The Buffalo Mills area features wooded campgrounds within Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains, where elevations range between 1,000-2,500 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months. Campgrounds near Buffalo Mills typically operate from April through October, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Hiking around Lake Habeeb: At Rocky Gap State Park Campground, campers can enjoy a 5-mile trail circling the lake with multiple access points. "The 5 mile hike around Lake Habeeb is enjoyable. Great way to see all sides of the park. Across the lake from the campground is a casino and resort," notes Jeff H.
Paddleboarding and canoeing: Lake activities are popular at several campgrounds in the region during summer months. "We brought paddle boards and the lake was perfect for paddle boarding. Note that you cannot swim anywhere outside of the roped swim areas," explains Kimberly H., who stayed at Rocky Gap.
Primitive camping and solitude: Green Ridge State Forest offers a more natural experience for those wanting to camp away from crowds. "There are nearly 100 campsites within the forest boundaries and with the exception of the Kasekamp sites most of them have no neighbor within half a mile," writes Bill G., who appreciates the remote setting.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention the generous spacing between sites at Friendship Village Campground & RV Park. "The campground is nestled on the outskirts of Bedford Pennsylvania and is a very easy location to travel to regardless of your rig size," notes Christopher R., who appreciates the layout.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. "The bath house was kept very clean, even though the campground was full," reports one camper at Rocky Gap State Park. Another notes, "The bathhouses are always clean and well stocked."
Lake access: Water activities rank high among camper preferences. Friendship Village features "multiple ponds on the property however only one of them can be fished in. No license is required for fishing here," according to a recent visitor who appreciated the accessible fishing opportunities.
What you should know
Highway noise: Several campgrounds experience traffic sounds that may disturb light sleepers. A visitor to Friendship Village Campground noted: "The only thing we didn't like was all of the road noise. This campground is located by 2 major highways and truck traffic and Jake brake are constant all night long."
Site levelness concerns: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven sites, particularly in tent camping areas. "Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level," explains a camper at Shawnee State Park.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the Buffalo Mills area operate approximately May through October. At Choice Camping Court, the official season runs "Apr 15 to Oct 1," while Hidden Springs Campground operates from "May 1 to Nov 1," according to their websites.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Hidden Springs Campground provides a pool that families appreciate. "Swimming pool available and pond for fishing. Nice little store. Lots of pavilions for large family outings," notes Jordan B., highlighting the family-friendly amenities.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular events for children. "Lots of fun for kids, live music on the weekend, this campground was full of activity," reports Daniel S. about Friendship Village, which offers organized entertainment during summer weekends.
Dog-friendly areas: Several campgrounds near Buffalo Mills welcome pets with dedicated facilities. At Friendship Village, one camper noted: "The dog park is big and has a place for small or large dogs," making it convenient for families camping with dogs of various sizes.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: RVers recommend researching sites before booking at Choice Camping Court. "Every spot we found was beautiful and the campground overall was really clean and well maintained. The trucks passing by on the highway can be loud at night so keep that in mind when choosing a spot if it would bother you," advises Samantha Y.
Electric service variations: Check available amperage when booking sites. At Shawnee State Park, one camper noted: "There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site," which may not accommodate all RV electrical needs.
Leveling challenges: Many campers mention bringing adequate leveling equipment. One RVer at Pioneer Lakes commented: "The spot was so unlevel there were 19 inches between my bottom step and the ground. This site was the same price as level ones closer to activities."
Legend
