Camping options near Troy, Pennsylvania lie within the northern tier of the state at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,800 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with winter temperatures often dipping below freezing from December through March. Campers can access multiple state parks and private campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, with varying levels of amenities depending on location and seasonal availability.
What to do
Waterfall hiking trails: Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers some of the most impressive waterfall viewing in Pennsylvania. "The hike is definitely not for the easily winded people, or anyone with bad knees, the hike down was pretty steep at some points but very well maintained! And the hike back up was again steep but maintained! And you got different falls to look at both ways, I believe there are around 17 waterfalls there?" notes camper Anne P.
Lake activities: Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground provides multiple water recreation options. "We enjoyed fishing and kayaking in the lake, the heated pool and splash pad, spacious sites and clean amenities," reports Jake D. The campground offers catch-and-release fishing without requiring a Pennsylvania license.
Wine tasting: Several campgrounds provide access to local wineries in the region. At Finger Lakes RV Resort, Matt S. mentions, "Easy drive to Watkins Glen, Lake Seneca, Ithaca, and the greater Finger Lakes region... Walking paths from the campground to two different wineries."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance receives consistent praise at various campgrounds. At Worlds End State Park Campground, Jennifer F. notes, "They have one of the cleanest bathrooms I've seen yet while camping." Similarly, at Finger Lakes RV Resort, Craig F. reports, "The bath house is immaculate and rivals those at Fort Wilderness Resort."
Privacy levels: Site spacing varies significantly between campgrounds. Pine Cradle Lake camper Tracey explains, "The lakeside spots are gorgeous and the private dock is great when you have kids that love to fish." Conversely, at Ricketts Glen, T K. observes, "Site was pretty nice, but there is very little privacy as the sites are so close to each other."
Digital disconnection: Limited connectivity forces many campers to unplug. At Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground, Tracey advises: "If you are looking for a place to disconnect for a few days this is it. There is very very little cell reception and only wifi if you pay for it." Similarly, at Worlds End State Park, TheKajrak appreciates that "there's pretty much zero cell service, which is a good thing in my opinion."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds book quickly, especially for premium sites. Amy R. advises about Pine Cradle Lake: "Get your reservations in early though weekends for lakeside sites are booked super fast!" Similar patterns exist at other campgrounds in the region.
Seasonal considerations: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds operates from April 15 through October 31, limiting availability to warmer months. Worlds End State Park camper Jennifer F. recommends fall visits: "I usually come in the fall in October/early November. It's my favorite time to come because it's not extremely packed with campers and the leaves are beautiful."
Terrain challenges: Significant elevation changes affect driving conditions. At Ricketts Glen, James S. reports, "Our full hookup site was large with table and fire ring, and required some leveling." Park approaches may require careful navigation for larger vehicles.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Jellystone Park offers extensive family programming. "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," reports B C., noting the varied terrain.
Site selection strategies: Different campground areas suit different family needs. At Worlds End State Park, Katy R. advises: "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. The walk in sites (58-61) look nice too, but only if you are going with a group and book them all."
Swimming options: Many campgrounds offer water recreation beyond natural lakes and streams. Katye M. reports about Pine Cradle Lake: "I chose this campground because the photos of the pool/splash pad looked fun. It turns out the tent site we had was the most wooded and cozy site we have camped in all year."
Tips from RVers
Site surfaces: Finger Lakes RV Resort receives high marks for site preparation. Laura W. notes, "Bathhouse was pristine and the sites were level and spacious." Steve A. adds, "Each site has a picnic table, a fire ring and lots of room for big rigs."
Hookup availability: Water and electrical services differ between campgrounds. Pine Cradle Lake offers "spacious pull-through on gravel pad with full-hookups that can take large rigs," according to Cheryl W. However, at Worlds End State Park, the water systems occasionally face challenges, with Lee D. reporting "unsafe levels of manganese were detected" during one visit, affecting water availability.
Maneuverability: Some campgrounds present access challenges. At Jellystone Park PA Wilds, B C. warns, "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."
