Ives Run Campground

- 710 Ives Run Ln, Tioga, PA 16946

Introduction / Overview

Ives Run Campground, nestled on the eastern shore of Hammond Lake in Tioga, Pennsylvania, represents a pinnacle of the state's outdoor recreation experiences. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this facility is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent—it is a meticulously maintained, expansive recreation area designed to maximize the enjoyment of Pennsylvania's stunning natural resources. The campground's primary appeal for local users is its fantastic proximity and access to the Tioga-Hammond Lakes system, making it an undeniable haven for boaters and water enthusiasts.

The experience at Ives Run is defined by space, tranquility, and natural beauty. Unlike some congested private parks, the campsites here are noted for being fairly spacious, often situated on scenic slopes that provide wonderful views of the surrounding forested ridges or the lake itself. This spaciousness contributes to the quiet, peaceful atmosphere that many Pennsylvania locals seek when escaping the city or suburban environment.

While the immediate area might be quieter in terms of commercial attractions—a fact some customers have noted—this only serves to emphasize the campground's suitability for those who find their enjoyment in the great outdoors. With amenities that include full hookups, private, individual bathhouses, and dedicated boating facilities, Ives Run Campground stands as a superior choice for a comfortable, nature-focused stay in the beautiful north-central region of the state, often referred to as the PA Wilds.

Location and Accessibility

The geographic placement of Ives Run Campground at 710 Ives Run Ln, Tioga, PA 16946, USA, is a key element of its charm and convenience for Pennsylvania residents. Situated in Tioga County, this location puts campers right on the edge of the sprawling Tioga-Hammond Lakes, a major water resource project offering thousands of acres of water for recreation.

For local users coming from central or eastern Pennsylvania, the campground is accessible via U.S. Route 15 (which connects to major interstate systems) and then State Route 287. It is located approximately four miles south of the town of Tioga and a short drive north of the quaint town of Wellsboro. This central location in North-Central Pennsylvania makes it a viable and appealing destination for a multi-day trip for anyone living in Harrisburg, Scranton, or even the Philadelphia metro area looking to explore the famed Pennsylvania Grand Canyon area.

Crucially, the location provides a gateway to a number of regional highlights, including the Pine Creek Gorge (the PA Grand Canyon) and the 62-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail, allowing for easy day trips to world-class hiking and biking spots. This balance of quiet, lake-side remoteness and proximity to significant PA Wilds attractions makes Ives Run Campground an exceptionally well-positioned destination.

Services Offered

Ives Run Campground maintains a high standard of convenience and functionality, offering a comprehensive suite of services that elevate the typical camping experience:

• Full Hookup RV Sites: A significant number of sites are available offering electric (30/50 amp), water, and sewer connections, catering to large RVs and ensuring a comfortable, long-term stay.
• Partial Hookup Sites: Many other sites provide electric and water hookups, giving campers flexibility while retaining essential modern convenience.
• Individual Bathhouses: The campground features modern bathhouses where each unit is individual, providing a private space that includes a shower and a toilet. This highly-rated feature offers exceptional privacy and comfort to all campers.
• Boat Mooring for Campers: For registered campers, the facility provides free mooring of boats at the dedicated boat launch area, offering direct and convenient water access. Life jackets are also available for free use by campers.
• Dump Station: A central dump station is conveniently located on-site for the use of all RV and trailer campers.
• Playground and Field Sports Area: Designated facilities for children, including a playground and open fields for sports like volleyball, ensure plenty of on-site family fun.
• Laundry Facilities: Although availability can sometimes be seasonal, the campground is equipped with facilities to handle laundry needs for guests on longer trips.

Features / Highlights

The most celebrated aspects of Ives Run Campground focus on its unique recreational opportunities and its commitment to quality:

• Boating and Water Access: The campground’s setting on Hammond Lake is its main feature. With no boat size or horsepower limits on the lake (outside of designated slow-wake areas), it is truly an ideal location for all types of watercraft, from powerboats to canoes and kayaks. Water-accessible sites, particularly within the Pine Loop, are highly sought after.
• Spacious and Scenic Campsites: The individual campsites are consistently praised for their large size and excellent maintenance. Many sites are situated on high ground, offering beautiful, picturesque views of the lake and surrounding Pennsylvania forests.
• Archery Trail: A unique recreational feature, an archery trail with multiple stations along a path of about a mile allows local archers to practice and test their skills in a dedicated natural environment.
• Swimming Beach: A designated swimming beach with a modest sand area offers a safe place to cool off and enjoy the lake during the summer months.
• Proximity to the PA Grand Canyon: The campground serves as a superb launch point for exploring the breathtaking Pine Creek Gorge, Leonard Harrison State Park, and Colton Point State Park, offering world-class hiking trails and scenic overlooks within a short drive.
• Quiet and Maintained Atmosphere: Despite its popularity, the campground is known for being quiet, peaceful, and meticulously maintained by the camp hosts and staff, ensuring a relaxing escape from everyday life.

Contact Information

For reservations, information on site availability, or inquiries regarding the features of Ives Run Campground, please use the following official contact details:

Address: 710 Ives Run Ln, Tioga, PA 16946, USA

Phone: (570) 835-0110

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Ives Run Campground is profoundly suitable for Pennsylvania residents, offering a high-quality, nature-rich camping experience that is both accessible and rewarding. For a local user, this campground is a strategic choice for several key reasons. Firstly, its location in the PA Wilds, a treasure of the commonwealth, places it at the center of prime outdoor recreation, with the world-famous Pine Creek Gorge just a short journey away for an unparalleled day of hiking or biking.

Secondly, for the substantial boating and water-sports community within Pennsylvania, the free boat mooring services and direct access to the expansive Hammond Lake are major conveniences that maximize time spent on the water. Boating enthusiasts can launch their vessel and enjoy a worry-free stay, which is a rare and highly appreciated service.

Finally, the operational excellence—from the extremely private individual bathhouses to the spacious, well-maintained campsites—reflects a commitment to camper comfort. This ensures that a weekend or a week spent at Ives Run is not just about roughing it, but about truly relaxing and reconnecting with family and nature in a serene, controlled, and beautiful Pennsylvania environment.

Ives Run Campground

710 Ives Run Ln, Tioga, PA 16946, USA