Tioga-Hammond Lakes sits within Pennsylvania's northern tier, surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills averaging 1,500 feet in elevation. The area spans over 1,800 acres of combined lake surface with adjacent camping opportunities throughout the surrounding state forests. Weather conditions vary significantly by season with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65°F to 85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: The Horsey Hilton Equestrian Campground in Susquehannock State Forest provides direct access to forest riding trails. Though the campground lacks designated corrals, the sites include tethering areas with sufficient space for trailers. Water must be brought in for horses as no on-site source is available.
Stargazing excursions: Lyman Run State Park Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing just 35 miles southwest of Tioga-Hammond Lakes. "The stars are sensational. It's also super close to Cherry Springs if you want the full dark sky experience," notes Jennifer P. The park sits within Pennsylvania's Gold Level Dark Sky area where minimal light pollution allows for outstanding astronomical observation.
Swimming and boating: Tompkins Campground provides direct lake access with designated swimming areas. "There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy," reports Stacey C. The Army Corps of Engineers maintains this campground, ensuring clean facilities and well-maintained waterfront amenities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Stony Fork Creek Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. "The campground was exceptionally maintained, bathrooms and showers virtually spotless and the pool was clearly and consistently maintained at all times," writes Greg W. Regular cleaning schedules keep bathroom facilities and common areas in excellent condition throughout camping season.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds near Tioga-Hammond Lakes feature generously sized camping pads. "All roads and parking pads are paved. The sites are closer together than most other COE parks where we've stayed," mentions Bran P. about Tompkins Campground. The paved surfaces provide stable, level foundations for tents and RVs regardless of weather conditions.
Natural water features: Several campgrounds incorporate streams or lakes as focal points. "Little creek runs beside it for kids to play and explore. There's a beach with concessions stand and paddle boats on the lake with the prettiest skyline surrounding the lake," describes Jennifer P. about Lyman Run State Park. These water features provide natural cooling and recreational opportunities during summer months.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service is minimal or nonexistent at most campgrounds in this region. "No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster," reports Bran P. about Tompkins Campground. Even campgrounds with Wi-Fi offer unreliable connections, making this area suitable for those wanting to disconnect.
Variable site privacy: Backbone Horse Campground offers more isolated sites compared to other facilities. "We had the whole place to ourselves... We seen maybe three people pass through the three days/two nights we were there," shares Heather D. Site selection timing significantly impacts privacy levels, especially during peak summer months.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. "Spring melt" conditions can affect trail access as noted by Harry H. regarding Backbone Horse Campground: "Call Finger Lakes National Forest to make sure trails aren't closed due to weather, spring melt, etc." Most equestrian camping near Tioga-Hammond Lakes closes during winter months due to snow accumulation and freezing temperatures.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Tompkins Campground provides family-friendly water recreation options. "It is always clean. There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy," mentions Stacey C. The designated swimming areas include shallow sections appropriate for younger children with beach areas for sandcastle building.
Playground access: Some campgrounds maintain playground facilities for children. When staying at Tompkins, Bran P. noted they were "right across from the seldom used playground." These areas provide entertainment options for children when not engaged in water activities or hiking.
Noise considerations: Family campers should research quiet hours enforcement. "My only complaint is that other campers did not respect quiet hours and it took the campground staff too long to ask them to quiet down," notes Gina M. about Stony Fork Creek Campground. Families with small children might prefer mid-week stays when campgrounds typically host fewer visitors.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: The most level sites for larger RVs can be found at certain campgrounds. "The sites are level and paved," says Stacey C. about Tompkins Campground. Advance reservations are recommended for RVers requiring specific amenities like 50-amp service or full hookups, especially during peak summer weekends.
Road conditions: Access roads to equestrian camping near Tioga-Hammond Lakes may present challenges for larger rigs. While Tompkins accommodates bigger RVs with its "big-rig-friendly" designation, many forest service campgrounds have narrower access roads with tight turns unsuitable for longer trailers or motorhomes.
