The Apollo area camping season typically runs April to October for most developed campgrounds, with wintertime options available at select locations like Mountain Top Campground. Water access campgrounds follow a Memorial Day to Labor Day schedule. Camping facilities near Apollo range from rustic tent sites to full-hookup RV options with daily rates generally between $25-45 depending on amenities and location.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Crooked Creek Lake offers excellent fishing access with convenient shoreline spots near the camping area. "Nice small, quiet campground near Crooked Creek. Affordable as well. Love the lake, there is even a little beach for the family," notes a visitor to Crooked Creek Lake.
Paddle sports: Multiple water recreation options exist within 30 minutes of Apollo. "The lake is great for kayaking or small boats. We fish and kayak the creek opposite the lake," shares a camper at Crooked Creek Lake. Boat rentals are also available at some locations.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for families seeking structured recreation options. At Fox Den Acres Campground, "Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away," making it convenient for families with children.
Disc golf: Recreation areas near Apollo have expanded their offerings beyond traditional camping activities. Crooked Creek features "Nice beach, boat ramps, disc golf, corn hole at campground with kid playground," providing diverse entertainment options during your stay.
What campers like
Mountain views: The elevation changes in western Pennsylvania create scenic vantage points at certain campgrounds. At Mountain Top Campground, "You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. It's cute. Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond."
Clean facilities: Multiple reviewers mention facility maintenance as a key factor in their camping experience. A visitor to Smith Grove noted: "Campground is very nice. A lot of sites with plenty of room at each site. Bathrooms were very clean as well."
Site spacing: Campsites with adequate separation from neighbors rank highly in reviews. At Mountain Top Campground, a reviewer observed, "The spots are well spaced out and it is family owned. The family is always out making improvements, talking with the campers, and putting on events."
Waterfront access: Proximity to water remains a draw for campers in the Apollo region. A camper at Keystone State Park Campground shares, "small lake where you can fish, paddle boat, and swim. quiet hours and parking are strictly enforced."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds require careful navigation, particularly with larger vehicles. A Mountain Top Campground visitor cautions, "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in."
Limited shower facilities: Several campgrounds operate with minimal shower options. At Wheel-in Campground, facilities remain basic but functional, something to consider for longer stays.
Variable cell service: Coverage can be spotty depending on location and provider. Mountain Top Campground receives better ratings for connectivity with "full Verizon coverage LTE" noted by a reviewer.
Seasonal restrictions: Operating seasons vary significantly. Bush Recreation Area operates primarily during warm months, while other facilities like Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA remain open year-round with limited winter services.
Water system limitations: Some campgrounds have specific water usage patterns to understand. "If you stay in one of the smaller kabins with a shower, just know there will be a flood and you should wet, turn the water off, lather, then rinse," advises a KOA visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Consider hillside versus lakeside options: At Keystone State Park Campground, families have distinct choices. "There are 2 campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The lakeside one is a glorified trailer park and is packed during the summer with no privacy...The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods."
Look for youth-friendly amenities: Certain campgrounds provide specific features for younger campers. Silver Canoe Campground has "a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it along with two small dog play areas."
Check for noise levels: Family campgrounds can have varying noise profiles. A Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA camper warns, "If you HAVE KIDS young enough to have to keep an eye on the kabins and spots facing the pillow ARE PRIME, play ground, and pool all the activities are around there as well. If you DONT have kids or have a napper in the family, expect constant noise until quiet time."
Verify bathroom proximity: With children, bathroom access becomes more critical. At Fox Den Acres Campground, a visitor appreciated that "Restroom were a short walk away" from their tent site.
Tips from RVers
Check for leveling requirements: Site grading varies significantly across Apollo area campgrounds. A Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA visitor reported, "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped. On my way out I heard they were having someone come in to level the sites."
Water management systems: Gray water disposal methods differ between facilities. At Mountain Top Campground, "Since they sit atop the mountain, the grey water hookup is a long hose that has an adapter which hooks up to your black and grey tank outlet and it runs down the hillside of the mountain into the grassy area."
Campsite positioning: Strategic site selection improves the RV camping experience. A visitor to Silver Canoe Campground found "The sites were all level and were well-shaded," making temperature management easier during summer months.
Width restrictions: Road dimensions present challenges for larger rigs. A Crooked Creek Lake camper noted, "Tough to get our 36' fifth wheel in. Don't pass the drive coming in. We had to drive few miles to get looped back."
