Mansfield, Pennsylvania sits at approximately 1,140 feet elevation in Tioga County, surrounded by valleys and ridges of the northern Appalachian Mountains. The area receives significant snowfall from November through March, with summer temperatures averaging in the 70s. Campers should note that cell reception varies widely throughout the region, with stronger signals typically available at campgrounds closer to town centers rather than in deeper valleys.
What to do
Hiking the Turkey Path Trail: Leonard Harrison State Park offers access to the Turkey Path Trail, a steep mile-long trail leading down into the Pine Creek 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," shares a visitor at Leonard Harrison State Park Campground.
Visiting the PA Grand Canyon lookouts: Both rims of the canyon offer distinctive viewing experiences. "My family of 4 stopped at the Leonard Harrison campground for a 2-night camp while on our way to Maine from Indiana. It was a lovely 2-night stay and awesome area to explore as we discovered the 'Pennsylvania Grand Canyon'!!! Who knew!?" writes one camper.
Cycling the Pine Creek Rail Trail: This paved trail runs along the canyon floor. "If you're a cyclist- definitely ride the nearby paved Pine Creek Trail. My husband rode a century on his own on Fathers Day while here. The trail goes through small towns and has spots to grab a bite to eat," notes a visitor at Leonard Harrison.
Wine tasting: Several vineyards operate near the wider region. A short drive from Mansfield brings you to the Finger Lakes wine country where "[there are] walking paths from the campground to two different wineries," according to a guest at Finger Lakes RV Resort.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: RV campers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses. "The bath house is immaculate and rivals those at Fort Wilderness Resort," shares a visitor at Finger Lakes RV Resort. Another notes, "Leonard Harrison had 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."
Wildlife encounters: The area offers opportunities to observe local fauna. "There is a lot of wildlife around. Deer come right through the campsites. Many raccoons too so you must stow your food in the evening," advises a camper at Leonard Harrison State Park Campground.
Spacious camping sites: Many campgrounds in the region provide ample room between sites. At Stony Fork Creek Campground, "all of the roads were paved and sites were very large." Another camper notes, "Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us, and the ground was grassy and level."
Family-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds cater specifically to families with children. "The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals," reports a visitor to Stony Fork Creek Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Mansfield operate seasonally. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds runs from April 15 to October 31, while Leonard Harrison State Park Campground is open from the second Friday in April to the third Sunday in October.
Limited connectivity: Cell service and internet access vary widely. "No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster," reports a camper at Tompkins. At Stony Fork Creek Campground, a visitor notes, "No cell service and WiFi isn't reliable if that's what you need or are looking for."
Dump station traffic: During peak checkout times, expect delays at sanitary facilities. At Canyon Country Campground, weekend mornings can get especially busy.
Campsite reservations: Many popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during fall foliage season. "It is a 5 hour drive for us but we are already booked again for this June," mentions a visitor to Canyon Country Campground, highlighting the need to plan ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. "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," recommends a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds.
Kid-friendly hiking options: Some trails are more suitable for children than others. A Leonard Harrison visitor advises, "100% recommend exploring this area AND driving to nearby Kolten State Park. It has amazing outlook views and trails that are fun and run along the canyon."
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds have specific challenges for families. At Jellystone Park PA Wilds, one camper cautions, "It does get very crowded on the weekends so make sure your kiddos know car safety."
Activity options: Several campgrounds offer organized recreation. "Kids has a great time at this campground. Two playgrounds, a pool, two jumping pillows, mini train, carousel, and activities. Good for bike riding although hilly," shares a visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: When booking RV sites, verify actual dimensions. A Jellystone visitor notes, "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."
Access road challenges: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. For Jellystone Park, "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."
Leveling considerations: Site conditions vary across the region. At Leonard Harrison State Park, sites are described as "reasonably level" with electric hookups offering both 30-amp and 50-amp options.
Seasonal updates: Campground improvements happen regularly. At Scenic View Campground, a recent visitor reports, "The campground is under new ownership and is being renovated. The pool and cabins are being replaced. The camper lots hook ups could use an upgrade."
