Situated at the confluence of the Youghiogheny and Casselman rivers, Confluence, Pennsylvania offers glamping experiences beyond the standard luxury accommodations. The area sits at approximately 1,340 feet elevation and features numerous stream-fed camping areas with varied terrain. Seasonal water levels at nearby Youghiogheny River Lake fluctuate significantly, affecting both recreation opportunities and campground beach access.
What to do
Natural water activities: Explore the Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run where visitors can enjoy both swimming and boating. A camper noted, "We camped here with our RV and boat. The boat ramp, slips and trailer storage made it an easy boating/camping vacation spot. Yough lake is small, but fun to explore. Good fishing."
Hiking trails: Access multiple trail systems directly from Ohiopyle State Park. "You could easily spend a week here and not exhaust all there is to see and do. The town is tiny, so you cannot miss the plethora of outfitters down every street," shares one visitor. The Ferncliff Trail loops around the Youghiogheny River with "gentle terrain along the falls and then through moss covered forest."
Rock exploration: Discover unique geological features at Laurel Hill State Park, where one camper mentioned, "this was a very fun place! there was easy little rocks to boulder and climb! and even a few smaller caves to explore! It was an adventure paradise with a close location to the seven springs ski resort."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Enjoy the privacy at Hickory Hollow Campground where sites are "nicely spaced out, perched on a hillside, but with nice flat pads. The lake and farm country provided a welcoming and relaxing setting. The trail around the lake was perfect for running or walking."
Clean facilities: Find well-maintained bathhouses at many area campgrounds. At Swallow Falls State Park, "the campground is clean and made us feel like we were in a forest not just a campground. Tent sites were completely level with no need to worry about rolling down a hill in my sleep."
Quiet atmosphere: Experience peaceful camping especially during weekdays. One visitor to Deep Creek Lake State Park mentioned, "We arrived after 6 pm on a Tuesday after Labor Day and found there were only six out of 112 sites occupied. We had the entire Delphia Loop to ourselves."
What you should know
Water level changes: Check lake conditions before visiting Yough Lake Campground. "In contrast to the other reviews, we didn't enjoy this campground very much. We reserved a lakefront site (60) on the end of the loop but there was no view whatsoever... If the water levels had been higher this year, we would have enjoyed this more given the beach/swimming area and dock."
Site selection importance: Research specific sites before booking at Rocky Gap State Park. A camper advised, "We stayed in cabin 170 in Fir loop and the site was incredibly spacious, heavily shaded, close to the bath house, path to the beach, and well distanced from other sites. There are only 2 cabins on this loop and this one is the best positioned."
Advance planning: Reserve popular sites early, especially for seasonal events. At Benner's Meadow Run Campground, "Book early for holidays," advises one regular visitor. Sites with premium views or specific amenities tend to fill quickly during peak summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Take advantage of family-friendly swimming areas with rentals available. "The swimming lake was perfect and they had canoes and kayak rentals on site. We are avid tent campers and loved that we had a very private and secluded spot," shares a visitor to Tub Run.
Kid-friendly attractions: Visit Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park which offers "a large waterpark area, large pool, monster truck rides and many activities. You don't have to leave to find something to do, but there are also many local attractions as well. Kids love it here."
Playground access: Consider campgrounds with play areas for energy release. At Benner's Meadow Run, "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had a amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform. Kids had a great time and lots of activities for them to do!"
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Check specific campground loops for services when glamping near Confluence. At Laurel Hill State Park, "Large campground in four loops with a variety of sites ranging from tent-only, 30-amp electric, 50-amp electric, and 30/50-amp electric, along with eight camper cabins."
Site levelness: Prepare for some uneven terrain. A visitor to Laurel Hill noted, "All sites are gravel; most appeared level, but some did not. All sites are wooded but some have more separation than others."
Camp store access: Utilize on-site stores for necessities. At Hickory Hollow, "Front desk staff was wonderful & the camp store had basically everything you might need. Bathrooms were well kept and the laundry was convenient with a slop sink for dishes!"
