Hills Creek State Park is located in the Pine Creek Valley near Wellsboro, Pennsylvania, at an elevation of approximately 1,700 feet. The park encompasses 407 acres of forested land surrounding a 137-acre man-made lake, offering camping options from basic tent sites to fully-equipped cabins. During autumn, the park's hardwood forests transform with vibrant fall foliage, typically peaking in mid-October when temperatures range from 40-60°F.
What to Do
Hiking year-round trails: Little Pine State Park connects to the Mid-State hiking trail directly through the campground, making it easy to explore Pennsylvania's wilderness. "Beautiful setting for camping along a stream and the mountains... The Mid State hiking trail comes right through the Campground and there are numerous other trails within the park," notes James P. from Little Pine State Park Campground.
Fishing in stocked waters: At DB Adventures (formerly Crooked Creek Campground), trout fishing is popular due to direct creek access. "Great views of pine creek that's stocked with trout. Large sites and quiet place," says Bryan Y. in his review of DB Adventures.
Biking the rail trail: The Rails to Trails path near Pettecote Junction Campground offers easy, flat riding through the valley. "This is one of the best campgrounds we've ever stayed at... What I love most is how accessible the biking trail and river are. The staff will even shuttle you to the kayak drop off site for a fee," explains Vanessa S.
What Campers Like
Spacious, private sites: Hills Creek State Park features generously sized campsites that don't feel crowded. "Generously sized park with something for everyone. Clean, good facilities. Good walking, hiking, kayaking. Private sites can be found pretty easily," writes Rebecca E. at Hills Creek State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain high cleanliness standards, particularly in shower and bathroom facilities. "The campsites are fairly spacious with little signs of use. The shower and bathroom facilities looks brand new. Everywhere you look there is green space," reports Dave G.
Direct access to water: Many sites at Pettecote Junction Campground allow campers to launch kayaks right from their campsite. "We tent camp and love the sites as they are right on the creek, a few have direct access to the creek if you have kayaks which is awesome! The views to be had are amazing," shares Anna L. at Pettecote Junction Campground.
What You Should Know
Tent site limitations: Some campgrounds offer better tent sites than others, with varying levels of privacy. "This place is not really a campground, it seems to mainly be a seasonal RV resort... The tent sites are large enough, but have zero privacy between them," explains Thomas R. about Pettecote Junction.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the Wellsboro area operate between April and October, with limited winter camping. "Our family loved the modern cabins which are available in many of Pennsylvania's state parks... We spent 5 nights at this campground at the end of June 2020. The modern cabins are available for a week at a time in the summer," notes Barbara S.
Wildlife encounters: Campers should be prepared for local wildlife, including bears. "Warning, there are black bears and other wildlife at Hills Creek, take care to lock up your coolers!!! We heard some fighting raccoons at night!" advises Amanda H.
Tips for Camping with Families
Yurt options for easier camping: Families seeking yurt camping near Wellsboro, Pennsylvania will find comfortable options that offer a step up from tent camping. "We stayed in yurts, which are round tents ($38 per night). We had a cozy wooden deck and slept four people in two bunk beds. We also had a cooking stove, refrigerator, heat and electricity," shares Joshua L. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds (formerly Bucktail Camping Resort).
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer activities specifically for children. "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," says B C. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Educational opportunities: Rangers at some parks provide nature programs for kids. "The rangers offer educational programs that are free of charge! Near by attractions: PA Grand Canyon! Beautiful!!!! Go for the day and take hike!" mentions Amanda H.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Watkins Glen State Park can accommodate larger RVs but requires careful navigation. "Watkins Glen was absolutely beautiful. 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," advises Laura L. from Watkins Glen State Park Campground.
Full hookup availability: Some campgrounds in the region now offer complete services. "When we arrived we were pleasantly surprised by the size of the sites and many sites now offer full hook up!!! We did not know this on arrival as it wasn't on the site! The site was very spacious!!!" reports Amanda H.
Level sites: Campers at Canyon Country Campground note that while the sites aren't perfectly level, the location makes up for it. "Sites are not very level nor private, but the staff is great and the grounds are walking distance to the canyon. Met some great fellow campers here, biked the river trail, and hiked the state park," explains Pamela H.
