Camping destinations within 30 miles of Claysville, Pennsylvania range from rugged woodland settings to riverfront sites. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 900-1,200 feet, contributing to cool fall nights even when summer days remain warm. The region's limestone geography creates natural springs near several camping areas, providing additional water features beyond the more prominent lakes and streams.
What to do
Hiking year-round: Raccoon Creek State Park offers 44 miles of maintained trails for all skill levels. "I 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," notes one winter visitor at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground.
Equestrian camping: Barkcamp State Park provides dedicated sites for campers with horses. "This is set up with a whole section for horse camping with tie outs and trailer/truck sites. Lots of bridle trails and a really quiet park," according to a visitor at Barkcamp State Park Campground.
Water activities: Swimming and boating options exist at several parks from May through September. "There is a lake with swimming and kayak rentals," reports a camper at Raccoon Creek, while another notes that Barkcamp has "a nice dam and beach area."
What campers like
Private forest sites: Campers appreciate secluded spots that provide separation from neighbors. "I enjoyed my stay at this park. We had a tent site for the weekend. It was a beautiful area and I really enjoyed exploring," writes a visitor to Raccoon Creek who stayed in the more wooded sections.
Free camping options: Hidden Hollow Campground in nearby Fernwood State Forest offers no-cost camping with basic amenities. "Self-register with cards located at pit latrine building. 14 days every 30. No problem getting 40' skoolie in and parked in mostly level spots. Camp fire rings and picnic tables at most sites," shares a camper at Hidden Hollow Campground.
Waterside sites: Some campgrounds feature sites along streams or near water features. "This campground checks all the boxes for me. Pool, brook, trees, space, quiet! Every time we come here it gets better. Site was right on the water and listened to the bubbly brook all day," writes a visitor at Whispering Pines Family Campground.
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have significant elevation changes. "Very steep narrow roads to access campground and sites..sites not level and noisy, next to highway," notes a visitor describing the Washington-Pittsburgh KOA.
Water availability: Water access varies considerably between facilities and seasons. "No source of safe, clean water anymore," reports a recent visitor to Hidden Hollow, while at Ryerson Station, a camper mentions "we have a 26 foot motor home. To get to the campground, you have to drive several miles on a two lane winding road."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly across the region. At Ryerson Station State Park Campground, a camper notes "There is NO Verizon service at the campground. We walked up to the amphitheater and were able to get out a few texts but no looking at the radar."
Tips for camping with families
Look for updated facilities: Some parks have recently renovated amenities. "The bathhouse looked to be new or remodeled. It was very clean and nice. Laundry is available but we did not use. Small camp loop is great for little kids to bike around," writes a visitor to Ryerson Station.
Consider pool access: Several parks offer swimming facilities for summer visitors. "They have a pool but it isn't the cleanest and with small children you have to be within arms reach of them. Fine for one not so much with two," comments a visitor at Camp Sherwin.
Check playground availability: Not all campgrounds include play areas. A Ryerson Station visitor notes, "There is no playground at the campground which would have been nice. There is a playground down near the pool area, basic but nice."
Tips from RVers
Watch for site leveling issues: Many reviewers mention uneven sites throughout the region. "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," notes a visitor at Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA.
Check seasonal water hookups: Water availability changes seasonally at most parks. At Tomlinson Run State Park, a camper reports, "Have to go up to entrance as the water spouts are still shut off."
Verify accessibility for larger rigs: Roads leading to campgrounds can present challenges. "It's easy on/easy off from the interstate. The hills were terrible getting there, then another hill to get to the KOA. Then ANOTHER hill to get to our site," reports one Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA visitor.
