How much does camping cost at Patterson State Park?

Camping fees at Patterson State Park range from $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Patterson State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Patterson State Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is first-come, first-serve based on availability as noted by user reviews.

Can I see photos of campsites at Patterson State Park before I book?

Yes! Patterson State Park has 6 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 Patterson State Park?

Patterson State Park is open Peak season dates are not explicitly mentioned.. 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 Patterson State Park?

Patterson State Park does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Patterson State Park?

Fire policies at Patterson State Park: Campfires are allowed, unlike Cherry Springs State Park, according to user reviews.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Patterson State Park have?

Patterson State Park has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Patterson State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Patterson State Park. 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 Patterson State Park?

Patterson State Park offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Patterson State Park?

Popular activities at Patterson State Park include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Patterson State Park

4.28

18 reviews

C/O LYMAN RUN S P, 454 LYMAN RUN ROAD, GALETON, Pennsylvania, 16922, United States

Top 14% in PAWinter

Stargazing

Featured in:Hiking Camping Pennsylvania

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,467 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

No specific open/clo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,467 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

12 campsites

Season

No specific open/clo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Patterson State Park

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

User reviews mention an overnight fee of $35 per night for primitive camping.

Standard Site Fee$35.00

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8144355010

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

C/O LYMAN RUN S P, 454 LYMAN RUN ROAD, GALETON, Pennsylvania, 16922, United States

Patterson State Park

C/O LYMAN RUN S P, 454 LYMAN RUN ROAD, GALETON, Pennsylvania, 16922, United States

Nearby places

Sweden Valley (6.5 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Cherry Springs State Park (a few miles away)

Nearby supplies

Gasoline, nearest camp store, and laundromat are all available greater than 10 miles away from the campground.

Weather at Patterson State Park

Best Time to Camp at Patterson State Park

Fall delivers the best conditions: daytime highs in the 50s and 60s, nighttime lows in the 30s and 40s, and peak foliage color in the first two weeks of October. Bugs have died back by mid-September, making hiking more pleasant. Spring and summer are wetter and buggier at this elevation, though temperatures stay comfortable. Winter sees frequent snow and freezing temps, which opens the area to snowmobiling but requires cold-weather gear for camping. If you visit during fall, check Pennsylvania hunting season dates and wear blaze orange on the trails.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as best season with peak foliage in early October and comfortable temps.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates are not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: No specific open/closed seasons are mentioned.

About Patterson State Park

Patterson State Park sits at 2,467 feet along PA Route 44 in the heart of Susquehannock State Forest, offering 12 primitive campsites for $35 per night on a first-come, first-served basis. The small roadside park functions primarily as a trailhead and basecamp for hikers tackling the Susquehannock Trail System, with vault toilets, a water pump, and little else. It's a 15-minute drive from Cherry Springs State Park, making it a practical overnight option for stargazers willing to trade amenities for dark skies and trail access.

Patterson State Park caters primarily to primitive and tent campers, with approximately a dozen non-reservable campsites. The park does not accommodate RVs, cabins, or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions: daytime highs in the 50s and 60s, nighttime lows in the 30s and 40s, and peak foliage color in the first two weeks of October. Bugs have died back by mid-September, making hiking more pleasant. Spring and summer are wetter and buggier at this elevation, though temperatures stay comfortable. Winter sees frequent snow and freezing temps, which opens the area to snowmobiling but requires cold-weather gear for camping. If you visit during fall, check Pennsylvania hunting season dates and wear blaze orange on the trails.

ElevationWhile specific elevation data remains unrecorded, the park's position within the rolling hills of the PA Wilds creates natural vantage points and varied terrain that challenges hikers and delights those seeking scenic camping spots away from the crowds.

Natural Features and SceneryNorthern hardwood forest surrounds the campground on all sides, part of thousands of acres of continuous state forest. At this elevation, the canopy consists mostly of oak and maple, which puts on a reliable color show in October. The terrain rolls in characteristic ridges and valleys, though the campground itself occupies relatively flat ground alongside the road. Dark skies here rival those at nearby Cherry Springs. On clear nights, the Milky Way is visible overhead, and meteor showers are easy to spot without driving elsewhere.

Geological RegionNestled within the rugged expanse of the PA Wilds, Patterson State Park occupies a strategic position amid thousands of acres of northern hardwood forest in the Susquehannock State Forest. This remarkable geological region showcases Pennsylvania's ancient mountain heritage, where millennia of natural forces have sculpted a landscape of rolling ridges and deep valleys. As a crucial access point to the Susquehannock Trail System, the park connects visitors to one of the state's most pristine and geologically diverse wilderness areas.

