Kentuck Campground at Ohiopyle State Park offers camping experiences 1,100 feet above sea level, nestled within the Laurel Highlands' mountain terrain. The region receives an annual average of 48 inches of precipitation, creating lush forests throughout the campground areas near Champion, Pennsylvania. Most campsites in this area feature gravel pads that help manage drainage during the region's frequent rainfall.
What to do
Mountain biking access: The Great Allegheny Passage trail runs through Uniontown KOA, providing direct trail access for cyclists. According to one reviewer, "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground... For through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp, close to the west-bound entrance."
Water activities: The 63-acre lake at Keystone State Park Campground offers fishing and swimming options from late May through mid-September. A camper noted, "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."
Historical sites: Several historical attractions are within 15 minutes of camping options, including Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater and Fort Necessity National Battlefield. One visitor to Benner's Meadow Run mentions, "We stayed for 2 nights while we visited Fallingwater and the Flight 93 Memorial. We should have stayed another night so we could visit Fort Necessity NP just down the road but ran out of time."
What campers like
Lakeside camping: Many luxury glamping spots near Champion, Pennsylvania provide lake views and water recreation access. A visitor at Laurel Hill State Park enjoyed the water amenities: "The beaches were great. We went canoeing on the lake. And had fun just hiking around a bit... Kayak and boat rentals are available in the summer season."
Kid-friendly amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers extensive water facilities for families seeking glamping alternatives. According to a camper: "Mill run by far the best yogi bear/campground we have been to. Second time we have been & they have upgraded the water slides 4 huge slides plus big splash pad with little slide for smaller kids & the original 2 big water slides in woods."
Nature immersion: The wooded setting at most campgrounds provides privacy and connection to natural surroundings. A camper at Hickory Hollow describes: "Hickory Hollow's campsites were 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."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the area operate from April through October, with limited winter availability. At Fox Den Acres Campground, "Winter visitors appreciate proximity to Seven Springs ski resort, making these accommodations ideal year-round luxury outdoor stays."
Campsite characteristics: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds, with some featuring level sites and others presenting challenges. At Laurel Hill State Park, a camper reported: "All sites are gravel; most appeared level, but some did not. All sites are wooded but some have more separation than others."
Bathroom facilities: Quality of restrooms varies widely across campgrounds. One camper at Benner's Meadow Run observed: "They have a new bath house which is personal bathroom style and very nice." In contrast, at Madison KOA, a visitor noted, "Showers really need an update. There are no shower heads."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Choose campgrounds with multiple activity options to keep children entertained. At Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground, "Kids had a great time and lots of activities for them to do!" Another reviewer added it's "Great for kids! Family friendly atmosphere, cordial staff, well run campground. Lots of activities."
Swimming areas: Many campgrounds feature pools or natural swimming areas that are popular with families. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park has "2 swimming pools. 4 water slides, tractor rides, fire truck rides and a train ride alongside the free activities for the kids there is always something fun to do."
Site selection: For families with young children, consider site location relative to bathrooms and play areas. At Madison KOA, 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), play ground, and pool all the activities are around there as well."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in the Laurel Highlands have sloped sites requiring additional leveling equipment. At Keystone State Park, "The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods. There are some very secluded sites." Another camper noted site 96 had "a hill side but each site has a 30ft concrete pad to park on."
Utility access: Some campgrounds have awkwardly positioned hookups requiring extensions. At Laurel Hill State Park, "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable."
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds are gravel and potentially challenging after rain. A visitor at Benner's Meadow Run observed: "Roads are all gravel so no bikes or scooters for kids." Plan accordingly when visiting glamping locations near Champion during wet weather.
Traveler
