Trough Creek State Park Campground

For Pennsylvanians seeking a tranquil and nature-rich escape, Trough Creek State Park Campground offers a hidden gem nestled in the picturesque gorge carved by Great Trough Creek. This smaller, well-maintained campground provides a serene backdrop for outdoor adventure, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate quiet natural beauty and direct access to recreational opportunities without the need to drive once they've arrived. As one visitor noted, it's "Nice and quiet. Smaller side campground, but we'll maintained." Another highlighted its convenience: "Excellent access to stream fishing and walk out of the campground hiking, no need to drive."

Trough Creek State Park, encompassing 554 acres, is renowned for its rugged beauty, unique geological features, and historical significance. It's a place where the sounds of the creek replace urban clamor, and the surrounding Rothrock State Forest provides a vast expanse for exploration. Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen angler, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to unwind and connect with nature, Trough Creek State Park Campground delivers an authentic Pennsylvania outdoor experience.

Managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the campground maintains a high standard of upkeep, ensuring a pleasant and memorable stay for all who visit this remarkable corner of Huntingdon County.

Trough Creek State Park Campground is located at 8VFC+VR, James Creek, PA 16657, USA, in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania. This scenic park is situated in a deep, narrow gorge where Great Trough Creek cuts through Terrace Mountain before emptying into the vast Raystown Lake. Its position ensures a feeling of seclusion and immersion in nature, while still being relatively accessible for many residents of Pennsylvania.

The park is bordered by Rothrock State Forest and the Raystown Lake Recreation Area, creating a large, contiguous area of public land ripe for exploration. Access to the campground typically involves navigating the park's internal roads, which some visitors describe as "narrow, with some places wide enough for only one direction of travel in the section." While this might require careful driving, especially on busy days with "heavy POV traffic," it contributes to the park's tranquil and less-trafficked feel once you're settled in.

The proximity to Raystown Lake, just a few miles away, is a significant advantage, offering additional recreational opportunities beyond the park's immediate confines. However, for those looking to stay within the park, the campground's design provides excellent direct access to the creek and hiking trails, meaning you can often "walk out of the campground hiking, no need to drive." This direct access to natural attractions right from your campsite enhances the overall outdoor experience.

Trough Creek State Park Campground provides essential services and amenities designed to offer a comfortable, yet traditional, camping experience within a natural setting.

• Electric Hook-up Sites: The campground offers 29 developed campsites, all of which come equipped with electric hook-ups (30/50 amp service), accommodating both tents, trailers, and RVs up to 45 feet. This is a significant convenience, especially for RV campers.

• Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite includes a picnic table, a fire ring with a grate, and a separate crushed stone tent pad, providing a defined and comfortable space for your outdoor living.

• Drinking Water: While individual sites do not have water hook-ups, there are shared hydrants available throughout the campground for potable water, ensuring access to fresh drinking water.

• Restroom Facilities: The campground features restrooms with flush toilets, which are located centrally near the playground. It's important to note that while flush toilets are available, there are no showers directly within the campground loop.

• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available for RVs, although it is located a few miles away at the park office, requiring a short drive for disposal. This means a "sludge caddy may not be very practical for anything other than truck bed hauling," as one review noted.

• Trash Collection: Designated areas for trash collection are provided, helping maintain the cleanliness of the campground.

• Pet-Friendly Sites: Pets are permitted at designated campsites, allowing visitors to bring their furry companions along for the adventure (check specific regulations regarding leashing and responsible pet ownership).

• Campground Amphitheater: An amphitheater is available within the campground, often used for interpretive programs or gatherings, enhancing the communal aspect of the camping experience.

Trough Creek State Park offers a wealth of natural and unique features that make it a compelling destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Pennsylvania.

• Direct Trail Access: A major highlight is the immediate access to the park's extensive network of rugged hiking trails directly from the campground. Popular trails lead to iconic attractions like Balanced Rock, Rainbow Falls, and the mysterious Ice Mine, allowing campers to embark on adventures without needing to drive.

• Unique Geological Wonders: The park is home to fascinating natural curiosities. Balanced Rock is a massive boulder seemingly defying gravity, perched precariously on a cliffside. The Ice Mine is a small cave-like opening where cool air is trapped, allowing ice to form even in warm weather, offering a refreshing natural air conditioning experience. Rainbow Falls provides a picturesque waterfall, especially after rainfall.

• Excellent Stream Fishing: Great Trough Creek, flowing right alongside the campground, is a popular spot for stream fishing. It offers a variety of warmwater and coolwater fish, including trout, smallmouth bass, rock bass, sucker, and panfish. Lake fishing is also accessible via a short walk along the Terrace Mountain Trail to a sheltered cove of Raystown Lake.

• Suspension Bridge: A thrilling suspension bridge spans Great Trough Creek, providing an exciting crossing and scenic views as it leads to some of the park's most famous trails and features.

• Quiet and Well-Maintained: Despite its popularity, the campground maintains a "nice and quiet" atmosphere. It is consistently praised for being "well maintained" and clean, offering a peaceful retreat from busier parks.

• Proximity to Raystown Lake: While offering a secluded feel, the campground is just a short distance from the massive Raystown Lake Recreation Area, which provides an array of additional water-based activities, marinas, and scenic overlooks.

• Historical Significance: The park also boasts historical remnants, including Paradise Furnace ruins and an abandoned cemetery, adding a layer of cultural exploration to the natural adventure.

For reservations, inquiries about park conditions, or additional information about Trough Creek State Park Campground, please use the following contact details:

Address: 8VFC+VR, James Creek, PA 16657, USA

Phone: (814) 658-3847

Mobile Phone: +1 814-658-3847

Reservations can also typically be made through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system online.

For Pennsylvanians, Trough Creek State Park Campground offers an authentic and accessible slice of the state's rugged natural beauty, perfectly suited for those seeking a genuine outdoor experience without venturing too far from home. Its smaller, intimate size fosters a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, which is a significant draw for locals looking to escape the hustle and bustle of more crowded destinations. Unlike larger, commercial campgrounds, Trough Creek provides a sense of immersion in the wilderness, allowing for a deeper connection with nature.

The campground's primary appeal to locals lies in its direct and effortless access to exceptional recreational opportunities. The ability to "walk out of the campground hiking" immediately onto trails leading to iconic natural wonders like Balanced Rock, Rainbow Falls, and the Ice Mine is an unparalleled convenience. This means less time driving and more time exploring the unique geological formations and stunning scenery that make Pennsylvania's state parks so special. Anglers will particularly appreciate the "excellent access to stream fishing" in Great Trough Creek, a known spot for various fish species.

While the access road may be narrow and the dump station a few miles away, these minor inconveniences are often seen as part of the charm of a less developed, more natural camping environment. The presence of electric hook-ups at all sites, combined with well-maintained basic facilities like flush toilets and shared water hydrants, strikes a balance between rustic appeal and essential comfort. Trough Creek State Park Campground is a fantastic choice for Pennsylvania residents who value quiet nights under the stars, days filled with hiking and fishing, and the chance to explore the unique natural and historical treasures of their own backyard. It’s a testament to the diverse and accessible outdoor adventures available within the Commonwealth.