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.

Best Camping Sites Near Troy, Pennsylvania (161)

    1. Worlds End State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Forksville, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 924-3287

    $24 - $99 / night

    "The park has some good trails with amazing views, a beach area and Loyalsock creek. The campsite was a bit cramped and right next to the main road going in and out of the park."

    "This is another Pennsylvania state park with excellent recycling facilities."

    2. Hills Creek State Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Middlebury Center, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 724-4246

    $24 - $122 / night

    "Sites and huge and we had one of the lakes right behind our site. If you like nature this is a great place. Wildlife everywhere. Hiking, fishing, kayaking...you name it."

    "Our family loved the modern cabins which are available in my of Pennsylvania's state parks. I'd rank any other park that we visit with a five star rating."

    3. Ives Run

    15 Reviews
    Middlebury Center, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 835-5281

    $24 - $100 / night

    "It was a great spot and happily, I was totally alone as no one had booked any of the sites near me( the closest people were about 400m away)."

    "Lake Hammond is beautiful with great access."

    4. Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    90 Reviews
    Watkins Glen, NY
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 535-4511

    $24 - $58 / night

    "I absolutely love coming to Watkins Glen Campground, especially when I went to get away from the busy city. This park has gorgeous waterfalls, and great paths to walk and hike on."

    "There was one central bathroom/shower house, so if being close to a restroom is important, choose your site accordingly.  Some of the campsites were quite a walk from the facilities.  "

    5. Sunfish Pond County Park

    2 Reviews
    Granville Summit, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 364-8051

    6. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds

    3 Reviews
    Mansfield, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 662-2923

    "We always get a site on the outside of the main circle by the tower slide. There’s lots of shade and optimum view of both playgrounds to keep an eye on the kiddos."

    "Woods and shade but very close to all the happenings. The big playground is new and very nice. The small one is mainly two very big playsets (pirate ship and castle). My kids enjoyed both."

    7. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

    68 Reviews
    Sweet Valley, PA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 477-5675

    $24 - $150 / night

    "The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) is the 22 waterfalls!"

    "Many of the sites looked close to the road and not very private but we were in site 63 which was pretty private(though we were lucky neighboring site 62 was empty)."

    8. Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground

    10 Reviews
    Towanda, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 247-2424

    "The tent sites are located in the back of the campground behind the sports field within the trees. I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to see them but they have them pictured on their website."

    "Great family campground, decent sized sites, many lake side sites, very clean bathrooms/ showers. Several playgrounds, heated pool, pet friendly with shots paperwork."

    9. Newtown Battlefield State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Elmira, NY
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (607) 732-6067

    $21 - $81 / night

    "Pretty self serve, rangers drive through often but never seems to be anyone at the check-in. You can reserve a site or a cabin, or you can show up after three and see what is open."

    10. Riverside Acres Campground

    2 Reviews
    Towanda, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 265-3235

    $22 - $35 / night

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Recent Reviews near Troy, PA

549 Reviews of 161 Troy Campgrounds


  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Sugar Hill Fire Tower Campsite

    Free camping with amenities!

    26 camp sites with bathrooms! That flush! Very quiet and the sites aren’t on top of each other. People bring their horses. You can drive to to your site and tent camp or camper camp. I would come back!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Watkins Glen State Park Campground

    Nice campground in a gorgeous state park.

    Nice pretty campground, only electric hookup for the RV sites, tho. The showers were cool. Close to some gorgeous hiking tho! & town is about a mile away with shops, restraunts & one of the Finger Lakes to make it beautiful!

  • Chelsea B.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Robert H. Treman State Park Campground

    Good location

    Location: This park is close to Ithaca which was the best part. Trails and Natural Features: We loved the waterfall, swimming area (seasonal so closed when we stayed), and the fall colors. Sites: They have very few electric sites so we decided to boondock. It surprised me that all the full hookup sites were reserved but very people actually showed up for their reservations while we stayed. Lame. And heads up that if you don’t stay in the big clearing for big rigs, there are tight turns between trees to get in and out of the non-electric sites. We ended up making a back-in site into a pull-through site… whoops. Starlink: I work remotely so internet is important. We weren’t camping in the clearing because those sites were booked, but even the Starlink struggled where we were and I ended up working from the library in town. So heads up if you need internet. Bathrooms: They were spacious but older. Temperature in the showers was tricky. Hot is cold and cold it hot. Cool stuff: They had compost bins and provide bags for all campers. That’s cool!

