The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon region offers camping experiences across varied elevations, from 1,200 to 1,900 feet above sea level, with distinct seasonal changes. Westfield sits near the northern entrance to Pine Creek Gorge, with campgrounds typically opening from mid-April through late October. Weather conditions can shift rapidly, with evening temperatures often 15-20 degrees cooler than daytime highs.
What to do
Hiking the Turkey Trail: At Colton Point State Park Campground, visitors can access less crowded trails compared to the eastern rim. "What saved this place from total mediocrity is its location right on the river...while I couldn't see the river from my campsite due to brush, it was clearly audible, which was nice," notes one visitor about nearby Pettecote Junction.
Kayaking Pine Creek: Watercraft rentals and shuttle services are available at several locations. "The location of PJC is perfect for fishing, floating/kayaking, and biking/hiking the rails to trail. There are many nearby hikes throughout the canyon for the more adventures travelers," according to a camper.
Fishing for trout: Pine Creek is stocked regularly throughout the season. At Crooked Creek Campground, one visitor mentioned, "Very nice campgrounds all new bath house and electric throughout the camp. Great views of pine creek that's stocked with trout. Large sites and quiet place."
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Many campgrounds offer sites with adequate separation. At Hills Creek State Park Campground, campers appreciate the layout: "Generously sized park with something for everyone. Clean, good facilities. Good walking, hiking, kayaking. Private sites can be found pretty easily."
Modern facilities: Several campgrounds have updated their amenities. "The shower and bathroom facilities looks brand new. Everywhere you look there is green space. The campground also does nature tours for local flora/fauna," reports one camper at Hills Creek.
Lakefront access: Multiple locations offer direct water access. "We stayed in one of the water/electric hook-up sites along the creek, which was wonderful. Very flat and larger than average in size, which was nice not being on top of your neighbor," noted a visitor at Pettecote Junction Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon region have spotty coverage. "It is my escape away from technology and my time to be one with nature," says a camper about Pettecote Junction, while another noted, "No Verizon phone service and very slow internet with a booster" at Tompkins.
Weather variability: Spring and fall temperatures can fluctuate significantly. Prepare for overnight lows that can drop into the 40s even during summer months.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping options near Westfield, Pennsylvania require advance booking. At Canyon Country Campground, a visitor shared, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds organize scheduled events. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds, families note, "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."
Swimming options: Most campgrounds offer either lake or pool access. "The swim area is one of the best around. Playgrounds are fun & the snack stand is a little expensive, but delicious," reports a visitor at Hills Creek State Park.
Educational programs: Rangers frequently host nature talks. "The rangers offer educational programs that are free of charge," notes a camper at Hills Creek, while another mentioned, "The nature talks were really fun for the kids and interesting for the adults."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. For Jellystone Park, a camper 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. There's space for getting by but it's tight."
Site leveling: Many sites require additional work to level RVs. "The sites are level and paved. It is always clean. There is a beach for swimming, marina for boating and the sites are huge and grassy," notes a visitor to Tompkins.
Hookup availability: Full hookups aren't universal at all campgrounds. "We did not know this on arrival as it wasn't on the site! The site was very spacious! Plenty of room," explains a camper about discovering full hookups at Hills Creek State Park.
