Tent campsites near Armagh, Pennsylvania offer primitive camping experiences in the western Pennsylvania highlands. The area sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,700 feet with dramatic seasonal temperature variations. Several campgrounds in the region provide hike-in and walk-in access with vault toilets and established fire rings, while others offer creek frontage with fishing opportunities.
What to do
Fishing at accessible waterways: Mountain View Camps provides campsites near multiple fishing spots. As one camper notes, it's a "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."
Hike the GAP Trail: The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail runs through the region, connecting several primitive camping areas. When staying at Dravo's Landing Campground, you'll find "Free bike-in camp site with water access along the Youghiogheny River. Access from the Allegheny Gap trail. There were a few shelters, nice campsite."
Explore local history: Several campsites are located near historical sites and abandoned ruins. At Dravo's Landing, "It's close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire." The surrounding area features remnants of Pennsylvania's industrial history, with abandoned mining sites and railroad infrastructure.
What campers like
Riverside setting: Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground offers a unique lake camping experience. "These campsites are accessible by boat ONLY! They are in an area of the lake that has a lot of boat traffic, the waterfront spots usually book a few weeks in advance and are in a wake zone."
Stargazing opportunities: Long Acres on Clover Creek offers exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. Visitors report that "The stars are so bright out here and the tent was absolutely fabulous! Definitely 10/10 recommend."
Sheltered options: Several GAP Trail campgrounds provide Adirondack shelters for protection from the elements. At Round Bottom Camping Area, "We secured the only open Adirondack Shelter and were able to set up our tent inside, along with keeping our bicycles inside and out of the elements. Which made it wonderfully convenient when it started to rain."
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Most campgrounds along the GAP Trail experience train noise that can disrupt sleep. At Maple Festival Park, "There are quite a few trains thru town," though one camper noted it's "Very peaceful place. I highly recommend."
Water access varies: Many primitive sites lack reliable drinking water. At Round Bottom Camping Area, "No potable water…there is hand pump but the water was discolored. It is a short walk down a trail to the river's edge, where I filtered water for drinking."
Seasonal crowds: Weekends and festival periods can dramatically impact campground availability. For Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground, "Some weekend get slightly loud because of college kids, but most are mindful of younger children if you ask them to keep it down."
Tips for camping with families
Pick sites with space: The GAP Trail Campground offers "a spacious and lush lawn has lots of space for tents, but the winner is the covered seating, dining, and cooking area. Everything is clean as a whistle."
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local wildlife. At Mountain View Camps, families might "even see an albino fawn" while exploring the surrounding game lands.
Creek exploration: Campsites near water provide natural entertainment for children. Long Acres on Clover Creek features "Close access to state game lands and nearby hiking trails and fishing spots!" The creek itself offers wading and exploration opportunities during warmer months.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Most tent sites near Armagh have minimal RV amenities. At Indian Creek Camplands, expect "Good spot, just beyond owners side yard. Not the most level areas but good clean and quiet campsites."
Pack-in necessities: RV campers should arrive self-contained as hookups are limited. Nancy's Boat To Shore notes that the campground "is accessed by boat only. But it has a maintenance road and is patrolled by college kids with summer jobs. Follow the rules and you will have a wonderful time."
Weather preparedness: The region experiences rapid weather changes, particularly at higher elevations. At Maple Festival Park, there's a covered area where "Set your tent up on the lawn, up on the stage, or under the long lean-to, if you want to get out of the weather."
