Rv sites near Cheswick, Pennsylvania provide campers access to rolling countryside and the Allegheny River valley at elevations ranging from 800-1,400 feet. The area's seasonal temperature swings from cold winters to humid summers affect camping conditions significantly. Campgrounds in the region sit within driving distance of Pittsburgh attractions while offering direct access to local outdoor recreation.
What to do
Creek exploration: At Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing, families can enjoy a small creek that runs through the property. "A lot of their sites are along a small creek which the kids play in and can float down," notes one camper, adding that "Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek."
Lake activities: Visitors to Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins can enjoy water recreation options beyond swimming. "Lake and scenery was beautiful! Very clean and friendly help! Very kid oriented!" mentions a reviewer, while another notes "Tons of stuff to do here. Kayaks, paddle boards, jumps, slides. Name they had a blast!!"
Hiking trails: Raccoon Creek State Park Campground offers extensive trail systems throughout the year. "A great little beach area to lay out and enjoy the sun. The hiking trails are in excellent condition and the park keeps them clear of fallen debris," reports one visitor. Another camper notes the park "has over 40 miles of trails, a fantastic backpacking loop setup for beginners, and a nice lake for swimming, fishing, ect."
What campers like
Scenic viewpoints: Mountain Top Campground delivers on its name with panoramic vistas. "You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. It's a cute. Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond," writes one camper. Another notes, "I luckily got a spot on looking over a very dense tree-d valley with a beautiful sunset. Sites 41-48 are the best view at sunset."
Campground amenities: The Blue Canoe RV Resort offers multiple recreational facilities. "Very nice campground with multiple pools, playsets, cabins and river sites. So quiet cept for the occasional train pass by across the river," notes a recent visitor. Another camper appreciated the "pretty campground, clean and nice amenities."
Quiet atmosphere: Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort provides well-spaced sites for campers seeking tranquility. "Wonderful hosts, well maintained, large sites, close to the highway but no road noise. Giant pool opened in the summer," mentions one reviewer. Another camper praised the "beautifully maintained lawns and gravel campsites, modern hookups, good shower/laundry facilities."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access routes to several campgrounds involve challenging terrain. At 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." Another visitor reports, "Very steep narrow roads to access campground and sites..sites not level and noisy, next to highway."
Water limitations: Several campgrounds have partial hookup restrictions. Mountain Top Campground offers grey water disposal but limited black tank options. "Grey water dump on most sites, water, open year round," notes a camper. Another explains the water situation: "No black sewer hookup (does have dump station and honey wagon)."
Shower facilities: Pay attention to bathroom amenities when booking. One camper at Raccoon Creek State Park observed "Clean RR's with good showers but a bit old," while another at Pine Cove Beach Club mentioned "good shower/laundry facilities." Mountain Top campers noted, "Bathhouse was clean. Only disappointment was that showers were coin operated."
Tips for camping with families
Playground locations: Check campground maps for recreation areas when booking with children. "Great place to stay! The campgrounds are very nice they have a pool as well as a community building and camp store. We had 8 kids and 8 adults who all had a blast playing on the playground, floating down the creek, swimming in the pool, riding bicycles etc," writes a visitor to Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing.
Kid-friendly water features: Consider campgrounds with swimming options during summer months. At Austin Lake, "Kayaking, inflatables, beach, but almost anything you want to do will cost you an additional charge," warns one camper. Another mentions the campground has "a swimming area with inflatables, kayak, pontoon, and paddle boarding rentals, a bumper boat area, small lake where you can fish and boat."
Cell service considerations: Mobile coverage varies considerably between campgrounds. A camper at Raccoon Creek State Park cautions, "If you're on Sprint or T-mobile - there is no service." At Austin Lake, a visitor appreciated "not having cell service at all. No matter the carrier," noting "it will seem a little sketchy getting in. The road dead-ends into the campground."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many RV sites near Cheswick require stabilization equipment. At Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA, "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," reports a recent visitor. Another camper advised the campground is "overpriced for that simple issue, I guess ok for an overnight stay."
Extended stay options: Some campgrounds accommodate longer visits with specific amenities. "The spots are well spaced out and it is family owned. The family is always out making improvements, talking with the campers, and putting on events," notes a camper who spent a month at Mountain Top Campground. Another visitor at Washington-Pittsburgh KOA mentioned, "We are in the extended stay part of the campground which is quiet and slightly more secluded than the other spots."
Navigation challenges: RVers with larger rigs should call ahead about access roads. "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in," advises a Mountain Top camper. Another visitor notes that "getting there" involves "a long, steep, windy road to the campgrounds."
