Tompkins

Star4.24
476 reviews
710 IVES RUN LANE
Summer Destination

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Tompkins
$24.00 - $46.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly rates range from $24 for standard non-electric sites to $46 for standard electric and RV electric sites. Additional fees may...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$46.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$24.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.24

Satisfactory

Based on 476 reviews

97 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacycleanhiking

Some mention

noisecell service

"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."

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Campground Map

710 IVES RUN LANE

Tompkins

710 IVES RUN LANE

Driving directionsTake U.S. Highway 15 to the Lawrenceville/Route 49 exit. Go one mile east on Route 49 to Lawrenceville. At the traffic light turn left onto State Route 287. Cross the Cowanesque River Bridge at the edge of town and make an immediate left turn onto Bliss Road. Continue 5 miles to the campground entrance.
The campground is accessible via Bliss Road, which is a paved route. There are no explicit mentions of seasonal road closures or challenging terrain.
Nearby places
Lawrenceville: approximately 5 miles
Elkland: approximately 10 miles
Corning, NY: approximately 20 miles
Watkins Glen, NY: approximately 45 miles.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries, fuel, and camping essentials, are available in Lawrenceville, PA, approximately 5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Tompkins

From May through October, Tompkins Campground comes alive under Pennsylvania's welcoming skies, where comfortable temperatures invite endless outdoor pursuits. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and perfect hiking weather, while summer brings warm days ideal for lake activities and cool, campfire-perfect evenings. The varying humidity levels throughout the season add character to misty morning lake views and dramatic afternoon cloudscapes. Visitors should note that summer months occasionally see gypsy moth activity, a natural occurrence in Pennsylvania's forests that park staff actively monitor.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 15% in PA

May–Oct peak season with swimming, boating, kayaking, and fishing highlighted by reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 13; Endless Mountains foliage and lake views lend fall appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 15; spring wildflowers noted but limited access in early spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed during off-season; no winter offerings.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 to October 13.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 15 to October 13 during peak season. Closed during off-season.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts explicitly stated.

About Tompkins

Nestled along the pristine north shore of Cowanesque Lake, Tompkins Campground beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts to experience Pennsylvania's natural playground. Here, generations gather to create lasting memories through sun-soaked days of swimming in crystal-clear waters, casting lines for the day's catch, and exploring wooded trails where wildlife sightings reward patient observers. From dawn paddlers gliding across the glassy lake surface to evening campfire conversations under star-filled skies, this cherished destination offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for visitors of all ages.
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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 11:00 PM local time.
Check-out
Check-out is at 3:00 PM local time.
Stay Limit
Visitors may stay up to 14 nights in total within a 30-day rolling period.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

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.
HikingThe four-mile Moccasin Trail is popular among hikers, offering a journey through reclaimed farm fields and woodlots inhabited by wildlife.
FishingFishing opportunities are abundant, with indigenous fish populating the lake and streams. Frequent fishing tournaments attract enthusiasts.
SwimmingA swimming beach is available, with mixed reviews regarding water quality. Some guests reported closures due to water quality issues.
BoatingBoating is a highlight, with a ramp and overnight mooring available. The lake accommodates both powerboats and kayaks.
Wildlife viewingWatchable wildlife includes deer, opossums, turtles, and birds such as eagles and ospreys.
Beach activitiesBeach activities include swimming and sunbathing, though the beach is described as shallow and small.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRecurring issues include gypsy moth infestations during summer months, rattlesnakes in grassy areas, and spotty cell coverage.
Active AlertsNo current alerts explicitly stated.

Weather at Tompkins

Reviews

4.2
476 reviews
Satisfactory
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

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...
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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...
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Based on 476 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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