Camping near Creighton, Pennsylvania offers outdoor experiences within the Allegheny River watershed at elevations ranging from 800-1,200 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically reaching 80-85°F and winter lows often below freezing. Campgrounds in this area commonly feature sites situated on varying terrain, from riverside locations to mountain ridge positions.
What to do
Horseback riding experiences: Bear Run Campground offers Sunday horse rides that families appreciate. As one visitor noted, "My son loves the horse rides on Sundays," making it a highlight for younger campers.
Swimming options: Most campgrounds in the region maintain swimming facilities. At Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, one camper reported the pool was "clean and small but does the job, they try to open it ASAP every year," providing relief during hot summer months.
Fishing opportunities: The waterways around Creighton support various fish species. At Fox Den Acres Campground, visitors observed children having remarkable success: "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them."
Kayaking and boating: Crooked Creek Lake provides excellent water recreation options. According to a camper, "The lake is great for kayaking or small boats. We fish and kayak the creek opposite the lake," offering alternatives to the main lake.
What campers like
Mountain views: Mountain Top Campground delivers on its name with elevated panoramas. One visitor described: "You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain... Half a dozen sites (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond."
Privacy options: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites. At Raccoon Creek State Park Campground, experienced campers recommend: "If you are like me and crave privacy, avoid [the tent loop]. The Pioneer shelter... Sites 4 and 5 are amazing."
Varied campsite layouts: Keystone State Park Campground features two distinct camping areas. A camper explained, "There are 2 campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The lakeside one is... packed during the summer with no privacy... The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and is set in the woods."
Affordability: Crooked Creek Lake receives praise for its value. As one visitor simply stated, "The spaces are pretty small and completely out in the open but it was grassy, quiet, and cheap."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds feature sloped sites. At Bush Recreation Area, a camper noted: "Most of the sites are sloped and the water is not filtered," suggesting bringing leveling blocks and water filters.
Off-season operation: Smith Grove provides year-round camping options. Visitors appreciate its consistency, with one mentioning: "We love staying here when we visit family in Butler it's a quiet family run park. It is very affordable and bathrooms are clean."
Cell coverage variation: Mountain Top Campground offers better connectivity than many area campgrounds. One camper reported "full Verizon coverage LTE" among the pros of staying there.
Shower facilities: Many campgrounds have coin-operated showers. At Mountain Top, a camper shared: "Only disappointment was that the showers were coin operated, so you not only needed cash on hand but then had to turn those into special coins for the shower."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When selecting a site at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, families should consider location. One camper advised: "If you HAVE KIDS young enough to have to keep an eye on, the kabins and spots facing the pillow ARE PRIME (kids wait for it to blow up every morning), playground... and pool."
Free camping options: Dravo's Landing Campground offers no-cost sites with group-friendly facilities. A visitor explained: "We camped out overnight with a group of 14 people, and there was plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents... everyone appreciated the abundance of picnic tables, fire pits, lean-tos, and the nearby river."
Food storage practices: Wildlife can be opportunistic at less developed sites. At Dravo's Landing, campers warn: "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
Swimming beaches: Keystone State Park features family-friendly water access. As described by one visitor: "Park itself is gorgeous with a large lake and designated swimming area. Place attracts a lot of people in the summer as its basically in the Pittsburgh suburbs along a major road artery."
Tips from RVers
Grey water solutions: Mountain Top Campground offers an innovative hookup system for RVs. A camper explained, "Since they sit atop the mountain, the grey water hookup is a long hose that has an adapter which hooks up to your black and grey tank outlet and it runs down the hillside of the mountain into the grassy area."
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. One Mountain Top visitor advised: "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest route in."
Pull-through availability: Fox Den Acres Campground accommodates larger rigs effectively. A visitor noted, "The sites in the lower field, where I was, were roomy and level and all pull-throughs," making them suitable for easier parking.
Water tank management: For smaller RVs with showers at Mountain Top, a camper warned: "Don't think everyone is showering one after the other or you can do dishes and wash hands as much as you want before showering because it's very small water tank, it goes lukewarm to cold quick."
