Tompkins Campground in Tioga Co., PA Closing Due to Staffing Issues

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UPDATE FROM 3/19/2025 AT 2 P.M.: According to USACE, 870 reservations were made for the 2025 season, and 827 were cancelled.

USACE said there were approximately 20,000 visitors to Tompkins Campground in 2024. While Tompkins Campground is closed, the lake will remain open so people can launch their boats, kayaks, etc. and swim from the South Shore Recreation Area.

UPDATE FROM 3/19/2025 AT 11 A.M.: In a statement from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, they said:

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District explored multiple options when coming to the decision of closing campgrounds due to the staffing shortage resulting from the civilian hiring freeze. Fortunately, we were able to determine an option which allowed us to continue the safe operation of day-use facilities, including boat launches and beaches. We understand that this news is disappointing to visitors who are impacted by our campground closures. Until we are prepared to safely welcome overnight guests once again, we encourage the public to visit us and enjoy those facilities that we can offer without negatively impacting our primary mission, which is dam operations for flood protection to surrounding communities."

According to U.S. ACE, Tompkins Campground has 122 campsites and in the 2024 fiscal year, Cowanesque Lake had 106,558 visitors and Tioga-Hammond Lake had 233,425.

LAWRENCEVILLE, Pa (WENY) -- Tompkins Campground, a site in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, will remain closed until further notice due to staffing issues. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the closure on March 13th.

"I know a lot of folks in our community use that park in the summertime. It's a beautiful park... [The closure] will definitely have a negative impact on the economic atmosphere in Tioga County. Our small businesses rely on those influx of visitors whether it's restaurants or ice cream (stands)," said Tioga Co. Commissioner, Marc Rice.

USACE says Ives Run Campground and Visitor Information Center, as well as day-use facilities such as picnic pavilions, walking trails, boat launches, disc golf course, swim beach and picnic areas, will remain open. Lambs Creek Recreation Area and boat ramp will remain open.

"Initially, we thought it'd be more with Ives Run being shutdown, so we're glad to see at least that's maintaining itself. But, it is a revenue maker for our area. It does bring people into the area and locals alike will camp out, and find a place to get away for the weekend without driving too far," said Tioga Co. Commissioner, Sam Van Loon.

The Army Corps of Engineers oversees the operations of recreation sites throughout the Susquehanna and Potomac River Basins, which includes the Tompkins Campground. It also includes the Ives Run campground and visitor information center, and Cowanesque Lake day-use facilities.

According to the Baltimore District website of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the staffing shortages will prohibit the safe operations of the site ahead of the 2025 season.

USACE says Ives Run Campground and Visitor Information Center, as well as day-use facilities such as picnic pavilions, walking trails, boat launches, disc golf course, swim beach and picnic areas, will remain open. Lambs Creek Recreation Area and boat ramp will remain open.

Rice and Van Loon said a positive thing with the Tompkins Campground closing for the 2025 season is that it can help push tourists and locals to stay at locally owned campgrounds.

"It's always a shame to have some of our resources taken away from the county... We welcome all folks to visit our county [and] enjoy the lakes, trails, the (PA) Grand Canyon. We have a lot to offer here in Tioga County," said Van Loon.

Visitors who have paid reservations that have been cancelled will be refunded via recreation.gov.  They say all refunds generated within the Recreation.gov system will be communicated through email. For more information, go to https://help.recreation.gov/helpcenter.