RV sites near Claysville, Pennsylvania can be found within 15-25 miles of the town center, scattered throughout southwestern Pennsylvania and nearby eastern Ohio. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 1,000-1,400 feet, with many situated along creeks or small lakes that provide fishing opportunities. The terrain features rolling hills with narrow roads connecting most destinations, especially in more rural areas.
What to do
Fishing in stocked ponds: At Shadow Lake RV Resort, guests can fish in several on-property ponds. "There are several ponds located on the property and trails meander along and around the 100 acre property. We see deer almost every evening," notes one camper who stayed for a month.
Kayaking with rentals: The Blue Canoe RV Resort offers kayaking access with convenient river entry points. "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. Staff make multiple rounds, picks up your trash and delivers your purchased firewood," reports a visitor, though they mentioned the river access ramp could be muddy after rain.
Hiking nearby gorges: Within driving distance of Claysville camping areas are hiking trails with rock formations. "There are a couple hiking trails nearby (Piatt Park and Raven's Rock) which have incredible rock formations in the gorges," explains a camper from Shadow Lake.
What campers like
Pool facilities: Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins features swimming options with water activities. "Tons of stuff to do here... Inflatable slides and such in the lake, hiking trials, playgrounds, all sorts of stuff," shares one visitor. Another mentions that "Lake and scenery was beautiful! Very clean and friendly help!"
Quiet wooded sites: Zion Retreat & RV Park provides peaceful camping among trees. "The views are amazing! If you love peace and quiet this is the place for you. All sites are amongst the very tall trees," reports one reviewer who appreciated the natural setting.
Utility management: Most parks offer responsive maintenance staff for utility issues. A camper at Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA mentioned, "We had some issues with our power, and Larry was at our site within minutes to fix it."
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Some campgrounds near Claysville are situated close to major roads. "It can be a bit noisy though as it it is right next to the highway," notes one visitor about Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA.
Cellular connectivity: Many camping areas have limited phone service. One camper at Austin Lake advises, "No phone service at all, no matter the carrier."
Shower facilities: Bathroom quality varies widely between locations. "The bathroom had some newer looking siding & some flowers, but the floor in the women's bathroom had holes in it. It smelled funny in there too," notes a recent KOA visitor.
Additional activity fees: Some campgrounds charge for amenities beyond site fees. One Austin Lake visitor cautions, "Kayaking, inflatables, beach, but almost anything you want to do will cost you an additional charge. Need to use the bathhouse? Better take quarters....bc the showers are coin operated."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: The Blue Canoe RV Resort provides play areas throughout the property. "The seasonal RVers and weekend warriors have long claimed their sites, but for through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp, close to the west-bound entrance," notes one visitor, highlighting designated areas for different users.
Campsite spacing: Consider site proximity for family privacy. "Spacing between sites was a bit close, think KOA close. This might be a turnoff if the campground was full," observed a Zion Retreat visitor, though they also mentioned it wasn't an issue when the park wasn't crowded.
Water recreation options: Some locations offer kid-friendly water activities. "They loved the lake and everything there was to do on it. Kayaks, paddle boards, jumps, slides," reports a family at Austin Lake.
Morning announcements: Be prepared for early wake-up calls at some locations. "Super loud PA system throughout the whole park that wakes you up at 8am every morning like you are in prison!" warns one camper about Austin Lake's morning announcements.
Tips from RVers
Road access challenges: Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort offers easier access than some alternatives. "Close to the highway but no road noise," mentions one RVer, unlike other Claysville area campgrounds with challenging approach roads.
Leveling requirements: Watch for uneven sites at some RV parks. "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 Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA visitor.
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds near Claysville operate on limited schedules. Pine Cove Beach Club offers "modern hookups" and is accessible year-round according to reviewers, while Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA operates from March through December.
Hill navigation: The terrain around Claysville demands careful driving. "Be advised it will seem a little sketchy getting in. The road dead-ends into the campground and it is all downhill getting there. Take your time and all will be just fine. Our rig is 39' & 16K," explains an RVer about Austin Lake access.
