98 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The rolling hills surrounding Butler, Pennsylvania feature a mix of state parks, private campgrounds, and recreation areas that accommodate various camping styles. Moraine State Park, located about 15 miles north of Butler, offers group camping and cabins with lake access and hiking trails. Nearby, Bear Run Campground in Portersville provides 300 sites for tents, RVs, and cabins with full hookups, operating from mid-April through October. Smaller operations like Smith Grove and Breakneck Campground offer more intimate camping experiences, with the latter providing access to McConnells Mill State Park's scenic gorge and hiking trails. Family-friendly options include Indian Brave Campground in Harmony with 185 sites and Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest in Harrisville with over 300 sites and themed activities.
Most campgrounds in the Butler area operate seasonally from mid-April through mid-October, with a few exceptions like Mountain Top Campground which remains open year-round. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. Pennsylvania state parks in the region prohibit alcohol consumption, a regulation that is actively enforced by rangers. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with limited connectivity in more remote locations. "We love staying here when we visit family in Butler. It's a quiet family-run park, very affordable and bathrooms are clean," notes one visitor about Smith Grove. Winter camping options are limited, with overnight temperatures in early spring and late fall often dropping into the 40s.
Water access represents a significant draw for many campgrounds in the region. Shenango Recreation Area provides numerous waterfront sites with "endless places to put kayaks into the water," according to one camper. Fishing opportunities abound, with several reviewers highlighting the quality of trout streams in the surrounding areas. Site privacy varies considerably, with some campgrounds offering well-spaced, wooded sites while others feature more open layouts. Families appreciate the recreational amenities at larger facilities like Bear Run, which offers "themed events, game nights, arts and crafts, a swimming pool and playground for kids." Bathhouse quality and maintenance emerge as common concerns in visitor reviews, with facilities at some locations described as dated but functional.
"The nightly RV sites are close to the park entrance and are relatively flat. The campground hosts themed events, game nights and arts& crafts."
"I always camp near the horses as i like a bit more privacy. The front of the campground is a bit too packed for my liking. They also have a primative area that is quite nice."
from $30 - $300 / night
Check Availability"We wanted a secluded site and close to Pittsburgh. We arrived around 7pm and there was no check in, we drove around for a while trying to find a spot with a fire ring per some helpful campers."
"My husband and I camped here on a whim, after our original location got rained out. We picked a nice big lot by the dirt road."
from $10 - $20 / night
Check Availability"It is right next to the bike trail and has access to the lake. I have enjoyed my time at Moraine and will enjoy it every time I visit."
"In fact my family used to own property near by. This park has an awesome trail system for walking or biking"
"They have an Olympic sized swimming pool, nature trails, playground, basketball court, recreation hall and walking distance to harmony and all the live music and nightlife that Harmony and Zelienople have"
"Reason for mark down is due to the trains that came through in the night and it must’ve been trash day in Harmony as we heard dumpster being banged around in the early hours of the morning."
from $30 - $55 / night
Check Availability"We love staying here when we visit family in Butler it’s a quiet family run park . It is very affordable and bathrooms are clean"
from $30 - $95 / night
Check Availability"What amazing views from this location! 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."
"Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond. Basic amenities."
from $48 / night
Check Availability"I highly recommend this rv location and their cabins seem to be excellent"
"They have a nice heated large pool, hiking trails close to some great places like McConnells mill, Morane state park, Fishing the shenango river."
"It is close to Moraine State Park."
from $32 - $60 / night
Check Availability
TravelerCame tent camping here. Stayed on new duck loop, which from the looks of all the other sites, this one seemed more open, less R. V. Campers. Plenty of open spots even for the weekend. Place is clean, well kept, bathrooms are clean which is a plus. All the sites around have decent space between them. Close access to a lake. You can bring your boat
TravelerNice campground! They hold lots of random activities for kids like tie dying, tractor ride, etc. We stayed in spot 24, which is very spacious, but I did not like the fact that it’s right next to the road where cars are speeding by. I do not think this spot in particular would be good if you have small children
GuideStayed one night while visiting friends. The campground was nice but could use some updating. It was definitely geared more towards families with small children. The showers were interesting. In the men’s they had a pull cord and a button in the women’s. Hot water was more of a mild suggestion rather than an actual thing you got. Luke warm was a generous way of describing it. Not a bad campground if you have a reason to be in the area for a night, but I would recommend it for long stayed unless your camper is very self contained.
