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The rolling hills surrounding Sabinsville, Pennsylvania feature a diverse range of camping opportunities within the Pennsylvania Wilds region. State parks dominate the landscape, with Lyman Run State Park and Cherry Springs State Park offering developed campgrounds within 15 miles of town. Leonard Harrison and Colton Point State Parks, situated on opposite rims of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon (Pine Creek Gorge), provide dramatic overlook camping experiences. Accommodations vary from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, modern cabins, and yurts at Hills Creek State Park. Private campgrounds like DB Adventures in nearby Gaines supplement public options with year-round availability and additional amenities for those seeking more creature comforts.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from mid-April through October, with a few extending into November or December. Cell service is notably limited throughout the area, particularly at Lyman Run and Cherry Springs, creating a true disconnect from digital life. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and fall foliage season when sites fill quickly. As one visitor noted, "No cell service, so you really get to get away from everything." The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon draws significant attention, with a camper describing it as having "incredible views" and "beautiful wildlife." Winter camping options are limited primarily to a few private facilities, as most state parks close their campgrounds during the snowy months.
The region's standout feature is Cherry Springs State Park, renowned as Pennsylvania's Dark Sky Park. Stargazers and astrophotographers frequently use nearby Lyman Run as a base camp, with one visitor reporting, "Cherry Springs Dark Park is just up the road but the view from our tent was just as good." The Pine Creek Rail Trail provides excellent cycling opportunities, with one camper mentioning their spouse "rode a century on Fathers Day" along the trail. Wildlife viewing is exceptional throughout the area, with deer commonly wandering through campsites. Bathhouse facilities at state parks receive consistently positive reviews, with visitors frequently commenting on their cleanliness and modern amenities. The combination of outdoor recreation and natural scenery makes this region particularly appealing for those seeking a genuine wilderness experience.
"It was a lovely 2-night stay and awesome area to explore as we discovered the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon”!!! Who knew!?"
"Sites 6 and 8, while close to the bathhouse, would likely have people walking through your site to get to the bathhouse. Campers have worn a path between these sites to access it."
from $20 - $29 / night
Check Availability"The surrounding area is loaded with things to do as well if you feel like venturing out. Cherry Springs Dark Park is just up the road but the view from our tent was just as good."
"Our trip was for astrophotography purposes, and Lyman Run is only a 10 minute drive away from the Cherry Springs viewing area. Totally worth it!"
from $20 - $29 / night
Check Availability"Each campsite had a fire pit and a picnic table and most had trees behind them. We stayed in a drive up site that was close to the restrooms and had a clear field near us to look up and stargaze."
"A little off the beaten path, but definitely a good find away from that light pollution and with other like minded souls!"
from $16 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"A fantastic hidden gem next to the picturesque pine creek. Perfect for a river float on your tube or kayak with a nearby shuttle service. Quiet campground with a brand new bath house."
from $3 - $9999 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"Incredible views, nicknamed the Grand Canyons of Pennsylvania"
"I loved that you can pick your own tucked away spot within the camp area but yet still close enough to other people. ~$20 a night which isn't to bad."
"Sites are not very level nor private, but the staff is great and the grounds are walking distance to the canyon. Met some great fellow campers here, biked the river trail, and hiked the state park."
"Minutes away from a town and the gorge. Hiking trail from the campground to the gorge! Highly recommended!!"
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Was able to choose a location that worked best for us. The area we selected was not busy. Campsite appeared to have a lot of seasonal campers."
"Stony Fork Creek is beautiful and offers nearby hiking trails, a lake, and activities."
from $40 - $45 / night
Check Availability
TravelerThey have 30 amp sites. No water but there is a dump station. Bring your Starlink there is no cell signal. Bathrooms are decent. Good Stargazing(head to nearby Cherry Springs). This is one of the most “out of the way” places in the eastern US. Not quite boon docking but close. There is a guy on the corner that sells firewood. Download maps to get in and out. Listen for the Elk. Watch for Bears.
TravelerCampground is quiet, bathrooms are OK. Some sites have power, some don’t, none have water or sewer. Lots of things to do here. Been here 5 days and still haven’t done it all.
ScoutI've been coming to this campsite my whole life. It's nice and quiet, there's fishing and kayaking.
TravelerSite 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.
TravelerLeonard 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.
ScoutWe 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.
GuideThe 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.
GuideThe 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.
GuideThis 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.
The Pennsylvania Wilds region surrounding Sabinsville sits at elevations between 1,800-2,300 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than nearby valleys. Most camping areas in this terrain close from late October through mid-April due to heavy snowfall and freezing conditions. Cell service throughout the region is spotty, with signal strength varying dramatically between ridgetops and valleys.
Hiking to waterfalls: Turkey Path at Colton Point State Park descends steeply into the canyon with several waterfalls along the route. "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," notes Denice S.
