Camping sites near Cheswick, Pennsylvania feature terrain with varied elevation ranging from river valleys to mountain ridges, creating drainage challenges during heavy rainfall. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 800-1,300 feet, with temperature differences of 5-10 degrees between valley and ridge-top sites. Cell reception tends to be stronger at higher-elevation campgrounds but water pressure can be lower compared to valley locations.
What to do
Fishing at Crooked Creek Lake: The lake and surrounding waterways offer multiple fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. "The lake is great for kayaking or small boats. We fish and kayak the creek opposite the lake," notes Jennifer P. at Crooked Creek Lake.
Biking on the Great Allegheny Passage: Access this major trail system from several nearby campgrounds. At Dravo's Landing Campground, one visitor observed it's "a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!), and a nice easy introduction to bikepacking camping for the east-bound (the closest to Pittsburgh)."
Winter hiking opportunities: Unlike many seasonal recreation areas, some campgrounds offer winter activities. At Raccoon Creek State Park, a camper shared: "Got out for a couple hours hiking in the snow. It was great. Just what we needed to stretch the legs and enjoy some family time. We did the Palomino Loop. It also was quite interesting getting to the trail. Some nice snow covered back roads."
Swimming at Keystone State Park: The park offers designated swimming areas with a large beach section. "Park itself is gorgeous with a large lake and designated swimming area. Place attracts a lot of people in the summer as it's basically in the Pittsburgh suburbs along a major road artery," according to one reviewer.
What campers like
Privacy variations between loops: At Raccoon Creek State Park, site selection significantly impacts your experience. "I would give the park as a whole a 5/5 but for tent camping the campground is mediocre. It is a really large campground with lots of adjoining loops. The area is not wooded at all and most sites look right into the sites next to them."
Self-service amenities: Mountain Top Campground provides convenient access to basic supplies without staffing requirements. "They had both ice and firewood available that was self service," noted one visitor, while another commented that "Mountain Top was off the beaten path and very quiet. The check in process was easy and our site was flat."
Free camping options: Not all camping near Cheswick requires payment. "Free bike-in camp site with water access along the Youghiogheny River. Access from the Allegheny Gap trail. There were a few shelters, nice campsite," reports a camper at Dravo's Landing, while another mentioned that "The local volunteer group also keeps the free wood pile stocked and ready to go."
Generous campsite spacing: Several campgrounds offer well-distanced sites. At Fox Den Acres Campground, "Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight." Another camper reported, "The sites are pretty spread out and spacious, so you have pretty decent privacy."
What you should know
Shower facilities vary significantly: Many campgrounds have limited or coin-operated shower options. At Mountain Top Campground, "Only disappointment was that the showers were coin operated, so you not only needed cash on hand but then had to turn those into special coins for the shower." At Bush Recreation Area, a camper noted "The campground also had a nice shower just a few spots from us and my wife said it was clean with large stalls."
GPS routing issues: Some camping areas have problematic navigation directions. At Bush Recreation Area, a visitor advised, "Don't follow the GPS directions because it will take you down a wrong road and around to the main road. Instead, stay on Bush Road all the way to the campground entrance site."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require careful preparation for RVs. One camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA reported, "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped. On my way out I heard they were having someone come in to level the sites."
Train noise considerations: Proximity to rail lines affects several camping locations. At Dravo's Landing, "One thing to consider with these campgrounds next to the trail is the number of trains that pass by in the night. It's not the train horn but the number of turns in the track and the squealing breaks that keep you up."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Keystone State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "Small lake where you can fish, paddle boat, and swim. Quiet hours and parking are strictly enforced," mentions a camper. At Fox Den Acres, they "provide activities almost every evening, making sure everything age range is catered to throughout the week."
Beach access options: Several locations feature swimming areas suitable for children. "The lake is manmade and maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. There is a small beach and picnic tables," notes a visitor to Crooked Creek Lake, while another mentioned "Nice small, quiet campground near Crooked Creek. Affordable as well. Love the lake, there is even a little beach for the family."
Site selection for playground access: Strategic site selection enhances family experiences. At Bush Recreation Area, a camper shared: "We rented space 16 late August 2020 and our friends (and their kids) rented #17 on the inner circle, right next to us with the playground right behind us. Great spots! Our kids were within easy eye and earshot of the playground."
Water safety considerations: Water access varies by location and season. "The creek was nice to cool off in, though other campers said they wouldn't dare get in the murky water," reported a camper at Crooked Creek, highlighting the divided opinions on water quality at some locations.
Tips from RVers
Grey water disposal options: Ohiopyle State Park has specific utility arrangements. A visitor noted: "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."
Water tank preparation: Limited water availability at some sites requires planning. "Bring two hoses to reach your camper. Dump station is out the exit by ranger building. Pull out and make a left and its about 500' down road on left by pavilion. Pull into the second drive to be on the correct side."
Cellular coverage limitations: Service varies dramatically across camping locations. "If you're on Sprint or T-mobile - there is no service," reported a visitor to Raccoon Creek State Park. For those requiring connectivity, Mountain Top Campground offers "full verizon coverage lte," according to a reviewer.
Access road considerations: Several campgrounds have challenging entry roads. One visitor to Mountain Top Campground advised, "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in." At Smith Grove, a quiet campground close to Butler, multiple sites can accommodate different RV sizes with "plenty of room at each site."
