Looking for the best campgrounds near Towanda, PA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Pennsylvania camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Towanda, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
Boasting 22 named waterfalls amid old-growth forest and deeply-incised canyons, Rickett’s Glen State Park encompasses more than 13,000 acres around a high bluff known as the Allegheny Front. On top of the bluff, several lakes—Lake Jean being the largest—are the source of the many creeks that tumble down the canyons and create the spectacular falls. The area was mostly logged out in the early 1900s by the landowner, R. Bruce Ricketts, before he decided to preserve the woodlands in the falls’ three glens. Following efforts to turn the area into a national park in the 1930s failed, he began selling the land to the state of Pennsylvania, who turned the area into a state park in 1944. The park is now a year-round destination for camping, hiking, fishing, bird-watching, paddling, skiing and ice climbing.
Just an hour’s drive west of Scranton, the campground at Rickett’s Glen offers 120 drive-in campsites in two areas near the shore of Lake Jean. Sites can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 40 feet; some sites are ADA accessible, and a few group camps are available. Hookups are not available, but there is a dump station outside the camping area. Facilities in the campgrounds include restrooms with showers, drinking water, an amphitheater, a trail to the lake’s beach, and a designated dog area. The Big Loop campground also has five deluxe cottages available to rent. In a separate area, there are 10 cabins available, as well as a boat ramp (rentals available) and snack bar. Campsite rates range from $15–$20/night; cabins and cottages range from $60–$115/night.
The most popular activity at Rickett’s Glen is to hike through the three waterfall glens. This can be done via several looping trails ranging from 3.4 miles to 7.2 miles. Two trailheads are located above the falls, from the lakes area, and one is located below the falls, from PA Route 118. Other summer activities in the park include paddling and fishing on Lake Jean, or just soaking up the sun at the beach. An onsite naturalist offers guided walks, nature activities and interpretive programs. There are also limited hunting opportunities. If visiting during the winter season, many of the trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Ice fishing is popular, as is ice climbing on the waterfalls. Check the park’s website for off-season services, accessibility, and ice climbing requirements.
$15 - $150 / night
Warm showers and flush toilets
This activity or structure is ADA accessible.
A 70-site tent and trailer campground is located along PA 154, one mile east of the park office. Half of the campsites have electric hookups.
Water and shower houses are within a short distance of all sites.
A sanitary dumping station is available for emptying travel trailer holding tanks.
Pets are permitted at designated sites.
The campground is closed in the winter.
The 19 rustic cabins are available for rent year round. Rentals are for one week periods during the summer, and two-night minimum stays in the off-season.
Organized Group Tenting
Qualified, non-profit, organized groups can camp in the rustic group tenting area year-round.
Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Rim trails overlook the gorge. Camping near Watkins Glen allows you to enjoy the Olympic-size pool, scheduled summer tours through the gorge, tent and trailer campsites, picnic facilities and excellent fishing in nearby Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek, which is renowned for its annual spring run of rainbow trout.
**Cash or Check payments only
Ives Run Campground sits on the eastern shore of Hammond Lake in north-central Pennsylvania. Surrounded by lush forested ridges, the lake offers recreation for the entire family, including picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, hunting and wildlife watching. Ives Run, with its beach and grassy sunning area, is a great place for kids of any age. The facility has campsites as well as group picnic shelters that can be reserved for family reunions, company picnics, neighborhood gatherings and other group events.
Tioga-Hammond Lakes offer a variety of outdoor activities. With a boat ramp and overnight mooring, campers can easily spend time on the water. Anglers seek out record crappie, giant musky, striped, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye and channel catfish. The fields and forests around the lakes are popular destinations for both local and out-of-state hunters looking for large and small game species native to the eastern hardwood forests. Four hiking trails, each offering something different, can be accessed from this facility. Near the visitor center, archers use the mile-long Archery Trail, which has targets and tree stands.
