Best Tent Camping near Avella, PA
Tent campsites along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail near Avella, Pennsylvania offer accessible outdoor experiences for hikers and bikers. Dravo's Landing Campground and Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground provide free tent camping options specifically designed for trail users. These walk-in tent sites are positioned directly adjacent to the Youghiogheny River, creating convenient overnight stops for those traveling the 150-mile rail-trail that connects Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland.
Sites at these tent campgrounds typically feature raised tent pads, Adirondack-style lean-to shelters, picnic tables, and fire pits with access to vault toilets. Water access varies between locations, with Dravo's Landing providing drinking water while Roundbottom requires campers to filter water from the nearby river. Many tent sites include free firewood maintained by local volunteer groups, though availability isn't guaranteed. All camping operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted, making weekday visits more likely to secure preferred spots.
The camping areas maintain a remote feel despite proximity to the GAP Trail, offering peaceful riverside tent sites with minimal foot traffic. Tent campers should prepare for regular train noise across the river, particularly at night when sound travels farther. A visitor commented, "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." These tent-only sites provide convenient river access for filtering drinking water or cooling off after a day on the trail. Beyond the designated campgrounds, the surrounding area includes Lake Eron Park and Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm, which offer additional walk-in tent camping options with varying amenities and fee structures.
