Camping options near Canonsburg, Pennsylvania provide a mix of amenities and terrain with several RV campgrounds located within a 30-mile radius. The region sits in the Allegheny Plateau with elevations ranging from 900-1,200 feet and experiences four distinct seasons, making late spring through early fall the primary camping season. Many campgrounds in this area feature hilly terrain that can present challenges for larger vehicles during setup.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort features a large pool with a concession stand that campers appreciate. "The pool & concession stand, beautifully maintained lawns and gravel campsites" are highlights according to Heath T. For more extensive water recreation, Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins offers kayaking, paddle boarding, and inflatable water features. One visitor noted, "TONS of stuff to do here... Inflatable slides and such in the lake, hiking trials, playgrounds, all sorts of stuff."
Biking the GAP Trail: The Great Allegheny Passage trail runs directly through The Blue Canoe RV Resort, making it ideal for cyclists. "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground," reports one reviewer. "If you are an RVer and seeking a place to park and ride along this trail, this is a perfect place to have the best of both worlds."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access with Austin Lake RV Park providing a small lake where campers can fish and boat. The Blue Canoe RV Resort is located on the Youghiogheny River, with one camper noting, "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids."
What campers like
Quiet camping spots: Zion Retreat & RV Park receives praise for its peaceful setting. A camper mentions, "The views are amazing! If you love peace and quiet this is the place for you. All sites are amongst the very tall trees. There are several ponds around the campground for fishing and bird watching."
Clean facilities: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground maintains well-kept grounds and bathhouses. A visitor observed, "Park was well kept. Staff working hard getting things ready... The facilities are very clean." Another mentioned, "They were older but clean and well maintained as was the whole campground."
Family-oriented activities: Many campgrounds in the area cater to families with children. Benner's Meadow Run offers "a game room, pool, mini golf, a full camp store, firewood, etc." according to one camper. Another noted it has a "Family friendly atmosphere, cordial staff, well run campground. Lots of activities. Tree shaded sites!"
What you should know
Terrain challenges: The hilly landscape affects many campgrounds in the region. At Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA, one reviewer warns, "The hills were terrible getting there, then another hill to get to the KOA. Then ANOTHER hill to get to our site. Yes, all the sites are cut into the hill."
Cell service variations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. While Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA has reasonable service, Austin Lake RV Park has "No phone service at all, no matter the carrier."
Site spacing concerns: Many RV campgrounds near Canonsburg have closely spaced sites. A Zion Retreat visitor mentioned, "The sites are a bit close, think KOA close. This might be a turnoff if the campground was full." At Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA, a camper observed, "Like most KOAs, there is little privacy to begin with as sites are right on top of each other."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access options: For families seeking swimming facilities, Pine Cove Beach Club maintains a "beautifully maintained" pool with concessions. Austin Lake offers even more with "a swimming area with inflatables, kayak, pontoon, and paddle boarding rentals, a bumper boat area."
Budget planning: Several campgrounds charge additional fees for activities beyond basic camping. At Austin Lake, one camper cautioned, "Austin lake offers plenty of fun with the lake. Kayaking, inflatables, beach, but almost anything you want to do will cost you an additional charge."
Playground availability: Multiple RV parks have playgrounds for children. The Blue Canoe RV Resort includes "a playground for the kids to unwind after a long day on the road," and Benner's Meadow Run was described as having "so much to do for the kids. Clean and well kept."
Tips from RVers
Navigation advice: Access roads present challenges at several campgrounds. At Austin Lake RV Park, "Be advised it will seem a little sketchy getting in. The road dead-ends into the campground and it is all downhill getting there. Take your time and all will be just fine." For Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA, a camper advises: "Follow the signs to the campground NOT the GPS in order to avoid some narrow and sharp turn roads."
Site leveling: Many rv campgrounds in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas require leveling equipment. One visitor to Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA stated, "A dozen or so of the sites are not level, not only that but they are narrow and where you sit is a slope making it very uncomfortable."
Seasonal considerations: Operating dates vary widely across local campgrounds. Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort remains open year-round, while Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA operates from March through December. Austin Lake RV Park has a shorter season from May through October.