Tioga-Hammond Lakes offer a variety of outdoor activities. With a boat ramp and overnight mooring, campers can easily spend time on the water. Anglers seek out record crappie, giant musky, striped, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye and channel catfish. The fields and forests around the lakes are popular destinations for both local and out-of-state hunters looking for large and small game species native to the eastern hardwood forests. Four hiking trails, each offering something different, can be accessed from this facility. Near the visitor center, archers use the mile-long Archery Trail, which has targets and tree stands.
The partially forested campground sits in the pristine setting of the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny Plateau in the Appalachian Mountains. The Tioga-Hammond Lakes Project consists of two separate dams and reservoirs. The surrounding land paints a scenic picture of rolling mountains and open fields.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (570) 835-5281 for general information.
Reservations to include any reservation changes, such as cancel, refund requests, site transfer, or date changes cannot be made at facility location.
$40 - $100 / night
We have spots for camping! Your tent or ours! 16'X28' wall tent sleeps 5-6 already set up with wall to wall carpet, 2 wood stoves, 8'x16' deck with view of forest. Fully equipped 16 x 20 cook tent for your cooking pleasure? Hot showers! $125/day.
$20 - $125 / night
Boasting 22 named waterfalls amid old-growth forest and deeply-incised canyons, Rickett’s Glen State Park encompasses more than 13,000 acres around a high bluff known as the Allegheny Front. On top of the bluff, several lakes—Lake Jean being the largest—are the source of the many creeks that tumble down the canyons and create the spectacular falls. The area was mostly logged out in the early 1900s by the landowner, R. Bruce Ricketts, before he decided to preserve the woodlands in the falls’ three glens. Following efforts to turn the area into a national park in the 1930s failed, he began selling the land to the state of Pennsylvania, who turned the area into a state park in 1944. The park is now a year-round destination for camping, hiking, fishing, bird-watching, paddling, skiing and ice climbing.
Just an hour’s drive west of Scranton, the campground at Rickett’s Glen offers 120 drive-in campsites in two areas near the shore of Lake Jean. Sites can accommodate trailers and RVs up to 40 feet; some sites are ADA accessible, and a few group camps are available. Hookups are not available, but there is a dump station outside the camping area. Facilities in the campgrounds include restrooms with showers, drinking water, an amphitheater, a trail to the lake’s beach, and a designated dog area. The Big Loop campground also has five deluxe cottages available to rent. In a separate area, there are 10 cabins available, as well as a boat ramp (rentals available) and snack bar. Campsite rates range from $15–$20/night; cabins and cottages range from $60–$115/night.
The most popular activity at Rickett’s Glen is to hike through the three waterfall glens. This can be done via several looping trails ranging from 3.4 miles to 7.2 miles. Two trailheads are located above the falls, from the lakes area, and one is located below the falls, from PA Route 118. Other summer activities in the park include paddling and fishing on Lake Jean, or just soaking up the sun at the beach. An onsite naturalist offers guided walks, nature activities and interpretive programs. There are also limited hunting opportunities. If visiting during the winter season, many of the trails are open for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Ice fishing is popular, as is ice climbing on the waterfalls. Check the park’s website for off-season services, accessibility, and ice climbing requirements.
$15 - $150 / night
Warm showers and flush toilets
This activity or structure is ADA accessible.
A 70-site tent and trailer campground is located along PA 154, one mile east of the park office. Half of the campsites have electric hookups.
Water and shower houses are within a short distance of all sites.
A sanitary dumping station is available for emptying travel trailer holding tanks.
Pets are permitted at designated sites.
The campground is closed in the winter.
The 19 rustic cabins are available for rent year round. Rentals are for one week periods during the summer, and two-night minimum stays in the off-season.
Organized Group Tenting
Qualified, non-profit, organized groups can camp in the rustic group tenting area year-round.
