Best Campgrounds near Clairton, PA

State parks and recreation areas surrounding Clairton, Pennsylvania provide a variety of camping experiences within an hour's drive of this industrial town southeast of Pittsburgh. Raccoon Creek State Park, located about 30 miles west, offers year-round camping with both primitive and full-hookup sites across multiple loops. Closer to Clairton, the Youghiogheny River corridor features several campgrounds including Dravo's Landing with walk-in tent sites and basic amenities. For those seeking more developed options, KOA campgrounds in Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. and Washington-Pittsburgh SW provide full-service camping with amenities for RVs, tents, and cabin stays. The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail also offers specialized camping areas for cyclists and hikers traversing the region.

Road conditions and terrain vary significantly throughout the area, with many campgrounds situated in the rolling Allegheny foothills. As one camper noted about Raccoon Creek State Park, "The campground is large and wooded, with good-sized sites. There are five different loops, so campsites are well-spread out throughout the area." Narrow, winding roads can make access challenging for larger RVs, particularly at state parks like Ohiopyle where vehicle length restrictions apply. Cell service ranges from strong to nonexistent depending on location and carrier. Many campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during summer weekends and fall foliage season. Weather conditions remain relatively mild from May through October, though spring can bring significant rainfall.

Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with lakes and rivers providing recreational opportunities. According to a visitor at Keystone State Park, "The campground gives you easy access to anything you want to do. Fish, swim, hike, bike, kayak. It can all be done." Wildlife viewing is frequently mentioned in reviews, with deer, turkeys, raccoons, and various birds commonly spotted. Site spacing varies considerably between campgrounds, with some state parks offering more privacy than private facilities. Many campgrounds feature hiking trails, fishing access, and boat rentals. Families particularly appreciate campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. Bathroom facilities range widely in quality and maintenance, with several reviewers noting older infrastructure at some state parks despite generally clean conditions.

Best Camping Sites Near Clairton, Pennsylvania (103)

    1. Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA

    10 Reviews
    Youngwood, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 722-4444

    "They have a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it along with two small dog play areas.Every week they organizes different themes for bingo, and other games."

    "The sites are pretty close together and we couldn’t use our fire ring because it ended up being very close to our rig."

    2. Dravo's Landing Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sutersville, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 872-5586

    "Access from the Allegheny Gap trail. There were a few shelters, nice campsite. It’s close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire"

    "This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!)"

    3. Fox Den Acres Campground

    8 Reviews
    Youngwood, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 925-7054

    $25 / night

    "It’s very military positive, even includes a reserved place for the fallen soldiers. Some sites are a bit close, the pull through sites are very ample. Gravel roads and level sites."

    "Tent site was nice and conveniently located next to the bathhouse"

    4. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    80 Reviews
    Ohiopyle, PA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 329-8591

    $20 - $54 / night

    "Ohiopyle is located in a beautiful area of Pennsylvania we've camped there a couple of times and have been able to get last minute tent sites. Lots of outdoor activities nearby."

    "Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."

    5. Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Clinton, PA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 899-2200

    $18 - $128 / night

    "One tip: each loop does not have its own entrance from a main road. To get to C you drive through or past A and B. Same with E and F. Each loop has its own set of flush toilets and showers."

    "All and All great place to camp, good things; 1) lots of deer, turkeys, racoons, owls etc. 2) close to a farmer's market Jankowski's great place to get fresh food, 3) once you have level camp, all good"

    6. The GAP Trail Campground - Bikers Only

    1 Review
    West Newton, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 244-5859

    $25 / night

    "Had we not stopped for the previous night’s camp 8 miles sooner, this would have been our favorite camp along the trail. Glad we stopped to check it out, but next time we will include it for sure! "

    7. Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Bentleyville, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 239-2900

    "Wonderful hosts, well maintained, large sites, close to the highway but no road noise. Giant pool opened in the summer. Highly recommended."

    8. Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA

    10 Reviews
    Washington, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 225-7590

    "Easy highway access great for overnight travel"

    "Spots were pretty close to each other. There was a playground for the kids to unwind after a long day on the road. Campground had full hook ups and was quiet at night."

    9. Keystone State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Latrobe, PA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 668-2939

    $18 - $70 / night

    "Camped in the Lakeside Loop. This State Park is so Clean! The campground gives you easy access to anything you want to do. Fish, swim, hike, bike, kayak. It can all be done."

    "This is our second time staying here - once in Electric site on Lakeside and this time non electric site on Hillside. Love this side of Hillside - quiet and shaded."

    10. Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm

    1 Review
    Belle Vernon, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 989-6004

    $100 - $150 / night

    "This is a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains. One yurt with a bed is offered. Please no alcohol."

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Recent Reviews near Clairton, PA

586 Reviews of 103 Clairton Campgrounds


  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Laurel Hill State Park Campground

    Okay campground

    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. Large open grassy area. The camp host saw me walking my pups, and as I walked toward the trash can(near the bathroom) to throw away a pooped that I had picked up, she yelled across the green area from her site“no dogs in the bathrooms!” Kinda rude, but later she was friendly. Some okay hiking trails off the campground in a meadow.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Whispering Pines Family Campground

    Lake Wateree

    Lovely GEM in the heart of Carolina. Nestled in a quiet area full of smiling faces. And the staff were extremely accommodating.

