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.
"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."
"This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!)"
"We're happy to welcome your host, Laurel, to our platform. This is a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains."
Campground full this weekend
from $100 - $150 / night
"The 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…pun intended. "
from $25 / night
"Being positioned directly off the GAP Trail grants easy access to those traveling the trail. "
"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"
from $10 - $60 / night
ScoutThere’s no electricity and no where in walking distance and the internet isn’t great, and at night u hear raccoons in the trash cans. If you come here bring a portable phone charger. There’s really nothing here, and the bathrooms are disgusting
ScoutWe just bought our first RV and couldn’t ask for a better first time experience!!! Lori and Fred were absolutely awesome. Great clean facilities and pool. Lots of new upgrades and updates. Gorgeous creek and pond and an absolutely amazing set of neighbors! I loved it there and will absolutely be going back!
ScoutThe park is beautiful, unlevel shade sites; is challenging to get the trailer level. unfortunately, the bathhouses are neglected, dark and full of mildew inside the showers. The park really needs to upgrade the bathhouses. The park itself is very nice and offers a lot of opportunities for outdoor exploration and hiking.
GuideThis is more a campground for RVs then tents or even roof top tents. Place is clean and the sites 90% of them are in the open. Very little shade. Travis runs the place and very nice and accommodating. Fire wood is 20 dollars for a massive amount.
ScoutSpent three nights there in August Mid-week. Was pretty quiet but was clean and nicely taken care of. No mosquitos or bugs at night. Nice walking paths. Pool, hot tub, outdoor showers all very nice.
ScoutWe love camping here. There are a few things to do, swim in the pool, mine for gem stones, they have an arcade and a playground. It’s in a wooded area near lake Arthur with a boat ramp down the Road.
ScoutA little too close together for my comfort. But very nice and relaxing area. And definitely more spread a part than commercial campgrounds.
ScoutThe campground is well kept. Sites are well spaced. There’s a large clean swim lake, also a fishing lake. Lots of deer and wildlife. Monthly rates are $550 for full 50amp hookup.
GuideStayed one night while visiting friends. The campground was nice but could use some updating. It was definitely geared more towards families with small children. The showers were interesting. In the men’s they had a pull cord and a button in the women’s. Hot water was more of a mild suggestion rather than an actual thing you got. Luke warm was a generous way of describing it. Not a bad campground if you have a reason to be in the area for a night, but I would recommend it for long stayed unless your camper is very self contained.
Tent camping along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail offers access to riverside sites at mile markers throughout the 150-mile route. The area features a humid continental climate with average summer temperatures between 70-85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most campgrounds near Avella operate seasonally from April through October, with several sites offering river access for water filtration or swimming.
River access: Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground provides direct access to the Youghiogheny River for water activities. "The river is very easy to access for a quick dip after a long day on the trail," notes camper Shari G., who visited this free Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground.
Historic exploration: Visit the nearby cemetery close to Dravo's Landing for a glimpse into local history. Lauren C. mentions, "It's close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire," making Dravo's Landing Campground a unique spot for both recreation and historical interest.
Biking distances: Plan day trips between camping locations, considering the 26-mile distance from Pittsburgh to Dravo's Landing. As Shari G. explains, "At 26 miles from Three Rivers Park, this makes a great place to get your head around what it might be like to ride and camp the whole way to Washington D.C."
Spacious tent areas: Many tent sites offer generous space for multiple tents and groups. Sarah Q. reports about her experience at Dravo's Landing: "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."
Cannabis-friendly options: For those seeking specialized camping environments, Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm offers unique tent and glamping options. Ashley F. describes it as "a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains. One yurt with a bed is offered. Please no alcohol. Friday nights are Toke With A Goat Yoga at 7 at the barn weather depending."
Well-maintained facilities: Some campgrounds along the GAP trail feature exceptionally clean and comfortable amenities. A reviewer at The GAP Trail Campground notes, "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."
Train noise disruption: Regular train traffic affects most riverside campgrounds with significant noise, particularly at night. Dave V. warns about staying at Round Bottom Camping Area: "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."
Water sources vary: Not all campgrounds provide reliable drinking water. At Roundbottom, "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," according to Shari G.
Wildlife precautions: Food storage precautions are essential at the best tent camping near Avella, Pennsylvania. Sarah Q. cautions campers at Dravo's Landing: "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
Shelter options: For families with younger children, seek out the Adirondack-style shelters that offer protection from weather. A visitor to Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm noted they offer a comfortable yurt option that works well for families needing more structure than a tent provides.
First-come planning: Arrive early on weekdays to secure preferred spots, especially during summer months. Dave V. advises, "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."
Town proximity: Some campgrounds offer walking distance to towns with restaurants and supplies. Shari G. mentions, "Town is a short walk away, with a few restaurants and other options for necessities as well," which can be convenient when camping with children who might need additional supplies.
Limited RV options: Most sites near Avella are hike-in or bike-in only, with limited RV accessibility. Only tent camping is available at sites directly on the GAP trail, with primitive conditions and no hookups. RV campers should consider Lake Eron Park, which offers cabin options as alternatives to traditional RV camping.
Distance planning: RV campers need to research parking areas near trailheads to access the best tent camping near Avella. Bikers arriving from Pittsburgh can measure their journey using mile markers, as one camper notes, "Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run is a free camping area directly on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail around Mile 99 (East of West Newton roughly 15 miles)."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Avella, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Avella, PA is Dravo's Landing Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Avella, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Avella, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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