Best Campgrounds near Avella, PA

Campgrounds near Avella, Pennsylvania range from state parks to private facilities, with options for tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Raccoon Creek State Park Campground, located about 20 miles west of Avella, serves as a regional camping hub with electric-only sites and multiple camping loops in a wooded setting. Several mixed-use campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV campers, with Whispering Pines Family Campground and Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA offering additional cabin options for those seeking more shelter. The terrain throughout the region features rolling hills and wooded areas, providing natural settings for overnight stays.

Weather conditions and site availability vary significantly across seasons, with most campgrounds operating from spring through fall. "All and all great place to camp, good things: lots of deer, turkeys, raccoons, owls etc.," noted one camper about Raccoon Creek State Park. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide water access and basic amenities, though site levelness can be an issue for RVs at some locations. Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews across the region's campgrounds, with several visitors mentioning cleanliness concerns. Campers should check individual campground operating seasons, as several facilities close during winter months, while others like Raccoon Creek State Park maintain year-round availability for select sites.

The camping experience in the Avella region features varying levels of privacy and natural settings. Several visitors mentioned wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly at Raccoon Creek State Park where deer, turkeys, and raccoons are commonly spotted. According to one camper, "Sites are nicely spaced and are blessed with constant gentle breeze," highlighting the terrain advantages some locations offer. Raccoon Creek provides lake access with swimming and boating options during summer months, while hiking trails throughout the park system offer additional recreational opportunities. Noise levels fluctuate depending on campground policies and proximity to neighboring sites, with some campers reporting late-night noise at busier locations. The region's campgrounds typically fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays, making advance reservations advisable during peak periods.

Best Camping Sites Near Avella, Pennsylvania (92)

    1. Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Clinton, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 899-2200

    $22 - $128 / night

    "One tip: each loop does not have its own entrance from a main road. To get to C you drive through or past A and B. Same with E and F. Each loop has its own set of flush toilets and showers."

    "All and All great place to camp, good things; 1) lots of deer, turkeys, racoons, owls etc. 2) close to a farmer's market Jankowski's great place to get fresh food, 3) once you have level camp, all good"

    2. Tomlinson Run State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    New Manchester, WV
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 564-3651

    $28 - $40 / night

    "Bathhouse is heated with showers that have a fiberglass tub surround, not concrete.  Nice hiking trails that connect through the campground. "

    "There are trails and fishing so plenty to do. Fairly sparse in April but a lot of people still driving and walking by. Alcohol prohibited"

    3. Hidden Hollow Campground — Fernwood State Forest

    11 Reviews
    Valley View, OH
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 266-6021

    "Very well kept, completely free 1st come campground just outside the very small town of Bloomingdale, OH. Pit toilets and no source of safe, clean water anymore."

    "The campground is situated near shooting ranges so the gunfire lasts late into the evening and begins early in the morning disrupting the serenity a bit.

    The best part - it's free!"

    4. Whispering Pines Family Campground

    3 Reviews
    Washington, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 222-9830

    5. Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA

    10 Reviews
    Washington, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 225-7590

    "Easy highway access great for overnight travel"

    "Spots were pretty close to each other. There was a playground for the kids to unwind after a long day on the road. Campground had full hook ups and was quiet at night."

    6. Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins

    9 Reviews
    New Cumberland, OH
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 544-5253

    $70 - $250 / night

    "Adjacent to the lake. Multiple amenities close by. Plenty of activities for the family. Great family owned campground."

    "Kart friendly and great spots all along the main strip, lake side and creek side."

    7. Jefferson Lake State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Valley View, OH
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (740) 765-4459

    "Tucked away in southeastern Ohio is a gem of a park for camping, hiking and horse camping. Clean water, restrooms, playground, sand volleyball and basketball court."

    "Enjoyed fairly level pads, very clean vault toilets, beautiful grounds and walking trails."

    8. Camp Sherwin

    3 Reviews
    Lake City, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 774-9416

    9. Clayton's RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Washington, PA
    8 miles
    +1 (724) 228-1927

    10. Beaver Creek State Park Campground

    17 Reviews
    Negley, OH
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 385-3091

    $18 - $50 / night

    "Site was fairly clean, but be sure to move the pine tree duff away from the fire pits to be safe. "

    "direct access to the North Country National Scenic Trail and trails through main park"

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Recent Reviews near Avella, PA

321 Reviews of 92 Avella Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Whispering Pines Family Campground

    Lake Wateree

    Lovely GEM in the heart of Carolina. Nestled in a quiet area full of smiling faces. And the staff were extremely accommodating.

  • Bettina A.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Bear Run Campground

    Options.

    This is an amazing campground with reasonable prices, an array of camping options to suit different camping needs as well as budget range. I am unsure if I just happen to have gotten lucky and decided to go camping during a special weekend, but it’s Labor Day weekend and I am loving that there is a calendar of events for campers to participate in if they choose to. Activities include wagon rides to the lake, talent show, karaoke…etc, as well as church! This was an unexpected gem as we are from Florida and were blessed enough to stumble upon the right person in a parking lot when my husband asked if they knew of any places that we could possibly camp at nearby and that gentleman told us about Moraine Park. Upon making our way out to here, we found Bear Run and have loved our experience so far. Love it!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Whispering Pines Family Campground

    Nee Meadow Creek campground

    Beautifully set in midst of a 360* view of mountains. Site are nicely spaced and are blessed with constant gentle breeze. Lovely wild flowers surrounded during my brief visit.

    However I was deceived seeing post and electrical hookup. Pretty sure none of them function.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Zion Retreat & RV Park

    Quiet and beautiful spot in the eastern Ohio hills

    Was a great camp, clean and well kept. Had a great spot by the lake right off the back of our camper. Make sure you have a good tow vehicle as there is a steep hill at the entrance/exit of the camp ground.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Mountain Top Campground

    Solitude peace and quiet

    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. Basic amenities. Some ice and fire wood that are self serve. We’re just here for the night and are hoping to catch an uber into the city for a pirates game. Place is full - ish but is super quiet. If you’re looking for a place to hang a hammock and read a book. This is it. Nice fire holes with a view.

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Salem-Lisbon Ohio KOA

    Nice All Year Around Camping

    This was an awesome place for a winter trip! The tent sites were big and right on the lake. Everyone was so kind!

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

    Great Outdoor Spot in Beaver County

    This campground is great for a little getaway. Most sites are spacious! Only downside is you can hear the airport. Not a huge deal though! We loved it

  • Earl B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2025

    Grand Vue Park

    An Amazingly Beautiful RV Park

    Breathe taking views, clean, courteous and friendly staff.

    This park was an excellent choice, will definitely be back when in this area.

  • J
    Apr. 8, 2025

    Fombell Landing

    Rain no, sunshine yes

    The campground is entirely in a flood zone. It gets so deep the locals cars have floated away. The weather was forecasted to rain for several days. Our camp area ended up in at least 6inches of rushing creek water (we moved when it was ankle deep). The owner relocated us to a concrete slab next to his house so we were safe and dry. We never should have been allowed to set up camp where we were initially. And it was a giant pain to break down camping stuff to relocate. That being said, the owner was nice. And I’m sure in good weather, this is an amazing spot to camp.


Guide to Avella

Camping near Avella, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Rafting and Hiking: Enjoy the thrill of rafting down the Ohiopyle River, which is just a stone's throw from Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park. One camper mentioned, "Stayed here one weekend and rafted down the Ohio Pyle river. Very convenient to the river and town."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Raccoon Creek State Park Campground, you can fish or take your boat out on the water. A visitor shared, "The campground is nice and the facilities are clean! You have to be careful when picking a site if you have never been here."
  • Exploring Nature Trails: Coopers Rock State Forest is perfect for hiking. One reviewer noted, "Can’t beat this park for beautiful trails and overlooks."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Salt Fork State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms are always clean and I appreciate having wash racks for the horses."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer good spacing between campers. A review from Raccoon Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "We were the only campers in our loop so private."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Tomlinson Run State Park Campground are known for their welcoming vibe. One camper said, "This is the one campground that my wife and I make it to every year."

What you should know

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Breakneck Campground, have fewer amenities. A camper noted, "The facilities are nice and people are great."
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect larger crowds on weekends, especially at popular spots like Mill Creek Camping — Berlin Lake Wildlife Area. One review stated, "Gets loud and crowded on the weekend as usual."
  • Site Selection Matters: Choosing the right site is crucial. A visitor at Keystone State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are a little tight if you have a larger camper, but we fit perfect with our 24’er."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds that allow pets and have activities for kids, like Atwood Lake Park Campground. A family shared, "We truly enjoyed the stay and would return."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Some campers have noted noise issues. One visitor at Mill Creek Camping said, "No one respects quiet hours."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Keep the kids entertained with outdoor games. A camper at Barkcamp State Park Campground mentioned, "Super animal friendly."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Levels: Many campgrounds have uneven sites. A reviewer at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground advised, "The spots are very sloped so bring your Lego blocks."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Salt Fork State Park Campground offer full hookups, which can be a big plus for RVers. One camper noted, "Great for families and couples alike."
  • Plan for Accessibility: Some campgrounds may have limited access for larger RVs. A visitor at Coopers Rock State Forest mentioned, "Backing into some of the sites can be tricky with the angles and the ditches along the road."

Camping near Avella, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and choose the right spot for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Raccoon Creek State Park near Avella good for camping?

Yes, Raccoon Creek State Park Campground is excellent for camping near Avella. The park features a large, wooded campground with well-spaced sites spread across five different loops. Campers enjoy good-sized sites with fire rings and picnic tables, though some non-electric sites can be unlevel. The park is quiet with abundant wildlife including deer, turkeys, and owls. While the beach requires a drive or longer hike from most camping loops, the park serves as a convenient base for exploring Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. Many campers stay for multiple days to enjoy the natural setting.

Where can I find camping options in Avella, PA?

Avella and its surrounding area offer several camping options. Tomlinson Run State Park Campground is located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia, just a short drive from Avella. This small state park offers activities like mini golf, hiking trails, biking, swimming, fishing, and paddle boats. For those seeking more seclusion near Pittsburgh, Breakneck Campground provides secluded sites with fire rings. Free camping is available at Round Bottom Camping Area for those traveling the Great Allegheny Passage Trail.

What amenities are available at campgrounds in Avella?

Campgrounds near Avella offer various amenities to enhance your camping experience. Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins provides lakeside camping with multiple family-friendly activities and nearby conveniences. For those seeking natural beauty, Atwood Lake Park Campground features spectacular lake and forest views with clean, spacious shower facilities. Most campgrounds in the area typically provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. For primitive camping enthusiasts, Hidden Hollow Campground offers sites with small fire rings and picnic tables, though fire rings lack grill grates.