The Laurel Highlands region surrounding Champion, Pennsylvania sits at elevations between 1,000-3,000 feet, creating cooler temperatures than nearby lowland areas. Champion's location provides access to both developed campgrounds and more rustic options within a 30-minute drive. Winter camping availability varies significantly by campground, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Whitewater adventures nearby: Ohiopyle State Park offers various paddling experiences on the Youghiogheny River. "We chose Wilderness Voyageurs across the river, over the tracks and to the right. Time and finances limited us to a 'family friendly' float self-guided raft down the Middle Yough...laced with minimal Class 1 and 2 rapids, which I would classify as riffles," notes a visitor at Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park.
Natural water slides: The Sliding Rock area provides unique water recreation during summer months. "Get there early to get a parking spot…and then look forward to having some serious liquid fun. A natural water slide extends around 100 feet as it winds through the rock. Wear sturdy shorts and shirt…I'd also recommend solid footwear…its fun but it is still rock," advises a camper who stayed at Ohiopyle.
Bike the Great Allegheny Passage: Access the GAP trail directly from some camping areas. A camper at Ohiopyle State Park shared, "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple parks offer fishing options across stocked lakes. "The lake provides a great place to fish and the walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk," explains a camper who stayed at Laurel Hill State Park Campground.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Many campgrounds offer more private spots for tent campers seeking quiet. "There are three little tenting sites in a wooded area of the campground, a little higher up the hillside," notes a camper who visited Kooser State Park Campground.
Fishing ponds: Several campgrounds maintain well-stocked fishing areas. "There is a fishing pond and a huge rec field. Some camp sites have more privacy than others," writes a camper who stayed at Scarlett Knob Campground.
Water activities: Swimming pools are available at some private campgrounds. A visitor to Jellystone Park noted, "Mill run by far the best yogi bear/campground we have been to. Second time we have been & they have upgraded the water slides 4 huge slides plus big splash pad with little slide for smaller kids & the original 2 big water slides in woods."
Hiking access: Many camping sites near Champion, Pennsylvania connect directly to trail systems. "We enjoyed the easy walking lake trail with the kids because it was wide and flat," mentions a visitor to Laurel Hill State Park.
What you should know
Highway noise affects some locations: Road noise can be noticeable at certain campgrounds. "The campground is situated right off of the main road so the road noise can be an issue if it bothers you. We personally, didn't sleep well because of the road noise," reports a camper who stayed at Donegal Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring additional setup effort. A camper at Laurel Hill State Park observed, "The sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites."
Limited grocery options: Plan meals carefully as shopping options are restricted. "Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late. There are no grocery stores real close," advises a visitor to Ohiopyle State Park.
Site type variations: Research site specifications before booking. "Looking around the rest of the campground, the loop up near the cabins was a typical RV area with sites lined up with little privacy in between. I would look at the other loops for our next tent-camping visit," notes a camper who stayed at Laurel Hill.
Tips for camping with families
Waterpark amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers extensive water features. "This Yogi Bear campground offers a large waterpark area, large pool, monster truck rides and many activities. You don't have to leave to find something to do, but there are also many local attractions as well. Kids love it here," shares one visitor.
Pet-friendly loop considerations: Some campgrounds separate pet areas from quiet zones. "There are two main loops in this campground. One that is pet friendly and more of a pitch-your-tent-in-the-yard thing and another that is pet-free and wooded... Dogs were barking at all hours and there's no privacy. We drove through the other one and it looks so much nicer."
Affordable boat rentals: Laurel Hill State Park offers economical watercraft options. "Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake," explains a recent visitor.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain children's play areas. "The sites are a little close together but since it's so small, it's still very private. The bathrooms were clean and well kept, nothing fancy, but camping isn't about fancy accommodations," notes a camper who stayed at Donegal Campground.
Tips from RVers
Extension cord requirements: Check power hookup placement before arrival. "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable," advises an RVer who stayed at Laurel Hill State Park.
Dump station locations: Note waste disposal options when booking. "There are two dump stations, one located on the way out, and the other located in one of the upper loops," shares a camper who visited Roaring Run Resort.
Limited amperage availability: Some campgrounds restrict power capacity. "The whole park is 30 amp" notes a camper about Roaring Run Resort, adding "The sites are average, but there are no sewer hookups and no 50 amp service."
Arrival timing considerations: Complex road conditions make daytime arrival preferable. "The road my GPS brought me in was a little tight, but manageable. There was a better route but it did have a very short bridge with a 10 ton weight limit, so be sure to really check your route," recommends an RVer who visited Roaring Run Resort.
