Tioga, PA
Nestled in the Pennsylvania Wilds, the Ives Run Recreation Area is a hidden gem on Hammond Lake. With close proximity to the Pine Creek Gorge, this north central Pennsylvania campground is great find. The sites are generously spaced with large green spaces – and very dog friendly.
Key Takeaways:
- Well-maintained Corps of Engineer RV Park and Recreation Area
- Large, wooded sites with plenty of green space for the dogs
- Swimming beach and marina on Hammond Lake
- Close to the Pine Creek Gorge and the Pennsylvania Wilds regions
- Dog friendly
Our Stay:
A perfect, woodsy, park with generously spaced sites! The Ives Run Recreation Area, a Corps of Engineer Park, is the first stop on our trip to the Great Lakes Region and westward to Washington State. We chose this park for its proximity to the Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. It’s rare to find an RV park with so much green space between sites. The park offers a marina and swimming beach on Lake Hammond and access to local hiking trails. We talked to several campers from the local area who drive a short distance for regular stays at this park. It’s a great camping experience for kids and dogs. With all the green space, it was easy to walk the dogs and let them explore the large grassy area behind our camper. Some of the paved spaces present a challenge for leveling but that is the luck of the draw. Overall, a great park for a short stay on our way through the area. We’d also recommend this park for longer stays for those who like the laid back, woodsy experience.
What to Do:
View the spectacular Pine Creek Gorge from two nearby state parks: Leonard Harrison State Park and Colton Point State Park. This glacially carved canyon is 50 miles long and 1,000 feet deep. Both parks offer scenic overlooks and historical programs. Numerous hiking trails begin at the park. We enjoyed the flat Pine Creek Rail Trail, a trail that follows the Pine Creek 62 miles through the Gorge. Chili and Cedar said it was too hot to hike the entire trail, but they enjoyed a short hike starting at the Darling Run Parking Area. We’d love to come back to this area in the fall to see the changing of the leaves. Explore the nearby historical borough of Wellsboro. The annual Laurel Festival was just starting during our stay, featuring a parade, concert, craft festival and food trucks. We recommend the excellent food and beers at the Wellsboro House and Brewery.
Chili & Cedar’s Review: 4.8 PAWS (out of 5 PAWS)
We love grass and friendly dog people so this campground rocks! A fun place to walk the paved roads or the large grassy areas. We also liked out hike on the Pine Creek Trail and even met some horses pulling a covered wagon. Lots of relaxing time here!