GuideI've been coming here since I was born. I'm always drawn back to my roots. It's a great family campground with sites and hookups for everyone. No store, but Hermitage and Transfers PA are both 3 to 5 minutes away for whatever you need. Firewood is 20 dollars per tub but you get a ton of good dry wood. If your into RTT Like me check out old duck loop or new duck loop for some awesome sights. Playgrounds for the kids. Ranger activites on the weekends. Well policed and patrolled. Just a great place and beautiful lake! Fishing is top notch as well. Clean bathrooms and showers. Ice is available at check in, firewood at host site 55.
TravelerVery neat and clean and organized
TravelerI’m really impressed with this campground. Everything is very well maintained—clean, tidy, and organized. The staff and other campers are friendly, and there’s a welcoming atmosphere overall. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, a great pool, and the sites are spacious and comfortable. They even have what I’d consider professional-grade cornhole boards that look like they’re made from concrete or a similar solid material—really well built and a nice touch. It’s been a very enjoyable and relaxing place to stay.
GuideThis campground's foliage is interesting, I saw fernes growing and trees that looked older than me. I also noticed the campground has some history shown by the rust of the firepits. There is Billy's Pizza and general store which sells firewood if you go a little further down the road that maps takes you and take the second left instead of taking the first left. I think the campground also sells firewood on site. You can order Billy's Pizza and I saw them deliver to the campsites, which is amazing, havent seen that before. I'm a light sleeper and could hear truck engine braking sounds echo through the forest from the nearby highway, so the proximity to the road ruins the feeling of seclusion and the quiet. There's a restroom with a large sink outside which is nice.
ScoutClean campground, water, electric. Saw a turkey upon arrival and a deer and multiple black squirrels when departing. Nice little store with arcade, snacks and pizza they will deliver to your site on Fridays! Heated pool and pretty nice bathrooms
TravelerA great place to spend some time. Very quiet plenty of hiking trails, the river is great for kayaking. Lots of big hemlock trees. Definitely will return in the fall.
Butler's camping landscape sits between the Appalachian Plateau and Allegheny Mountains, with terrain varying from 1,000 to 1,300 feet elevation. Most campgrounds remain open from mid-April through October, with overnight lows frequently dropping into the 30s during shoulder seasons. Winter camping options near Butler are limited to Mountain Top Campground, which operates year-round despite challenging weather conditions.
Horseback riding opportunities: Bear Run Campground offers Sunday horse rides that families particularly enjoy. "My son loves the horse rides on Sundays," notes one visitor. The campground's location near equestrian areas provides additional options for those bringing their own horses.
Hiking close to historic sites: The camping areas surrounding Butler provide access to significant trail systems. At Breakneck Campground, campers can access McConnells Mill State Park directly from their site. "From our campsite we walked along the creek into McConnells Mill State Park and joined the covered bridge trail. Approx. 30min walk along the creek," reports one visitor.
Fishing access points: Multiple campgrounds offer direct lake or creek access for fishing. Stream fishing is particularly productive during spring and fall seasons. "Moraine State Park is close by for canoeing and fishing," mentions one camper at Rose Point Park, highlighting the diverse water access options in the region.
Creek-side camping: Rose Point Park offers water access that campers consistently rate highly. "Great Place for adults and children to enjoy themselves! Plenty of activities. Welcoming Staff!" one visitor notes. The campground maintains several waterfront sites and a dedicated fishing area.
Elevated camping platforms: Unique tent platforms at Breakneck Campground provide distinctive camping experiences. "The tent camping is either grassy, flat sites or on an elevated timber platform overlooking a gorge," explains a reviewer. These platforms offer views of the surrounding landscape not available at standard tent sites.
Clean facilities: Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest receives consistent praise for its cleanliness standards. "Great campground and very clean. Probably the cleanest shower house I have ever seen at a campground," one camper writes. The facilities remain well-maintained even during peak summer occupancy.
