Best Campgrounds near Bedford, PA

Camping near Bedford, Pennsylvania includes a mix of state parks, private campgrounds, and recreational areas nestled in the Appalachian foothills. Shawnee State Park Campground and Friendship Village Campground & RV Park serve as popular destinations for visitors seeking established facilities with varying levels of amenities. The region accommodates tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and those seeking cabin rentals, with most campgrounds situated within 30 miles of downtown Bedford. Nearby Rocky Gap State Park in Maryland provides additional camping options with lakeside sites. The area is known for its scenic lakes, hiking trails, and proximity to historic attractions like the Flight 93 Memorial and Fort Bedford Historic Fort.

Most campgrounds in the Bedford area operate seasonally, with peak season running from April through October. Several facilities like Friendship Village remain open year-round, though with limited services during winter months. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions ideal for camping. Highway noise can be noticeable at some campgrounds, particularly Shawnee State Park and Rocky Gap, due to their proximity to major roadways. Cell service varies by location, with Verizon generally providing reliable coverage at most established campgrounds. Firewood restrictions apply at many sites, with outside wood prohibited at Maryland state parks to prevent pest introduction.

The camping experience varies significantly between private and public facilities. Friendship Village Campground offers extensive family amenities including swimming pools, mini golf, and organized activities. According to reviews, it's "easily accessible regardless of rig size" and provides "sites ranging from primitive campsites to full hook-up big rig sites." State parks like Shawnee offer more natural settings with lake access and hiking trails. One visitor noted that Shawnee State Park provides "great access to Flight 93 Memorial, local covered bridges, and many other attractions." For those seeking more seclusion, Green Ridge State Forest in nearby Maryland features dispersed sites where campers report "great privacy" with sites "tucked away so you feel alone in the woods," though these require self-registration at the forest headquarters.

Best Camping Sites Near Bedford, Pennsylvania (138)

    1. Shawnee State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Schellsburg, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 733-4218

    $20 - $110 / night

    "Booked for 5 nights to have an opportunity to explore the Bedford, PA area. Great access to Flight 93 Memorial, local covered bridges, Fort Bedford Historic Fort, and many other attractions."

    "Was pleased by the quiet despite size of campground and proximity to highway. Sites not overly large or private. Has wood vending machine at entrance for firewood."

    2. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Bedford, PA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 623-1677

    "Friendship Village Campground in Bedford, Pa.

    Overall, I give the campground 4.5 out of five stars."

    "Tucked into the mountains of PA, in a the town of Bedford, is this hopping campground.

    Lots of fun for kids, live music on the weekend, this campground was full of activity."

    3. Rocky Gap State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Flintstone, MD
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 722-1480

    $23 - $29 / night

    "We stayed in cabin 170 in Fir loop and the site was incredibly spacious, heavily shaded, close to the bath house, path to the beach, and well distanced from other sites."

    "Our friends were in the site next to us (17) which was also nice and there was a wide walking path between them. Family also stayed in one of the rental cabins (21)."

    4. Choice Camping Court

    3 Reviews
    Schellsburg, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 623-5586

    $25 - $50 / night

    "The trucks passing by on the highway can be loud at night so keep that in mind when choosing a spot if it would bother you. After a little while it was just background noise to us."

    5. Green Ridge State Forest

    29 Reviews
    Little Orleans, MD
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 478-3124

    $10 / night

    "All are roadside, but plenty are tucked away so you feel alone in the woods. You can occupy a site as long as you register at the parks main office. $10/night."

    "Very few sites are within walking distance of each other. The exception is a group of sites near the Potomac Riverand the C&O Canal."

    6. Nature's Getaway RV Park

    1 Review
    Schellsburg, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 733-4380

    7. Blue Knob State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Imler, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 608-3034

    $20 - $108 / night

    "it’s small, with shaded sites around the perimeter and two walk in sites just left of the entrance."

    "The hiking here is really spectacular with lots of scenery, overlooks, and side trails that extend many miles out into state forest lands which are adjacent to the park."

    8. Woy Bridge Campground & Cabins

    1 Review
    Everett, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 977-5088

    $25 - $150 / night

    "The bathrooms are a bit of a walk if you're tent camping but they were clean and well stocked."

    9. Cowans Gap State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Fort Loudon, PA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 485-3948

    $20 - $49 / night

    "Nestled in the mountains of Pennsylvania, this gem of a campground."

    "The bathroom is close by,has showers & is very clean. You can walk or ride a bike to the beach. The water is clean with sand on the bottom. Lakeside trail is short and easy."

    10. Hidden Springs Campground

    6 Reviews
    Flintstone, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 767-9676

    $58 - $70 / night

    "We had a very positive experience at Hidden Springs. We stayed 4 nights, the first two were very quiet at the campground."

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Showing results 1-10 of 138 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bedford, PA

667 Reviews of 138 Bedford Campgrounds



Guide to Bedford

Camping near Bedford, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the campfire, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the Appalachian Trail, which is nearby and offers stunning views. One camper mentioned, "Great hiking to Annapolis Rocks or the Washington Monument right from the park, no need to drive!"
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds have lakes or streams. A visitor at Caledonia State Park Campground said, "The lake provides a great place to fish and the walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a sandy beach at Shawnee State Park Campground. One family noted, "Awesome sandy swim beach and roped off area in the water made it great for keeping an eye on the kids while they swam."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and campsites. A reviewer at Rocky Gap State Park Campground said, "The bathhouses are always clean and well stocked."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer good spacing between campers. A visitor at Greenbrier State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground is nicer than average, with very large sites that feel very secluded."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Ohiopyle State Park said, "The lady at the check-in desk wasn’t kind, but the dude was great."

What you should know:

  • No Cell Service: Many campgrounds in the area have limited or no cell service. A camper at Cowans Gap State Park Campground warned, "There is none. NONE. No AT&T, no Verizon, no T-Mobile."
  • Reservations Recommended: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Maryland Greenbrier State Park Campground noted, "It stays booked because it is such a well maintained campground."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets nearby. A reviewer at Prince Gallitzin State Park mentioned, "Camp store with ice cream, snacks, clothes, everything you need and more."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A parent at Laurel Hill State Park Campground said, "The amenities and activities this campground had was amazing for keeping the kids busy!"
  • Plan for Privacy: Some sites are closer together, so pick wisely. A camper at Shawnee State Park Campground mentioned, "Some of the campsites are a little bit too close together with no privacy."
  • Pack for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for extra fun. A visitor at Rocky Gap State Park Campground noted, "We walked the trail around Lake Habib which was 5.3 miles."

Tips from RVers:

Camping around Bedford, PA, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Bedford, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Bedford, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 138 campgrounds and RV parks near Bedford, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Bedford, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bedford, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 27 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bedford, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Bedford, PA.

What parks are near Bedford, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Bedford, PA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.