Best Tent Camping near Trout Run, PA
State forests and parks surrounding Trout Run, Pennsylvania provide diverse tent camping options with varying levels of amenities and seclusion. Ravensburg State Park Campground, located near Jersey Shore, offers tent-only sites with tent pads in a secluded valley setting. Colton Point State Park on the western rim of Pine Creek Gorge features walk-in tent sites that require short hikes from parking areas. Several primitive tent camping areas can also be found throughout Loyalsock and Tiadaghton State Forests, including Browns Road Campsites, Grays Run Road Campsites, and Bonnell Flats Campground.
Most tent campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with Ravensburg open from the first Friday in May through late September and Colton Point available from mid-April through mid-October. Sites typically feature dirt or gravel tent pads with picnic tables and fire rings. Campers should note that road access varies significantly, with some areas requiring navigation down steep valley roads. Water availability differs between locations, with Ravensburg providing drinking water stations throughout the campground while more primitive forest sites may require bringing your own supply. Clean but basic toilet facilities are standard at established campgrounds, while backcountry tent camping areas may have minimal or no facilities.
In early fall, tent campers often experience fewer crowds and cooler temperatures ideal for hiking the extensive trail networks. According to reviews, Ravensburg State Park offers good privacy between sites with "bushes and trees between the sites" making it feel secluded despite being a developed campground. At Colton Point, campers appreciate the walk-in tent sites that provide greater separation from other visitors. One visitor noted that "you can pick your own tucked away spot within the camp area" while still being close enough to facilities. The Turkey Trail at Colton Point provides tent campers with access to Pine Creek Gorge, nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, with spectacular views just minutes from primitive tent campsites.