Trough Creek State Park Campground

Trough Creek State Park Campground is a hidden gem nestled within a 541-acre gorge where Great Trough Creek carves through Terrace Mountain on its way to Raystown Lake. For residents of Pennsylvania, this park represents a rugged and adventurous side of the state's natural beauty. Unlike larger, sprawling parks, Trough Creek is "small but mighty," offering a cozy and intimate camping experience that places visitors directly in the heart of a scenic canyon. The campground is particularly famous for its unique geological features and historical landmarks, making it a favorite for those who appreciate a landscape shaped by time and water.

The campground is characterized by its peaceful, wooded environment and its proximity to the rushing waters of the creek. Because of its smaller scale, the park fosters a safe and manageable atmosphere that is highly valued by families with young children. Campers often describe the site as being meticulously maintained, with plenty of room to spread out despite the limited number of sites. Whether you are there to witness the spring bloom of rhododendrons or the vibrant colors of a Central Pennsylvania autumn, Trough Creek provides a stunning backdrop for any outdoor excursion. It is a place where nature takes center stage, offering a quiet retreat from the digital world.

Location and Accessibility are important considerations for those traveling to James Creek. The park is located at 16362 Little Valley Road, James Creek, PA 16657, roughly 16 miles south of Huntingdon. While the park is accessible, visitors should be aware that the entrance road can be narrow in certain sections, requiring careful navigation for those towing larger trailers or driving wide recreational vehicles. The campground itself is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom facilities. For those coming from Altoona or State College, the park is a convenient distance for a weekend getaway, positioned strategically near the southern end of the Raystown Lake recreation area.

Services Offered at Trough Creek State Park Campground focus on providing a comfortable, rustic experience. While this is not a resort-style park, it provides all the essential infrastructure for a successful camping trip. The services provided include:

• Electric hookups at all 29 designated campsites, accommodating various RV sizes and setups.
• Dedicated tent sites with leveled pads, often consisting of crushed stone to provide a stable foundation.
• On-site parking at each campsite for easy access to vehicles and gear.
• A sanitary dump station located conveniently near the park office for RV waste management.
• Public restroom facilities that are wheelchair accessible and located within easy walking distance of the camping loops.
• A historic four-bedroom lodge (Trough Creek Lodge) available for those who prefer indoor accommodations over traditional camping.
• Security and professional management provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).
• Acceptance of major credit cards for reservations and park fees.

Features and Highlights of the park make it one of the most Instagrammable locations in the Pennsylvania state park system. The park is a playground for hikers and amateur geologists alike. Key highlights include:

• Balanced Rock, a massive boulder that appears to hang precariously over the edge of the gorge.
• Rainbow Falls, a beautiful waterfall located on Abbot Run that is accessible via a short but rewarding hike.
• The Suspension Bridge, which provides a thrilling way to cross Great Trough Creek with its characteristic sway and bounce.
• The Ice Mine, a natural anomaly where cold air escapes from the mountain, often creating ice that persists into the summer months.
• Direct access to over 12 miles of rugged hiking trails, including the scenic Ledges Trail and the challenging Brumbaugh Trail.
• Kid-friendly highlights such as a central playground and an amphitheater used for educational wildlife and fossil presentations.
• Pet-friendly sites that allow you to bring your dogs along for the adventure.
• Picnic areas equipped with tables and grills, many of which are located right along the creek’s edge at Copperas Rocks.

For those interested in booking a stay, Contact Information for Trough Creek is straightforward. The park office can be reached at (814) 658-3847. For reservations, which are highly recommended due to the limited number of sites, visitors can use the official Pennsylvania State Parks online portal or call 1-888-PA-PARKS. The physical address for navigation is 16362 Little Valley Road, James Creek, PA 16657, USA. It is important to note that cell service can be spotty within the gorge, so it is wise to download maps and reservation confirmations before arriving at the park.

What is worth choosing at Trough Creek State Park Campground is the sense of immersion in a truly unique environment. If you are a hiker, this park is worth choosing because it packs an incredible amount of scenery into a relatively small area; you can see a waterfall, a suspension bridge, and a gravity-defying rock all in a single afternoon. For families, it is worth choosing for the visibility and safety of the small campground loop. Choosing Trough Creek means choosing a "quality over quantity" experience where the sights are world-class but the crowds are manageable.

Additionally, the campground is worth choosing for its proximity to Raystown Lake without the noise and bustle of the larger lakefront parks. You can spend your day on a boat at the Seven Points Marina and return to the quiet, cool air of the Trough Creek gorge for the evening. The sites are known for being level and spacious, providing a high level of comfort for a rustic state park. Whether you are a local seeking a new favorite spot or a traveler exploring the Alleghenies, choosing Trough Creek State Park Campground ensures a memorable stay defined by the sound of the stream and the majesty of the rocks.