Watkins Glen State Park is the most famous of the Finger Lakes State Parks, with a reputation for leaving visitors spellbound. Within two miles, the glen's stream descends 400 feet past 200-foot cliffs, generating 19 waterfalls along its course. The gorge path winds over and under waterfalls and through the spray of Cavern Cascade. Rim trails overlook the gorge. Camping near Watkins Glen allows you to enjoy the Olympic-size pool, scheduled summer tours through the gorge, tent and trailer campsites, picnic facilities and excellent fishing in nearby Seneca Lake or Catherine Creek, which is renowned for its annual spring run of rainbow trout.
**Cash or Check payments only
Nice campground, sites are borderline close, and some are laid out funky. Bath houses get the job done, but nothing exciting.
We arrived on Saturday and departed the following Friday. The campground was exceptionally maintained, bathrooms and showers virtually spotless and the pool was clearly and consistently maintained at all times. Plenty of space to spread out and walk. All of the roads were paved and sites were very large.
This is one of the best camping experiences we've had. This state park has so much to offer and the campground is very nice. The campsites are really good, most of them fairly private and level. There are some pull through sites for big rigs but those don't have trees and are not private. We had a site with power for our small trailer and it was fantastic. The bathrooms were kept very clean and they had 4 showers so we never had to wait. There is absolutely no cell service, however, and we had to go all the way down the mountain to get texts or make calls. The trails are very well maintained. If you want to do the Falls Trail ( 21 beautiful waterfalls), it is quite challenging. We were glad to have trecking poles and hiking boots. It took us over 4 hours to do the entire hike. There is a nice beach for swimming, the lake felt clean and wasn't too cold in July. Lake Jean is nice to kayak and there are quite a few tent sites you can launch your watercraft from, as well as 2 public launch sites. I was worried about the weather because it was 98 degrees in NJ but as the park is up in elevation, we did not get over the mid 80's the whole time we were there and the mornings were quite cool. I definitely recommend this park. It does get very busy on weekends so if you can stay during the week it's much nicer.
Nice quiet sites, good wifi, clean bathrooms, drinking water and power at all sites. Hosts are very friendly
Love being down here with the family.
This is our second stay here at this campground. The first was a quick overnight in April. The park was 99% empty and the tree frogs were amazing! Our stay this time in Mid-July is completely opposite. The park of course is packed! No issue there as it’s the middle of summer. However, a lot of the sites are small and a bit too close to your neighbor for comfort. I would not recommend site 19E! There’s a site behind it the wraps around. Essentially, a site within a site! Not fun to wake up to a phone conversation on speaker and crying babies right outside your window at 5:45 in the morning. Every morning. Not to mention the kid LEARNING to play a song on his yyguitar! All in all, beautiful grounds of wildlife. Beware of the Park Rangers who enjoy writing tickets, though. The campground is mostly rustic with no hookups, but there are some electric and full hookup sites. Best ones don't have hookups. Have to do the Falls Hike. It's a fairly challenging hike and gets very busy on weekends and past noon, but its a must do.
This park is technically a “state park” because the land for it was donated to the state for public use. However, once the state became the official stewards, there werent funds in the state budget to maintain it as a park. A lical group, the Friends of Salt Springs, stepped up and offered to maintain the park with funds raised by their group. The result is a small but unique property open to the public for day use (picnicking and hiking and fishing) along with 2 small rustic campgrounds. One campground has a large open mowed grassy meadow with level sites for car camping or small campers, no hookups are available but each site has a fire ring and picnic table. On the other side of the parks trout stream are seven secluded primitive hike-in tent sites along with three basic camper cabins. The Friends of Salt Springs makes a good effort to maintain these two rustic campgrounds, however it seems there isnt a ranger on site at night so a camper said the meadow campground can get a little noisy some nights. The hike in sites are relatively quiet and secluded though, and are positioned nicely along the stream, one site actually adjacent to a good swimming hole.
The camper cabins are basic with bunks, bring all your own gear. They are fairly new and have electricity but no water or heat.
On the grounds in the day use area are picnic spits, a pavilion, and an activity barn. When I was there, the barn was featuring a local quilt show.
The special aspect of this park are the hiking trails through old growth hemlock forest, said to be the largest hemlocks in Pennsylvania. The trout stream also cascades through some some waterfalls, and there are gorges with unique geology.