  • c
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Salt Springs State Park Campground

    Worked for me

    I stayed in late September in one of the drive in spots. There were no other campers bc of the season- and it’s mid week. I love this park and it’s close to my house so I just wanted to crash there and wake up early to hike. It was quiet all night. The bathrooms are very far from tne sites and it was visible where some people had relieved themselves in the bushes. There is no potable water anywhere so bring some. I enjoyed it but during the on season or busy times tnere is zero privacy between sites other than sites 13 and 14. Def wouldn’t stay here during summer for that reason.

  • Bare Soul  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    South Slope Trail Head Dispersed Camp

    Relaxing

    There is one campsite near trail. There was more traffic than I expected. Also there is no cell service. No real tires

  • B
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Leonard Harrison State Park Campground

    Small campground with clean bathrooms

    We stayed here Wednesday through Saturday of Labor Day weekend.  On Wednesday and Thursday nights there were about 5 sites that were taken. By Friday they were all full

    The campground is a simple loop of 28 sites.  19 are non -electric and 9 are electric. Sites are spacious and easy to back in to. I believe there are two pull throughs. Water spigots are continently located around the campground.  

    The PA Grand Canyon Visitor center and the Turkey Path (main path down into the canyon) are a short 5 minute walk across the parking lot from the campground.  For biking there is the  Pine Creek Rail Trail, that runs the length of the canyon at the bottom. To access from the campground you can drive there in 16 minutes Darling Run trail access area.

  • Mindie C.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Pinecreek Campground

    Overnight stay

    The campground is cute and quiet. Staff is friendly and helpful. My only complaint is the condition of the roads. They are in dire need of grading and new gravel. Be careful!

  • David A.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Tiadaghton Campground — Tioga State Forest

    Tiadaghaton State Forest, PA

    Roadside site 1/4 mile from the nearest site. You can drive right to the site on Hackett Rd. Very secluded and peaceful. Picnic table and fire ring, but no water or latrine.

  • Lynsey M.
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Salt Springs State Park Campground

    Adventures!

    3 couples all ventured to Salt Springs and split the largest cabin for a few days. We electricity from a few outlets in the cabin if needed. Let me tell you that we spent very little time inside. We enjoyed the trials, waterfalls, and firepit cooked meals outside! Hemlock Grove, Penny Rock, and the saltspring kept us entertained! We cooled off under a waterfall :) I'm looking forward to visiting again! Bring some hotdogs/burgers for a yummy meal after a good day in PA!


Guide to Troy

Northern Pennsylvania's camping areas near Troy typically feature forested terrain at elevations between 1,200-1,800 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the region. The area experiences moderate snowfall in winter, while summer temperatures average 70-80°F with cooler evenings. Many campgrounds in the northern tier operate with limited or no cell service, making them ideal for those wanting to disconnect.

What to do

Lake activities and fishing: Hills Creek State Park Campground offers excellent lake access with multiple boat launches. "Sites are huge and we had one of the lakes right behind our site. Wildlife everywhere. Hiking, fishing, kayaking...you name it," shares one Hills Creek visitor. Fishing licenses aren't required at Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground, where catch-and-release fishing is available. "You can rent non-electric boats and they offer catch & release fishing without a PA license in the lake. My son caught 2 sunfish," reports a camper.

Hiking the gorges: Multiple state parks feature extensive trail systems with varied difficulty levels. At Ricketts Glen State Park Campground, the Falls Trail showcases 22 waterfalls. "We saw 18 of them on a four-mile moderate hike, but if you want to see the additional four, you could make it a seven-mile hike. The trails are very well marked," notes one visitor. The High Rock Trail at Worlds End is recommended for more adventurous hikers. "There is a lot of rock scrambling, but it is a beautiful trail," explains a reviewer.

River exploration: Several campgrounds provide access to local waterways like Loyalsock Creek. "We had the pleasure of renting a cabin at World's End State Park... We were immediately in love with the babbling river that ran right beside our cabin," shares a camper. The Susquehanna River offers broader water experiences at Riverside Acres where "the river in front of first row sites is 200 m broad. Eagles fish here. You can too."

What campers like

Quiet, disconnected atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the isolation these campgrounds provide. "There is very very little cell reception and only wifi if you pay for it. We had to put our phones and devices down and just relax," explains a visitor at Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground. Similarly, Worlds End gets praise for its remoteness: "It feels like you're in another world, or at least separated from the daily hassles and vexations of society, with a wall of a mountain between you and them."

Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness is consistently mentioned as a positive. "The bathhouse was clean but not adequate for 73 sites," notes a Ricketts Glen camper. At Ives Run, reviews indicate "this campground is very clean and very up kept. I try to camp here ones a year." Pine Cradle Lake receives similar praise: "Bathhouse is clean. They had a nice playground, heated pool, pet friendly with shots paperwork."

Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer well-sized sites with good spacing. "The sites are spaced a decent amount apart and are generous in size," notes a Worlds End visitor. At Hills Creek, "sites are nice size," and Ives Run features "sites are very spacious and clean."

What you should know

Seasonal restrictions: Most campgrounds operate from April through October with limited winter availability. "The Park is open year-round," notes a Worlds End reviewer, making it one of the few with winter access. At Hills Creek State Park Campground, the season runs "2nd Fri April to 3rd weekend October."

Limited amenities: Many campgrounds have restricted services. "The water had been tested earlier in the season and unsafe levels of manganese were detected. All water spigots were shut off and covered," reports a Ricketts Glen visitor. At Sunfish Pond, "The water source was rust laden; I wouldn't drink it. It came out of a black hose."

Reservation requirements: Popular sites fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays. "It fills up quickly and you need to reserve many months ahead of time especially for holidays," warns an Ives Run camper. For tent sites at Pine Cradle Lake, availability is extremely limited: "they only have 4 (which also have water & electric)."

Tips for camping with families

Educational programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities. "The rangers offer educational programs that are free of charge!" shares a Hills Creek visitor. These programs typically focus on local wildlife and history, providing learning opportunities for children of all ages.

Playground access: Newtown Battlefield State Park Campground and other sites feature play areas. "Camp sites are tidy and well mowed, a trash can at each site, nice combo grill/fire ring," notes a visitor. Pine Cradle Lake has "multiple playgrounds, a sports field, fishing, horse shoes, bocce ball," making it ideal for active families.

Swimming options: Several parks offer dedicated swimming areas. "The swim area is one of the best around. Playgrounds are fun & the snack stand is a little expensive, but delicious!" reports a Hills Creek camper. Watkins Glen features "a nice playground, but it is a mile away from the campground."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Campgrounds offer varied electric service. At Watkins Glen State Park Campground, "The sites are quite wooded with plenty of space in between. We stayed in a 30 ft. motorhome, and the roads within the campground were kind of tight to get through with trees and curves." For Ives Run, one camper advises, "some sites you will need 2 hoses for your water because the hook ups are far from the sites and some of them will have the hook up facing the front of your camper."

Site selection: Many campgrounds have significant variation between sites. "I'd recommend the higher loop if you can. However, some of the sites on the lower loop are close to the road but the road noise isn't too bad," shares a visitor at Pine Cradle Lake. At Worlds End, "Sites 65 and 66 look like the best ones available, as they are up off the road a bit so they have a bit more privacy."

Terrain considerations: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. "The entry road to the campground itself is a very steep, narrow road with a small curve at the top," warns a visitor to Jellystone Park PA Wilds. At Riverside Acres, "second row has water/electric, shade trees and lawn frontage," which some RVers prefer over riverside sites that may lack hookups.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Troy camping areas?

Camping areas near Troy provide various amenities to enhance your outdoor experience. Hills Creek State Park Campground offers clean bathrooms, lakefront sites, and activities like hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground features a gated entrance with water and electric hookups even at their tent sites. Other campgrounds in the region typically provide toilets and water access, while some like Little Pine State Park Campground offer electric hookups with convenient water fill stations and dump facilities for RVs.

Where can I find camping sites in Troy?

The Troy area offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Worlds End State Park Campground provides sites nestled in the mountains along Loyalsock Creek, though sites vary in size and some can feel cramped. For water views, Tompkins sits just off US 15 at the New York border with paved roads and waterfront sites in the Bench Loop. Additional options include Sunfish Pond County Park near Canton and Riverside Acres Campground near Towanda, both offering drive-in sites with basic amenities.

When is the best time of year to camp in Troy?

Late spring through early fall (May-October) offers the most pleasant camping conditions near Troy. Leonard Harrison State Park Campground is particularly beautiful during this period, offering access to the stunning "Pennsylvania Grand Canyon." Fall provides spectacular foliage viewing at Colton Point State Park Campground, known for its incredible canyon views. While some hardy campers visit in November as noted at Worlds End State Park, most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally and may close or offer limited services during winter months due to snow and colder temperatures.