The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail near Creighton, Pennsylvania offers several tent-only camping options for hikers and cyclists. Dravo's Landing Campground and Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground provide free walk-in tent sites along the Youghiogheny River, approximately 15-26 miles from Pittsburgh. These primitive tent campgrounds are accessible only by foot, bicycle, or boat, making them ideal for backcountry tent camping experiences without vehicle traffic. Laurel Ridge State Park, located about 35 miles southeast of Creighton, features eight designated tent camping areas along its 70-mile hiking trail.
Most tent campsites in the region are situated on level, grassy areas with basic amenities. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at most locations, while vault toilets are available at established sites. Water access varies significantly, with many campers filtering water from nearby rivers or springs. Campers should note that potable water is limited at primitive sites, with some hand pumps producing discolored water that requires treatment. During peak summer weekends, first-come, first-served sites fill quickly, particularly at popular locations like Dravo's Landing. Train noise affects most GAP Trail campgrounds, with tracks running parallel to many camping areas.
Tent campers frequently mention the spaciousness of sites along the GAP Trail. According to reviews, Dravo's Landing accommodates large groups comfortably, with one camper noting, "There was plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars." The Adirondack shelters at Round Bottom Camping Area provide welcome protection during rain, with space inside for both tents and bicycles. Visitors to Laurel Ridge State Park report dramatic valley overlooks and wildlife sightings, including barred owls. One camper advised bringing earplugs for overnight stays near the GAP Trail, as "it's not the train horn but the number of turns in the track and the squealing brakes that keep you up." Weekday camping typically offers more solitude, with significantly fewer fellow campers than weekends.
"We camped out overnight with a group of 14 people, and there was plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars."
"This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!)"
"The spacious and lush lawn has lots of space for tents, but the winner is the covered seating, dining, and cooking area. Everything is clean as a whistle…pun intended. "
from $25 / night
"Great place to stay close to hiking trails and fishing spots. Hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn."
from $20 - $70 / night
"We're happy to welcome your host, Laurel, to our platform. This is a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains."
Campground full this weekend
from $100 - $150 / night
"Being positioned directly off the GAP Trail grants easy access to those traveling the trail. "
"This is one of the only free hiker-biker campgrounds along the GAP trail (mile 99.6), and it is laid out similarly to the Dravo Campground, with lean-tos, picnic tables, firepits and lots of spaces for"
"This is a hike in or paddle in only campground. The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge, but there are other trailheads throughout the tract also."
"Laurel Ridge State Park is the greenway that protects the legendary Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail from the busy world around it."
"It is a beautiful wooded park offering lots of trees for privacy. I wish I had more time to explore the park before moving on. The bathhouse could use a renovation. It felt old and kind of dirty."
from $10 - $60 / night
ScoutThis is our second time staying here. Each time in October. We love it. Unlike most RV resorts this place is small and wooded. Has free Wi-Fi, clean bathrooms and an awesome community hub room for work from home or playing games. The weekends are busy but during the week it’s so quiet and peaceful. Close to so many attractions and parks that are part of the PA Wilds. Would definitely recommend.
ScoutPLEASE DONT GO HERE ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE KIDS AND IF YOUR NOT WHITE..THE OWNER IS A RACIST HYPOCRITE AND SO ARE ALL OF HER CREW AT THIS LOWLIFE CAMPGROUND. JUST BECAUSE SHE DONT DRINK AND LIKE TO HAVE FUN, SHE RUINS IT FOR ALL THE OTHER CAMPERS..YOU HAVE TO BE IN BED AT 10PM..WHAT A FRIGGING JOKE..SHE SNEAKES AROUND IN HER GOLF CART AT NIGHT AND CREEPS IN YOUR WINDOWS TO SEE WHAT YOUR DOING. THATS WHY YOUR NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE CURTAINS CLOSED .SO HER AND HER SO CALLED HYPOCRITE FRIENDS CAN SEE WHAT YOUR DOING..WE USED TO BE UP THERE UNTIL WE SAW HOW SHE TREATED AND TALKED ABOUT THE POOR LITTLE BLACK KIDS..ESPECIALLY ON CHRISTMAS IN JULY, SHE BOUGHT TOYS FOR EVERY WHITE KID UP THERE WHILE SHE WATCHED THE LITTLE BLACK KIDS CRY THEIR EYES OUT BECAUSE THEY WERE 10 MINUTES LATE TO GET THEIR GIFTS..SHE IS A WHICH IN DISQUISE..EVERY KID GOT TO RIDE THE WAGON WITH SANTA AND WHEN SHE SAW YHE BLACK KIDS ,THEY JUST PASSED THEM UP LIKE THEY DIDNT EVEN SEE THEM...HOW CRUEL CAN SOMEONE BE🤬🤬BUT THEN AGAIN, ITS HER ,SHE HATES PEOPLE HAVING FUN UP THERE.DONT DRINK AFTER HER HRS .DONT PLAY MUSIC AFTER HER HRS..DONT DO SHIT UP THERE UNLESS YOU WANT KICKED OUT THE NEXT DAY...I NEVER SEEN ANYONE SO CRUEL AND HEARTLESS
....THERES A FEW OTHER CAMPGROUNDS AROUND THE BEND .PLEASE GO THERE IF YOU DONT WANT TO CAMP IN A PRISON CAMPGROUND....SHE'LL NEVER CHANGE..MAYBE UF YOYR WHITE, SHELL BE NICE 🤣🤣🤣AND YOU WOLNT GET KICKED OUT..
TravelerStayed the weekend for the first time and it wasn’t bad! There were kids playing at sites nearby but that was all the noise, highway noise at all! I like how they have a spot for your tent with a picnic table and fire ring. I was in my rooftop tent on my truck so I wish the parking spot went back a little deeper for a little more privacy. But it was nice that there was bathrooms and showers within a 1 minute walk from the site! Also it says on here there is no AT&T signal, that’s not true…it’s not great but there is a bar or 2 at times!
