Trough Creek State Park

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16362 Little Valley Road, James Creek, Pennsylvania, 16657, United States
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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About this campground

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.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled within a dramatic gorge carved by the persistent waters of Great Trough Creek, this campground sits in nature's own amphitheater. The towering walls of Terrace Mountain rise on either side, creating an intimate canyon setting that filters sunlight and echoes with the sounds of rushing water. The creek's journey culminates at the sparkling expanse of Raystown Lake, where the mountain waters merge with one of Pennsylvania's most beloved recreational destinations.
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.

Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessible restrooms are mentioned within the facility.
Sites Size: null
Sites Privacynull
Total Campsites0 campsites

Reserving a campsite

Groups
No details about group sites are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed


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.
Hiking
Hiking 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").
Fishing
Stream fishing is accessible directly from the campground, as noted by users ("Excellent access to stream fishing").
Biking
Biking opportunities are available, as noted by users who enjoyed rides in the park ("we had beautiful bike rides").
Boating
Access to paddle sports on Raystown Lake is mentioned in user reviews ("Great park with paddle sports access to Raystown Lake").
Cultural and Educational Programs
The park offers interpretive exhibits and occasional movies for kids ("Rangers played a movie for the kids on Saturday night").
Winter Activities
The park provides cross-country skiing opportunities.
Water Sports
Paddle sports on Raystown Lake, such as kayaking or canoeing, are available.

Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Quiet hours are 9 PM to 8 AM

Hazards

General hazardsNarrow roads and heavy traffic conditions noted by user reviews.

Weather forecast

71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 40%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 6.8 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Clear sky
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Temperature Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Emergency Services

Hospital location available within facility; however, precise details are not documented.

Good to know

Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling are not explicitly mentioned in the information provided.
Proximity to water featuresClose proximity to Raystown Lake and streams, with paddle sports access noted by users.
Common complaintsSome users complained of narrow roads and limited availability of water for tent campers.

Campground Map

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.

Camper Reviews

0.0
0 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Trough Creek State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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

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...
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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").

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.

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.

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...
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Site-Specific Reviews

No specific reviews for particular campsites are provided.

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews regarding accessibility features are provided.

Pet-Friendly Features

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

Last updated August 10, 2025

Campgrounds
Trough Creek State Park