Claridge, Pennsylvania sits at an elevation of about 1,260 feet in the western foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. The camping season here typically runs from early April through mid-October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during the day and cooling to 55-65°F at night. Winter camping options are limited with only a few campgrounds remaining open year-round.
What to do
Water recreation on the Youghiogheny River: The "Yough" river flows through the region, providing opportunities for fishing, paddling, and swimming. At The Blue Canoe RV Resort, "there are many local attractions as well. Kids love it here," says Terra B.
Hiking at Laurel Hill State Park: The park features numerous trails through wooded terrain surrounding a 63-acre lake. One visitor noted, "There is also a playground, volleyball, shuffleboard, and a large picnic area at the end of one of the loops." Lake trails are particularly family-friendly as they're "wide and flat" according to Erik E.
Visit Fallingwater: This iconic Frank Lloyd Wright home is located 20 miles south of Claridge near Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground. "We stayed for 2 nights while we visited Fallingwater and the Flight 93 Memorial. We should have stayed another night so we could visit Fort Necessity NP just down the road but ran out of time," shares Tim & Nancy C.
Stargazing: The rural setting provides good night sky viewing opportunities. Benner's Meadow Run offers "a amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform," according to Tom C., though another visitor noted "The star gazing platform leaves a lot to be desired and is in need of repair."
What campers like
Two distinct camping experiences at Keystone State Park: The park offers different camping environments. "There are 2 campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The lakeside one is a glorified trailer park and is packed during the summer with no privacy... The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods. There are some very secluded sites," notes Matt R. at Keystone State Park Campground.
Bicycle access on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP): This rail trail connects Pittsburgh to Washington D.C. and passes through the region. "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground... for through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp, close to the west-bound entrance," explains Shari G. about the Blue Canoe Resort.
Creek access at Mirror Lake: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing offers sites along a creek that's popular with families. "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," shares Mathew H.
Cannabis-friendly glamping: For a unique experience, Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm offers glamping near Claridge with "one yurt with a bed" that "overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains," according to Ashley F. The farm also hosts "Toke With A Goat Yoga at 7 at the barn weather depending."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds near Claridge operate from April to October. At Fox Den Acres, "the campground is close to several large cities, it is very relaxed, wooded, and quiet," according to Harley, making it a convenient getaway option during camping season.
Amenities vary widely: From rustic to resort-like, facilities range significantly. At Fox Den Acres Campground, "each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away," notes Dena L., who adds it's "mostly an RV campground, but several tent sites."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. "Book early for holidays," advises Rob B. about Benner's Meadow Run.
Cell service limitations: Coverage can be spotty throughout the region. At Laurel Hill State Park, visitors report "fleeting cell at best on Verizon," according to Lee D.
Bathroom facilities vary: The quality of facilities differs significantly between campgrounds. At Ohiopyle State Park, "the restroom and all the bathhouses badly need updating. The paint is peeling, they smell like mildew and the siding is rotting on them," warns Nora M.
Tips for camping with families
Water park options: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers extensive water recreation. "Mill run by far the best yogi bear/campground we have been to... they have upgraded the water slides 4 huge slides plus big splash pad with little slide for smaller kids & the original 2 big water slides in woods," reports Erik W.
Natural water slides: The region features natural water features for family fun. Near Ohiopyle, "Sliding Rock... is a natural water slide extends around 100 feet as it winds through the rock. Wear sturdy shorts and shirt... I'd also recommend solid footwear... its fun but it is still rock," advises Dave V.
Pet-friendly limitations: Not all campgrounds welcome pets in all areas. At Ohiopyle State Park, "there are also very limited sites that you can have a pet with you," explains Nora M.
Kid-focused activities: Many campgrounds organize special events for children. Benner's Meadow Run is "family oriented and not looking for large/loud groups... They even have entertainment and Saturday night was a fun DJ," says Mark E.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region have uneven sites. At Mirror Lake, "we were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake," shares Tara R., but others note site quality varies.
Electric hookup placement: At Laurel Hill State Park, "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 need to have an extension for your power cable," warns Erik E.
Water tank management: For glamping near Claridge, Pennsylvania with RV amenities, plan water usage carefully. "If you stay in one of the smaller kabins with a shower, just know there will be a flood and you should wet, turn the water off, lather, then rinse... it's very small water tank, it goes lukewarm to cold quick," advises Jess I.
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "The main road to the campground from Ohiopyle was also closed due to a separate paving project. This unanticipated road closure with the typically convoluted PA road system detour," reports Danielle V., highlighting the importance of checking road conditions.
Traveler
