A
Andrew H.
Guide
GuideRhododendron Camping Area
Pretty Basic Campsite
I stayed at the non electric campsite area and it was nice. Very wooded and lots of trails to explore
Camping near Belle Vernon, PA
99 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Camping near Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania ranges from full-hookup RV parks to primitive tent sites along the Youghiogheny River and Laurel Highlands region. Kentuck Campground at Ohiopyle State Park provides tent, RV, cabin, and yurt accommodations about 20 miles southeast of Belle Vernon. The Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort in Charleroi offers full-hookup RV sites closer to town, while several KOA locations including Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA and Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA provide family-friendly developed camping with amenities throughout the region.
Road access varies significantly between campgrounds, with some locations requiring careful navigation on narrow roads. One camper noted, "Do not attempt to coming from Route 40 down Braddock's Run Rd to Leach Road. Leach Rd is a single lane dirt road that is very steep and rough." Most established campgrounds remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months. Cell service ranges from strong coverage at Ohiopyle State Park to minimal reception at more remote locations. Electric hookups are common at developed campgrounds, while primitive camping areas like Round Bottom at Slush Run provide basic amenities including vault toilets and tent pads with no potable water. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays from May through October.
Along the Great Allegheny Passage trail, cyclists can access designated camping areas like Round Bottom at Slush Run, which one reviewer described as having "raised tent pads, vault toilets, Adirondack shelters, firepits, and picnic tables." Train noise affects some riverside camping areas. The Youghiogheny River provides opportunities for water recreation, with many campgrounds situated near boat launches or fishing access. Developed campgrounds typically provide shower facilities and electric hookups, while state park campgrounds maintain stricter quiet hours and often prohibit alcohol. Many campgrounds near Belle Vernon serve as bases for exploring regional attractions including Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River, and hiking trails throughout Laurel Highlands.
Best Campgrounds near Belle Vernon (99)
1. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park
"Ohiopyle is located in a beautiful area of Pennsylvania we've camped there a couple of times and have been able to get last minute tent sites. Lots of outdoor activities nearby."
"Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."
from $24 - $80 / night
Check Availability2. Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA
"They have a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it along with two small dog play areas.Every week they organizes different themes for bingo, and other games."
"The sites are pretty close together and we couldn’t use our fire ring because it ended up being very close to our rig."
3. Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort
"Wonderful hosts, well maintained, large sites, close to the highway but no road noise. Giant pool opened in the summer. Highly recommended."
4. Fox Den Acres Campground
"It’s very military positive, even includes a reserved place for the fallen soldiers. Some sites are a bit close, the pull through sites are very ample. Gravel roads and level sites."
"Tent site was nice and conveniently located next to the bathhouse"
from $50 / night
Check Availability5. Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm
"This is a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains. One yurt with a bed is offered. Please no alcohol."
from $100 - $150 / night
Check Availability6. The Blue Canoe RV Resort
"Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. New pool, but not open when we stayed."
"The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground."
from $25 - $999999 / night
Check Availability7. Dravo's Landing Campground
"Access from the Allegheny Gap trail. There were a few shelters, nice campsite. It’s close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire"
"This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!)"
8. Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA
"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."
9. Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run
"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). "
10. The GAP Trail Campground - Bikers Only
"Had we not stopped for the previous night’s camp 8 miles sooner, this would have been our favorite camp along the trail. Glad we stopped to check it out, but next time we will include it for sure! "
from $25 / night
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Drive Time
- 39 min from Pittsburgh, PA
- 45 min from Morgantown, WV
- 48 min from Wheeling, WV
- 56 min from Weirton, WV
Recent Camping Photos near Belle Vernon, PA
203 Photos of 99 Belle Vernon Campgrounds
Laurel H.
Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm
Dave V.
Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run
lauren C.
Dravo's Landing Campground
Patience W.
Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA
Don B.
Lake Eron Park
Don B.
Lake Eron Park
Horizon M.
The Blue Canoe RV Resort
Jennifer S.
Fox Den Acres Campground
Christopher M.
Indian Creek Camplands Inc
John R.
Whispering Pines Family Campground
not S.
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run
Tom C.
Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground
Recent Reviews near Belle Vernon, PA
550 Reviews of 99 Belle Vernon Campgrounds
- AAlly S.
