Tioga-Hammond Lakes offers RV camping in northern Pennsylvania, situated at an elevation of 1,130 feet in Tioga County. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-80°F during peak camping season from May through October. Winter snow accumulation can impact road access to some year-round facilities, particularly along rural routes leading to campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon: Leonard Harrison State Park Campground provides direct access to Turkey Path Trail. "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 one visitor. At the bottom, hikers connect to the Pine Creek Rail Trail.
Fishing spots: Pine Creek offers excellent angling opportunities. "At the bottom you will pass the rails to trail and run into pine creek. If you walk to the left to where it gets deep. You will find some of the best fishing ever," according to one camper. Most shoreline access points require a valid Pennsylvania fishing license.
Cycling routes: The paved Pine Creek Trail receives high praise from visitors. "If you're a cyclist- definitely ride the nearby paved Pine Creek Trail. My husband rode a century on his own on Fathers Day while here. The trail goes through small towns and has spots to grab a bite to eat," shares one camper.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Stony Fork Creek Campground receives positive reviews for site size. "The area we selected was not busy. Campsite appeared to have a lot of seasonal campers... Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us, and the ground was grassy and level," reports one visitor.
Proximity to attractions: Campers appreciate convenience to regional highlights. "We chose this campsite due to its proximity to the Leonard Harrison State Park. We had no issues here and would recommend," notes one reviewer. Multiple campgrounds advertise being within 30 minutes of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.
Clean facilities: Canyon Country Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "Our trip to Canyon Country Campground was fantastic! The owners were very friendly and helpful. Our site was well laid out. The campground was neat, clean and quiet," writes one camper. Another adds, "A family atmosphere very clean and the best part is a mile walk to the rim of the canyon!"
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly across the region. "No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster," reports one camper at Tompkins Campground. WiFi availability differs between facilities, with some offering reliable connections while others struggle with rural infrastructure limitations.
Weather considerations: The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon region experiences significant seasonal changes. Peak fall foliage typically occurs late September through mid-October, drawing larger crowds. Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly, requiring adequate rain protection when hiking canyon trails.
Road conditions: Colton Point State Park Campground offers more rustic access. "Unlike Leonard Harrison, 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.) The trails aren't built up with steps and the like," explains one camper. Many secondary roads leading to campgrounds narrow significantly after leaving main highways.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds focuses on children's entertainment. "Kids had a great time at this campground. Two playgrounds, a pool, two jumping pillows, mini train, carousel, and activities. Good for bike riding although hilly," explains one parent. Scheduled activities typically run weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Swimming options: Several facilities offer water recreation. "The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals," notes a visitor to Stony Fork Creek Campground. Most swimming areas close by early September regardless of temperature.
Safety considerations: Campsites near canyon overlooks require extra vigilance with children. One visitor cautions, "It does get very crowded on the weekends so make sure your kiddos know car safety." Campground roads often lack sidewalks, and traffic increases significantly during holiday weekends.
Tips from RVers
Water quality issues: Ferenbaugh Campground users report sediment concerns. "Make sure you use a water filter, there was a lot of sediment in the water when we were there. See pictures of 4 days on a new cartridge," advises one RVer. Another notes, "The only bad comment I would make is there water is very smelly and brown. I actually bought a dual stage water filter and change it every two weeks."
Reservation accuracy: Verify site specifications directly with staff. "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," recommends one RV owner.
Navigation challenges: Some rv campgrounds near Tioga-Hammond Lakes have challenging access points. "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," cautions a visitor about one facility.
