Best Tent Camping near Boswell, PA
Tent campsites near Boswell, Pennsylvania offer a mix of established campgrounds and walk-in tent sites along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail. Laurel Ridge State Park Campground provides tent camping from May to October with hiking access along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Several hiker-biker campgrounds like Roundbottom and Dravo's Landing serve as popular tent camping destinations for those traveling the GAP Trail, which runs from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland.
Most walk-in tent sites along the GAP Trail feature basic amenities including raised tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Vault toilets are standard at these locations, though potable water can be inconsistent. One camper noted that at Roundbottom, "the water was discolored from the hand pump" and recommended filtering water from the nearby Youghiogheny River instead. Sites are typically first-come, first-served, with no reservations required for most trail-accessible campgrounds. Tent campers should prepare for train noise, as many sites are positioned near active rail lines.
The tent camping experience in this region offers a blend of accessibility and natural immersion. Areas like Round Bottom Camping Area provide grassy, level spaces with Adirondack shelters that can accommodate tents inside during inclement weather. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, "there is plenty of grassy area for scores of tents in this area. So if you are not fortunate enough to secure one of the shelters or tent pads, you can still set up a tent in the nicely mowed areas." Maple Festival Park offers unique tent camping on a lawn, stage, or under a lean-to in the middle of Meyersdale. Bicycle traffic tends to be lighter during weekdays, making these walk-in tent locations more peaceful and secluded. Many sites provide easy river access for cooling off after a day of hiking or biking, with the sound of rushing water creating natural white noise for sleeping.