ScoutYough Lake Campground at Tub Run
Awful place
I wish I could give this campground zero stars. Like the reviews below us stated, we were also verbally attacked by the little man on the golf cart. This campground should be embarrassed by the way it treats families. We were supposed to stay Thursday through Sunday with our best friends and our six children. Instead, we packed up and left Saturday after returning from our planned trip to Ohiopyle with our kids. What was supposed to be a fun, relaxing family camping weekend turned into an experience that left us shocked, disappointed, and completely disrespected. We are experienced campers and have spent years creating memories with our children at campgrounds. We are respectful guests, we follow rules, and we have never had an experience like this. Unfortunately, this campground chose poor communication, intimidation, and selective enforcement over basic customer service. During our stay, we had a truck briefly drive down to the swimming area to unload and later reload chairs, coolers, and supplies for our six children. There are no signs stating that vehicles are prohibited on the grass. In fact, there were multiple golf carts in the same area throughout the day, including staff members and seasonal campers, which led us to believe this was permitted. We understand vehicles are heavier than golf carts, but there were zero signage stating no cars allowed. To preface, there was zero damage done to the grass area due to our truck, we took photos prior to leaving the campground to protect ourselves since management is so emotionally unstable. Mind you: this is an army corp engineers campground, by Under federal law(36 CFR§ 327.2), motorized vehicles, including golf carts, UTVs, ATVs, and standard cars, must remain strictly on designated paved or gravel roads and parking lots. We found this rule after we got home and did our research. There were about 5 golf carts AND a gator in and out of the beach area through out the day. If someone had simply approached us and kindly explained that vehicles were not allowed there, we would have apologized. Instead, staff chose to sit back after someone complained, watch my children swim for hours, wait for us to clean up and bring the truck down to reload, then turn a simple misunderstanding into a confrontation. A staff member approached the truck in a golf cart, speeding up and hopping out(this is all on video) while my minor daughter was inside, reached into our vehicle and took our tag then proceeded to yell at us to pack our“shit” and prepare to leave. The way this was handled was completely unnecessary and unprofessional. Our children were present, witnessed this, and were left scared and confused over a situation that could have been resolved in less than a minute with a respectful conversation. We were also told there is a strict 5 mph speed limit and that radar is used because of a serious incident involving a child in the past, He was hit and life flighted. Yet seasonal campers continued driving golf carts around at unsafe speeds while drinking. Rules and safety expectations should apply equally to everyone, not only when management decides to enforce them against certain guests and not their buddies who pay for a seasonal spot. We went to the office in good faith to discuss what happened and believed the situation had been resolved. We stayed another night, only to be told the following morning that we were no longer welcome back. To permanently ban a family over a first time issue involving a rule that was never communicated is absolutely unacceptable. A well run campground understands that communication and respect go both ways. Instead, this campground made paying guests feel unwelcome and disposable. Management needs to take a serious look at how they handle conflicts because this was not customer service, it was an unnecessary escalation. We will never return to this campground, and after this experience, we strongly encourage other families to think twice before booking a stay here. Especially with young children.
Julie P.
TravelerBenner's Meadow Run RV Campground
great for families!
check in was easy. there’s lots to do for families kids- there’s ponds to fish, swimming pool, mini golf. golf cart rentals. playground. they also have events like family olympics and outdoor movies. site was also very nice and spacious
Bryan S.GuideHarts Content Campground
The showers were… functional.
Stayed 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.
Kindra W.GuideCoopers Rock State Forest- McCollum Campground
5 stars! Large lots, beautiful scenery, and nice campers
Coopers Rock State Park is an absolute gem and easily deserves 5 stars. The RV lots are large and easy to navigate, making setup stress-free and comfortable. The staff was very friendly and helpful, which made the whole stay even better. The new washrooms were clean, modern, and well maintained, and the scenery is breathtaking everywhere you look. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy nature, and take in the beautiful views.
- Dani P.Guide
Coopers Rock State Forest- McCollum Campground
Beautiful and lush campground
This place is gorgeous and very quiet. The shower house and bathrooms were well maintained, and even had a laundry room and large sink around the back for dishes. Laundry costs $2 in quarters per load, 4 quarters for the washer and 4 quarters for the dryer. They are quick as well, took maybe an hour and 15 minutes all together. Campsites are spaced apart so you're not directly on top of eachother, but you can still see most of the other campers. Lots of trails in the area. We had electrical hook up and a lantern pole, and the is a dump and water station on the way in/out. Highly recommend this site.
- MMark M.Guide
Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA
OK place to stay, work in progress
We've stayed here annually for 7 years. Getting into the RV sites is a steep climb, then you head down from the top of the hill to the RV sites.
The older portion has back in and pull through sites. They are medium to small in size, and due to their height and proximity to Interstates you hear trucks engine breaking. The newer section is lower (and quieter) and the sites are larger, but the gravel is not compacted so it sinks in when you drive, park or try to level your RV on it.
There were dog walking trails in the woods but they are so overgrown you need a machete to use them. The pool is nice and is clean. The camp store is not small but carries a very limited amount of supplies.
The staff are friendly. We've had RV issues and birds nesting under our slide room covers that they have helped us deal with.
- TTed D.Traveler
Coopers Rock State Forest- McCollum Campground
Cooper’s Rock Rocks
We are here a couple days . Staff and facilities are great. Lots of hiking trails of various types and lengths. June 9 and only 2 other RVs on our loop. The “new” loop has great single occupancy bath facilities.