ScoutThe park is beautiful, unlevel shade sites; is challenging to get the trailer level. unfortunately, the bathhouses are neglected, dark and full of mildew inside the showers. The park really needs to upgrade the bathhouses. The park itself is very nice and offers a lot of opportunities for outdoor exploration and hiking.
GuideThis is more a campground for RVs then tents or even roof top tents. Place is clean and the sites 90% of them are in the open. Very little shade. Travis runs the place and very nice and accommodating. Fire wood is 20 dollars for a massive amount.
ScoutSpent three nights there in August Mid-week. Was pretty quiet but was clean and nicely taken care of. No mosquitos or bugs at night. Nice walking paths. Pool, hot tub, outdoor showers all very nice.
ScoutAdvertised as a family camp but very far from it. I’ve watched this camp progressively get worse as the years go on, over priced camp with zero efforts to make anything worthwhile, run down play grounds, broken toilet paper roll holders in the bathrooms of the shower house, roads that make you feel like your off road. Owner plans “events” and then wants campers to pay for overpriced food. The owner complains nobody comes to events anymore but barely comes to them herself. The owner is VERY money hungry! And most importantly it’s home to a sex offender who the owner cherishes dearly.
It’s a shame to see how many people realized how terrible this camp was and are selling their camps because of it. The owner should open her eyes and realize she’s the reason people don’t want to be there anymore !!!
ScoutWe are here for a month and it feels like we have the place to ourselves!
ScoutCant have no fun or drink.kids get yelled at all the time..owner sneaks around looking in campers at night..they watch every thing you do. Then they throw you out because your having to much fun. Or your up after 10pm..what a joke....please dont do nothing wrong.because.youll be on the shitlist...they are very very racist ,dont ever take a black child or try to get a place to stay or even put a tent up ,cause if your Black ,they tell you their is no room for u or a tent..STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE,ITS A BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES AND THEY DONT WANT NO BLACS IN THEIR CAMP GROOUND AT ALL..GO UP THE ROAD..THEY ARE NICER THERE...
Tent campsites near Creighton, Pennsylvania cluster primarily along the GAP Trail's forested corridor, with select sites accessible only by bicycle, foot, or boat. The region experiences humid summer conditions with temperatures averaging 75-85°F June through August, while spring and fall campers encounter cooler 50-65°F temperatures. Sites typically open April through October, with most primitive campgrounds requiring careful water planning due to limited potable sources.
Wildlife observation opportunities: The forests surrounding Laurel Ridge State Park Campground offer excellent birding, with campers frequently spotting barred owls. "This is a beautiful park with several dramatic overlooks out over valleys to the east. I've heard a barred owl at night both times I camped here," notes Brian S.
Historic exploration: Visit the cemetery near Dravo's Landing Campground for a glimpse into local history. One camper mentioned, "It's close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghost stories around the campfire." The cemetery contains markers dating back to the early railroad era.
River recreation: Access the Youghiogheny River directly from multiple campgrounds for swimming and water activities. At Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground, "The river is very easy to access for a quick dip after a long day on the trail," according to a regular visitor.
Adirondack shelters: Multiple camping areas feature these practical structures for protection during inclement weather. At Round Bottom Camping Area, one camper appreciated that "We secured the only open Adirondack Shelter and were able to set up our tent inside, along with keeping our bicycles inside and out of the elements. Which made it wonderfully convenient when it started to rain."
Group camping capabilities: Larger traveling parties find ample space at certain sites. One camper noted about Dravo's Landing, "We camped out overnight with a group of 14 people, and there was plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars."
Campfire provisions: Some campgrounds maintain firewood supplies for visitors. A camper at Round Bottom Camping Area observed, "The local volunteer group also keeps the free wood pile stocked and ready to go."
Train noise considerations: Railroad tracks parallel most GAP Trail campsites, creating significant overnight noise. A camper at Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground warns, "One thing to consider with these campgrounds next to the trail is the number of trains that pass by in the night. It's not the train horn but the number of turns in the track and the squealing breaks that keep you up -- so bring good earplugs!"
Water treatment requirements: Many campgrounds have unreliable water sources. At Round Bottom, "The water was discolored. It is a short walk down a trail to the river's edge, where I filtered water for drinking." Pack filtration equipment for most tent sites.
Food storage precautions: Wildlife actively investigates unsecured provisions. One Dravo's Landing camper advised, "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
Trail-to-town access: Some campgrounds offer convenient walking routes to nearby amenities. At The GAP Trail Campground, "Town is a short walk away, with a few restaurants and other options for necessities as well."
Accessible site options: Certain campgrounds have wheelchair-friendly features. At Danner Primitive Campground, "The first 2 sites had wheelchair friendly picnic tables," though access requires investigation as the site remains primitive.
Weekday camping advantages: Schedule family trips mid-week when possible. "Bicycle traffic was fairly light during the week, so not only did you have the GAP Trail mostly to oneself, the camping areas were either sparsely filled or empty," notes one camper.
Limited RV accommodations: Traditional RV camping near Creighton is scarce along the GAP Trail. While some campgrounds technically allow RVs, access issues make most sites tent-only in practice. Sites with RV capabilities typically offer minimal hookups and smaller pad sizes.
Mountain View alternative: For RVers seeking established sites with electric hookups, Mountain View Camps offers options within reasonable driving distance of GAP Trail access points. A visitor notes it's a "Great place to stay close to hiking trails and fishing spots."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Creighton, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Creighton, PA is Dravo's Landing Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Creighton, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Creighton, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
