123 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Laurel Highlands region surrounding Boswell, Pennsylvania features a mix of state park campgrounds and private camping areas offering diverse accommodation options. Laurel Hill State Park and Kooser State Park provide established campgrounds with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals approximately 5-10 miles from Boswell. The Quemahoning Family Recreation Area offers waterfront camping with both electric sites and more primitive options just north of town. Pioneer Park Campground and Hickory Hollow Campground provide additional private camping facilities with full hookups in the immediate vicinity.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from mid-April through mid-October, with limited winter camping options. Road access is generally good with paved roads leading to most established campgrounds. "Most sites are not level, but very grassy," noted one visitor about Kooser State Park, highlighting a common terrain feature. Elevation in the region ranges from 1,500 to 2,500 feet, bringing cooler temperatures compared to surrounding lowlands. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays, particularly for electric sites and cabins. Cell phone coverage varies throughout the region with better reception at campgrounds closer to Somerset and main highways.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for visitors to the area, with Quemahoning Family Recreation Area receiving particularly strong reviews for its lake access. "Great place for fishing kayaking. Very family oriented," mentioned one camper. The state parks offer well-maintained facilities with clean bathrooms and showers, though some sites experience road noise due to proximity to highways. Family-friendly amenities include playgrounds, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails. Tent campers seeking more seclusion should target the designated tent-only sites at Kooser State Park, which are set apart from the more open RV camping areas. Winter visitors can enjoy cross-country skiing opportunities at several parks when campgrounds are closed for the season.
"The lake is separate from the campground, but it is less than a mile away and a reasonable distance walk."
"The site numbering is a bit wonky on the door loop so make sure you look at your map before you start driving the loops."
from $20 - $64 / night
Check Availability"Easy walk to beach area and boat launch. Very clean."
"The location on the water adds for a great view. Electric only."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"5 firewood bundles at the entrance. -Cleanest bathrooms/showers -Crystal clear stream with beautiful trail to the lake. Both stocked with fish. -Lots of picnic tables at the lake."
"Kooser State Park sits on the border of Forbes State Forest in the Laurel Highlands. It has a mix of camper & tent sites around a central clearing, and offers a few cabins."
from $22 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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 $20 - $54 / night
Check Availability"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."
"The morning drive started early, had several stops and starts, and I was once again glad that my big dog was along for the ride."
from $24 - $122 / night
Check Availability"Next to sewer tank pump station, though. Not a problem but a few truck visits throughout the day so some people might not like that. Lots to do for kids."
"Big fishing lakes. Pool could use a heater."
"Camped in the Lakeside Loop. This State Park is so Clean! The campground gives you easy access to anything you want to do. Fish, swim, hike, bike, kayak. It can all be done."
"This is our second time staying here - once in Electric site on Lakeside and this time non electric site on Hillside. Love this side of Hillside - quiet and shaded."
from $18 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful scenery, quiet location, spacious campsites, full RV hookups, well-placed fire rings, dog park, nice large bathhouses, polite staff, and Wi-Fi that works. "
"The lake and farm country provided a welcoming and relaxing setting. The trail around the lake was perfect for running or walking. "
"It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek. Close by is Ligonier, Idlewild, and St. Vincent (where the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp takes place.)"
"Not only were the staff super friendly and helpful, but we were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, everything you want on a spring trip."
"Extremely family friendly, lots to do for kiddos on weekend, stocked ponds, bathhouses very close to all sites. Laurel hill cricks/lake are 2 miles up the mountain!"
"The roads around the camp ground could use some maintenance, especially on the hill side by the pool! All in all, a wonderful place to take your family camping!"
LegendThis quiet campground has plenty of wooded campsites that offer privacy to campers. We were in the electric loop and it can be a bit tight if your rig is larger, and also you need to be prepared to level your rig in several different directions. But all in all, it was a great spot for an overnight day and we even got to check out some of the trails. Very nice park overall.
TravelerStayed one night. Close to Fallingwater and Fort Necessity. The campsite was terrible; close to water and buggy, steep grade required lots of blocking to level the camper and challenging to hook up to the vehicle. Thick canopy kept Starlink from working. The worst part was the bathrooms. The one closest to our spot had no hot water. So we had to walk about a half a mile to two other restrooms and showers within 100 yards of each other. Makes no sense. Anyway, both bathrooms were filthy, had paint peeling everywhere, lots of black mold growing on the ceilings, growing everywhere. No place to hang clothes while taking a shower. One of the two toilets in each of the men’s room was probably 3 feet off the ground. Made for giants I guess! And good luck finding the visitor center. It’s hidden from view and parking is terrible. You’ll have to walk 150 yards from the nearest point of the parking lot to find it. To walk there from the bus and RV parking, add an additional 1/4 mile each way. Be aware that the visitor center store does not accept credit cards. Cash or check only. Who does that? It’s 2026 Pennsylvania!
RangerThe sites and roads are well maintained. Some sites are on hilly roads but are acceptable for tenters. The bathhouse is older but the showers are hot. August 2026
ScoutAdvertised as a family camp but very far from it. I’ve watched this camp progressively get worse as the years go on, over priced camp with zero efforts to make anything worthwhile, run down play grounds, broken toilet paper roll holders in the bathrooms of the shower house, roads that make you feel like your off road. Owner plans “events” and then wants campers to pay for overpriced food. The owner complains nobody comes to events anymore but barely comes to them herself. The owner is VERY money hungry! And most importantly it’s home to a sex offender who the owner cherishes dearly.
