: Camp within earshot of water at sites positioned along creeks. A Ravensburg visitor noted that sites by the river have "lots of noise from the rapids. It had been raining quite heavily all day, so this may have impacted the volume levels. Nature noise is not something I would normally complain about, but this seemed noticeably loud."
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Use GPS coordinates rather than addresses for accurate directions. One Ravensburg camper advised, "Use lat and long coordinates for directions or you will be in the wrong spot," while another warned, "Park is easily accessible from I-80, just be aware of your directions and make sure they're taking you to the park via Rocky Road. Mine did not, and I ended up down a seasonal road that did not end at the park entrance."
Primitive facilities: Most forest sites have basic amenities or none at all. Bonnell Flats Campground and other Tiadaghton sites typically offer only fire rings and pit toilets. At Colton Point, a camper mentioned, "Small sites with porta potty's," highlighting the rustic nature of facilities.
Road noise: Consider site location relative to nearby roads. A camper at Ravensburg noted, "It's right near a road so you hear car (and horse & buggy!) noise — would try to get a spot further away from the road if possible." Another mentioned, "The road that park is on is busier than one would think, not bad at night, but busy in the morning."
Tips for camping with families
Tent pad considerations: Look for level pads that accommodate larger family tents. One camper at Ravensburg shared, "They have tent pads which are nice but we have a 10x20 tent so we pick a site that the pad is flush with the surrounding ground."
Water access points: Hacketts Road Sites and other locations provide creek access for children to explore. At Ravensburg, campers can enjoy "hiking trails; short and long that take you to beautiful views along the creek with a couple of places deep enough to swim."
Group camping options: Reserve adjacent sites for larger family gatherings. As one Ravensburg visitor noted, "It's good for large groups (you can get sites in a row) or just you."
Tips for RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most tent campsites near Jersey Mills lack RV amenities. At Button Road Site and other Tiadaghton locations, sites can accommodate small campers but typically without hookups.
Road access constraints: Check road conditions before attempting access with larger vehicles. One Ravensburg camper warned, "You will be driving down into the valley, which can feel very steep at times," indicating potential challenges for larger rigs.
First-come availability: Plan arrival times strategically since most sites operate without reservations. A Ravensburg visitor mentioned, "It's rarely busy and it's first come first serve," providing insight into the typical occupancy patterns.
