The Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania area sits at the northern tier of the state where the Tioga River meets the Cowanesque River, creating a natural gateway to both the Finger Lakes region and Pennsylvania's forested highlands. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-80°F with moderate humidity, while fall brings cooler 40-65°F temperatures with vibrant foliage. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from May through October, with limited year-round options available.
What to do
Wine tours within walking distance: At Finger Lakes RV Resort, campers can access nearby wineries without driving. "They are bookended by two wineries with walking paths from the campground," according to one reviewer. The park's location "provides easy access to the wineries, distilleries, and breweries along the lake."
Waterfall hiking: Campers staying at Finger Lakes campgrounds can explore numerous cascades within a short drive. "We stayed at Finger Lakes RV Resort in Hector, a short drive from Watkins Glen and Ithaca, in search of waterfalls and wine in the Finger Lakes region of NY state," reports one visitor. Another mentions, "We've been hiking the last few days - Watkins Glen State Park - Gorge Trail (go early or it gets REALLY crowded), Taughannock State Park - Gorge & North Ridge Trail over on Cayuga Lake."
Fishing opportunities: Ferenbaugh Campground offers a stocked fishing pond for catch-and-release fishing. One guest noted they have "a fenced in pond for catch and release fishing." Another amenity-focused review mentions "Pool, Fishing Pond, Pavilion with Bands and Activities, Mini Golf, Camp Store" among the campground's attractions.
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Multiple reviewers highlight exceptionally well-maintained facilities at Tompkins Campground. "Spots are level and paved. It is always clean. There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy," writes one regular visitor. Another notes that at Finger Lakes RV Resort, "The bath house is immaculate and rivals those at Fort Wilderness Resort."
Spacious camping sites: Many campgrounds offer larger-than-average sites. One camper observed that Finger Lakes RV Resort has "large sites, level and graveled parking pad." Another visitor commented, "The campground sites are very large and spread out. Being a newer campground, the trees are small, but that did not take away from the experience."
Strong utilities: Reliable hook-ups matter to campers in the region. A guest mentioned, "Easy maneuverability, great wifi and water pressure, along with level sites make it a great place to stay." At Camp Bell Campground, "The owners are very nice and helpful. It is mostly occupied by regulars but the rental sites are close to the very clean bathrooms and showers."
What you should know
Water quality varies: Several campgrounds have issues with water quality. At Ferenbaugh Campground, a visitor cautioned, "Make sure you use a water filter, there was a lot of sediment in the water when we were there. See pictures of 4 days on a new cartridge." Another camper noted, "The only bad comment I would make is there water is very smelly and brown. I actually bought a dual stage water filter and change it every two weeks."
Cell service limitations: Reception can be spotty throughout the region, particularly in more wooded areas. Bring downloaded maps if hiking or exploring remote areas, as navigation apps may not function reliably in all locations.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds require careful navigation. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds, "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. There's space for getting by but it's tight."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Watkins Glen / Corning KOA offers numerous activities for children. "This campground has everything you need for a safe fun camping experience," says one visitor. Another detailed, "Lots of activities for kids and families on site and near by. Quite campground with KOA expected cleanliness and staff courtesy."
Family-sized sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites when camping with children. One camper at Jellystone Park advised, "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."
Safety considerations: Some popular campgrounds get crowded, requiring extra vigilance. A Jellystone Park visitor cautioned, "It does get very crowded on the weekends so make sure your kiddos know car safety."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When booking RV sites near Lawrenceville, Pennsylvania, choose carefully based on your specific needs. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, one RVer advised, "The site we booked online had bad measurements, so when we got there we found our trailer wouldn't fit. The camp map is close but not very accurate, so calling them to book if you have any questions is the way to go."
Leveling considerations: Many campgrounds in the area feature varying terrain. Look for sites described as level to minimize setup time. At Hickory Hill Camping Resort, reviewers noted the "222 sites with level pads and excellent water pressure."
Navigation tips: When traveling to campgrounds near Lawrenceville with an RV, rely on campground directions rather than GPS. A visitor to Jellystone Park warned, "Standard GPS directions for this campground are wrong. (Coming from 15N they have you turn right at the end of the ramp, you need to turn left.) So plot your route before you go. Otherwise it guides you to a gravel road with a no campers sign."
