RV camping near Braddock, Pennsylvania offers options within 30-45 minutes of the city. The surrounding terrain features elevation changes of 800-1,200 feet with valleys, hills, and wooded landscapes throughout Allegheny, Westmoreland, and Beaver counties. Summer temperatures average 78-85°F while spring and fall camping seasons see overnight lows that can drop to 40-50°F.
What to do
Hiking and biking access: Raccoon Creek State Park Campground features over 40 miles of trails. "If you are looking to stay in a camp in this park I'd suggest doing the backpacking loop 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," notes a visitor about trail options.
Water recreation: The Blue Canoe RV Resort provides direct river access for multiple water activities. "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. The ramp for entering/exiting with your kayak stopped before river getting to the river's edge," shares one camper about the river amenities.
Winter activities: Several parks remain accessible during winter months for snow recreation. "Got out for a couple hours hiking in the snow. It was great. Just what we needed to stretch the legs and enjoy some family time. We did the Palomino Loop. It also was quite interesting getting to the trail. Some nice snow covered back roads," describes a Raccoon Creek visitor.
What campers like
Lake access for fishing: Fox Den Acres Campground provides family-friendly fishing opportunities. "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them," observes one visitor about the well-stocked fishing pond.
Proximity to cultural sites: Campgrounds serve as convenient bases for regional attractions. "We stayed for 2 nights while we visited Fallingwater and the Flight 93 Memorial. We should have stayed another night so we could visit Fort Necessity NP just down the road but ran out of time," explains a camper at Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground.
Swimming options: Several parks maintain swimming facilities during summer months. "Great: The pool & concession stand, beautifully maintained lawns and gravel campsites, modern hookups, good shower/laundry facilities, nice fire rings with built in grills, trash pickup service," reports a Pine Cove Beach Club visitor.
What you should know
Terrain and access challenges: Some campgrounds require navigating steep roads. "You drive up a long, steep, windy road to the campgrounds, not to mention the drive to get to the town was very out of the way," notes one Raccoon Creek camper about the approach.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies substantially throughout the region. "If you are on Sprint or T-mobile - there is no service," advises a camper about Raccoon Creek State Park.
Seasonal operation schedules: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing and other facilities operate on seasonal schedules. "We were there for one of the first weekends of the season, and we enjoyed every bit of our trip. Not only were the staff super friendly and helpful, but we were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake," shares a spring visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins provides extensive water activities for children. "TONS of stuff to do here. Very big campground, all kinds of sites. Inflatable slides and such in the lake, hiking trials, playgrounds, all sorts of stuff," explains a visitor.
Cabin options for beginners: Several campgrounds offer cabin alternatives to traditional tent camping. "The cabin was great, very clean and cozy. The campgrounds are very nice they have a pool as well as a community building and camp store. We had 8 kids and 8 adults who all had a blast playing on the playground, floating down the creek, swimming in the pool, riding bicycles etc," describes a Mirror Lake visitor.
Weekend activity schedules: Organized events provide structured entertainment. "Benner's Meadow Run Camping is family oriented and not looking for large/loud groups. They accommodate tents and RVs, and offer cabins. The staff is helpful and friendly, and so are most of the campers. They even have entertainment and Saturday night was a fun DJ."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA and other parks have varied site conditions. "The parking spots for non seasonal are okay, a few steep ones but they all have gravel and a patch of grass with a table and fire pit. Now their monthly (which I have currently) man are those a nervous wreck! Very steep and awkward but we got it done," advises a KOA visitor.
Laundry facilities: Several parks provide amenities for extended stays. "Laundry facilities are the best we have encountered. Big machines and dryers making life easier and less time spent doing laundry," notes a Madison-Pittsburgh KOA guest.
Travel timing consideration: Weekday visits may provide quieter experiences. "I think the weekends would be too full for my taste but mid week was very quiet," suggests a Fox Den Acres visitor about scheduling trips for more solitude.
