T
Ted D.
Traveler
TravelerWatkins Glen State Park Campground
Not bad
Site 80 is across from water access. But only 5 minutes to fill your tank. If you book an inside loop close to #80 you will be close to water.
Camping near Lawrenceville, PA
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Campgrounds near Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania range from fully developed sites to primitive camping areas, with several options clustered around Cowanesque Lake and Tioga River. Ives Run Main Campground and Tompkins Campground, both Army Corps of Engineers facilities, provide well-maintained sites with various hookup options for RVs and tent campers. The region includes both federal recreation areas like Hills Creek State Park and private camping resorts such as Bucktail Camping Resort (now Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds). Most campgrounds accommodate multiple camping styles, including tent sites, RV pads, and in some locations, cabin rentals or yurt options.
Seasonal operations affect most campgrounds in the area, with typical seasons running from mid-April through October. Lawrence Recreation Area and Ives Run feature lakefront access but differ in amenity levels and reservation requirements. The terrain throughout the region consists of rolling wooded hills surrounding man-made lakes, with most developed campgrounds offering paved or gravel pads for easier setup. Many campsites require advance reservations, especially for summer weekends and holidays when waterfront spots fill quickly. A visitor noted, "We make sure we visit Ives Run several times during the season. The sites are mostly treed and you don't infringe on your neighbors."
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive feedback from visitors to the Lawrenceville area, particularly at locations like Tompkins Campground where sites offer lake views and boat access. Many campgrounds maintain clean facilities with regularly serviced bathhouses and shower buildings. Several reviews highlight the spaciousness between sites, especially in federally managed areas. "Sites are very spacious and clean. Love it here peaceful and quiet," wrote one camper about Ives Run. Most mixed-use campgrounds provide options ranging from primitive tent sites to full hookup RV pads, sometimes within different loops or sections of the same property. Wildlife viewing opportunities, including eagles and smaller mammals, add to the camping experience according to multiple reviews of developed campgrounds in the region.
Best Campgrounds near Lawrenceville (201)
1. Ives Run
"It was a great spot and happily, I was totally alone as no one had booked any of the sites near me( the closest people were about 400m away)."
"Lake Hammond is beautiful with great access."
from $24 - $100 / night
Check Availability2. Hills Creek State Park Campground
"Sites and huge and we had one of the lakes right behind our site. If you like nature this is a great place. Wildlife everywhere. Hiking, fishing, kayaking...you name it."
"Our family loved the modern cabins which are available in my of Pennsylvania's state parks. I'd rank any other park that we visit with a five star rating."
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability3. Watkins Glen State Park Campground
"I absolutely love coming to Watkins Glen Campground, especially when I went to get away from the busy city. This park has gorgeous waterfalls, and great paths to walk and hike on."
"There was one central bathroom/shower house, so if being close to a restroom is important, choose your site accordingly. Some of the campsites were quite a walk from the facilities. "
from $20 - $58 / night
Check Availability4. Tompkins
"Just off US 15 at the New York border. All roads and parking pads are paved. The sites are closer together than most other COE parks where we’ve stayed."
"It is run by Army Corp of Engineers because it is on a lake with a dam. Spots are level and paved. It is always clean."
from $24 - $46 / night
Check Availability5. Lawrence Recreation Area
"Had a great few days here camped in RV next to lake. Amazing driftwood to be had. Good kayaking. Peaceful. Trees. Nice sites if close. I'd go back mid week or off season."
from $40 - $100 / night
Check Availability6. South Shore Recreation Area
from $40 - $100 / night
Check Availability7. Sunflower Acres
from $45 - $65 / night
Check Availability8. Ferenbaugh Campground
"Near the entrance is the Pull Through Area. Behind a row of trees there are several sites with full hookups including cable TV and Wi-Fi. The sites are open, reasonably level, and a good size."
"Near many attractions close to Watkins Glen. Clean and the staff was a pleasure to deal with"
9. Scenic View Campground LLC
10. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds
"We always get a site on the outside of the main circle by the tower slide. There’s lots of shade and optimum view of both playgrounds to keep an eye on the kiddos."
