Hills Creek State Park is located in north-central Pennsylvania's Tioga County at an elevation of about 1,400 feet. The 407-acre impoundment lake serves as the centerpiece for camping and recreation, with the park encompassing 3,249 acres of forested land. Summer temperatures typically range from 54-82°F, while spring and fall can bring significant temperature variations requiring layered clothing for campers.
What to do
Hike the Turkey Path Trail: At Colton Point State Park Campground, visitors can access the west rim of Pine Creek Gorge with challenging hiking opportunities. One reviewer notes, "I highly suggest this parks Turkey trail. Unlike Lenard Harrison's trail it's not so easy for EVERYONE to access, so you won't see near as many tourists. It's a rougher climb but you follow a small stream filled with waterfalls down into the canyon."
Fishing for trout: Pine Creek is a popular destination for anglers with stocked waters. At DB Adventures, campers enjoy easy creek access. A visitor reports, "Great views of pine creek that's stocked with trout. Large sites and quiet place. Owners are very nice and friendly."
Cycling the rail trail: The Pine Creek Rail Trail offers miles of scenic biking through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. A guest at Pettecote Junction Campground shared, "Petticoat Junction campground is nestled in the PA Grand Canyon with Pine Creek on one side and the Rails to Trails on the other of the campground. This ideal location provides a nice tranquil environment with opportunities for active adventures."
What campers like
Modern restroom facilities: The clean, updated facilities at Hills Creek State Park Campground are frequently mentioned in reviews. One camper noted, "The shower and bathroom facilities looks brand new. Everywhere you look there is green space. The campground also does nature tours for local flora/fauna."
Spacious campsites: Campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites in the region. A reviewer stated, "Generously sized park with something for everyone. Clean, good facilities. Good walking, hiking, kayaking. Private sites can be found pretty easily."
Swimming options: The beach areas provide relief during warm summer months. A visitor to Hills Creek shared, "The swim area is one of the best around. Playgrounds are fun & the snack stand is a little expensive, but delicious! I think we picked the week with the most rain of the year to camp but it was still a lot of fun."
What you should know
Seasonal operating schedules: Most campgrounds in the region operate from mid-April through October, with limited off-season options. Hills Creek State Park typically opens the second Friday in April and closes after the third weekend in October.
Varying levels of amenities: Campground facilities range from primitive to full-service. At Camp Bell Campground, visitors note, "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. The swimming pool is a nice bonus!"
Wildlife presence: Campers should secure food properly as bears and other wildlife are common. One reviewer cautioned, "Warning, there are black bears and other wild life at Hills Creek, take care to lock up your coolers! We heard some fighting raccoons at night!"
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Nature talks and ranger programs offer learning opportunities. A camper mentioned, "The rangers offer educational programs that are free of charge! Near by attractions: PA Grand Canyon! Beautiful! You are also close to a cute little town called Wellsboro! Go and visit for the day!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated recreational facilities for children. A visitor to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds shared, "Kids had a fantastic time at this campground. Two playgrounds, a pool, two jumping pillows, mini train, carousel, and activities. Good for bike riding although hilly."
Easy day trips: The region offers numerous family-friendly attractions within short driving distances. One camper noted, "The hike around the lake is not that long and a pretty easy walk. We did it with a 5 year old and he had no complaints. The nature talks were really fun for the kids and interesting for the adults."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RVers should check site dimensions before booking. A visitor to Jellystone Park 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."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. A camper noted, "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."
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds in the area offer complete RV services. A reviewer reported, "Hills Creek is a great park to camp! When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised by the size of the sites and many sites now offer full hook up! We did not know this on arrival as it wasn't on the site!"
