Tent camping near Clarksburg, Pennsylvania offers access to both the Laurel Mountain ridgeline and Youghiogheny River valley, with elevations ranging from 900 to 2,700 feet throughout the region. Most wilderness camping areas remain snow-free from April through early November, though frost can occur into late May. Trail access becomes challenging during spring thaw when unimproved access roads frequently wash out.
What to do
Trail biking excursions: The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail provides 70+ miles of packed gravel routes connecting multiple hiker-biker campgrounds. At Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground, located at mile 99.6, campers appreciate the "very remote feeling. The only people you will see are the ones who've biked, boated, or walked in."
River access activities: Youghiogheny River provides swimming and fishing opportunities at several riverside camps. A reviewer at Dravo's Landing Campground notes it's a "Free bike-in camp site with water access along the Youghiogheny River. Access from the Allegheny Gap trail."
Historical exploration: Several camps include access to historical sites. One camper mentioned that Dravo's Landing is "close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire."
Mountain biking trails: Beyond the GAP trail, more challenging single-track routes exist throughout the region. At Mountain View Camps, visitors can "hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn."
What campers like
Riverside locations: The proximity to water enhances many camping experiences. At Dravo's Landing, campers enjoy "plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars... everyone appreciated the abundance of picnic tables, fire pits, lean-tos, and the nearby river."
Wilderness seclusion: The distance from developed areas creates natural soundscapes. At Roundbottom, "the river is very easy to access for a quick dip after a long day on the trail" and the campground has "lean-tos, picnic tables, firepits and lots of spaces for tents."
Sheltered camping options: Adirondack-style shelters provide weather protection at several sites. A GAP trail camper reported: "We secured the only open Adirondack Shelter and were able to set up our tent inside, along with keeping our bicycles inside and out of the elements. Which made it wonderfully convenient when it started to rain."
Primitive amenities: Many campers appreciate the basic facilities. At The GAP Trail Campground, "The spacious and lush lawn has lots of space for tents, but the winner is the covered seating, dining, and cooking area. Everything is clean as a whistle."
What you should know
Water treatment requirements: Potable water access varies significantly between camps. At Roundbottom Campground, "the well for the campground stated that it was no longer potable. My guess is that this is simply because the volunteer organization which maintains this campground lacks the funds for testing."
Railway noise disruption: Trains regularly pass near riverside camping areas. As one camper noted at Roundbottom: "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."
Wildlife concerns: Food storage practices matter significantly. At Dravo's Landing, one visitor warned, "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
First-come basis: Most primitive sites don't accept reservations. At Round Bottom Camping Area, "Sites and shelters are first come, first served," which means weekends can fill quickly during prime season.
Tips for camping with families
Distance planning: When biking with children, consider total daily mileage carefully. The GAP Trail Campground provides a good stopping point as "Town is a short walk away, with a few restaurants and other options for necessities as well."
Shelter priority: Families should arrive early to secure covered structures. At Laurel Ridge State Park Campground, "The camping areas are supposed to have firewood and water, but the wood is often punky, and the water needs to be treated."
Short test trips: For families new to bikepacking, Dravo's Landing makes "a nice easy introduction to bikepacking camping for the east-bound (the closest to Pittsburgh). At 26 miles from Three Rivers Park, this makes a great place to get your head around what it might be like to ride and camp the whole way to Washington D.C."
Educational opportunities: Several camps offer unique learning experiences. At Mountain View Camps, families can "explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn."
Tips from RVers
Limited accessibility: Most tent camping areas near Clarksburg permit only small vehicles or no vehicles. At Indian Creek Camplands, RVers find "Good spot, just beyond owners side yard. Not the most level areas but good clean and quiet campsites."
Surface considerations: Ground leveling may be necessary at most sites. One camper noted that throughout the region, sites are "Not the most level areas but good clean and quiet campsites."
Seasonal closures: Access roads to many camps close during winter months. For most facilities like Laurel Ridge State Park, the camping season runs strictly "May to October."
