Trough Creek State Park Campground

Are you a Pennsylvanian seeking a camping experience that truly connects you with the rugged beauty of our state's natural landscapes? Trough Creek State Park Campground, nestled near James Creek, PA, offers just that. This smaller, well-maintained campground is an ideal destination for those who value peace, direct access to outdoor adventure, and the serene sounds of nature. As a Pennsylvania State Park, it upholds a standard of preservation and public access, ensuring a memorable experience for all visitors.

Trough Creek State Park itself is a 554-acre marvel, renowned for its scenic gorge carved by Great Trough Creek as it makes its way to Raystown Lake. The campground provides a quiet base from which to explore this remarkable geological area, including iconic features like Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls. Unlike larger, bustling campgrounds, Trough Creek offers a more intimate and tranquil setting, allowing campers to truly unwind and immerse themselves in the surrounding wilderness.

Visitors consistently highlight the campground's unique advantages. "Excellent access to stream fishing and walk out of the campground hiking, no need to drive," is a common sentiment, emphasizing the convenience for outdoor enthusiasts. The commitment to maintaining the park is evident, with reviewers noting it is "well maintained" despite its smaller size. While the access road is described as "narrow, with some places wide enough for only one direction," it contributes to the secluded feel and is typically manageable with careful driving.

For Pennsylvanians, Trough Creek State Park Campground represents an opportunity for a genuine outdoor retreat. It's a place where you can enjoy the simple pleasures of camping – a campfire under the stars, the sound of a flowing creek, and direct access to challenging yet rewarding trails. Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen angler, or simply looking for a quiet escape from daily life, Trough Creek offers a compelling option within our beautiful state park system.

Trough Creek State Park Campground is located at 8VFC+VR, James Creek, PA 16657, USA. This places it in Huntingdon County, a region of Central Pennsylvania known for its picturesque mountains, dense forests, and the expansive Raystown Lake. The park's address and geographic coordinates (Lat. 40.31192 Long. - 78.12984) indicate its position deep within a scenic gorge formed by Great Trough Creek, enhancing its natural appeal.

A key aspect of its location is its direct proximity to Raystown Lake Recreation Area and Rothrock State Forest. This creates a vast, contiguous area of public land, offering campers an immense playground for recreation beyond the park's immediate boundaries. The park is often considered a gateway to the broader recreational opportunities of the Raystown Lake region, known for paddle sports, boating, and fishing on its expansive waters.

Accessibility to the campground is noteworthy. Reviewers consistently praise the "excellent access to stream fishing and walk out of the campground hiking, no need to drive." This is a significant advantage, allowing campers to step directly from their site onto trails leading to wonders like Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls, or to find a prime spot along the stream. This direct, car-free access to major attractions within the park is a rare convenience.

However, potential visitors should be aware of the approach to the park. The road leading to and from the campground is described as "narrow, with some places wide enough for only one direction of travel." While campers often report "no oncoming camper traffic," "POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) traffic is heavy on nice days." This suggests that caution is advised, particularly during peak visitation periods. Despite this, the journey is considered worthwhile for the secluded and beautiful destination it leads to.

The park can be reached from Huntingdon by traveling 16 miles south along PA 26, then five miles east along PA 994 near the village of Entriken. This relatively straightforward routing from a larger town makes it accessible for many Pennsylvanians, offering a rustic escape without being overly remote. Cell service is noted as fair in the area, advising campers to download maps before their visit.

Trough Creek State Park Campground provides a set of essential services designed for a comfortable, self-sufficient camping experience within a beautiful natural setting. While it maintains a rustic charm, it offers key amenities to support both tent and RV campers.