"Woods and shade but very close to all the happenings. The big playground is new and very nice. The small one is mainly two very big playsets (pirate ship and castle). My kids enjoyed both."
Drive Time
- 28 min from Elmira, NY
- 51 min from Williamsport, PA
- 57 min from Ithaca, NY
- 1 hr 17 min from Binghamton, NY
Recent Camping Photos near Lawrenceville, PA
199 Photos of 201 Lawrenceville Campgrounds
Amanda H.
Hills Creek State Park Campground
Avery R.
Gardner Hill Campground
Amy H.
Watkins Glen / Corning KOA
Denice S.
Leonard Harrison State Park Campground
Naturluxe A.
Naturluxe & Stars
Heather D.
Colton Point State Park Campground
Katlin
KOA Hammondsport Bath - PERMANENTLY CLOSED
Andrea L.
Hickory Hill Camping Resort
MJ B.
Stony Fork Creek Campground
Brittany S.
Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite
The Dyrt
Route 6 Campground
Kelly J.
Snyder's Family Campground
Recent Reviews near Lawrenceville, PA
623 Reviews of 201 Lawrenceville Campgrounds
Bob L.TravelerLeonard Harrison State Park Campground
Amazing campground, well maintained
Leonard Harrison State Park sits directly on the ridge of the Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Great hiking trails 800 feet down into the gorge where there is a flat rail trail of 65 miles for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The campsites are roomy and set far apart. There are only about 30 sites and just 8 of them or so have electric. Bathrooms and showers are conveniently located and very clean. No cell service whatsoever, so bring your board games and cards.
Erin and Lew M.
ScoutHickory Hill Camping Resort
Quiet and Clean.
We stayed two nights the week immediately after Memorial Day 2026. Park was almost empty. We had only one other travel trailer in our section. Short distance to Hammondsport NY at the south end of Keuka Lake. Great place to visit and have dinner.
michael R.
GuideCherry Springs State Park Campground
Great Stars, Better Campsites Elsewhere
The campground was decent enough, but I would probably skip it next time and stay in the state forest instead. The campsites are not especially private and while they are not directly on top of each other, you are definitely aware of nearby campers. That said, it is a great location for stargazing and the pit toilets are convenient if you prefer at least some amenities.
The biggest downside was the lack of firewood. None was available on site and there was little opportunity to gather any from the surrounding woods. After one night, I felt like I had gotten the experience. For my money, I would rather camp nearby in Susquehannock State Forest where you can find far more private and secluded spots for less cost. You give up amenities like toilets, but if privacy and a quieter camping experience matter more, the state forest feels like the better option while still keeping you close enough to enjoy the dark skies near Cherry Springs State Park.
One nearby spot that is absolutely worth the short drive is the Water Tank Vista overlook. The view alone makes the trip worthwhile, especially around sunset or on a clear day. If you are camping in the area, it is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem and adds a lot to the overall experience.
- michael R.Guide
East Fork Rd Sites — Susquehannock State Forest
East Fork Road Site 011 Susquehannock Forest
The campsite is located about three miles down from Cherry Springs State Park and Campground, just off the road. It is visible from the road, so if complete privacy is important to you, keep that in mind. That said, the setting itself is beautiful, especially the drive in through the tall pine forests which immediately gave the area a peaceful feel.
The site has two good level tent spots and one semi level spot, all within view of where you park, which made unloading and setup easy. It took me roughly an hour to get camp fully set up. One thing to know going in: there is absolutely no cell service at least with T mobile, which can either be a huge positive or a dealbreaker depending on what you’re looking for.
One of the best features of the site is a nice trail leading back to a creek that you can hear flowing from camp. I spent some time walking along it and tossed a fishing line in a few times. The current was moving pretty fast and I did not see signs of fish during my visit, but it was still a relaxing place to explore.
Firewood was a mixed bag. There are plenty of fallen trees around, but much of it was surrounded by poison ivy, so gathering wood took a little caution. Bugs were present enough that I ended up using a head net in the evening, especially after dark.