There is a village nearby with limited supplies, you may want to stock up on groceries before heading out to this somewhat remote park. There is, however, a local brewery, plus an odd coffee shop featuring both donuts and ammo, an unusual combination…..
Site is sloped, shaded and right next to the bathrooms and water spigot. ATT coverage is decent. Other side of the bathrooms is access to the gorge trails. Pets are not allowed on the gorge trail itself but the rim and other trails are fine.
This is an amazing state park that has something for everyone. There is an environmental education center with programs, there is fishing and boating, and an amazing network if hiking and horse riding trails. There are several campgrounds, with tremendous variety for every camping style. There are standard car camping tent sites, RV sites, and yurts and camper cabins. For those who like more rustic options, there are hike-in sites that are beautiful and not far from the parking area. The campsites are nestled in a deep shady mature forest, and peaceful and quiet due to the wooded aspect and spacing of sites (at least for me, in September in a hike-in site not far from the regular campground). It is nice to have such a fine camping and outdoor recreation opportunity within an easy drive of the city of Clarks Summit, so probably a great weekend getaway for local folks, but a wonderful stopover for anyone on a road trip through northern PA as it is not far off Interstate 81. I was there only one day, but would like to be back to explore the trails!
Stayed at this campsite, taking our pop-up camper on its maiden voyage to the Grand Canyon of PA. 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. My husband does not like staying in crowded campgrounds with people surrounding you and up all night screaming and singing. We go camping to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Not to listen to people pretending to relive their college days....lol. Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us, and the ground was grassy and level. The pool was nice and the rec center had a lot of activities for kids. The pond offered fishing and pedal boat rentals. We chose this campsite due to its proximity to the Leonard Harrison State Park. We had no issues here and would recommend.
Great all-around campground. Level sites with plenty of trees. Clean bath houses. Tons of biking and hike trails. A “beach” swim area that is like a resort. A golf course. A great option for families.
A really beautiful area to visit. A very cool brewery is just 4 miles away.
Spent Memorial Day weekend at this campground and found it bustling with activity yet still retaining a serene charm. Despite the crowd, we snagged a spot by the stream, which added an extra layer of tranquility to our stay. As the holiday wound down, so did the crowd, leaving behind a peaceful ambiance. Its proximity to the PA Grand Canyon made it an ideal base for exploration. While the WiFi was a bit spotty, offering only two bars in certain areas, it encouraged us to disconnect and fully immerse ourselves in nature, especially during the mesmerizing stargazing nights. Although there were plenty of annual RV residents, the atmosphere remained quaint and inviting. Overall, a delightful spot for a camping getaway.
I really enjoy this app. It was really helpful when we visit Arizona, and of course my local area. I recommended to the beginner camper or to the Pro campers.
My family loves it up here. The reservation staff are over accommodating and very helpful, we had to call them a few times. Great place for hiking, fishing, letting kids have fun and be kids. A nice quiet place to relax by the fire while the kids sleep.
This is a fantastic campground! The tent sites are right on the creek. The grounds, the little store/coffee shop and the facilities were pristine. The owner and all the employees were as friendly as they were accommodating. I can't say enough good things. I'll definitely be back.
The sites are just pull offs along the road. the road isn't heavily traveled so it's not too bad. The problem was the night that I stayed there it had been raining non stop for several day and the whole campsite. was several inches of mud. there wasn't any grassy areas to park near. All in all not a bad place in dry conditions. it was reported to be free with a permit but the permit was about $15
This was our families first SoLo trip with our camper. It had alot of things to do indoor/ outdoor pool, pirate ship, slide, big pillow, waterside, golf and rock wall. The campground and showers were clean. There were some things that didn't work like the army truck ride, zipline, and playground. The biggest downfall was being near the dump station and something going on with this makeshift site next to us where around our area smelled of sewer fumes all the time we went out for dinner one night because my 3 yr old was gaging. However the area was absolutely gorgeous we hiked so many waterfalls, went and rented a boat for the day to check out the lake, and drive to the next lake to check out the park.
