Trough Creek State Park

Star4.75
16 reviews
16362 Little Valley Road, James Creek, Pennsylvania, 16657, United States
Great Hiking

Quick Facts

991 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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Trough Creek State Park
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.75

Top-Rated

Based on 16 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiethikingwell-maintained

"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."

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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

Driving directionsPark can be reached by taking PA Rt. 26 to Rt. 994 East near the village of Entriken.
The road to enter and exit the campground is narrow, with sections wide enough for only one direction of travel. Heavy private vehicle traffic occurs on nice days, according to user reviews.

Best Time to Camp at Trough Creek State Park

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Enjoyable in mild seasons; summer fine but limited services (no showers/water) lower convenience.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Mild-season favorite; fall foliage and scenic beauty likely enhance visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Mild-season enjoyment and waterfalls suggest good spring visits (scenic and active).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Cross-country skiing possible but services limited and reviewers prefer milder seasons.

Planning Tips

    About Trough Creek State Park

    Tucked away in a tranquil gorge, this intimate campground offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle of everyday life. Visitors consistently praise its pristine condition and thoughtful maintenance, making it a hidden gem for those seeking serenity. With direct access to natural wonders like the gravity-defying Balanced Rock and the cascading Rainbow Falls, adventure awaits just steps from your campsite. The surrounding Rothrock State Forest and nearby Raystown Lake expand your playground exponentially, offering endless opportunities for exploration and outdoor recreation.
    Trough Creek State Park offers opportunities for tent camping and possibly other camping styles. However, no detailed breakdown of campsite types is provided.
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    Amenities available

    Dump station

    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.
    HikingHiking trails are a major highlight. Rugged trails lead to unique attractions like Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls, and there is direct access to trails from the campground ("walk out of the campground hiking, no need to drive").
    FishingStream fishing is accessible directly from the campground, as noted by users ("Excellent access to stream fishing").
    BikingBiking opportunities are available, as noted by users who enjoyed rides in the park ("we had beautiful bike rides").
    BoatingAccess to paddle sports on Raystown Lake is mentioned in user reviews ("Great park with paddle sports access to Raystown Lake").
    Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe park offers interpretive exhibits and occasional movies for kids ("Rangers played a movie for the kids on Saturday night").
    Winter Activities
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    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.

    Weather at Trough Creek State Park

    Reviews

    4.8
    16 reviews
    Top-Rated
    Top-Rated
    Trough Creek State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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...
    Show more
    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...
    Show more
    Based on 16 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    No specific reviews for particular campsites are provided.
    Based on 16 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No specific reviews regarding accessibility features are provided.
    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

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    Last updated January 13, 2026
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