HILLS CREEK STATE PARK
Located in scenic Tioga County, the 407-acre Hills Creek State Park abounds in wildlife. Osprey, loon and waterfowl visit the lake that boasts a variety of warm-water fish species. Camping, cabins, swimming beach and picnicking make this an ideal spot for a family vacation.
Wildlife abounds in and around Hills Creek State Park. Along with an active beaver colony, there are other water-loving creatures including muskrat, wood duck, great blue heron, and osprey. Bald eagles are frequent visitors to the park.
Visitors may see a transient black bear, a flock of wild turkey, or a deer. Hills Creek is also a perfect habitat for rabbits, grouse, pileated woodpeckers and woodchucks.
In the spring, Hills Creek Lake becomes home to migrating waterfowl like loon, bufflehead, and common merganser.
The land, originally known as Kelly?s Swamp, was purchased in 1950. Within this swamp, at the present location of the swimming beach, was a small mine from which pigment for the paint industry was extracted. The park opened in 1953 and is named for the creek that runs through it. The stream was named after Captain William Hill who settled in the area around 1820.
Cabins:
Ten modern cabins can be rented year-round. Cabins are furnished and have a living area, kitchen/dining area, shower and two bedrooms. Cabin seven is accessible. Cabin renters should bring their own linens and kitchen utensils. Weekly reservations are required during the summer.
Three cottages sleep five people in single bunks and double/single bunks, and have wooden floors, windows, electric heat porch, picnic table, fire ring and electric lights and outlets.
Camping: modern sites, some with electricityThe 102-site camping area is at the north end of the park and is reached by the main park road. The campsites range from grassy open areas to sites dominated by immense hemlock trees. The campground opens the second Friday in April and closes the third weekend in October.
Modern washhouses with warm showers, restrooms, and water fountains are in central locations throughout the camping area. A sanitary dump station is just outside the camping area. Six sites are accessible.
Camping Cottages: Three cottages sleep five people in single bunks and double/single bunks, and have wooden floors, windows, electric heat porch, picnic table, fire ring and electric lights and outlets.
Organized Group Tenting:
Qualified adult and youth groups may use this 40-person capacity area equipped with picnic tables, pavilion, fire rings, water and flush toilets. Campers may shower in the campground. This wooded peninsula is open from the second Friday in April to the third Sunday in October, weather permitting. Advance reservations are recommended. This area is rustic in nature and as a result, no vehicles are permitted in the camping area. Some of the larger hemlock, beech, maple and ash trees in the park are found on this very picturesque peninsula.
Love this state park for its beauty and natural setting. The only negative comment I have is drivers go way to fast in the camp grounds. My girlfriend was almost run over by a speeding New York driver and his trailer.
Nice comfortable campground. Mix of shaded and open sites. Numerous sites that can handle long camping rigs. We will be visiting there again.
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