Around Brownfield, Pennsylvania, campers find diverse terrain where the Laurel Highlands meet the Youghiogheny River valley at elevations between 1,200-2,800 feet. Winter camping opportunities extend beyond summer months with several campgrounds remaining open year-round despite seasonal snowfall averaging 30-40 inches annually. This region offers distinctive camping experiences across primitive tent sites, riverfront spots, and full-amenity RV parks within a 20-mile radius of Brownfield.
What to do
River fishing access: Tub Run Rec Area maintains waterfront sites with direct fishing opportunities. "The lake is beautiful and they offer access to the lake with their boat ramp. Very peaceful and not far from rafting and other activities," reports camper Tracy K.
Kayaking and canoeing: Youghiogheny Lake provides multiple water entry points for paddlers. One camper at Tub Run notes, "We camped here with our RV and boat. Yough lake is small, but fun to explore. Good fishing."
Star gazing platform: A dedicated observation area at Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground offers clear night sky viewing. "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had a amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform," writes Tom C., highlighting this unique amenity.
Disc golf course: Tall Oaks Campground recently added this activity to their facilities. As Indy A. mentions, "They just added a disc golf course to the campground as well. We are already planning another trip back!"
Biking the Great Allegheny Passage: The GAP trail connects directly to several campgrounds. One reviewer at The Blue Canoe RV Resort explains, "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground. The seasonal RVers and weekend warriors have long claimed their sites, but for through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tall Oaks Campground receives consistent praise for spacious, secluded sites. Camper Tom C. notes, "The nice people gave us a great spot in the woods, very private and room for the kids to explore." Another reviewer adds, "Big spaces to camp, private and spacious."
Clean bathroom facilities: Campers at Yough Lake Campground appreciate well-maintained facilities. "The bathrooms were awesome and kept very clean. Having firewood and ice at the front along with a small store was also a bonus," reports Natalee M.
Firewood delivery service: Several campgrounds offer this convenient option. At Tall Oaks, Tom C. mentions, "For $7 you can get a huge pile of nice dry wood delivered right to your site, no complaints!!"
Family-friendly activities: Planned events keep children engaged at several locations. A reviewer at Benner's Meadow Run writes, "Great place for kids! Family friendly atmosphere, cordial staff, well run campground. Lots of activities. Tree shaded sites!"
Hammock accommodations: The Blue Canoe RV Resort has specific features for hammock campers. "The picnic tables and fire rings are surrounded by hammock poles and there's lots of space for scattered tents," notes Shari G.
What you should know
Primitive vs. full-hookup options: Scarlett Knob Campground offers basic sites at lower prices. "It's very cheap and rustic. The sites are pretty spread out and full of trees. So for tent camping it is fantastic," reports Bradley B., who adds, "Overall it's great if you know you are roughing it with some luxuries."
Seasonal water levels: Lake access can vary throughout the year. One Tub Run camper notes, "In contrast to the other reviews, we didn't enjoy this campground very much... If the water levels had been higher this year, we would have enjoyed this more given the beach/swimming area and dock."
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facilities receive mixed reviews at some campgrounds. At Scarlett Knob, a camper cautions, "Facilities are not kept up so they are dirty and need some love... The pit toilets are actually pretty ok. The showers could use some TLC as well."
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have difficult access routes. A Tub Run reviewer mentions, "Tub Run Road is a rough (but pretty) ride to the campground. Once you hit the property, everything is well-maintained."
Noise considerations: Train tracks and high-traffic areas impact some locations. At The Blue Canoe RV Resort, a camper notes it's "So quiet cept for the occasional train pass by across the river."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Coopers Rock State Forest connects to nearby swimming areas. A visitor to Tub Run reports, "There is a beach in campground but found the drive to Yough lake perfect. Site #5 is where We stayed and it was perfect for the small children to play in the creek behind us."
Playground equipment: Multiple campgrounds offer play areas for children. As one camper at Benner's Meadow Run states, "So much to do for the kids. Clean and well kept."
Field sites for large groups: Tall Oaks accommodates extended family gatherings. "They offer tent sites, van life/electric sites, RV sites, pavilions and even field sites for huge groups (75 people)," notes Indy A.
Creek exploration: Children enjoy wading in shallow waterways at several locations. At Tub Run, a camper shares, "Site #5 is where We stayed and it was perfect for the small children to play in the creek behind us there was the perfect pathway down to the creek."
Pet-friendly hiking trails: Dogs are welcome throughout the region's trail networks. A camper at Coopers Rock mentions, "Many hiking trails of all sizes and kept clear. My dog is mostly weenie dog, and his little legs made it everywhere."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness challenges: Many campgrounds require additional equipment. At Benner's Meadow Run, one RVer notes, "The site was sloped pretty bad side to side and there is a drop off on the one side of the fire ring so we could not sit completely around the fire."
Limited 50-amp service: Check availability before booking. A Coopers Rock State Forest visitor mentions, "A new section will be opening later this season that will have elec and water," while another notes "50amp - No issues."
Water fill stations: Not all sites offer direct hookups. At Coopers Rock, a camper explains, "The sites were well maintained and all the asphalt seems to have been redone recently... no water at the site but there was water near the bathroom area."
Trailer storage options: Extended stays benefit from dedicated parking. At Tub Run, an RVer explains, "The boat ramp, slips and trailer storage made it an easy boating/camping vacation spot."
Road navigation to sites: Some campgrounds have challenging internal roads. A Sand Springs camper advises, "About 3 miles from the interstate, narrow roads. Big rigs probably hard to back in."
Traveler
