Cabins near Braddock, Pennsylvania provide campers with various options across western Pennsylvania's Appalachian plateau region, which sits at elevations ranging from 800-2,000 feet. Winter camping is available at some locations with Mountain Top Campground remaining open year-round despite the region's average 41 inches of annual snowfall. Most cabin rentals require advance planning, especially during peak summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Tomlinson Run State Park Campground, campers can enjoy both lake fishing and stream angling. "Swimming pool and lake for fishing and boating!" notes David A. The park offers multiple water recreation options without requiring advanced equipment.
Biking access: The Blue Canoe RV Resort (formerly Uniontown KOA) connects directly to regional bike trails. "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground," explains Shari G., who adds that it's "a perfect place to have the best of both worlds" for those wanting to combine camping with cycling.
Hiking trails: The trail system at Laurel Hill State Park Campground offers options for all skill levels. "Many include fishing, swimming, boating, bicycling, hiking, geocaching, and hunting," notes Lee D. The park features "a wide and flat" lake trail that's particularly family-friendly according to Erik E.
What campers like
Mountain views: The panoramic vistas at Mountain Top Campground provide scenic overlooks of western Pennsylvania. "It actually does really sit at the mountain top and gives you pretty good views of the valleys and surrounding areas from any of the rim campsites," writes Dave. Another visitor, Jennifer N., confirms "We had the most amazing views from our site."
Seasonal color changes: Fall camping at Laurel Hill State Park offers vibrant foliage displays. "Fall was in full effect and it was AMAZINGLY beautiful!!" shares one visitor. Shannon G. notes that "Trees are everywhere and wonderful during the fall season."
Wildlife encounters: Raccoon Creek State Park Campground provides opportunities to observe local fauna. One visitor reports "raccoons raccoons and deer" while another mentioned "at night we could hear the coyotes in the distance." Multiple reviews highlight the opportunities for wildlife viewing throughout the camping areas.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Raccoon Creek State Park Campground requires careful consideration when booking. "We stayed in the tent loop at the back of the campground. The area is not wooded at all and most sites look right into the sites next to them. If you are like me and crave privacy, avoid," advises Matt R. Another camper suggests the backpacking option instead: "Grab your permit at the park office, park at the heritage trail lot in the southern end of the park and hike to the Pioneer shelter. Sites 4 and 5 are amazing."
Seasonal facilities: Some parks limit amenities during off-season. "The season was set to open the day after we left so aside from hiking, we could not avail ourselves of any of the activities," noted Lee D. about early season camping. Other visitors recommend confirming which facilities will be open during your visit.
Accessibility challenges: Terrain can be difficult at several locations. One visitor to Raccoon Creek noted "You drive up a long, steep, windy road to the campgrounds," while another mentioned the trail from the campground to the beach "is cool but very very steep (not for too young or old)." Plan accordingly for mobility limitations.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: Keystone State Park Campground offers swimming options for children. "Park itself is gorgeous with a large lake and designated swimming area," writes Matt R. Daniel F. adds that the park has "Very quiet clean facilities" and "quiet hours are from 9pm-8am."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for younger campers. "There's a playground for the kids to unwind after a long day on the road," notes one family at Washington-Pittsburgh KOA. Laurel Hill State Park offers "a large open grassy area" for games and activities.
Bathroom facilities: Campground bathrooms vary widely in quality. At Mountain Top, "The central bathroom, pay shower, and laundry room had ac, a couch and were quite clean." Meanwhile, Nora M. notes that at Ohiopyle, "The restroom and all the bathhouses badly need updating. The paint is peeling, they smell like mildew and the siding is rotting on them."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA presents topographical difficulties for larger rigs. "Very steep narrow roads to access campground and sites...sites not level," warns Chris H. Another RVer notes that "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."
Hookup configurations: Electrical access may require planning at some parks. Erik E. notes that at Laurel Hill State Park, "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."
Grey water management: Mountain Top Campground offers an unusual grey water disposal system. James B. explains they provide "grey water dump on most sites" while another visitor details that "the grey water hookup is a long hose that has an adapter which hooks up to your black and grey tank outlet and it runs down the hillside of the mountain into the grassy area."
