The Laurel Highlands region surrounding Braddock, Pennsylvania sits at elevations between 1,000 and 3,000 feet, creating a cooler climate than downtown Pittsburgh. Winters see significant snowfall with temperatures averaging 20-30°F, while summers remain mild with daytime highs rarely exceeding 85°F. Campgrounds in the area typically operate from April through October, with only a few offering year-round accommodations for cabin and yurt camping.
What to do
Waterfront activities: Keystone State Park Campground provides a small lake for fishing, paddleboats, and swimming. "There's a large beach on the lake and playground," notes one visitor. The park's visitor center features educational displays about local history and ecological features.
Mountain biking: The Great Allegheny Passage trail runs directly through The Blue Canoe RV Resort, making it an excellent basecamp for cyclists. "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional campground. For through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp, close to the west-bound entrance," explains a reviewer. Trail access points connect to Pittsburgh's extensive urban trail network.
Hiking: Multiple well-maintained trails wind through Laurel Hill State Park Campground, offering walks through dense forest and meadows. "Lots of trails to choose from. Some were pretty easy some were a little hilly. My favorite was the fern trail - lots of ferns and a very pretty stream," shares a camper. Trails range from 0.5 miles to 3 miles in length, with varying difficulty levels.
What campers like
Privacy at tent sites: Fox Den Acres Campground offers spacious sites for tent campers away from RV areas. "Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each site. Restroom were a short walk away," writes one tent camper. The campground maintains dedicated tent areas separate from the primary RV sections.
Clean facilities: Multiple campers mention the cleanliness of bathrooms at Tomlinson Run State Park Campground. "The restrooms and showers are very clean," states one reviewer. Another adds, "Nice bath houses," highlighting the park's maintenance standards even during busy weekends.
Year-round camping options: Several campgrounds near Braddock offer yurt camping for those seeking more comfort than tent camping provides. Keystone State Park's yurts include wooden floors and electricity, while others like Tomlinson Run provide more rustic accommodations. "The site numbering is a bit wonky so make sure you look at your map before you start driving the loops," advises a visitor about finding your way around.
What you should know
Limited services: Grocery stores and restaurants are limited near most campgrounds in the area. "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," warns a camper about Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park.
Site conditions vary widely: At many area campgrounds, site quality can differ dramatically. "Some sites are a bit close, the pull through sites are very ample," notes one camper. Another mentions, "Most of the primitive sites were graveled at some point in the past, but they've done a good job of fixing that."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate from April to October, with limited year-round options. "We're staying in the winter for a few nights to visit friends who live outside Pittsburgh. They've done a great job in the winter despite the frigid weather by using heat tape on the spigots," reports a winter camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run provides extensive water features for children. "Mill run by far the best yogi bear/campground we have been to. They have upgraded the water slides - 4 huge slides plus big splash pad with little slide for smaller kids," reports a family visitor. The water park typically operates from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Fishing opportunities: Several lakes near Braddock offer easy fishing for children. "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them," shares a Fox Den Acres visitor. Most fishing spots require a Pennsylvania fishing license for adults, though children under 16 can fish without one.
Scheduled activities: Many campgrounds run regular programming for children. "Tomlinson Run is a great state park with trails for hiking and biking. They provide activities almost every evening, making sure every age range is catered to throughout the week," notes a visitor. Activities typically include nature programs, craft sessions, and outdoor games.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven campsites at many locations. "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped," reports a visitor to Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA. Another camper notes, "The RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites."
Full hookup availability: Fox Den Acres offers full hookup sites with reliable utilities. "Nice pull-thrus with full hookups for overnights," mentions one RVer. Water and electric connections remain available at most sites, though sewer is more limited at state park campgrounds.
Laundry facilities: Some campgrounds provide laundry options. "Laundry facilities are the best we have encountered. Big machines and dryers making life easier and less time spent doing laundry," states a visitor. This proves particularly valuable for extended stays or during rainy periods when outdoor activities are limited.
