How much does camping cost at Tompkins?

Camping fees at Tompkins range from $24-$46/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tompkins first-come first-served or reservation?

Tompkins accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Tompkins before I book?

Yes! Tompkins has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Tompkins?

Tompkins is open May 15 to September 03. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Tompkins?

Yes, Tompkins has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Tompkins have?

Tompkins has 109 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tompkins?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tompkins. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Tompkins?

Tompkins offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Tompkins?

Popular activities at Tompkins include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tompkins

4.22

476 reviews

710 IVES RUN LANE

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Pennsylvania Best Campgrounds Pennsylvania

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,168 ft

Price

$24 - $46/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

109 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,168 ft

Price

$24 - $46/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

109 campsites

Season

Open from May 15 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Tompkins

$24.00 - $46.00 / night

Campsite Fees

RV ELECTRIC/WATER/SEWER: $46.00; RV ELECTRIC/WATER: $40.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC/WATER/SEWER: $46.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC/WATER: $40.00; STANDARD...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Hookup Site Fee$46.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$24.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

CowanesqueLakeWEB@usace.army.mil

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

710 IVES RUN LANE

Tompkins

710 IVES RUN LANE

Nearby places

Lawrenceville: approximately 5 miles

Elkland: approximately 10 miles

Corning, NY: approximately 20 miles

Watkins Glen, NY: approximately 45 miles.

Weather at Tompkins

Best Time to Camp at Tompkins

Best season: summer. Summer delivers warm, lake-centered recreation at Tompkins — think swimming, boating, paddling and peak fishing when Cowanesque Lake is at its best. Daytime highs typically range from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F with cool nights in the 50s–60s, making evenings perfect for campfires and stargazing. All campground facilities are open (campground open May 15–Oct 13) so expect the most services but also the busiest weekends and holiday periods — reserve early. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: lake warms, full facility operation and best for swimming/boating.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 03. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 15 to October 13 during peak season. Closed during off-season.

About Tompkins

Tompkins sits on Cowanesque Lake in Pennsylvania's northern foothills, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with seasonal access from mid-May through mid-October. The campground offers full-hookup RV sites, tent camping, and primitive options across a large footprint with lake views and direct water access. Visitors fish, boat, and hike during warm summer months when the lake is at its best for paddling and swimming.

Tompkins Campground supports various types of camping, including RV camping with full hookups, traditional tent camping, hike-in sites, and group camping. Walk-in sites provide a more secluded experience and are favored by those seeking privacy.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer delivers warm, lake-centered recreation at Tompkins — think swimming, boating, paddling and peak fishing when Cowanesque Lake is at its best. Daytime highs typically range from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F with cool nights in the 50s–60s, making evenings perfect for campfires and stargazing. All campground facilities are open (campground open May 15–Oct 13) so expect the most services but also the busiest weekends and holiday periods — reserve early. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1168 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies rolling terrain at 1,168 feet elevation where the Allegheny Plateau meets Cowanesque Lake. Partially forested ridges alternate with open meadows, creating a mix of shaded and exposed sites. Mature woodlots provide cover in some areas while reclaimed fields offer views across the lake and surrounding mountains. Wildlife is common. Deer graze near campsites at dawn and dusk, and the diverse habitat attracts a range of bird species. The landscape shifts between dense forest and pastoral clearings, with the lake as a constant presence.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer cabins or other hotel-style lodges. All accommodations are campsites designated for tents or RVs.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational ranger programs are occasionally offered, focusing on local wildlife and conservation.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Visitors may stay up to 14 nights in total within a 30-day rolling period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No more than 7 people per site or one family.

Groups

The campground includes a 24-site group camping area suitable for larger groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made in advance on Recreation.gov or by calling (877) 444-6777. Changes cannot be made on-site.

AccessibilityThe campground provides paved roads and access to flush toilets but lacks specific accommodations for campers with disabilities, such as cottages or accessible rooms.

Site SizeSites are described as large and spacious, providing ample room for tents and RVs. However, some sites are narrow or feature uneven terrain.

PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy. Walk-in sites are more secluded, separated by foliage, while standard electric and group sites may be closer together.

Total Campsites109 campsites

Recommended SitesHike-in sites are ideal for a secluded experience, while the Bench Loop offers full hookups and proximity to water for kayaking.

Best CampsitesShoreline sites like P16 and sites on the Bench Loop get the most recommendations for lake proximity and views. Walk-in sites offer more seclusion and privacy, separated by foliage from neighboring campers. Lakeside sites book early due to demand, so reserve well ahead if you want water access.

Need help booking Tompkins?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Tompkins Campground offers a variety of amenities catering to campers' diverse needs. It features 109 traditional campsites, 16 tent-only hike-in sites, and a 24-site group camping area. Amenities include a boat ramp, drinking water, hot showers, playgrounds, a dump station, and a fish cleaning station. Flush toilets are available, along with electricity and water hookups at most sites. Visitors praised the cleanliness of the bathrooms, although some reviews noted maintenance issues such as clogged drains and infrequent cleaning. Laundry facilities are present, and firewood is sold on-site. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided at each campsite. However, cell phone reception is very limited, and Wi-Fi is unavailable, which some guests found inconvenient.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Tompkins Campground offers diverse recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and more. The Moccasin Trail provides a scenic four-mile trek through woodlots and reclaimed farm fields. The lake supports fishing tournaments, and its large size accommodates both powerboats and kayaks. A designated swimming beach is available, though reviews mentioned varying water quality.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

476 reviews

Satisfactory

Tompkins is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Tompkins Campground are generally positive, highlighting its scenic beauty, spacious sites, and recreational opportunities. Common complaints include maintenance issues, poor cell phone reception, and disagreements with staff or camp hosts.

Review Summaries

Based on 476 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 476 reviews.

Site #29Loved
Site #29 in the Knoll loop is highly recommended for its spaciousness and privacy.
Site #34Issues noted
Site #34 received complaints about wet and muddy conditions.

What Campers Love

Large, clean sites with ample privacy, scenic lake views, friendly staff, plentiful wildlife, and diverse activities such as kayaking and hiking.

Based on 476 reviews

Common Concerns

Maintenance issues such as clogged drains, high grass, poor cell phone reception, occasional noise from inconsiderate campers, and insufficient ranger or host presence during busy times.

Based on 476 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a wagon or cart for walk-in sites. Prepare for limited cell phone coverage. Consider weekdays for a quieter stay. Some users recommend reserving lakeside sites early due to high demand.

Based on 476 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season (May-October) sees the highest traffic, with positive reviews emphasizing summer activities like kayaking and fishing. Maintenance issues such as grass cutting and restroom cleanliness...

Based on 476 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great campground with amazing views of the lake." - Anuja Puranik "Sites are very spacious and clean. Restrooms are clean too." - Jamie "Would have been a lovely experience but we experienced...

Based on 476 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features, but some users mentioned challenges with uneven terrain or narrow sites.

Based on 476 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is pet-friendly, but some users complained about excessive barking and unsupervised dogs.

Based on 476 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Campgrounds

Cowanesque Lake

Tompkins

About Cowanesque Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Tompkins, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

This Corps project located near the New York state line in North Central Pennsylvania provides a 1,085-acre lake with 17 miles of shoreline for use by campers and day trippers.

Directions

Located near Lawrenceville, PA, just below the New York state line, off US Route 15 and between PA Route 49 and County Route 58052.