How much does camping cost at Trough Creek State Park?

Camping fees at Trough Creek State Park range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Trough Creek State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Trough Creek State Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

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

Yes! Trough Creek State Park has 17 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.

Are there showers at Trough Creek State Park?

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

Are dogs allowed at Trough Creek State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Trough Creek 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 Trough Creek State Park?

Trough Creek State Park offers: Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Trough Creek State Park?

Popular activities at Trough Creek State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Trough Creek State Park

4.19

16 reviews

16362 Little Valley Road, James Creek, Pennsylvania, 16657, United States

Scenic Views

Featured in:Hiking Camping Pennsylvania Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Pennsylvania Summer Camping Pennsylvania +2 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

991 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

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

991 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Direct Line Official Website

Get Directions

Trough Creek State Park

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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8146583847

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

16362 Little Valley Road, James Creek, Pennsylvania, 16657, United States

Trough Creek State Park

16362 Little Valley Road, James Creek, Pennsylvania, 16657, United States

Weather at Trough Creek State Park

Best Time to Camp at Trough Creek State Park

Fall delivers the best conditions, with peak foliage from late September through mid-October. Daytime temperatures sit around 50–65°F, dropping into the 30s at night. The gorge setting and Terrace Mountain overlooks make for strong photo opportunities during peak color. Cooler water temperatures improve creek fishing, and you'll encounter fewer visitors than at nearby Raystown Lake. Summer brings bugs that campers specifically mention in reviews.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall delivers best conditions and peak foliage late Sept–mid Oct, per seasonal notes and reviews.

Planning Tips

About Trough Creek State Park

Trough Creek State Park sits in a narrow gorge where Great Trough Creek cuts through Terrace Mountain bedrock before emptying into Raystown Lake. The 16 reviews average 4.8 stars, with campers praising the quiet, well-maintained grounds and easy access to Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls. No potable water or showers on-site, so plan accordingly.

Trough Creek State Park offers opportunities for tent camping and possibly other camping styles. However, no detailed breakdown of campsite types is provided.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions, with peak foliage from late September through mid-October. Daytime temperatures sit around 50–65°F, dropping into the 30s at night. The gorge setting and Terrace Mountain overlooks make for strong photo opportunities during peak color. Cooler water temperatures improve creek fishing, and you'll encounter fewer visitors than at nearby Raystown Lake. Summer brings bugs that campers specifically mention in reviews.

Natural Features and SceneryThe creek has carved a scenic canyon through Terrace Mountain at 991 feet elevation, exposing layers of ancient rock in the gorge walls. Water flows continuously through the narrow valley before reaching Raystown Lake. The canyon creates shade and amplifies the sound of moving water. Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls are the signature natural features, both accessible from trails near the campground.

Geological RegionExperience camping in a living geological masterpiece where Great Trough Creek has spent millennia carving its path through the ancient bedrock of Terrace Mountain. This scenic gorge tells a story written in stone—layers of geological history exposed in the canyon walls while the creek continues its patient work below. As the waters empty into Raystown Lake, they complete a journey that showcases the raw power of nature's sculptural abilities, creating a landscape that captivates geologists and casual observers alike.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo additional lodging accommodations beyond camping are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesThe park offers interpretive exhibits and occasional movies for kids ("Rangers played a movie for the kids on Saturday night").

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Trough Creek State Park offers a variety of amenities, including accessible restrooms, an amphitheater, a camping area, and facilities for cross-country skiing. There are picnic areas, playgrounds, and water access within the facility. However, certain reviews indicate that showers and usable water might not be consistently available ("No showers at campground. When we went there was no water available for tent camps").

Dump station

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Trough Creek State Park offers a range of recreational opportunities, including hiking ("Excellent access to stream fishing and walk out of the campground hiking"), biking, and cross-country skiing. The park is known for its natural features such as Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNarrow roads and heavy traffic conditions noted by user reviews.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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

4.2

16 reviews

Satisfactory

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

The campground is generally described as quiet, scenic, and well-maintained, with good access to outdoor activities. Some reviews highlight issues like the lack of showers and potable water.

Review Summaries

Based on 16 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the quiet and serene environment, well-maintained facilities, and easy access to hiking and fishing. Users also appreciated the natural attractions and recreational...

Based on 16 reviews

Common Concerns

Several reviews mention the lack of water and showers at the campground. The narrow access road to the campground is also noted as a drawback ("Very narrow road to camping area").

Based on 16 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should be prepared for the lack of water and showers. Navigating the narrow road to the campground might be challenging for larger vehicles.

Based on 16 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Users suggest that the campground is particularly enjoyable in mild weather seasons, as it provides a quiet and beautiful setting for outdoor activities.

Based on 16 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice and quiet. Smaller side campground, but well maintained." - Todd Lee\n"Great park with paddle sports access to Raystown Lake. No showers at campground. When we went there was no water available...

Based on 16 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed in designated areas; however, no user reviews specifically address experiences with pets.

Based on 16 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Fall foliage seekers and stream fishermen get the best of this place: peak color late September through mid-October, direct trail access to Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls, and cooler creek temps for fishing, all at zero cost.

Skip if

No potable water and no showers are the real friction here, if hauling in all your drinking water feels like too much hassle, or you're arriving in an RV expecting hookups, the narrow access road will frustrate you before you even unpack.

Nearby Campgrounds

Frequently Visited

4.2

(125)

Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground (Pa)

6145 Seven Points Road, Hesston, PA, 16647, USA

Nancy's Boat to Shore Campground sits on the eastern shore of Raystown Lake, accessible only by watercraft. The 50 primitive tent sites are scattered along the shoreline, each with a picnic table and fire ring. Cell service is spotty (one camper reported three bars at site 1), and there's no potable water onsite. Bring everything you need.