Camping spots near Saltsburg, Pennsylvania offer diverse terrain opportunities at an average elevation of 1,100 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F, making late May through September the prime camping period. Many local campgrounds maintain open field layouts with limited privacy between sites, particularly during peak summer months.
What to do
Creek exploration: Try Loyalhanna Creek at Bush Recreation Area where visitors can fish, swim and float. "This is a nice, quiet small campground with a small lake. Our grandchildren loved it. The boat launch is a nice size to fit 2 boats at a time," notes AnnaMarie S.
Disc golf and lake activities: Crooked Creek Lake features disc golf courses, corn hole at the campground, and water recreation. "There is a small beach and picnic tables. The lake is great for kayaking or small boats. We fish and kayak the creek opposite the lake," reports Jennifer P.
Low-cost kayak rentals: Paddling opportunities abound at Laurel Hill State Park Campground, where rentals are reasonably priced. "Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake," according to Erik E., who visited in June 2024.
What campers like
Privacy options in wooded sites: More secluded camping experiences are available at certain loops. "There are two main loops in this campground. One that is pet friendly and more of a pitch-your-tent-in-the-yard thing and another that is pet-free and wooded," explains Casey L. about Laurel Hill State Park Campground.
Affordability and accessibility: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing receives praise for its value and activities. "Great place to stay! You will not find better campground owners, they are amazing. After office hours they can be commonly found hanging out with their campers," shares Mathew H.
The panoramic views: Several campers appreciate the elevated perspective at Mountain Top Campground. "Amazing views from this campground! Water and electric available (50 amps), grey sewer available. For the black you can dump here or have someone pump out on Wednesday morning," notes Doreen C., highlighting both views and practical amenities.
What you should know
Access challenges: Some campgrounds in the area have narrow or confusing access roads. "Don't follow the GPS directions because it will take you down a wrong road and around to the main road," says Tim J. about Bush Recreation Area, adding important directional guidance.
Limited level spaces: Many sites throughout the region present leveling difficulties. "This campground is not bad but is not great there is running toilets and hot showers but not very well maintained if you have a large trailer may run to some problems most of the sites are sloped," warns Imane about Bush Recreation Area.
Cell coverage variations: Connectivity differs drastically between campgrounds. "Fleeting cell at best on Verizon," notes Lee D. about Laurel Hill State Park, while Mountain Top Campground offers "full verizon coverage lte" according to James B.
Tips for camping with families
Look for creek-adjacent sites: Fox Den Acres Campground offers water play options for children. "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," recommends Mathew H.
Check bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies widely between campgrounds. "Restrooms are typical for a state park," observes Joseph S., while Nora M. notes, "The restroom and all the bathhouses badly need updating. The paint is peeling, they smell like mildew and the siding is rotting on them."
Consider noise factors: Some campgrounds experience more noise than others. "Close together spaces with no foliage in between. Not heavy use area though," notes Casey L. about Laurel Hill's pet loop, while at Fox Den "it was incredibly loud with a site blasting music" during Patience W.'s weekend visit.
Tips from RVers
Extension cords may be needed: Power post positioning can be problematic at certain 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.
Site leveling challenges: Multiple RVers mention difficulties with uneven terrain. "The sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites," warns Kathy L. about Laurel Hill, a common issue throughout the region's hilly terrain.
Site selection research: For larger units, review site dimensions carefully. "Tough to get our 36' fifth wheel in," reports Keith about Crooked Creek Lake. "Don't pass the drive coming in. We had to drive few miles to get looped back."