N A.TravelerKentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park
Fantastic wooded campground
We LOVED our visit to Kentuck campground and Ohiopyle. We went mid-week in early June and had very few neighbors Tuesday and Wednesday, with more rolling in toward the end of the week.
We stayed on Hickory Loop with our dog and saw quite a few other dogs while we were there. Not all sites are equal at this campground - ours was huge and lovely with adequate flattish area and a stream running along two sides of it. Others were quite small and not very level. I think we had one of the best sites on the loop, with great trees for hammocks and big rocks nearby, as well as good privacy from other sites.
The campground is very shaded and was regularly several degrees cooler than elsewhere in the park, which was great to home 'home' to. There's a lot of poison ivy in the area, so be watchful.
Firewood is available for purchase on entrance to the campground.
The bathhouse was relatively clean, with a large kitchen sink for washing dishes, three toilet stalls, and two shower stalls. We never had to wait for any of it.
Guide to Belle Vernon
Camping sites around Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania typically range between 1,000-1,200 feet elevation with the Laurel Highlands rising to the southeast and the Monongahela River Valley running along the western edge. Summer temperatures average 70-85°F with higher humidity levels from June through August. The camping season extends from April through October, with some sites offering limited winter access for cold-weather enthusiasts.
What to do
Whitewater adventures: The Youghiogheny River offers multiple access points for paddling. The Uniontown KOA (now Blue Canoe RV Resort) sits directly on the river, with one camper noting, "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups... Staff make multiple rounds, picks up your trash and delivers your purchased firewood." The boat ramp may require careful navigation during low water periods.
Biking on the GAP Trail: The Great Allegheny Passage runs through several camping areas, providing car-free cycling opportunities. At Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run, "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)." The free sites include raised tent pads, vault toilets and Adirondack shelters.
Frank Lloyd Wright architecture: Fallingwater and other architectural landmarks are within 30-45 minutes of most Belle Vernon area campgrounds. One camper at Ohiopyle State Park mentioned, "We were there in November with plans to visit Fallingwater. This campground was the perfect location for both activities!"
What campers like
Natural water features: Many campers appreciate swimming and water activities beyond just the Youghiogheny. At Fox Den Acres Campground, "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them." The campground includes both a swimming pool and separate fishing pond.
Accessibility to Pittsburgh: Several campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring the city while staying in natural settings. One camper noted that Fox Den Acres is "a lovely camp ground with very nice people... a great option very near Pittsburgh." Most sites are within 35-60 minutes of downtown Pittsburgh attractions.
Well-maintained facilities: Campgrounds in the region generally receive positive reviews for cleanliness and upkeep. At Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort, campers praise the "beautifully maintained lawns and gravel campsites, modern hookups, good shower/laundry facilities, nice fire rings with built in grills, trash pickup service."
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks parallel many camping areas, particularly those along rivers or the GAP trail. At Round Bottom, one camper warned, "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."
Seasonal availability: While many campgrounds advertise year-round operation, services and amenities fluctuate significantly. A camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA noted that "the pool (clean and small but does the job), they try to open it ASAP every year." Off-season camping may mean limited water access and closed facilities.
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds in the region feature significant elevation changes. At Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA, a camper described "very steep narrow roads to access campground and sites...sites not level." Always call ahead to ensure your vehicle can handle the access roads to your chosen campground.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Families appreciate campgrounds with multiple activities on-site. At Fox Den Acres, a reviewer described it as a "family oriented" campground that "provides activities almost every evening, making sure every age range is catered to throughout the week."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for specific features that appeal to children. One camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA mentioned that "the kabins and spots facing the pillow ARE PRIME (kids wait for it to blow up every morning), play ground (basic-not toddler friendly, there's a sand pit that's not covered up at night where they HAD some toddler play stuff)."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer organized activities with learning components. At The GAP Trail Campground, campers can easily walk to nearby towns and historical sites, making it ideal for families wanting to combine recreation with education. One camper described the setup as "spacious and lush lawn... perfect hybrid" of comfort and natural experience.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Several Belle Vernon area campgrounds have sloped sites requiring preparation. At Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA, "A dozen or so of the sites are not level, not only that but they are narrow and where you sit is a slope making it very uncomfortable."
Access considerations: RV drivers should carefully research routes. One camper at Fox Den Acres advised, "Mostly an RV campground... Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight." Despite being RV-focused, access roads can still be challenging in the region's hilly terrain.
Hookup variations: Not all sites offering hookups provide the same services. At Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, a camper recommended "If you stay in one of the smaller kabins with a shower, just know there will be a flood and you should wet, turn the water off, lather, then rinse. Also don't think everyone is showering one after the other... it's very small water tank."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Belle Vernon, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Belle Vernon, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Belle Vernon, PA is Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 84 reviews.
What parks are near Belle Vernon, PA?
What parks are near Belle Vernon, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Belle Vernon, PA that allow camping, notably Youghiogheny River Lake and Crooked Creek Lake.
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