Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Hills Creek
Overview
Hills Creek State Park offers a peaceful retreat in the rolling hills of Tioga County, Pennsylvania. Spanning over 400 acres, the park is centered around the scenic 137-acre Hills Creek Lake. It is a destination that balances natural beauty with accessible outdoor recreation, making it a staple for those visiting the Pennsylvania Wilds region. Whether you are coming for the water activities or the quiet forest atmosphere, the park provides a classic, high-quality state park experience for travelers of all ages.
Location & Surroundings
Situated just a few miles north of Wellsboro, the park is nestled within a landscape of dense hardwood forests and vibrant marshlands. The area is famous for its incredible wildlife viewing, providing opportunities to spot ospreys, bald eagles, and various waterfowl. The surrounding terrain is characterized by gentle ridges and deep valleys that offer a profound sense of seclusion. This northern location serves as an ideal, quiet basecamp for exploring the majestic scenery and rugged topography of the Pennsylvania mountains.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground provides approximately 85 sites, with a significant number offering 30-amp electric hookups suitable for various RV sizes. Guests have convenient access to modern bathhouses equipped with warm showers and flush toilets. The park features a sandy swimming beach open during the summer months, along with a seasonal snack bar and multiple boat launches for electric-powered vessels. For those traveling with families, the well-maintained playgrounds and shaded picnic pavilions offer excellent spaces for afternoon gatherings and relaxation.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
A short drive from the park brings visitors to the stunning Pine Creek Gorge, widely known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Here, you can find dramatic overlooks at Leonard Harrison State Park and the famous Pine Creek Rail Trail for long-distance biking. In nearby Wellsboro, travelers can enjoy the historic charm of gas-lit streets and local dining. Within the park itself, the Stephens Trail offers miles of hiking through lush greenery, while the lake provides excellent fishing for bass and walleye.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature enthusiasts and families looking for a quiet, water-centric getaway without the noise of heavy boat traffic. It is perfect for RVers who prefer a rustic state park setting with the convenience of well-maintained facilities and electric hookups. Since the lake only allows electric motors, the atmosphere remains tranquil throughout the day. Birdwatchers and landscape photographers will find plenty of inspiration among the park's diverse habitats, making it a top choice for those seeking a peaceful escape.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Brennan Knighton
Such a beautiful park. Lots of trails. Small beach area. I’m sure it’s wonderful in the summer to visit. We saw some cabins you can rent as well as camping areas. Can’t wait to return
Brandon Forsythe
This was our first time camping here. It was a very nice state park and campground. It would be nice to have a playground in the campground area for the kids. Spaces were very roomy to allow games and campfires safely. A couple minor things to improve would be qeeding the boat tie off in campground area. The grading on our spot (19) for the sewer line was actually uphill too, made it work but should be better. The last minor thing, camp host. Extremely friendly, too friendly. Never had a camp host stop by multiple times a day. Welcome us but let us enjoy our time. I do get if folks causing issues but need to relax a little.🙂
James Marland
We loved our time at Hills Creek. The campground were well kept. The bathrooms were clean. The sites were large with tree cover. The lake trail was beautiful. We stayed in one of the cabins that had electricity 4 bunk beds and a queen(or maybe double? It was bite enough for two people). The mattresses were acceptable, but we doubled them up the 2nd night and had a better nights sleep. We saw raccoons about 9 pm so make sure you store your garbage and food securely. Our friends stayed at a modernized cabin with a bathroom. They said they loved staying there and it was roomy so we will try that next time. One of my favorite campgrounds all year.
The Princess and The Troll
A beautiful state park near Mansfield and Wellsboro. There is a public beach and you can boat (paddle and/or electric motors only). There is a playground and a nice 3+ mile loop trail around the lake. You can tent and RV camp. You can also stay at a cabin or yurt. The park was well maintained.
Ania Banania
Great campground, loop D was shaded with lots of trees for a hammock. Spots were well spaced out and people respected quiet hours. I wish the fire pit wasn’t so tall, the smoke hurt my eyes. The bathroom was clean but my only complaint is that the shower water temperature was not adjustable, it was one degree from burning my skin…. Not good especially on a very hot humid day! The park itself was nice. I swam and kayaked in the lake. Just beware, the changing areas and bathrooms do not have lights inside so it was very dark in there 30 minutes before sunset. The food at the concession is pretty good, there’s a ton of options, and prices are decent. The nature center is nice, they have movies every night. They did have some weird taxidermy presentation by the beach.