It’s a shame to see how many people realized how terrible this camp was and are selling their camps because of it. The owner should open her eyes and realize she’s the reason people don’t want to be there anymore !!!
ScoutWe are here for a month and it feels like we have the place to ourselves!
ScoutCant have no fun or drink.kids get yelled at all the time..owner sneaks around looking in campers at night..they watch every thing you do. Then they throw you out because your having to much fun. Or your up after 10pm..what a joke....please dont do nothing wrong.because.youll be on the shitlist...they are very very racist ,dont ever take a black child or try to get a place to stay or even put a tent up ,cause if your Black ,they tell you their is no room for u or a tent..STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE,ITS A BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES AND THEY DONT WANT NO BLACS IN THEIR CAMP GROOUND AT ALL..GO UP THE ROAD..THEY ARE NICER THERE...
ScoutPerfect little campsite with voting access fishing rod says and very clean showers
TravelerWe love it here so much we almost never leave. There is a creek, playground and games for the kids year round. The lake is great for fishing, boating, swimming and more from March-August usually but even longer this year it seems. They are INCREDIBLY strict about 5mph and I LOVE THAT! My 8 year old can run around and be a kid at camp like I was without me being panicked. They even have events once a month. They are constantly adding and upgrading around the campground. Everything from walk to primitive sites to full hook ups and dry cabins.
Highly recommend for a long or short get away.
Scout,
Camping near Boswell, Pennsylvania typically ranges in elevation from 1,500 to 2,500 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect campground conditions throughout the season. Sites near creeks and waterways can be especially popular during summer months when temperatures remain cooler than surrounding areas. The Laurel Highlands region experiences temperature shifts that can drop 15-20 degrees at night compared to daytime highs.
Bouldering and climbing: At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, visitors can explore unique rock formations for climbing. "This was a very fun place! There was easy little rocks to boulder and climb! and even a few smaller caves to explore! It was an adventure paradise with a close location to the seven springs ski resort," notes Jill R.
Kayaking with kids: Rental options at Laurel Hill State Park provide budget-friendly water access for families. "Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake," reports Erik E., who visited with children.
Visit Flight 93 Memorial: Several campgrounds serve as convenient base camps for visiting this historical site. "We stayed here to go to the flight 93 memorial so we didnt do much at the campground except fish cought a few nice bass," mentions a camper at Pioneer Lakes RV Park.
Trail running: The lake perimeter at Hickory Hollow Campground offers exercise options. "The trail around the lake was perfect for running or walking," according to Brandy Q., who appreciated the convenient exercise opportunity.
Creek access for kids: At Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing, the small waterway provides natural entertainment. "Alot of their sites are along a small creek which the kids play in and can float down. Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek," shares Mathew H.
Tent-only sites: Campers seeking separation from RVs can find dedicated areas at Kooser State Park Campground. "There are really only three little tenting sites in a wooded area of the campground, a little higher up the hillside," explains Brian S., highlighting these tucked-away options.
Fishing access: Multiple stocked fishing areas make Pioneer Lakes RV Park popular with anglers. "We stayed here to go to the flight 93 memorial so we didnt do much at the campground except fish cought a few nice bass," mentions a visitor who enjoyed the productive fishing.
Off-leash dog areas: Hickory Hollow Campground provides dedicated pet spaces. "A small but convenient off-leash dog area was also a wonderful amenity," says Brandy Q., appreciating the dedicated space for four-legged campers.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region require preparation for uneven terrain. At Shawnee State Park Campground, "Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level," reports Lee D.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds despite forest settings. At Kooser State Park, "Route 31 is nearby but it wasn't all that noticeable," Kevin E. explains, noting that road sounds weren't overly disruptive.
Limited grocery access: Pack supplies before arrival as shopping options are sparse. "Not a lot of restaurants or stores nearby, so keep that in mind if you'll be there awhile," advises Becky C. about Hickory Hollow Campground.
Seasonal facility limitations: Off-season campers should verify which amenities remain operational. "We were hoping to do some hiking in the morning but got rained out. However the trails looked nice and we hope to be back soon," Laura writes about Laurel Hill State Park Campground.
Playground evaluations: Check playground conditions before visiting as maintenance varies. At Quemahoning Family Recreation Area, "Wonderful staff and facilities. The roads around the camp ground could use some maintenance, especially on the hill side by the pool! All in all, a wonderful place to take your family camping!" according to Rachel D.
Budget-friendly water activities: Many campgrounds offer affordable options for keeping children entertained. "Great place for fishing kayaking. Very family oriented," notes Kyle K. about Quemahoning Family Recreation Area.
Electric sites for family comfort: When camping with children, electric sites provide additional conveniences. "Driving around the rest of the RV park area we noted that many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them," observes Gerard about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Extension cord requirements: Power hookup placement can be problematic at some sites. "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable," advises Erik E. about Laurel Hill State Park Campground.
Sewer connection challenges: At Pioneer Park Campground, one visitor noted: "Sewer connection 'up hill'," indicating potential drainage issues requiring specialized equipment.
Site selection importance: Photos can be misleading, so research specific sites. "We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked," shares Brittany V. about her Shawnee State Park experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Boswell, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Boswell, PA is Laurel Hill State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 29 reviews.
What parks are near Boswell, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Boswell, PA that allow camping, notably Youghiogheny River Lake and Crooked Creek Lake.
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