Tent campsites near Apollo, Pennsylvania cluster primarily along the Youghiogheny River and throughout the Laurel Highlands region. Most sites are accessible via the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail, with campgrounds located at regular intervals along this 150-mile converted rail trail. The region experiences moderate seasonal changes with camping generally available from April through October, though facilities vary significantly by location and weather patterns.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Mountain View Camps, campers can explore nearby game lands where unique wildlife thrives. "Great place to stay close to hiking trails and fishing spots. Hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn," notes camper Richard C.
River access: The Youghiogheny River provides excellent opportunities for water activities at many campsites. At Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground, "The river is very easy to access for a quick dip after a long day on the trail," according to Shari G., making it popular with trail users seeking cool relief.
Specialized activities: Some campgrounds offer unique recreational options. The Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm features cannabis-friendly camping with specialized programming. "Friday nights are Toke With A Goat Yoga at 7 at the barn weather depending," explains Ashley F., highlighting the farm's distinctive offerings.
What campers like
Covered shelters: At Dravo's Landing Campground, campers appreciate the Adirondack-style structures. "We camped out overnight with a group of 14 people, and there was plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars. We made friends with a few other folks who were stopping at Dravo during their bike trips along the GAP, and everyone appreciated the abundance of picnic tables, fire pits, lean-tos, and the nearby river," shares Sarah Q.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious travelers value the no-cost sites. "This is one of the only free hiker-biker campgrounds along the GAP trail (mile 99.6), and it is laid out similarly to the Dravo Campground, with lean-tos, picnic tables, firepits and lots of spaces for tents," explains Shari G. about Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground.
Premium facilities: Some locations offer exceptional amenities beyond basic sites. The GAP Trail Campground - Bikers Only stands out for its upscale facilities. "The outdoor shower/toilet block is such a divine sight, it makes you crave one whether you're stinky or not. The spacious and lush lawn has lots of space for tents, but the winner is the covered seating, dining, and cooking area," explains Shari G.
What you should know
Train noise: Most GAP Trail campgrounds experience significant train disturbances. "The only negative was the train traffic on the opposite side of the River...it is loud when they rumble through. If you don't sleep with ear-plugs, you will wish you had," warns Dave V.
Water sources vary: Potable water access fluctuates between sites. At Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground, "the well for the campground stated that it was no longer potable. My guess is that this is simply because the volunteer organization which maintains this campground lacks the funds for testing. We grabbed water at the last town before the campground," explains Shari G.
Wildlife precautions: Food storage considerations are important at riverside sites. "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!" cautions Sarah Q. about Dravo's Landing.
Tips for camping with families
Backcountry accessibility: Laurel Ridge State Park Campground offers manageable wilderness experiences. "I highly recommend hiking in from the northern end of the trail near Johnstown to the first camping area along the trail. You have to reserve a rustic campsite beforehand," suggests Brian S., noting this provides a solid introduction to backcountry camping for families.
Weekday camping: Scheduling family trips midweek provides superior experiences with less competition. "Bicycle traffic was fairly light during the week, so not only did you have the GAP Trail mostly to oneself, the camping areas were either sparsely filled or empty," reports Dave V.
Campsite selection strategy: Larger groups should prioritize early arrival. At Dravo's Landing, campers note there "are about 4 lean-to's which can accommodate 4 sleepers, or one 2-person tent. Additional picnic shelters and free-range tables means that the whole troop could pitch their tents and still not be on top of each other," according to Shari G.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Few established campgrounds near Apollo accommodate RVs of any size. At Indian Creek Camplands Inc, RVers report functional but basic conditions. "Not the most level areas but good clean and quiet campsites," notes Christopher M.
Accessibility challenges: Most camping locations in the region require either hiking or biking access, making traditional RV camping impractical. Sites with road access generally accommodate smaller units only, typically under 20 feet.
Seasonal considerations: Most area campgrounds operate seasonally, with even those allowing RVs typically closing between October and April due to road conditions and frozen water lines.
