Glamping options near Bentleyville, Pennsylvania typically range from basic to luxury accommodations across western Pennsylvania's mountainous terrain. The region sits within the Appalachian Plateau at elevations between 900-2,000 feet, with distinct seasonal variations. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall offer cooler camping conditions with nighttime temperatures that can drop significantly.
What to do
Whitewater adventures: Ohiopyle State Park provides access to the Youghiogheny River for various skill levels. "We chose Wilderness Voyageurs across the river, over the tracks and to the right. Time and finances limited us to a 'family friendly' float self-guided raft down the Middle Yough," shares Dave V. about his experience at Ohiopyle State Park.
Waterfall exploration: Visit Cucumber Falls in the Laurel Highlands area for natural scenery. "Check out cucumber falls, which isn't terribly far away," recommends Tanner W. who camped at Ohiopyle, noting that the falls are accessible but timing matters for water flow and crowds.
Rail trail cycling: The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail runs through several campgrounds. "We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground. We were there in November with plans to visit Fallingwater. This campground was the perfect location for both activities!" explains a reviewer at The Blue Canoe RV Resort.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer stocked ponds and lake access. "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them," notes a camper at Fox Den Acres Campground.
What campers like
Forest privacy: Many sites offer secluded spots with mountain views. "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform," shares Tom C. about Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground.
Water features: Campsites with stream access are highly sought after. "This campground checks all the boxes for me. Pool, brook, trees, space, quiet! Every time we come here it gets better. Site was right on the water and listened to the bubbly brook all day," explains a reviewer at Whispering Pines Family Campground.
Cleanliness standards: Well-maintained facilities are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. "Very clean and quiet. The people selling firewood were the best!" notes Tanner W. about his camping experience at Ohiopyle State Park, though he cautions that "Site 166 is not flat what so ever."
Historical proximity: Several campgrounds serve as convenient bases for visiting historical sites. "We stayed for 2 nights while we visited Fallingwater and the Flight 93 Memorial. We should have stayed another night so we could visit Fort Necessity NP just down the road but ran out of time," mentions a camper at Benner's Meadow Run.
What you should know
Seasonal preparation: Weather in the Laurel Highlands can change quickly. "We went in late October and we arrived fairly late in the day and to our surprise someone was in the store when we got there," notes a visitor at Coopers Rock State Forest, who appreciated that "the bathrooms were clean and heated to a comfortable level."
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "Book early for holidays," advises Rob B. about Benner's Meadow Run Campground, a particularly important tip for summer weekends.
Site selection challenges: Terrain varies significantly across the region. "The parking spots for non seasonal are okay, a few steep ones but they all have gravel and a patch of grass with a table and fire pit. Now their monthly (which I have currently) man are those a nervous wreck! Very steep and awkward but we got it done," warns a camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Services availability: Amenities vary widely between campgrounds. "Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late. There are no grocery stores real close," cautions Robert C. about camping near Ohiopyle.
Tips for camping with families
Water-based recreation: Multiple campgrounds feature pool facilities. "This Yogi Bear campground offers a large waterpark area, large pool, monster truck rides and many activities. You don't have to leave to find something to do," recommends a visitor at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run.
Evening activities: Some campgrounds offer organized nighttime events. "They even have entertainment and Saturday night was a fun DJ. The facilities are very clean," shares Mark E. about Benner's Meadow Run Campground.
Site location strategy: Choose sites strategically based on family needs. "If you HAVE KIDS young enough to have to keep an eye on 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), and pool," advises a reviewer at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds have sloped sites requiring preparation. "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped. On my way out I heard they were having someone come in to level the sites so I imagine it was just the time of year we visited," shares a camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Hookup variations: Electric and water availability differs by campground section. "The sites are spread out. Electricity at sites but no water or sewer. A new section will be opening later this season that will have elec and water," notes William B. about Keystone State Park Campground.
Seasonal RV tips: Local campgrounds have varying policies for extended stays. "The seasonal campsites were mostly closed up for the winter. This was our first big trip with two large dogs and it did not disappoint. It was relaxing and quiet with large spots to space out in. Wifi was good enough to work and stream Netflix," shares an off-season visitor to Benner's Meadow Run.