For stargazing, the location was solid. I stayed up late and managed to catch three shooting stars. I brought a telescope but the angle of the sky from my setup made it harder to use than expected. If astronomy is your main goal, you may still want to head up to Cherry Springs proper for the best viewing experience.
Overall, this is a peaceful, simple campsite with good access to nature and a quiet atmosphere. Best suited for people who are okay disconnecting completely, enjoy creekside wandering and do not mind a more rustic experience. I would camp here again, especially for a quick getaway near Cherry Springs.
- SSean F.Guide
Pettecote Junction Campground
Full Service Camping on the River
This is a full service RV campground with nightly and seasonal stays. I was tent camping and, unlike most RV campgrounds, the dedicated tent area was very nice and right on the river. There’s a camp store, laundromat, showers and many different boats available for rent right in the campground. Very well run place and everything looked well kept.
The sites face a small mountain wall with the river at the base so very scenic. The river is fairly fast running so boating and swimming are for older kids/adults in this area or put in someplace calmer.
For those riding the MABDR, this is only 5 mins off the trail and a good place to relax before the final 70 miles through the PA Grand Canyon.
Ashlee C.TravelerPalmers Pond State Forest
Beautiful spot!
Will absolutely be back here. Easy to find with multiple spots around the pond. Stayed in the furthest spot, just past the parking lot. Fire pit and pond access. Cleaned up a bunch of diapers and some socks though (shame!). Please leave it better than you found it.
Karma M.ScoutSouth Shore Recreation Area
Fantastic Respite
Everyone here was helpful and friendly. It is extremely clean and well run while the showers and laundry room could use a little facelift but clean clean clean.
Janet R.
LegendKellog's Alpaca Farm Campsites
Camping onsite with Amazing Alpacas
If you are interested in camping in the beautiful southern tier of NY, but want a quieter remote location than you get at a campground, why not try an alpaca farm? Robyn Kellog and family not only raise alpacas and run a fiber arts business on their farm, but they have developed a few campsites to provide a camping/glamping opportunity that comes with an upstate NY alpaca experience. Located just outside the quaint town of Scio, NY, and within range of Letchworth State Park, the farm is tucked away on a wooded hillside that provides a perfect home away from home for campers. I came for the first time just before they listed campsites on Hipcamp, through which you now can reserve, and I was very impressed.It would be worth staying for several days at least, because you can do plenty on the farm if you want to learn all about alpacas and maybe even take a fiber lesson or two; or you can use your farm camp as a base from which to explore all around the countryside nearby. The farm has one RV site tucked into a nice shady wooded spot just uphill from the alpaca corral and gift shop, and it is a nice spot but note that it does not have any hook-ups and you will need to be self-contained in that regard. There is also a lovely camper cabin further back in the woods, accessed by a short trail over a footbridge by a stream. There are also walk-in tent camping sites in an open meadow area near the alpacas. A porta-potty is available on site for campers, but you can also access a regular flush toiler during the day when the gift shop is open. This is a perfect camping opportunity for those inclined to fiber arts, fram stays and other novel camping experiences. Highly recommended!
Guide to Lawrenceville
Camping near Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania offers recreational opportunities along the Cowanesque Lake and Tioga River watershed. This region sits at approximately 1,250 feet elevation with a humid continental climate producing warm summers and cold winters with significant snowfall. Water levels at most lakefront camping areas fluctuate seasonally due to the Army Corps of Engineers' dam management system.
What to do
Hiking the gorge trails: At Watkins Glen State Park Campground, visitors can explore dramatic stone walls with 19 cascading waterfalls. "The gorge trail is a MUST. Definitely go check this campsite out!" notes Laura L. The park maintains interconnected trail systems including the Rim Trail for elevated gorge views.
Fishing opportunities: Cowanesque Lake offers multiple access points for anglers. "There is a huge new playground for the kids and lots of area to walk around the loops if you don't want to hike," mentions Lindsay C. about recreation alternatives for non-fishers.
