Tioga-Hammond Lakes recreation area sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation in north-central Pennsylvania's Allegheny Plateau region. The twin reservoirs span over 1,400 acres with shorelines that fluctuate seasonally, affecting waterfront camping access. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing while summer daytime highs typically reach 75-85°F, with occasional thunderstorms throughout the camping season.
What to Do
Hiking the canyon rim: Access Pine Creek Gorge trails directly from several campgrounds, with difficulty levels ranging from easy to strenuous. At Canyon Country Campground, visitors appreciate the proximity to lookout points. "Our site was well laid out. The owners were extremely helpful concerning the Pa. Grand Canyon, where to go, the trails, etc," notes Sheilah C.
Creek fishing: Pine Creek offers excellent trout fishing, particularly in spring and fall when water temperatures remain cool. At DB Adventures, anglers have direct stream access. "Great views of pine creek that's stocked with trout. Large sites and quiet place," reports Bryan Y., who specifically mentioned the fishing opportunities.
Rail-trail biking: The Pine Creek Rail Trail runs 62 miles through the canyon with minimal grade, ideal for family rides. "The location of PJC is perfect for fishing, floating/kayaking, and biking/hiking the rails to trail," explains Craig F. from Pettecote Junction Campground, adding that the "office has biking/tubing/boating rentals for its campers."
What Campers Like
Modern yurt accommodations: Several campgrounds offer elevated glamping near Tioga-Hammond Lakes with solid structures and amenities. At Hills Creek State Park Campground, Joshua L. describes, "We stayed in yurts, which are round tents ($38 per night). We had a cozy wooden deck and slept four people in two bunk beds. We also had a cooking stove, refrigerator, heat and electricity."
Spacious, level sites: Many campgrounds in the region feature well-maintained, generous campsites with proper spacing. "Generously sized park with something for everyone. Clean, good facilities. Good walking, hiking, kayaking. Private sites can be found pretty easily," notes Rebecca E. about Hills Creek State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness stands out in visitor reviews across multiple properties. At Watkins Glen State Park Campground, about an hour's drive away, Lori F. observed, "Friendly staff, good patrols at night to keep people from being too noisy, tent sites are nice and shaded. Some of the shower houses are better than others."
What You Should Know
Bear awareness: Black bears inhabit the region, requiring proper food storage. Multiple campgrounds post warnings about wildlife encounters, and secure food storage is essential.
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the area operate from mid-April through late October, with some closing earlier depending on weather conditions.
Limited cell service: Many canyon areas have minimal or no cell reception. Some campgrounds like Pettecote Junction note this specifically, with Craig F. mentioning it's perfect "if you need a break from civilization to reset and relax."
Variable water quality: Some campgrounds in the region have mineral-heavy water. At Ferenbaugh Campground, Gary V. noted, "The only bad comment I would make is their water is very smelly and brown. I actually bought a dual stage water filter and change it every two weeks."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. At Hills Creek, one visitor mentioned, "Playgrounds are fun & the snack stand is a little expensive, but delicious! The nature talks were really fun for the kids and interesting for adults."
Beach swimming: Hills Creek Lake offers supervised swimming areas with gradual entry, ideal for children. "The beach area is small but nice and the concession stand was open every day but Monday," reports Barbara S.
Educational programs: Nature talks and ranger-led activities occur regularly at state parks during summer months. Dave G. from Hills Creek noted, "The campground also does nature tours for local flora/fauna," providing educational opportunities for children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: While some campgrounds offer paved pads, many have natural surfaces requiring leveling blocks. At Tompkins Campground, Bran P. observed, "All roads and parking pads are paved. The sites are closer together than most other COE parks where we've stayed."
Full hookups availability: Several campgrounds now offer full hookup sites, though reservations are essential during peak season. "When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised by the size of the sites and many sites now offer full hook up!" notes Amanda H. about Hills Creek State Park.
Access road considerations: Some campgrounds have steep entry roads or tight turns. "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," advises a visitor about the region.