• Campsites: The campground features 29 developed campsites, all of which are equipped with electric hookups (ranging from 15 Amp to 50 Amp options). Sites are generally "large, level," and can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 40 feet long. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate. Most sites also feature a separate crushed stone tent pad, enhancing comfort for tent campers. There are also a few pull-through sites available.
• Water Access: Potable water is available within the campground. However, specific reviews mention "no water available for tent camps" at certain times, which suggests that individual site water hookups might not be universal for all sites, particularly tent-only areas, and campers should plan accordingly or confirm with the park office.
• Restrooms: The campground provides "non-flush restrooms" (vault toilets) in the camping area. While flush toilets and accessible restrooms are available within the wider park, campers should note that showers are NOT available at the campground itself, requiring a visit to the park office area a few miles away for a sanitary dump station and potentially other facilities.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is conveniently located "next to the park office," a few miles from the campground loop. RV campers should plan for this distance for waste disposal, as a "sludge caddy may not be very practical for anything other than truck bed hauling" due to the distance.
• Amphitheater: The campground features an amphitheater, which is often used for interpretive programs, ranger talks, and, as noted in a review, "Rangers played a movie for the kids on Saturday night," providing organized evening entertainment.
• Pet Camping: Pets are permitted in designated campsites, with a pet fee of $2.00. Pet owners must keep their pets leashed (no longer than six feet), ensure they have current rabies vaccinations, and always clean up after them. Pets are prohibited in swimming areas, inside buildings, and non-pet overnight areas.
• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are available, ensuring cleanliness and proper waste disposal within the campground.

These services ensure a functional and enjoyable stay, particularly for those who appreciate a more rustic state park camping experience focused on outdoor activity.

Trough Creek State Park Campground offers a unique blend of natural wonders and recreational opportunities, making it a standout destination for Pennsylvanian outdoor enthusiasts. Here are its key features and highlights:

• Scenic Gorge and Geological Wonders: The park is famous for the dramatic gorge carved by Great Trough Creek. This natural formation leads to captivating geological features such as the iconic Balanced Rock and the beautiful Rainbow Falls, offering stunning visual spectacles for hikers and sightseers.
• Direct Trail Access: A significant highlight is the ability to "walk out of the campground hiking, no need to drive." This direct access to an extensive network of rugged trails, including paths leading to Balanced Rock and the suspension bridge, provides unparalleled convenience for avid hikers and nature walkers.
• Excellent Stream Fishing: With Great Trough Creek running through or alongside the park, visitors have "excellent access to stream fishing." This makes it a prime location for anglers seeking a tranquil spot to cast a line and potentially catch trout.
• Paddle Sports Access to Raystown Lake: The park offers convenient access to Raystown Lake, a major recreational hub in Pennsylvania. This allows campers to enjoy paddle sports such as kayaking and canoeing, expanding the aquatic recreational opportunities available from the campground.
• Quiet and Well-Maintained: Despite being a smaller campground, it is consistently described as "nice and quiet" and "well maintained." This ensures a peaceful and clean environment for relaxation and enjoyment of nature, a highly valued attribute for many campers.
• Educational Programs and Evening Entertainment: Rangers occasionally play "a movie for the kids on Saturday night" at the amphitheater. The park also offers environmental education and recreation programs from April through November, providing engaging activities and learning opportunities for all ages.
• Pet-Friendly Designated Sites: The availability of designated pet-friendly campsites with a nominal fee allows campers to bring their furry companions, making it an inclusive destination for families with pets.
• Electric Hookups at All Sites: A notable convenience is that all 29 campsites offer electric hookups, accommodating a range of RVs and trailers, and enhancing comfort for campers.
• Proximity to Rothrock State Forest: Bordering Rothrock State Forest, the park provides access to an even larger expanse of public land for various outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in winter, and hunting in season.

These features combine to create a comprehensive outdoor experience, making Trough Creek State Park Campground a highly desirable destination for Pennsylvanians seeking adventure, tranquility, and natural beauty.

As a Pennsylvania State Park campground, Trough Creek State Park Campground primarily operates under the state's standardized pricing and reservation system. Therefore, it typically does not offer specific, time-limited "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a private commercial campground might. Pricing is generally set by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and is uniform across similar state park facilities.

