Camping sites near Baden, Pennsylvania offer a mix of private and public options scattered across western Pennsylvania's forested terrain. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 900-1,200 feet, with terrain consisting of rolling hills and stream valleys. Several campgrounds lie near water features like creeks, streams and smaller lakes that create flood risks during spring and after heavy rainfall.
What to do
Fishing at multiple locations: Fombell Landing provides 21 tent and RV sites adjacent to fishing areas. The campground sits in a flood zone, which can create challenges during rainy periods. "The campground is entirely in a flood zone. It gets so deep the locals cars have floated away," notes one camper at Fombell Landing.
Explore hiking trails: The region offers extensive trail networks beyond the commonly mentioned Raccoon Creek trails. "We did the Palomino Loop. It also was quite interesting getting to the trail. Some nice snow covered back roads," reports a winter visitor to Raccoon Creek State Park Campground. For those seeking secluded hiking, Beaver Creek State Park provides additional options with "trails through main park that take you through beautiful woods."
Visit historical sites: Some camping areas connect to historical attractions. Beaver Creek State Park Campground includes a pioneer village with original buildings. As one visitor explains, "The best part about the area was the history that surrounds it. There is a pioneer village near the park office that offers some picnicking areas around it. It also has original buildings from the pioneer days (church, school, etc)."
What campers like
Private tent sites: Several campgrounds offer secluded tent camping areas separate from RV sections. At Breakneck Campground, "We were right next to the creek, it was super spacious and super private. There's rough terrain so typically these sites are walk in but there wasn't many people so they allowed us to take our truck which was very convenient."
Night sky viewing: The rural setting of campgrounds near Baden provides excellent stargazing opportunities. "The sky was dark enough to see far more stars than you'd see near any larger towns or cities. To cap it off, we laid in our tent dozing off to the sounds of owls and coyotes!" shares a visitor to Beaver Creek State Park Campground.
Swimming options: Beyond the commonly mentioned lake at Raccoon Creek, other campgrounds offer swimming facilities. "They have an Olympic sized swimming pool, nature trails, playground, basketball court, recreation hall and walking distance to harmony and all the live music and nightlife that Harmony and Zelienople have to offer," mentions a visitor to Indian Brave Campground.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many campgrounds have difficult approach roads. "The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest route in. If you are Overlanding like us just follow the map," advises a visitor to Mountain Top Campground. Similarly, at Tomlinson Run, a camper notes their site required "a slight hill to get to fire ring."
Water and utility limitations: Water access varies significantly across campgrounds. At Tomlinson Run State Park Campground, "Water - have to go up to entrance as the water spouts are still shut off," notes a fall visitor. At Mountain Top Campground, "grey water hookup is a long hose that has an adapter which hooks up to your black and grey tank outlet and it runs down the hillside of the mountain into the grassy area."
Varied bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality differs substantially between campgrounds. "Probably the nicest pit toilets I have experienced and while we didn't use it, the sun shower building would give anyone privacy if they had packed a portable shower," reports a camper at Beaver Creek State Park. Conversely, at Raccoon Creek, "The bathroom was rather dirty also."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with organized activities: Some sites offer regular programming for children. "Every weekend there are activities, there is a heated pool and Friday night Bingo. A great place with even better people!" notes a visitor to Bear Run Campground.
Consider terrain for bicycle riding: Hilliness affects children's ability to use bikes around camp. "Nice campground but too hilly for kids to ride bikes. Very close to Lake Arthur for fishing and kayaking," observes a Bear Run visitor. Look for campgrounds with flatter central areas if biking is important.
Check playground locations when selecting sites: Many campgrounds have playgrounds, but proximity varies. "We got a site near the playground, which my 3 year old enjoyed. The campground wasn't busy and we had a lot of privacy," shares a Beaver Creek visitor.
Tips from RVers
Size-appropriate site selection: For first-time RV users, choose campgrounds with helpful staff. "As first time travel trailer owners, they helped us accomplish our first trip away! Upon calling to book a site, we mentioned this was our first trip, they made the utmost effort to accommodate us with all of our needs. They escorted us to our campsite (which was larger than most) and made sure we had plenty of help getting backed in and set up!" shares a visitor to Mountain Top Campground.
RV utilities vary significantly: Check specific hookup details before booking. "30 + 50amp services, grey water dump on most sites, water," notes a Mountain Top visitor, while also pointing out "no black sewer hookup (does have dump station and honey wagon)." For extended stays, inquire about septic pumping services.
Late arrival accommodations: Some campgrounds provide extra assistance for evening arrivals. "They called me and texted me in advance to remind me us of our reservation and also to find out if we were coming in late! We arrived at 9 PM, and sure enough he was there ready with his little ranger golf cart to escort us to our site!" reports an RV camper at Mountain Top.
