RV sites near Champion, Pennsylvania offer varying terrain conditions with elevation changes of 1,500-3,000 feet throughout the Laurel Highlands. Most campgrounds maintain open status from mid-April through mid-October, though several facilities extend their season depending on weather conditions. Winter temperatures in the region regularly drop below freezing, making year-round options limited.
What to do
Creek exploration: At Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing, families can enjoy wading and floating activities along the small creek that runs through multiple campsites. "Alot of their sites are along a small creek which the kids play in and can float down. Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek," notes a regular visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked fishing ponds that don't require state licenses. At Pioneer Lakes RV Park, campers appreciate the fishing amenities despite some maintenance concerns. "Been going to pioneer park since I was like 3. Extremely family friendly, lots to do for kiddos on weekend, stocked ponds, bathhouses very close to all sites," explains one long-time visitor.
Nearby attractions: The area provides access to numerous historical and natural landmarks within short driving distance. "We stayed here to go to the flight 93 memorial so we didnt do much at the campground except fish cought a few nice bass," mentions one camper who used the location as a base camp for regional exploration.
What campers like
Modern facilities: Many campgrounds have updated their amenities in recent years. "The new bath house which is personal bathroom style and very nice," notes one visitor to Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground. Another reviewer appreciates "modern hookups, good shower/laundry facilities, nice fire rings with built in grills, trash pickup service" at a neighboring property.
Activity options: Weekend programming keeps families entertained throughout their stay. "The campground is small but it is quiet and clean. Route 31 is nearby but it wasn't all that noticeable. There was a nice playground area for kids and some nice overflow tent sites nearby," describes a camper at Kooser State Park Campground.
Natural settings: Despite being developed campgrounds, many maintain wooded areas. "My son and I tent camped here in July to escape the head down in Pittsburgh. Sits up high in the mountains close to 3000ft elevation. Park and campground are very small and almost desolate during the week," reports one visitor who appreciated the secluded tent sites.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the mountainous region require significant work to level RVs. "The site 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," warns a camper at Pioneer Lakes RV Park. Similar concerns appear across multiple properties.
Seasonal crowding patterns: Weekday and off-season camping provides significantly different experiences than peak weekends. At Friendship Village Campground & RV Park, one camper noted, "Went camping here for the first time this weekend. Although it was the off season there was still tons to do."
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds more than others. "Nice campground, clean and plenty of activities for the kids. 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," advises one reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Campgrounds offer varying scheduled activities that require advance planning. "They held a farmers market on Saturday and had a HUGE community yard sale which we thought was very cool!" reports one visitor to Friendship Village Campground.
Pool considerations: Swimming facilities vary significantly across properties with different rules and hours. "The pool water is terrible. Its so filled with salt that when you get out your skin is extremely dry and your lips shrivel up," warns one visitor, highlighting the importance of checking amenity details before booking.
Playground options: For families with young children, playground quality becomes a significant consideration. "The playground area is unsafe. The wood on the playsets are falling apart and splintering. I had to pull alot of splinters out of my childs hands and feet," cautions a visitor to one facility, contrasting with positive playground reviews at other locations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At The Blue Canoe RV Resort, experienced RVers recommend researching specific site characteristics before booking. "Some river sites were small and very un level but was doable," notes one camper, while another mentions, "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids."
Utility reliability: Electric service quality varies across campgrounds. "Wifi is terrible. You can't even use your cellphone on the wifi, let alone trying to stream TV," reports one camper, while others mention consistent 50-amp service at multiple locations.
Fire ring placement: Site layouts affect evening enjoyment around campfires. "The only thing we didn't care for was the fire rings are all in sight of each other. Like a row parallel to the sites all the way down the line; not much privacy while cooking or enjoying your fire," explains an RVer describing their site configuration.
