Rocky Gap State Park Campground offers spacious, wooded campsites near Clearville with sites spaced far enough apart to provide privacy while camping. The park features both electric and non-electric sites suitable for tents, RVs, and cabin camping across multiple loops. Many campsites are tucked into forested areas with room for larger camping setups, making it popular for weekend getaways and longer stays throughout the camping season from April through October.
What to do
Paddle the lake: Rocky Gap State Park Campground provides access to Lake Habeeb with paddle boards and canoes available for rent. "Lots of paddle boards and canoes for rent. The 5 mile hike around Lake Habeeb is enjoyable. Great way to see all sides of the park," notes camper Jeff H.
Explore abandoned turnpike: Sideling Hill Roadside Sites offers access to a unique abandoned section of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. "I had not been aware of the abandoned PA turnpike that runs through the park; very interesting and haunting. It's extremely quiet, with not a whole lot to do, but very peaceful. A terrific place to see the stars," writes Margaret Y.
Hike forested trails: Green Ridge State Forest provides extensive hiking options through undeveloped woodland. "The forest is beautiful, the campsites are large and very spaced out, firewood is bountiful, the area feels very remote. From our campsite, we could not see or hear the next closest campsite," says Benjamin L. The forest maintains nearly 100 campsites spread throughout its boundaries.
What campers like
Large, private sites: Many campers appreciate the ample space between sites at Rocky Gap State Park Campground. "Can't believe how much space is between each site. You're close enough to see other campers but far enough away to feel you have your own section of woods," reports Jeff H.
Swimming facilities: Shawnee State Park Campground features a lake with a large beach area. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating. The campground was nice, quiet and clean," shares Casey S.
Clean facilities: Friendship Village Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses and common areas. "The sites are spacious and the gravel pad was level upon parking. Good connections and solid cable. Facilities are well maintained and there are a ton of activities to enjoy," according to Brittany V.
What you should know
Road noise: Some campgrounds near Clearville experience highway noise that might affect light sleepers. "Nice campground, clean and plenty of activities for the kids. The only thing we didn't like was all of the road noise. This campground is located by 2 major highways and truck traffic and Jake brake are constant all night long," notes Aaron S. about Friendship Village Campground.
Limited services: Green Ridge State Forest offers primitive camping with minimal facilities. "All of the campsites are primitive sites with only a fire circle and a picknick table. Many of the back sites require high clearance, 4 wheel drive vehicles to get to... There are no latrines, bathrooms or showers anywhere to be found and the closest store is 30 minutes away," cautions Benjamin L.
Seasonal considerations: Many dog-friendly campgrounds near Clearville have limited operational seasons. Rocky Gap is best visited during specific times according to one camper: "Rocky Gap is best earlier and later in the year. It's less crowded. The campground beach is fun," advises Marcandpatti B.
Tips for camping with families
Multiple playgrounds: Friendship Village Campground provides numerous play areas throughout the property. "There is 3 play grounds all different and all well kept," mentions Steve K., who also notes the campground has a half-mile walking path around the pond with trees and beaches to stop and sit.
Water activities: Cowans Gap State Park Campground offers family-friendly water recreation. "Nice small lake within walking distance along with a beach. There is also a few hiking trails near the campground," shares Amber, noting the campground's amenities for children.
Site selection: When bringing children to dog-friendly campgrounds near Clearville, choose sites strategically. "The kids played mini golf, jumped on the pillow, played on multiple playgrounds, enjoyed ice cream and went fishing. Can't wait to come back in the summer," writes Tasha M. about her experience at Friendship Village Campground.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: Many RVers recommend verifying site measurements before booking. "We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating! We moved over one site and it made all the difference," reports Brittany V. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for potentially uneven sites in some campgrounds. "Our site P1 is a full hook up pull through but it's really unlevel. We ran out of blocks trying to level on this site and were still off a bit. If we were staying more than a night we may have asked for a different site," notes Jennifer K. at Little Orleans Campground.
Accessibility considerations: Hidden Springs Campground offers well-maintained sites for larger rigs. "Many E/W only sites but all sites are nice and fairly level, well maintained!" observes Steve H., who gave the campground a positive review.
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