Water activities: Ives Run Main Campground provides boating and swimming options. "Beautiful lakes, boating, fishing, swimming, trails, paved sites, full hookups and primitives as well!" writes Em I. The swimming beach includes designated areas separate from boat traffic.
Scenic driving routes: The rolling hills surrounding Hills Creek State Park Campground create natural driving loops. "Had our 2 dogs with and they loved it! Did take a drive to see PA Grand Canyon," shares Shirley M. The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon sits approximately 30 minutes from most Lawrenceville area campgrounds.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Tompkins Campground receives praise for its layout. "All roads and parking pads are paved. Quite wooded here but we managed to get satellite TV," reports Bran P. The Bench Loop offers waterfront sites that are particularly popular.
Clean facilities: Maintenance standards remain high at most developed campgrounds. "The shower and bathroom facilities looks brand new. Everywhere you look there is green space," notes Dave G. about Hills Creek State Park.
Diverse camping options: Campgrounds offer various accommodation types. "We stayed in yurts, which are round tents ($38 per night). We had a cozy wooden deck and slept four people in two bunk beds. We also had a cooking stove, refrigerator, heat and electricity," explains Joshua L.
Lakefront access: Several campgrounds feature water views. "The Pine loop is a pleasant escape for tent campers hoping for a good view of the lake," Katherine T. observes about Ives Run. This loop offers more primitive camping with pit latrines rather than flush toilets.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular waterfront sites fill quickly during summer. "The only draw back is that it fills up quickly and you need to reserve many months ahead of time especially for holidays," warns James P. about Ives Run Main Campground.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have sediment issues. "Make sure you use a water filter, there was a lot of sediment in the water when we were there," advises Michael H. about Ferenbaugh Campground.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close during winter months. Typical operating seasons run mid-April through late October, with some facilities opening later or closing earlier depending on weather conditions.
Loop-specific amenities: Comfort stations and amenities vary between camping loops. "Note that the access gravel access road to this loop is about a mile to the 'comfort station' with flush toilets and showers. This loop only has pit latrines," Katherine T. explains about Pine Loop at Ives Run.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds (formerly Bucktail Camping Resort) caters to children. "Two playgrounds, a pool, two jumping pillows, mini train, carousel, and activities. Good for bike riding although hilly," recommends B C.
Site selection for visibility: Campground layout affects supervision ease. "We always get a site on the outside of the main circle by the tower slide. There's lots of shade and optimum view of both playgrounds to keep an eye on the kiddos," advises Missy.
Swimming options: Most campgrounds with pools have specific operating seasons. "The swim area is one of the best around. Playgrounds are fun & the snack stand is a little expensive, but delicious!" shares J K. about Hills Creek State Park.
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs provide family learning experiences. "The rangers offer educational programs that are free of charge!" Amanda H. notes. These typically run weekends during peak season at state parks and Army Corps facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have varied terrain. "Sites are very spacious and clean. Love it here peaceful and quiet," writes John E. about Ives Run. Level sites with paved pads make setup easier for larger rigs.
Utility connections: Connection placement varies between sites. "Some site you will need 2 hoses for your water because the hook ups are far from the sites and some of them will have the hook up facing the front of your camper," cautions Kayla N.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. "The entry road to the campground itself is a very steep, narrow road with a small curve at the top. It's well-maintained but keep an eye out for campers coming down," B C. warns about Jellystone Park.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies throughout the region. "No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster," Bran P. notes about Tompkins Campground. Many campgrounds have similar limitations due to the rural setting and surrounding hills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lawrenceville, PA?
What camping is available near Lawrenceville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lawrenceville, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 201 campgrounds and RV parks near Lawrenceville, PA and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lawrenceville, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Lawrenceville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lawrenceville, PA is Ives Run with a 4.8-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lawrenceville, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lawrenceville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Lawrenceville, PA.
What parks are near Lawrenceville, PA?
What parks are near Lawrenceville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Lawrenceville, PA that allow camping, notably Cowanesque Lake and Tioga-Hammond Lakes.
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