Best Campgrounds near Troy, PA
State parks and forests surrounding Troy, Pennsylvania feature diverse camping options within the scenic northern tier of the state. Worlds End State Park Campground in Forksville offers year-round camping with electric hookups and cabins along Loyalsock Creek, while Hills Creek State Park near Wellsboro provides lakeside sites with options for tents, RVs, and yurts. Within an hour's drive, campers can access Ricketts Glen State Park with its famous waterfalls, Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground with full amenities, and primitive sites in Loyalsock State Forest. The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, accessible from Leonard Harrison State Park, serves as a centerpiece attraction with campgrounds positioned along its dramatic rim overlooks.
Camping permits and reservations are essential during peak season from late spring through fall, with most state park campgrounds operating from April through October. Cell service becomes limited in the more remote areas, particularly at Worlds End State Park where visitors report "zero cell service" but appreciate the firewood available on the honor system. Winter camping options are limited primarily to Worlds End and Ricketts Glen State Parks, which remain open year-round. As one camper noted, "It really does feel like you drive to the end of the world to get to this beautiful park." The region experiences significant seasonal variation with cold, snowy winters and mild summers, making spring and fall particularly popular for camping.
Pennsylvania state parks in the region receive consistently high marks for clean facilities and well-maintained sites. Visitors frequently mention the exceptional hiking opportunities, particularly trails leading to waterfalls and canyon overlooks. One camper at Hills Creek State Park reported, "Sites are huge and we had one of the lakes right behind our site. Wildlife everywhere. Hiking, fishing, kayaking...you name it." Bathhouses at Pennsylvania state parks are frequently praised, with one reviewer noting they "get an A+ for bathhouse cleanliness." During summer weekends, popular waterfront sites fill quickly, while off-season camping offers more solitude. Free primitive camping in Loyalsock State Forest requires permits from the ranger office but provides a more secluded experience.