First off, if you are going to visit all the falls, bring shoes that you can walk in and that are smart for wet and moist surfaces. Flip flops will not work for this. We had tennis shoes on and that wasn't our best choice, however we don't own hiking boots....might be something we get in time, especially if we go back here. The many falls are breathtaking! We had a very nice site....no electric, clean bathhouses, very quiet. This one was far for us, but we had a very enjoyable time there with our friends!
A great place to visit, I really like this place. I often lie here admiring the scenery and playing suika game. I like everything that is peaceful and slow
Two things: (1) You're in for quite a climb getting up to the campground; and (2) there is no cell service, at least for AT&T. It was also difficult to find, as Google Maps directed us to a parking lot at a trail head that was a good distance away from the campground.
But we loved the campground. We had a quick overnight touch-and-go, and really wish we could have stayed awhile. Will definitely stop in when passing this way again.
Peaceful little campground five minutes from Ricketts Glen State Park. Accommodating and friendly hosts, clean bath house and firewood for sale on site.
Tent camping in the large loop area.
Escaping the Maryland summer heat, the cooler temperatures in Ricketts Glen State Park was perfect. This park offers a variety of activities. Hiking along the Falls Trail being a highlight. The Large Loop is closer and banks along the lake, where there are two separate beach areas perfect for swimming. Kayak rentals, fishing are some of the great water things you can enjoy.
The campsite was perfectly sized for us - tent campers and close but not too close to the clean restrooms. A water spigot was handy across the road. Behind the restroom building is a dishwashing station. While there are showers there, the hot water was actually...cold.
There is a great small camp store if you need last minute items, and the concession stands at the furthest beach sells firewood and ice cream.
There are cabins available to rent, which looked really comfy. All linens, etc need to be brought along though.
Beautiful waterfalls surrounded by autumn color.
This campground offers full-hookup sites on the small loop section. You may also bring dogs to the small loop section. The Large Loop section is more geared for boondocking smaller trailers and tent campers. No dogs are allowed in that area.
Dogs are allowed on the trail, but are required to be on 6-foot leashes at all times.
The restrooms were clean and convenient. I found the hot water in both the small and large loops to be tepid at best.
Site 135 was perfectly level which made setting up camp easily. The water spigot was hard to operate as it was stiff. So bring along some WD 40 just in case.
The Falls trail is a hard/difficult trail. Although the loop is just 4.1 miles around, there are many stone steps and steep inclines. Bring hiking poles to help with the descent and ascent, along with snacks and water.
Spent one night on our way to Maine. Due to heavy traffic, arrived near dusk, no real clear directions or check-in process. Also did not realize sites have no water and you have to fill with potable water. Luckily we had a very nice neighbor looking out for us and provided us with great directions and advice. Compared to other state parks, PA needs some improvements. Rotting picnic tables and overgrown, muddy sites.
Been here twice so far! Whether it's nature and back roads, or wanting to have a dip in the pool and lay in the sun, this campground is the best of both worlds. Great prices and deals. Office is clean and a combined country store with fresh produce in the outdoor fridge and bug spray and essentials in the office area. Rec room and bathrooms are older, but vintage. Playground is also older but also gives off the vintage look with some of the older, older swings and sit spin. Would definitely recommend and will definitely be back!!
Very convenient to Watkins Glenn State Park and the Speedway. Restrooms are modern clean and adequate. WiFi was good on a fall weekend with park pretty full. Some sites are concrete, ours was gravel and not particularly level. Good cable TV.
Camping near Towanda, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Towanda, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some unforgettable memories!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Towanda, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Towanda, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 96 campgrounds and RV parks near Towanda, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Towanda, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Towanda, PA is Ricketts Glen State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 65 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Towanda, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Towanda, PA.
What parks are near Towanda, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Towanda, PA that allow camping, notably Tioga-Hammond Lakes and Cowanesque Lake.