Scenic ViewsNight views are a particular highlight, with opportunities for stargazing under clear skies. "Absolutely stunning night views of the stars," notes one user review.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are available at this park.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time is unspecified, but payment is made via honor system.

Check-out

Check-out time is 3 p.m. as stated in one user review.

Stay Limit

No maximum stay limit is specified in the authoritative content.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite.

Groups

No designated group camping sites are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe 12 sites run along or near the road in a simple layout. Each has a picnic table, fire ring, and utility hook. Spacing is tight, and several reviewers noted feeling exposed to road traffic during the day. There's no loop or buffer zone. It's functional rather than scenic.

Reservation PlatformsNo online reservations available; payment is made via on-site information board.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-serve based on availability as noted by user reviews.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations and refunds are not mentioned; reservations are non-reservable, and camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Site SizeThe park includes approximately a dozen campsites. User reviews mention that each campsite has a table and utility hook.

PrivacyPrivacy at campsites may be limited as the park is roadside, and some reviewers noted feeling exposed to road traffic during the day.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites further from the road for reduced noise and increased privacy.

Best CampsitesReviews don't mention specific site numbers. Campers suggest arriving early to claim a spot with better tree cover and more distance from the road, though privacy is limited across the board. Sites closer to the back of the campground reportedly feel less exposed to passing traffic on Route 44.

Amenities available

Patterson State Park offers a variety of amenities, including rustic picnic pavilions, fire rings, hiking trails, parking areas, pit toilets, and a hand-pumped water source. However, the park is located in a remote area and does not have facilities like flush toilets, Wi-Fi, or laundry services. A camp store and laundromat are located over 10 miles away. Visitors have noted that the vault toilets are clean and the water pump is functional.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Patterson State Park offers a blend of recreational activities, including hiking on the Susquehannock Trail System, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, picnicking, and stargazing. The remote location and nearby Cherry Springs State Park make it an ideal spot for night sky observation.

Hiking

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include proximity to a roadside which may reduce privacy and safety concerns related to mild traffic.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are the only option.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, unlike Cherry Springs State Park, according to user reviews.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are null.

Water FeaturesNo specific water features are mentioned, though a creek is referenced as nearby.

Camp HostPark staff are noted as friendly and helpful in user reviews.

Cell CoverageNo explicit mention of cell phone service quality or availability.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

18 reviews

Satisfactory

Patterson State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the park's peaceful atmosphere, clean facilities, and convenient location. However, some users noted road noise and limited privacy due to the park's roadside location.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, accessible water pump, proximity to Cherry Springs State Park, stargazing opportunities, and first-come, first-serve system are praised.

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Road noise, limited privacy, and the perceived high cost of primitive camping were common concerns.

Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are noted to include tables and utility hooks. Specific site numbers were not mentioned.

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure a spot as campsites are non-reservable. Bring all necessary supplies since amenities are limited and the nearest camp store is over 10 miles away.

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Stargazing and clear skies are frequently mentioned by summer visitors. Winter visitors appreciate the snowmobiling and cross-country skiing opportunities.

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

'A very nice, little roadside picnicking and camping state park located in the PA Wilds.' - G. Funk; 'Beautiful spot to camp under the stars. Friendly and helpful park staff. Clean bathrooms.' - Cody...

Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility were found.

Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed in the park, and users have noted that dogs are welcome.

Based on 18 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Hikers eyeing the 85-mile Susquehannock Trail System, or stargazers who want a cheaper base camp than Cherry Springs. Fall is the sweet spot: October foliage, no bugs, daytime highs in the 50s and 60s. Arrive early or risk losing one of the 12 spots.

Skip if

Road noise from PA Route 44 reaches every site, and there's no real buffer between you and passing traffic. At $35 for primitive camping with no electric, no showers, and the nearest supplies 10-plus miles out, privacy-focused campers or comfort-seekers will find the value hard t

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Cherry Springs State Park

C/O Lyman Run SP, 454 Lyman Run Road, Galeton, Pennsylvania, 16922, United States

Cherry Springs State Park sits at 2,300 feet on the Allegheny Plateau, surrounded by 262,000 acres of Susquehannock State Forest. The park draws astronomers and casual stargazers to some of the darkest skies in the eastern United States, with low horizons in every direction and natural protection from light pollution. Sites run $20 per night and accommodate both tent and RV campers, including electric hookups and a dump station.