However, there are inherent "values" or forms of "offers" that are part of the state park system and could be considered beneficial:

• Affordable Rates: State park campgrounds are often priced more affordably than many private campgrounds, offering excellent value for the quality of the natural setting and basic amenities provided. This makes them accessible to a wider range of Pennsylvanian families and individuals.
• Standardized Reservation System: While not a "promotion," the online reservation system (through Pennsylvania State Parks/ReserveAmerica) provides transparency and ease of booking up to 11 months in advance, allowing campers to secure their preferred sites well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Free Interpretive Programs: The park offers a variety of "environmental education and recreation programs April through November," which are typically free or low-cost. These programs, including guided walks and evening events like the "movie for the kids on Saturday night," add significant value to the camping experience without an extra charge.
• Pet Fee: The $2.00 pet fee is a standardized charge for pets in designated sites across PA State Parks, which is a relatively low cost compared to some private campgrounds that might charge higher daily fees for pets, or even prohibit them.
• Seasonal Openings: The campground is generally open from mid-April through mid-December, offering extended seasons for camping compared to some private campgrounds that might close earlier or open later. This allows for more opportunities to visit outside of prime summer months.
• First-Come, First-Served for Unreserved Sites (Historically): While current policy may prioritize reservations, historically unreserved campsites might be available on a first-come, first-served basis, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips (though it's always best to check current policies as these can change, especially post-pandemic).

For the most current information on rates, availability, and specific guidelines, Pennsylvanians should consult the official Pennsylvania State Parks website or contact the Trough Creek State Park office directly. Any system-wide discounts (e.g., for seniors or veterans, if applicable) would be outlined on the DCNR site.

For more information, to inquire about campsite availability, or to make reservations at Trough Creek State Park Campground, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 16362 Little Valley Road, James Creek, PA 16657-9302, USA (this is the park office address, related to the campground location)
• Phone: (814) 658-3847
• Mobile Phone: +1 814-658-3847
• Email: troughcreeksp@pa.gov
• Mailing Address: c/o Canoe Creek State Park, 205 Canoe Creek Road, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648 (for administrative purposes)
• Online Reservations: Reservations can be made through the Pennsylvania State Parks official booking portal (e.g., via ReserveAmerica), typically up to 11 months in advance.

It is highly recommended to contact the park office directly or use the online reservation system for the most accurate and up-to-date information on site availability, park rules, and any specific questions you may have before your visit.

For Pennsylvanians seeking an authentic, tranquil, and adventure-filled outdoor experience, Trough Creek State Park Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination. Its inherent qualities align perfectly with the desires of local residents looking to connect with the state's natural heritage.

Firstly, its classification as a Pennsylvania State Park means it's managed for conservation and public access, ensuring a well-maintained and protected environment for all. Locals can take pride in visiting a state park that offers stunning geological features like Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls, easily accessible from the campground. This provides a sense of connection to the natural wonders within their own state.

Secondly, the park's primary appeal lies in its unparalleled access to outdoor recreation. The ability to "walk out of the campground hiking" onto rugged trails or find "excellent access to stream fishing" is a huge draw for active Pennsylvanians. There's no need to drive to reach the core attractions, allowing for immediate immersion in nature. The proximity and paddle sports access to Raystown Lake further diversify the recreational opportunities, catering to both land and water enthusiasts.

Moreover, the campground's reputation for being "nice and quiet" provides a much-needed respite from the everyday hustle. For many Pennsylvanians, a camping trip is about disconnecting and finding peace. Trough Creek offers just that – a serene environment where the sounds of the creek and rustling leaves replace urban noise. The presence of rangers who provide evening programs, like movies for kids, also adds a touch of thoughtful family-friendly entertainment.

While the access road may be narrow, this minor inconvenience only enhances the sense of seclusion and adventure that many locals cherish in a true wilderness escape. The availability of electric hookups at all sites, combined with the pet-friendly policy in designated areas, ensures comfort and inclusivity for a wide range of campers and their companions. Trough Creek State Park Campground is a quintessential Pennsylvania outdoor experience, offering a perfect blend of rugged beauty, accessible recreation, and peaceful solitude right in our own backyard.