Campsites near Apollo, Pennsylvania occupy the western foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 800-1,200 feet above sea level. The region's climate features four distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 80°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this area are situated within 30 miles of Apollo, making day trips convenient for campers exploring the rolling terrain of western Pennsylvania.
What to do
Fishing in local waters: Yellow Creek State Park offers lake fishing opportunities with multiple species available. "Very clean and helpful camp. Too bad the fishing isn't the best at yellow creek national park," noted a visitor who still enjoyed the overall experience despite modest fishing success.
Explore Appalachian trails: Kentuck Campground provides access to extensive hiking networks. "From the campground trails head mostly straight down the mountain to the river or to the Great Allegheny Passage mult-use trail…that also runs through Ohiopyle. So give yourself time to climb them, as there are many switchbacks," one camper advises about the terrain.
Watercraft rentals: Laurel Hill State Park Campground provides affordable boat options. "Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake," a visitor noted, highlighting the budget-friendly way to get on the water.
Creek wading: Silver Canoe Campground features a small stream perfect for children. "Each time we are greeted by friendly people. We always stay at a tent site... It's very clean and well maintained. All campers have been respectful each time. Family friendly and there's a little fishing lake. You can rent paddle boats or canoes."
What campers like
Private campsites: Fox Den Acres Campground offers spacious sites for tent camping. "Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away. Firewood available for purchase," a tent camper mentioned about their experience.
Unique glamping structures: Beyond traditional glamping near Apollo, Pennsylvania, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run features specialty accommodations. "We stayed in the new camping Wagon which was so much fun. Kids loved it," shared a family who tried the distinctive lodging option.
Clean facilities: Kentuck Campground maintains its bathrooms and common areas well. "The bathhouses themselves (which were almost all open, unlike what I was told on the phone) were great," noted a visitor who found the facilities exceeded their expectations despite some initial communication issues.
Waterfront options: Mirror Lake RV Camping offers premium lakeside sites. "We were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, everything you want on a spring trip," described a camper who enjoyed the direct water access.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Breakneck Campground offers varied camping experiences depending on location. "We picked a nice big lot by the dirt road. Though we had neighbors next to us, you could hardly tell they were there," explained one camper, while another mentioned, "We chose one of two primitive sites next to a small creek. Apart from the campers above us on top of the hill, we were a few hundred feet from the other primitive sites."
Weekend noise levels: Several campgrounds have different atmospheres on weekends. "I was here the Friday of Labor day weekend... I was surrounded by people who were beyond drunk, obnoxious and extremely loud," one Breakneck visitor reported, while others noted quieter experiences midweek.
Terrain challenges: Laurel Hill State Park has sloped camping areas. "Large site level hravel," mentioned one camper, though others noted, "RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites."
Seasonal operations: Most glamping options near Apollo, Pennsylvania operate from April through October. Yellow Creek State Park's season runs "Apr 15 to Oct 15," while Fox Den Acres Campground operates "May 1 - Oct 31."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA offers multiple water features. "They have a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it along with two small dog play areas," described a visitor who appreciated the range of options for different age groups.
Entertainment options: Silver Canoe Campground provides simple water play. "It's very clean and well maintained... Family friendly and there's a little fishing lake. You can rent paddle boats or canoes to paddle around the lake," a repeat visitor shared.
Playground access: Mirror Lake RV Camping includes play areas near select sites. "My family stayed in one of the cabins while friends were in their campers. The cabin was great, very clean and cozy... We had 8 kids and 8 adults who all had a blast playing on the playground, floating down the creek, swimming in the pool, riding bicycles etc."
Educational opportunities: Kentuck Campground offers nature learning. "The visitors center is beautiful and informative of the local history which was very interesting how the park first came about," one visitor commented about the interpretive resources available.
Tips from RVers
Site levelness: Fox Den Acres offers well-designed RV spots. "Nice pull-thrus with full hookups for overnights," a traveling RVer mentioned, while others highlighted the "roomy and level" sites in the lower field area.
Hookup placement: Laurel Hill State Park has some awkward utility connections. "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable," a camper advised based on their experience.
Laundry facilities: Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA provides excellent washing machines. "Laundry facilities are the best we have encountered. Big machines and dryers making life easier and less time spent doing laundry," noted a traveler who appreciated the full-size equipment.