  • Bettina A.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Bear Run Campground

    Options.

    This is an amazing campground with reasonable prices, an array of camping options to suit different camping needs as well as budget range. I am unsure if I just happen to have gotten lucky and decided to go camping during a special weekend, but it’s Labor Day weekend and I am loving that there is a calendar of events for campers to participate in if they choose to. Activities include wagon rides to the lake, talent show, karaoke…etc, as well as church! This was an unexpected gem as we are from Florida and were blessed enough to stumble upon the right person in a parking lot when my husband asked if they knew of any places that we could possibly camp at nearby and that gentleman told us about Moraine Park. Upon making our way out to here, we found Bear Run and have loved our experience so far. Love it!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Whispering Pines Family Campground

    Nee Meadow Creek campground

    Beautifully set in midst of a 360* view of mountains. Site are nicely spaced and are blessed with constant gentle breeze. Lovely wild flowers surrounded during my brief visit.

    However I was deceived seeing post and electrical hookup. Pretty sure none of them function.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Mountain Top Campground

    Solitude peace and quiet

    You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. It’s 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. Basic amenities. Some ice and fire wood that are self serve. We’re just here for the night and are hoping to catch an uber into the city for a pirates game. Place is full - ish but is super quiet. If you’re looking for a place to hang a hammock and read a book. This is it. Nice fire holes with a view.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Sand Springs Campground

    Remote wilderness

    Was a nice campground. Wish I would have picked a better spot. Was tricky backing in. Lots of tress. Was off season so felt like I had the place to myself. Gets some crazy fog but lot of parks and trails close by.

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

    Great Outdoor Spot in Beaver County

    This campground is great for a little getaway. Most sites are spacious! Only downside is you can hear the airport. Not a huge deal though! We loved it

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Rhododendron Camping Area

    Amazing WV getaway

    This is one of my favorite campgrounds! It is quiet and the sites are spacious. There is a bathhouse located closest to site 5 with trails from other sites to get there. The facilities are always clean- no shower available. The campground is in walking distance to the overlook and most of the trails. Absolutely lovely here!


Guide to Clairton

Camping areas surrounding Clairton, Pennsylvania range from small primitive sites to full-service campgrounds within a 30-mile radius. Most camping options sit within the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania at elevations between 900-1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during the day and drop to 60-65°F at night, with higher humidity levels from June through August.

What to do

Fishing and water activities: Fox Den Acres Campground offers multiple fishing ponds where success comes quickly. "The fishing pond is stocked with fish, and kids were pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in! So much fun for them," notes one camper who visited Fox Den Acres.

Outdoor adventures: The GAP Trail Campground provides a strategic base for hiking and biking the Great Allegheny Passage. "Town is a short walk away, with a few restaurants and other options for necessities as well," explains a visitor to The GAP Trail Campground.

Nature exploration: Raccoon Creek State Park contains over 40 miles of trails through diverse forest ecosystems. "We 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," shares a winter visitor to Raccoon Creek State Park.

What campers like

Quiet settings: Despite proximity to major highways, many campgrounds maintain peaceful environments. "Although the campground is close to several large cities, it is very relaxed, wooded, and quiet. We weren't too sure what to expect as we usually camp in much more remote areas, but we enjoyed the park very much," notes a camper at Fox Den Acres.

Seasonal activities: Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA organizes themed events throughout camping season. "Every week they organize different themes for bingo, and other games. They also have Sunday pancake days," explains a monthly camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.

Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives positive reviews, particularly bathroom facilities. "Bathhouse are extremely clean," reports a visitor at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, while another notes, "Nice bath houses" at Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA.

What you should know

Site conditions: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds with many featuring sloped sites. "It was a steep drop on the pull out. Twisted my stabilizer jack," warns a camper at Madison-Pittsburgh KOA, while another mentions at Washington-Pittsburgh KOA that "sites are not level, not only that but they are narrow and where you sit is a slope making it very uncomfortable."

Reservation requirements: Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA and other private campgrounds typically require advance booking during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Sites often fill completely on summer weekends.

Road access limitations: Navigation to some campgrounds requires careful planning. "Follow the signs to the campground NOT the GPS in order to avoid some narrow and sharp turn roads," advises a visitor to Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA.

Tips for camping with families

Activity-focused campgrounds: Select sites with dedicated children's facilities. "They have a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it along with two small dog play areas," describes a camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dravo's Landing Campground offers chances to spot local wildlife, though sometimes unwanted visitors appear. "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!" warns a camper at Dravo's Landing.

Budget considerations: Free camping options exist but with limited amenities. "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," explains a visitor to Dravo's Landing.

Tips from RVers

Utility connections: Keystone State Park offers reliable water and electric hookups at most sites. "Everything you need is in the spot with hookups," notes a camper at Keystone State Park, though water access varies by season.

Site selection: Reserve sites based on specific needs and privacy preferences. "We stayed at site 43 in the Hillside Loop because we brought our 2 large dogs. Site was very private and relatively flat," shares an RVer at Keystone State Park.

Laundry facilities: Several campgrounds provide laundry services with varying quality. "Laundry facilities are the best we have encountered. Big machines and dryers making life easier and less time spent doing laundry," states a camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Clairton, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clairton, PA is Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.

What parks are near Clairton, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Clairton, PA that allow camping, notably Crooked Creek Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake.