46 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Mansfield area provides a range of tent camping opportunities within Pennsylvania's northern tier. Colton Point State Park Campground near Wellsboro offers tent campsites with varying levels of seclusion, particularly its walk-in sites that provide greater privacy. Tiadaghton Campground in Tioga State Forest serves as another option for backcountry tent camping enthusiasts seeking more primitive experiences with minimal amenities.
Most tent sites feature basic amenities including picnic tables and fire rings, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Colton Point provides vault toilets and drinking water access, while more remote sites in Tioga State Forest may lack facilities entirely. Walk-in tent sites typically require campers to carry equipment a short distance from parking areas, making lightweight gear advantageous. During peak summer months, first-come, first-served campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. Campers should verify seasonal availability as many sites operate from April through October with limited winter access.
Tent campers frequently use these campgrounds as basecamp for exploring the region's extensive trail networks. The walk-in sites at Colton Point offer particular advantages for tent camping, with enough distance from other campsites to provide a sense of isolation without complete backcountry remoteness. Areas along Pine Creek Gorge provide scenic tent camping locations with access to water and hiking trails. The primitive nature of many sites appeals to campers seeking authentic outdoor experiences. A recent review noted, "Colton Point on the western rim of the Pine Creek Gorge isn't a tourist hub. The campsites are private and you get to hike in varying amounts of distance." Backcountry tent campers should be prepared for varying terrain and potentially challenging access, particularly after rain when forest roads may become difficult to navigate.
"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 Availability"The campsites are private and you get to hike in (varying amounts of distance.)"
"I love the walk in sites. They take a small hike so don't over pack! There is so much that this park has to offer. So many hikes, so many scenic overlooks. I highly suggest this parks Turkey trail."
from $75 / night
Check Availability"Roadside site 1/4 mile from the nearest site. You can drive right to the site on Hackett Rd. Very secluded and peaceful. Picnic table and fire ring, but no water or latrine."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"I happened upon this campground by following the blue tent sign on the highway. No frills but very comfy and nice views. Don’t forget to look for the Peace sign."
from $10 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Check Availability"Plenty of trout right next to camp that I could catch. No cell service which was also a plus."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Good tentable spaces on river. Second row has water/electric, shade trees and lawn frontage. Pavilion has tables, a braizer, and one electric outlet. Lawn big enough to play your sport."
from $22 - $35 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
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TravelerSpent a peaceful night car camping in site 151. Beautiful trees, nice shower houses, quiet neighbors. Just a beautiful and very affordable - $32 - stay. We’ll be back whenever we pass this way.
ScoutSecond trip here. Everything you need. Peaceful, large open areas with sites in sun and shade nestled in small valley surrounded by forest,
TravelerWe had difficulty finding our original site so stopped here. Decent road access from the pavement, wide open campsite with a picnic table and fire pit. Good views of the night sky.
TravelerWe wasted a couple of hours looking for the site. The directions sent us in circles. Finally just grabbed a random spot for the night.
TravelerStopped for one night while traveling upstate and usually dispersed camping but it was getting late so we stopped in.
GuideNice small campground with only 9 sites. FF self pay station allows QR Code to recreation.gov to reserve online. Once you choose a site, just pay online and keep your cash tipping at the close by wineries!😉 The park is a bit neglected compared to the many other National Forrest we stay in. The potholes in the driving loop and gravel need repair. The Fire pits and pit toilets need attention. Overall, it has been quiet and convenient to the region around. We stayed 4 days so even the negatives were not a deterrent.
GuideClean facilities and nice sized lots. Nature all around and extremely quiet. This place is a real price performer. Book it!
TravelerThis site was awesome. Still semi private and there were bathrooms which weren’t bad at all! Only draw back is you’re kind of close to other campers meaning you can hear them too. If you’re in for a more social dispersed experience this is it! I just prefer to have no one around for miles!
TravelerGreat campsite nestled right against Slate run. Plenty of trout right next to camp that I could catch. No cell service which was also a plus.
Tent camping opportunities around Mansfield, Pennsylvania extend beyond established campgrounds to numerous dispersed sites in the surrounding state forests. The region sits within the Allegheny Plateau at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,000 feet, creating varied terrain and microclimates. Forest campsites typically receive 42-48 inches of annual precipitation, with summer temperatures averaging 65-85°F during peak camping season.
Hiking elevated trails: Turkey Path Trail in Colton Point State Park offers challenging terrain with significant elevation changes. "Incredible views, nicknamed the Grand Canyons of Pennsylvania," notes Gary O. about Colton Point State Park Campground.
Paddling Pine Creek: Access the water from multiple points along the gorge for kayaking and canoeing. "Amazing driftwood to be had. Good kayaking. Peaceful. Trees," shares Rebecca E. from Lawrence Recreation Area.
Bike the rail trail: The Pine Creek Rail Trail runs 62 miles through the gorge with gradual grades suitable for most cyclists. "You can connect to the West Rim Trail if you'd like," suggests Emily S. about trails near Colton Point.
Secluded riverside spots: Sites along Pine Creek offer privacy and water access. Julian S. mentions Tiadaghton Campground has a "nice water front view" though notes it can get busy with cyclists.
Natural surroundings: Unspoiled forest settings provide authentic outdoor experiences. "Roadside site 1/4 mile from the nearest site. You can drive right to the site on Hackett Rd. Very secluded and peaceful," reports David A. about dispersed camping in Tiadaghton State Forest.
Budget-friendly options: Most forest campsites require minimal fees compared to developed campgrounds. Bruce H. describes Riverside Acres Campground as "a modest sized campground in a great spot. The river in front of first row sites is 200 m broad. Eagles fish here. You can too."
Primitive facilities: Many forest sites have minimal or no amenities. "Picnic table and fire ring, but no water or latrine," notes David A. about Tiadaghton State Forest campsites.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close during winter, with typical season running April through October. Gardner Hill Campground operates year-round according to their listing data.
Vehicle access considerations: Forest roads can be challenging without appropriate vehicles. Julian recommends "4 wheel drive vehicles to drive to site, steep dirt roads to access it" at Tiadaghton Campground.
Variable drinking water access: Not all sites provide potable water. While Colton Point offers drinking water, many forest campsites require bringing your own supply.
Choose appropriate campsites: Some walk-in sites require carrying gear distances that may challenge younger children. Sadie S. advises about Colton Point: "I love the walk in sites. They take a small hike so don't over pack!"
Pack weather-appropriate gear: The plateau region experiences rapid weather changes, with afternoon thunderstorms common in summer. Temperature drops of 15-20°F overnight are typical even in July.
Plan activities strategically: Morning hours provide cooler hiking temperatures on exposed trails. "It's a rougher climb but you follow a small stream filled with waterfalls down into the canyon," explains Sadie S. about Turkey Trail at Colton Point State Park.
Size restrictions apply: Many forest roads have width and clearance limitations. Most primitive sites accommodate smaller RVs under 25 feet only.
Limited hookup availability: Full hookups are scarce in forest campgrounds. Avery R. notes that Gardner Hill Campground is "no frills but very comfy and nice views."
Leveling challenges: Forest campsites often feature uneven terrain. Bring leveling blocks and stabilizers for comfort on primitive sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mansfield, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mansfield, PA is Lawrence Recreation Area with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Mansfield, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 46 tent camping locations near Mansfield, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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