Tent and RV camping options surround Cheswick, Pennsylvania, within the rolling Allegheny Plateau region at elevations between 700-1,200 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer camping temperatures typically ranging from 65°F to 85°F. Local campgrounds often feature wooded sites in both open field and forest settings, with several offering premium yurt accommodations throughout the typical April-October camping season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Keystone State Park Campground, campers can fish in the park's lake, which has good fishing for families with young children. "Great place to fish with young children. Everybody is very friendly," notes camper Tom C. The lake provides a calm environment suitable for beginning anglers.
Hiking trails: Tomlinson Run State Park Campground features well-maintained hiking trails of varying difficulty. "The hiking trails are very well kept," explains Theodore C. The trails range from flat routes suitable for beginners to more challenging paths through wooded areas.
Water activities: Breakneck Campground provides creek access for wading and cooling off. "The creek at the bottom of the hill is a true hidden gem and our kids and dogs love splashing in the water to cool off on a hot day," shares camper Abby L. The creek remains a popular spot during hot summer days when temperatures reach the mid-80s.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Breakneck Campground offers varied site types with different privacy levels. "We chose one of two primitive sites next to a small creek. Apart from the campers above us on top of the hill, we were a few hundred feet from the other primitive sites. Despite being just a minutes walk from our truck, we felt incredibly secluded," explains Ben. The creek-side sites provide natural separation from other campers.
Clean facilities: Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest maintains exceptionally clean bathroom facilities. "Probably the cleanest shower house I have ever seen at a campground," reports John M. The campground prioritizes cleanliness throughout all common areas.
Seasonal activities: Silver Canoe Campground offers organized weekend events throughout the camping season. "They have activities on weekends. Like the bingo here," mentions Dee A. The campground hosts themed weekend events including a masquerade ball in October.
What you should know
Site conditions: Sites at Laurel Hill State Park Campground have varying terrain and positioning. "Sites can be a bit small or awkward for campers. Our neighbor had a bit of a rough time accessing our shared electric box and we had to put our tent right on the edge because the rest of the campsite was a little muddy and there were roots sticking up," explains Kate D. Some sites are on inclines or in open fields.
Bathhouse quality: Facilities at some campgrounds may be dated. According to Nora M., "The restroom and all the bathhouses badly need updating. The paint is peeling, they smell like mildew and the siding is rotting on them. They are clean but the creepy and gross factor are too much." Regular maintenance varies between parks.
Cell service: Connectivity can be limited in wooded areas. "Fleeting cell at best on Verizon," notes Lee D. about Laurel Hill State Park. Most campgrounds in more remote locations have spotty service, particularly in valleys or heavily forested sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping offers multiple recreation options for children. "Staff is super friendly and there was plenty for the kids to do, pool, arcade, fishing, and playground," shares Kevin D. The playground areas provide supervised entertainment options.
Child-friendly water features: Fox Den Acres Campground includes a fishing pond ideal for children. "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them," observes Patience W. The pond is stocked for high catch rates to keep young anglers engaged.
Weekend programming: Family-focused activities occur regularly at many campgrounds. "They provide activities almost every evening, making sure everything age range is catered to throughout the week," notes Heather H. about Fox Den Acres. Activities typically run Thursday through Sunday during peak season.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. "Okay campground. We met nice people staying there. However, the sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites," warns Kathy L. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended for most parks in the region.
Hook-up placement: Consider electrical cord length when reserving sites. "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 Erik E. about Laurel Hill State Park. Most parks have 30/50 amp service, but positioning can be awkward.
Winter camping preparation: For yurt camping near Cheswick, Pennsylvania during colder months, select campgrounds with winterized facilities. "We're staying in the winter for a few nights to visit friends who live outside Pittsburgh. Friendly and cozy spot. They've done a great job in the winter despite the frigid weather by using heat tape on the spigots," notes Zachary H. about Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA. Some campgrounds maintain year-round operations with special winterizing measures.
