Cowanesque Lake, managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers in northern Pennsylvania, is home to Tompkins, a full-hookup campground that draws repeat visitors for its waterfront sites and lake access. All roads and parking pads are paved, which is worth noting given the rough access warnings attached to the area. Sites are level and grassy, and the Bench Loop, which runs along the water, tends to fill quickly. Campers interested in campgrounds around Cowanesque Lake will find this one among the most developed in the area, with electric, water, and sewer hookups available for RVs up to 68 feet.
The campground sits within forested terrain near both a creek and the lake itself, and photos from visitors consistently show dense vegetation alongside open water views. Cell coverage is limited. One reviewer noted no Verizon signal and only slow internet even with a booster, so campers who rely on connectivity should plan accordingly. WiFi is available on-site, though its reliability at this location appears variable. The sites are closer together than at many other Corps of Engineers parks, which affects the feel of the Bench Loop in particular during busy summer weekends.
Fishing is the primary listed activity, and the lake's marina and beach give campers additional reasons to stay on the water. Bran P. points out that "about an hour away is the Pine Creek Rail Trail in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon," making the campground a workable base for day trips into the region. Tompkins runs from mid-May through late September, with reservations available. Campers wanting a quieter or less developed alternative can look at South Shore Recreation Area, roughly a mile to the southwest.
Description
Overview
Tompkins Campground is on the north shore of Cowanesque Lake in the northern tier of Pennsylvania, less than one mile from the New York state border. Surrounded by lush forested ridges, the lake offers recreation for the entire family, including picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, hunting and wildlife watching. The campground is a great place for kids of any age.
Recreation
Cowanesque Lake offers a variety of outdoor activities. With a boat ramp and overnight mooring, campers can easily spend time on the water. There are a variety of indigenous fish that inhabit the area's streams and lakes, and fishing tournaments are held frequently. The North and South Tailrace areas provide access for fishing downstream of Cowanesque Dam. The fields and forests around the lakes are popular destinations for both local and out-of-state hunters looking for large and small game species native to the eastern hardwood forests. The 4 mile Moccasin Trail within the facility leads hikers on a trek through reclaimed farm fields and wood lots inhabited by a variety of watchable wildlife.
Facilities
Tompkins has a variety of shoreline sites, most of which have electric hookups. The campground includes 109 traditional campsites and, 16 tent only hike-in sites.A boat ramp, drinking water, hot showers, playgrounds and a dump station are also provided. There are two overlooks and two downstream fishing access points.
Natural Features
The partially forested campground sits in the pristine setting of the Endless Mountains region of Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny Plateau in the Appalachian Mountains. The surrounding land paints a scenic picture of rolling mountains and open fields.
Charges & Cancellations
Reservations to include any reservation changes, such as cancel, refund requests, site transfer, or date changes cannot be made at facility location.
Fee Info
All reservations must be made on www.recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777 prior to arrival Shelter Weekdays-$40.00 (Reservations can be made as well as first come first served) Shelter Nonelectric Weekends $75.00 Shelter Electric Weekends $100.00 Boat mooring slips are first-come-first-served for campers only.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTompkins is located in Pennsylvania near Lawrenceville
Directions
Take U.S. Highway 15 to the Lawrenceville/Route 49 exit. Go one mile east on Route 49 to Lawrenceville. At the traffic light turn left onto State Route 287. Cross the Cowanesque River Bridge at the edge of town and make an immediate left turn onto Bliss Road. Continue 5 miles to the campground entrance.
Address
MAILING: 710 IVES RUN LANE
Tioga, PA 16946-9733
Coordinates
41.9808333 N
77.1894444 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 32 min from Elmira, NY
- 54 min from Williamsport, PA
- 1 hr 1 min from Ithaca, NY
- 1 hr 20 min from Binghamton, NY
