Ives Run Campground, Tioga, PA

Introduction / Overview

Nestled in the breathtaking

PA Wilds

region of north-central Pennsylvania, Ives Run Campground stands out as a premier destination for local campers. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) and situated on the eastern shore of

Hammond Lake

, this facility offers an impeccable blend of natural beauty and modern convenience. It is not just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s an expansive recreation area surrounded by lush forested ridges, making it an ideal escape for families, anglers, hikers, and boaters alike.

Campers consistently praise the high standards of maintenance and the genuine comfort provided here. Reviews frequently mention the "great campground" with "spacious sites," noting that you don’t feel packed in like at many other locations. The cleanliness of the facilities, including "clean private bathrooms" with heat, receives top marks. Furthermore, the tranquil setting allows for a quiet, relaxing stay, yet there is "a lot to do in the area," creating the perfect balance of serenity and adventure for Pennsylvania residents.

Ives Run offers nearly 200 reservable campsites, ranging from full-hookup sites for large RVs to peaceful, primitive waterfront lots located in a separate loop. Its setting along the

Allegheny Plateau in the Appalachian Mountains

provides a stunning backdrop of rolling mountains and open fields, ensuring every visitor experiences the very best of Tioga County’s natural environment.

Location and Accessibility

Ives Run Campground is strategically located within the

Ives Run Recreation Area

in Tioga, PA, offering Pennsylvania residents a gateway to some of the state’s most iconic natural attractions. The official address is

710 Railroad Grade Trail (Ives Run), Tioga, PA 16946, USA

The location is central to several key Northern Pennsylvania and Southern New York destinations, making it a highly accessible spot for a weekend trip or extended vacation. The campground is situated approximately 4 miles south of the town of Tioga and about 12 miles north of the quaint, historic town of Wellsboro. It is easily reached via

State Route 287

, which connects to major arteries like US Route 15. The convenience of its location allows campers to enjoy the wilderness while having easy access to essential amenities, shopping, and dining in nearby Wellsboro, Mansfield (about 10 miles away), and even the attractions of Corning, NY, which is only about 25 minutes down the road.

Crucially, Ives Run serves as a fantastic basecamp for exploring the famed

PA Grand Canyon

(Pine Creek Gorge), with attractions like Leonard Harrison State Park just a short drive away, allowing for day trips that include unforgettable gorge vistas and waterfall hikes.

Services Offered

As a well-managed COE facility, Ives Run Campground provides comprehensive amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for all types of campers, from tenters to large RV owners:

Site Variety: Offers
131 full hookup sites
(water, sewer, electric) and additional sites with electric and water only, as well as separate loops for primitive and waterfront camping.
RV Compatibility: Campsites are spacious, often featuring macadam or concrete pads, accommodating RVs and trailers up to a maximum length of 50 feet.
Comfort Facilities: Features
modern bathhouses
with hot showers and, notably, private, heated bathrooms, exceeding expectations for public campgrounds.
Utility Services: Includes a convenient
dump station
for RV waste and water hydrants located conveniently throughout the grounds.
Lake Access: Provides a
boat ramp
and
overnight mooring slips
for campers who bring their watercraft.
Group Facilities: Offers
five reservable group picnic shelters
equipped for large day-use events like family reunions and company gatherings.
Essential Supplies: A
camp host
is on hand and sells firewood, which must be purchased on-site to help prevent the spread of invasive species.
Pet Policy: Pets are allowed, provided they are kept on a leash under six feet and are properly restrained.

Features / Highlights

The true draw of Ives Run is the extensive range of recreational opportunities available both within the campground and in the immediate vicinity:

Water Recreation: Direct access to
Hammond Lake
for swimming at the
grass beach and concrete-bottom swimming area
, as well as boating, kayaking, and canoeing. The lake is known for its calmer waters, making it excellent for paddle sports.
Exceptional Fishing: Anglers have the opportunity to fish for a variety of species, including record crappie, giant musky, striped bass, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and channel catfish, with
fishing piers
and
fish cleaning stations
provided.
Extensive Trails: The facility offers access to
four distinct hiking trails
, including the easy Railroad Grade Trail, as well as a dedicated, mile-long
Archery Trail
with targets and tree stands near the visitor center.
Family Fun: Amenities include multiple
playgrounds
, various sport fields, and a
volleyball court
, ensuring activities for children of all ages.
Proximity to Attractions: The campground is an ideal jump-off point for visiting the
PA Grand Canyon
and the famous
Pine Creek Rail Trail
, which offers over 62 miles of multi-use path for biking and walking.
Wildlife and Hunting: The surrounding fields and forests are popular for
wildlife watching
and legal hunting of large and small game species native to the eastern hardwood forests.

Contact Information

For reservations, current information on the camping season (typically May 1 through October 31), or general inquiries, Pennsylvania residents should use the primary contact information:

Address: 710 Railroad Grade Trail (Ives Run), Tioga, PA 16946, USA

Phone: (570) 835-5281

Mobile Phone: +1 570-835-5281

For making reservations, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers utilizes the

National Recreation Reservation Service

(Recreation.gov). It is highly advised to book well in advance, as the most desirable sites, particularly full hookup spots, often fill up quickly.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Ives Run Campground is uniquely suited for Pennsylvania locals due to its exceptional quality as a federal (COE) facility and its prime location in the beautiful PA Wilds. For RV owners and families, the presence of

full hookup sites

, clean and private heated restrooms, and the sheer

spaciousness of the sites

provides a premium, low-stress camping experience right in their home state. This level of maintenance and comfort is why many local campers return year after year, often describing it as their "favorite campground."

Beyond the amenities, Ives Run provides unparalleled access to high-quality recreation. The lake is an aquatic playground perfect for family time, and the close proximity to the

PA Grand Canyon

and Wellsboro ensures that campers are never short of things to do, from scenic drives to challenging hikes. It offers a genuine, well-organized, and secure environment for Pennsylvania residents seeking a deep connection with the outdoors, making it the superior choice for both casual weekenders and serious outdoor enthusiasts.