Night sky viewing: Stargazers can use Lyman Run State Park as a base for astronomy activities. "Cherry Springs Dark Park is about 8 miles away but the view from our tent was just as good," shares Peggy S. The campground remains quieter than Cherry Springs, which fills quickly during astronomical events.
Fire tower climb: Some campgrounds offer access to historic lookout points. "The whole area is beautiful. You could hike from the campground out to the Turkey trail or go check out the fire tower (It's $5 per person and credit card only)," explains Jonathan F. at Canyon Country Campground.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses receive consistent praise for maintenance. At Ives Run, James P. notes they are "clean, well maintained and monitored" with "large sites on macadam pads. Large fields behind most sites for activities."
Wildlife encounters: The region provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. At Leonard Harrison, Lisa B. describes seeing "beautiful wildlife, many outdoor activities close by, on top of a mountain, PA Grand Canyon just steps away along with 60+ miles of rails to trails thru wilderness."
Digital disconnect: Limited connectivity forces unplugging. "No cell service and WiFi isn't reliable if that's what you need or are looking for," notes Brandon W. at Stony Fork Creek Campground. This campground stays open later in the season than many state parks.
Reservations required: During peak seasons, especially weekends, campsites fill quickly. James P. advises that Ives Run "fills up quickly and you need to reserve many months ahead of time especially for holidays."
Variable site privacy: Site layout and spacing differ dramatically between campgrounds. At Hills Creek State Park, Alexandria notes: "Hills creek was a beautiful park, but it is crowded & ruins the nice environment of quiet camping. We decided to camp where the RVs were so we have more space."
Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. "The modern cabins are available for a week at a time in the summer," explains Barbara S. about Hills Creek. Many campgrounds close entirely from late October through April.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations can be extreme, particularly in spring and fall. At Cherry Springs, Matthew L. reports: "The following two nights however were crystal clear and the temperature dropped drastically."
Playgrounds and activities: Many campgrounds offer recreation options beyond hiking. At DB Adventures, a reviewer notes, "All the kids seem to love the playgrounds. Staff is awesome and friendly!"
Family bathrooms: Some facilities are designed with families in mind. At Leonard Harrison, Whitney W. appreciates that "the campground 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."
Educational programs: Rangers often provide learning opportunities. Hills Creek campers report, "The nature talks were really fun for the kids and interesting for the adults."
Swimming access: Several parks feature swimming areas. At Hills Creek, one visitor mentions "The swim area is one of the best around. Playgrounds are fun & the snack stand is a little expensive, but delicious!"
Full hookup availability: Multiple campgrounds offer complete services. At Ives Run, Kayla N. advises: "Some sites 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."
Limited big rig access: Many campgrounds have restrictions. At Canyon Country Campground, Pamela H. notes: "Sites are not very level nor private, but the staff is great and the grounds are walking distance to the canyon."
Alternative accommodations: When tent camping isn't ideal, consider cabins or yurts. Joshua L. stayed at Hills Creek yurts: "We had a cozy wooden deck and slept four people in two bunk beds. We also had a cooking stove, refrigerator, heat and electricity."
Seasonal limitations: Leonard Harrison's Audrey P. warns: "The Turkey Path Trail at Leonard Harrison State Park is CLOSED due to extensive damage with no set reopen date." Always check trail and facility status before planning activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping near Sabinsville, PA?
Sabinsville is surrounded by excellent camping options in Pennsylvania's scenic northern tier. Lyman Run State Park Campground offers a perfect base for first-time campers with all necessary amenities and is located just a short drive away. For those seeking waterfront camping, Ives Run provides primitive sites with water access in a peaceful setting. Other notable options within driving distance include Cherry Springs State Park (famous for stargazing), Canyon Country Campground near Wellsboro, and several campgrounds around the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon area.
What amenities are available at Sabinsville camping areas?
Camping areas near Sabinsville offer varying levels of amenities to suit different preferences. Ole Bull State Park Campground provides flat campsites (both shaded and open), electric hookups, water access points for filling tanks, and well-maintained bath houses with recent renovations. Hills Creek State Park Campground features super clean bathrooms, lakeside sites, and facilities for various outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Some campgrounds offer modern cabins in addition to traditional sites. Most state parks in the region provide electric-only sites with convenient water fill stations, dump stations, and clean facilities, though full hookups are limited.
What hiking trails are available around Sabinsville?
The Sabinsville area offers diverse hiking opportunities throughout the Pennsylvania Wilds region. Little Pine State Park Campground features access to the Mid-State Trail that runs directly through the park, offering beautiful mountain and stream views. Kanakadea Park provides access to the Finger Lakes Trail system, including a challenging 5.5-mile hike up Pennsylvania Hill. The area around the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon offers numerous scenic trails with spectacular vistas, while nearby state forests contain miles of less-traveled paths perfect for wildlife viewing and wilderness immersion.
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