Camping areas in the Allegheny National Forest region range from 1,200 to 2,000 feet in elevation with seasonal temperature swings of 70°F in summer to below freezing in winter. RV camping sites vary substantially in both size and hookup capability, with several facilities restricting outside firewood due to invasive species concerns. The forest's clay-based soils can create drainage issues during wet periods.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Many campgrounds offer direct trailhead access. At Twin Lakes Recreation Area, "there is a nice loop of well maintained trails that connects to even more expansive trails (I think going all the way out to Cooks Forest...too ambitious for me) that we enjoyed walking," reports Megan V. from a 2022 visit.
Fishing opportunities: The Allegheny Reservoir provides ample fishing areas near several campgrounds. At Willow Bay Recreation Area, "the water is a great amenity and you can rent canoes and kayaks!!" according to Claudia L. The campground features both shoreline fishing access and boat launches.
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds maintain swimming beaches for summer visitors. Chapman State Park offers "fishing, swimming, and hiking family fun all around" with "heated/cooled indoor real bathrooms and shower rooms," notes Michelle E. The park's lake provides a controlled swimming environment with designated beach areas.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate well-spaced sites. At Kiasutha Recreation Area, "sites are well spaced and most have plenty of trees in between," according to Sam H. This forest campground provides natural screening that enhances the wilderness experience.
Diverse accommodation options: From primitive tent sites to full hookup RV pads to cabins, the area offers multiple lodging types. Rvino - Campers Paradise features "beautiful cabins" according to Kemberly S., while also maintaining tent sites and RV hookups.
Night sky viewing: The region's limited light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. "First place I was ever able to actually see the milky way. Night sky's are so clear," reports Chuck H. about his experience at Kiasutha. The elevated terrain and distance from major cities contributes to these viewing conditions.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or no mobile coverage. At Willow Bay Recreation Area, "there is no cel service here, and you shouldn't need it either," notes Bill G. This isolation can be either an advantage or disadvantage depending on camper preferences.
Varying shower facilities: Bathroom and shower quality differs significantly between campgrounds. Sam H. reports that at Kiasutha, "shower house is clean" while some rv campgrounds in Allegheny National Forest offer no shower facilities at all, requiring campers to be self-contained.
Water availability concerns: Some campgrounds have restricted or limited water access. At Twin Lakes Recreation Area, "there is NO water here, however the dump station is operative," explains Dave G., highlighting infrastructure limitations that require advance planning.
Tips for camping with families
Organized children's activities: Several campgrounds run scheduled programs for younger visitors. At Rustic Acres, "our children enjoyed the Saturday kids program, crafts, snacks and games with other children," shares Misty L., noting the organized social opportunities available.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds maintain playground facilities. Kalyumet Campground offers "a nice pool and playground for the kids," according to Stephanie H., providing supervised recreation options close to camping sites.
Swimming options: Family-friendly swimming areas exist throughout the region. Chapman State Park Campground includes "fishing, swimming, and hiking family fun all around," with Michelle E. mentioning the controlled swimming environment is suitable for various age groups.
Tips from RVers
Hookup distance issues: At several rv campgrounds in Allegheny National Forest, utility connections may be surprisingly far from parking pads. At Kalyumet Campground, "our only complaint would be the site we were in (11) and others next to it were quite far from the water and cable hookups. I ended up having to run 60ft of water hose and 50ft of cable," warns Ember M.
Varying electrical service: Not all campgrounds offer consistent amperage options. At High Pines RV Park, "our site only had 30a power. Most seem to be that way," notes Nick O., adding that summer visitors should consider temperature control limitations.
Site leveling requirements: Many RV sites require substantial leveling. At Willow Bay, Tim J. reports "the site slopes in the front and at the back. A couple of extra tongue blocks would've been useful," highlighting terrain challenges common throughout the forested campgrounds.
