The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon region around Wellsboro sits at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,900 feet, creating dramatic landscape changes throughout the seasons. Most campgrounds in the area operate from mid-April through October, with limited year-round options available for winter camping enthusiasts. The canyon region typically receives 40-45 inches of precipitation annually, making drainage an important consideration when selecting campsites.
What to do
Hiking the Turkey Path Trail: At Leonard Harrison State Park Campground, visitors can access this challenging trail directly from the campground. "The hiking trail that will take you down into the canyon is a mile or so and pretty steep, but well maintained. Portions are steps. There are a few waterfalls to view on the way down," shares Denice S., who also notes excellent fishing opportunities at the bottom where the trail meets Pine Creek.
Tower climbing for panoramic views: Canyon Country Campground offers unique sightseeing opportunities within walking distance. "A family atmosphere very clean and the best part is a mile walk to the rim of the canyon! Very dog friendly with a tower you can walk up to enjoy the view," explains Jen O. The fire tower costs $5 per person (credit card only) according to Jonathan F.
Cycling the Pine Creek Rail Trail: This former railway converted to trail runs through the canyon bottom and can be accessed from several points near Wellsboro. "If you're a cyclist- definitely ride the nearby paved Pine Creek Trail. My husband rode a century on his own on Fathers Day while here. The trail goes through small towns and has spots to grab a bite to eat," recommends Whitney W. from her stay at Leonard Harrison.
What campers like
Campground playgrounds: Many families appreciate the recreational facilities for children. At Bucktail Camping Resort, now called Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds, "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. Two jumping pillows were awesome. Pool was cold but fun," according to B C.
Privacy levels: Site selection can significantly impact your experience. "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," reports Missy about Bucktail Camping Resort. At Stony Fork Creek Campground, MJ B. found that "Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us, and the ground was grassy and level."
Natural wildlife encounters: The region offers opportunities to observe native animals. At Leonard Harrison State Park Campground, "There is a lot of wildlife around. Deer come right through the campsites. Many raccoons too so you must stow your food in the evening," warns Denice S. This proximity to wildlife enhances the camping experience but requires proper food storage.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the canyon area. At Stony Fork Creek Campground, Brandon W. warns, "No cell service and WiFi isn't reliable if that's what you need or are looking for." Come prepared with offline maps and information.
Campground navigation challenges: Some parks have tricky entrance roads. At Bucktail Camping Resort, B C. cautions, "Standard GPS directions for this campground are wrong, (coming from 15N they have you turn right at the end of the ramp, you need to turn left) So plot your route before you go. Otherwise it guides you to a gravel road with a no campers sign. The entry road to the campground itself is a very steep, narrow road with a small curve at the top."
Reservation systems: Canyon Country Campground has reportedly had responsiveness issues. "Would like to stay at this campground, but these folks do not respond to reservation requests or vmail requests per their website instruction," reported Wayne P. in January 2023. Consider calling alternative campgrounds if you don't receive timely responses.
Seasonal considerations: Sites fill quickly during peak periods. Brad W. notes about Leonard Harrison, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Campground selection for activities: Little Pine State Park Campground offers multiple recreational options. "It's so beautiful and most relaxing place! So many activities you can do, such as walks & hikes, swimming, and fishing!" shares Kelsey B. Jolene J. adds, "This is a nice clean quiet campground. It's a great stop if you're doing rails to trails or swimming at the beach up the road. (Note to get to both places you'll need to drive)."
Campsite selection for supervision: Choose sites with visibility of common areas. At Bucktail Camping Resort, Missy recommends specific locations: "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."
Wildlife safety education: Teach children about local wildlife and safety protocols. Amber C. warns about Little Pine State Park: "It was the height of rattlesnake season. A site near ours and very close to the playground had a rattler under their camper. A little too close for comfort."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Be prepared for uneven terrain at some campgrounds. At Canyon Country Campground, Pamela H. notes, "Sites are not very level nor private, but the staff is great and the grounds are walking distance to the canyon."
Full hookup availability: Many RV parks in the area offer complete services. At Colton Point State Park Campground, Emily S. warns about the more rustic experience: "Unlike Leonard Harrison, Colton Point on the western rim of the Pine Creek Gorge isn't a tourist hub. The campsites are private and you get to hike in (varying amounts of distance)."
Site spacing considerations: RV campgrounds vary in how close sites are positioned. Greg W. praised Stony Fork Creek Campground: "All of the roads were paved and sites were very large." In contrast, Brandon W. noted about the same campground, "Can get a bit crowded in some spots where the campers seem to be on top of one another. Luckily we didn't have one of those sites."