Noise levels vary significantly: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours more strictly than others. At Breakneck Campground, one visitor reported: "I got about 2 hours of sleep Saturday night total, and the last time I was woken up my watch said 3:48 am. Clearly there is absolutely no enforcement of the quiet hours whatsoever."
Limited tent facilities at some locations: While RV sites are plentiful, dedicated tent camping areas can be limited. "We were tent car-camping. We felt as if Bear Run really catered to RVers," notes one camper. "The tent sites were small and crammed together. There was no bathroom (only a porta-potty)."
Terrain challenges: Mountain Top Campground sits on elevated ground with specific access routes recommended. "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in," advises one visitor. Most Butler-area campgrounds feature rolling terrain that can present challenges for larger vehicles.
Theme weekends: Special event weekends provide structured activities for children. "This campground hosts themed events, game nights and arts&crafts. There is a swimming pool and playground for the kids," reports one visitor to Bear Run Campground. Halloween weekends are particularly popular at several campgrounds near Butler.
Bouncy attractions: Peaceful Valley Campground features inflatable play equipment. "Lots for the kids to do. Good sized fishing lake, swimming pool, inflatable slide, playgrounds, jumping pillow," mentions one visitor. These activities typically operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Bicycle considerations: Terrain at several campgrounds limits biking opportunities for younger children. "Nice campground but too hilly for kids to ride bikes," notes one camper. Smith Grove offers more level terrain suitable for young cyclists compared to the more rugged campgrounds in the region.
Site selection strategy: For RVers seeking privacy, campground location selection is crucial. "I always camp near the horses as I like a bit more privacy. The front of the campground is a bit too packed for my liking," advises one camper at Bear Run. Corner sites typically offer more space than interior locations.
Grey water management: Mountain Top Campground offers an unusual grey water disposal system. "Since they sit atop the mountain, 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."
Reservation timing: Holiday weekends typically fill 3-4 months in advance at Smith Grove and other popular Butler-area campgrounds. "A lot of sites with plenty of room at each site," mentions a visitor, but these more spacious sites book quickly during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Butler, PA?
Butler County offers several excellent camping options. Smith Grove stands out as a quiet, family-run park with clean facilities and affordable rates, making it perfect for visiting family in the Butler area. Peaceful Valley Campground near West Sunbury provides a serene setting with water access and reservable sites. For those willing to drive a bit further, Raccoon Creek State Park offers wooded sites with good spacing between campers. Butler's location also puts you within reach of several state parks with camping facilities, including Moraine State Park. The area's campgrounds typically offer a good mix of natural settings and basic amenities, with many open from spring through fall.
Are there free camping options near Butler, PA?
Free camping options near Butler are limited but available if you're willing to drive. Bush Recreation Area offers more affordable camping with basic amenities, though it's not entirely free. Tionesta Rec. Area Campground has some economical options and is known for great fishing access. For truly free camping, you'll need to look at dispersed camping areas in Allegheny National Forest, about 1-2 hours northeast of Butler. These areas have no facilities or hookups, so you must be prepared for self-sufficient camping. Follow Leave No Trace principles, including proper waste disposal and food storage. Always check current regulations before heading out, as rules regarding free camping can change seasonally.
What tent camping facilities are available in Butler, PA?
Tent campers have several options in the Butler area. Raccoon Creek State Park Campground features large, wooded sites perfect for tent camping across five different loops, offering privacy and natural surroundings. Sites include fire rings with grills and picnic tables. Breakneck Campground provides more secluded tent camping opportunities with fire rings and is relatively close to Pittsburgh. Most tent sites in the region typically include a flat clearing for your tent, parking space, and basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Some campgrounds have shared water spigots, while others may have more primitive facilities. Bathhouses with showers are available at most established campgrounds, though quality and maintenance can vary.
What RV camping options exist near Butler, PA?
Buttercup Woodlands Campground near Butler provides RV camping with hookups, though reservation policies should be carefully reviewed. Shenango Campground offers around 300 sites, many suitable for RVs, with lakeside options and fishing opportunities about 45 minutes from Butler. For RV campers seeking full hookups and amenities, Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest near Harrisville provides family-friendly facilities with water, electric, and sewer connections. Most RV parks in the area are open from spring through fall, with some offering year-round access. Prices typically range from $30-60 per night depending on hookups and amenities. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months and holiday weekends.
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