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The Laurel Highlands area surrounding Derry, Pennsylvania contains several established campgrounds offering varied accommodation options within a 30-mile radius. Keystone State Park Campground, just minutes from Derry, provides tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and glamping facilities. Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing lies northeast of town, while Laurel Hill State Park Campground offers wooded sites about 25 miles south. Most developed campgrounds in the region maintain electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables, with many allowing pets in designated areas. The Pennsylvania state parks like Keystone and Laurel Hill typically operate seasonally from April through mid-October.
Roads throughout the camping areas vary from paved park roads to rougher access points for more remote sites. "We stayed at site #15 and it was perfect. It fit our 34ft toy hauler without any issues. The park is beautiful and very well maintained," noted one camper about Kooser State Park. Most campgrounds in the area experience full occupancy during summer weekends and holidays, making advance reservations advisable. Many facilities offer water hookups and sanitary dump stations, though primitive tent areas may have limited services. Cell coverage can be spotty in more remote locations, particularly in the valleys between ridges. Temperature variations between lower elevations near Derry and higher mountain sites can be significant, with cooler nights even during summer months.
Campers frequently mention the region's lakes and stream access as notable features. Keystone State Park and Laurel Hill State Park both contain lakes suitable for fishing, swimming, and boating. RV sites with full hookups tend to fill quickly, particularly those closest to water or recreation areas. Several campgrounds, including Mirror Lake and Fox Den Acres, provide on-site firewood and basic provisions. A visitor commented, "The lake is beautiful with a nice swimming beach. The area around the park has all the scenic and historic attractions of central PA: covered bridges, big stone farmhouses, quaint towns." Proximity to the Youghiogheny River and Great Allegheny Passage trail system allows for additional recreational opportunities beyond camping. Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds closer to highways and more secluded options tucked into the surrounding forests.
"Camped in the Lakeside Loop. This State Park is so Clean! The campground gives you easy access to anything you want to do. Fish, swim, hike, bike, kayak. It can all be done."
"This is our second time staying here - once in Electric site on Lakeside and this time non electric site on Hillside. Love this side of Hillside - quiet and shaded."
from $18 - $70 / night
Check Availability"The lake is separate from the campground, but it is less than a mile away and a reasonable distance walk."
"The site numbering is a bit wonky on the door loop so make sure you look at your map before you start driving the loops."
from $20 - $64 / night
Check Availability"Ohiopyle is located in a beautiful area of Pennsylvania we've camped there a couple of times and have been able to get last minute tent sites. Lots of outdoor activities nearby."
"Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."
from $20 - $54 / night
Check Availability"It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek. Close by is Ligonier, Idlewild, and St. Vincent (where the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp takes place.)"
"Not only were the staff super friendly and helpful, but we were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, everything you want on a spring trip."
"5 firewood bundles at the entrance. -Cleanest bathrooms/showers -Crystal clear stream with beautiful trail to the lake. Both stocked with fish. -Lots of picnic tables at the lake."
"Kooser State Park sits on the border of Forbes State Forest in the Laurel Highlands. It has a mix of camper & tent sites around a central clearing, and offers a few cabins."
from $22 - $70 / night
Check Availability"We rented space 16 late August 2020 and our friends (and their kids) rented #17 on the inner circle, right next to us with the playground right behind us. Great spots!"
"This is a nice, quiet small campground with a small lake. Our grandchildren loved it. The boat launch is a nice size to fit 2 boats at a time. The only problem is the beach is not that great."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability"It’s very military positive, even includes a reserved place for the fallen soldiers. Some sites are a bit close, the pull through sites are very ample. Gravel roads and level sites."
"Tent site was nice and conveniently located next to the bathhouse"
from $50 / night
Check Availability"The only thing I can say about this campground that made me not give it 5 stars is, the highway noise."
"Peaceful despite being by the highway. The owners were very friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back. Dogs loved it as well"
"Nearby all the local attractions that laurel highlands has to offer....Youghiogheny River, Frank Loyd Wright house, Living Treasures Animal Park, Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, etc.."
"Laurel Highlands campland is in a terrific location for all the local attractions."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"They have a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it along with two small dog play areas.Every week they organizes different themes for bingo, and other games."
"The sites are pretty close together and we couldn’t use our fire ring because it ended up being very close to our rig."
ScoutWow, the weekends were fun. They were quite a bit of people there and my kids had a good time. The weekdays were different story we were told we had to be quiet. We had a lot of craziness go on
GuideWe've stayed here annually for 7 years. Getting into the RV sites is a steep climb, then you head down from the top of the hill to the RV sites.
The older portion has back in and pull through sites. They are medium to small in size, and due to their height and proximity to Interstates you hear trucks engine breaking. The newer section is lower (and quieter) and the sites are larger, but the gravel is not compacted so it sinks in when you drive, park or try to level your RV on it.
There were dog walking trails in the woods but they are so overgrown you need a machete to use them. The pool is nice and is clean. The camp store is not small but carries a very limited amount of supplies.
The staff are friendly. We've had RV issues and birds nesting under our slide room covers that they have helped us deal with.
TravelerWe LOVED our visit to Kentuck campground and Ohiopyle. We went mid-week in early June and had very few neighbors Tuesday and Wednesday, with more rolling in toward the end of the week.
We stayed on Hickory Loop with our dog and saw quite a few other dogs while we were there. Not all sites are equal at this campground - ours was huge and lovely with adequate flattish area and a stream running along two sides of it. Others were quite small and not very level. I think we had one of the best sites on the loop, with great trees for hammocks and big rocks nearby, as well as good privacy from other sites.
The campground is very shaded and was regularly several degrees cooler than elsewhere in the park, which was great to home 'home' to. There's a lot of poison ivy in the area, so be watchful.
Firewood is available for purchase on entrance to the campground.
The bathhouse was relatively clean, with a large kitchen sink for washing dishes, three toilet stalls, and two shower stalls. We never had to wait for any of it.
GuideThis campground's foliage is interesting, I saw fernes growing and trees that looked older than me. I also noticed the campground has some history shown by the rust of the firepits. There is Billy's Pizza and general store which sells firewood if you go a little further down the road that maps takes you and take the second left instead of taking the first left. I think the campground also sells firewood on site. You can order Billy's Pizza and I saw them deliver to the campsites, which is amazing, havent seen that before. I'm a light sleeper and could hear truck engine braking sounds echo through the forest from the nearby highway, so the proximity to the road ruins the feeling of seclusion and the quiet. There's a restroom with a large sink outside which is nice.
TravelerThis is one of six campsites that can be reserved through PA's DCNR website. The six campsites are spread throughout the Laurel Highlands. This is the only one at Mt. Davis. We camp with three dogs, so we really appreciated the privacy. There were occasionally the sounds of distant ATVs or farm equipment, but, overall, this is a peaceful site. The campsite does not connect to the trails at Mt. Davis and there is no vault toilet here, but both vault toilets and a trailhead are just a few minutes away at the Mt. Davis picnic area. There is only one obvious tent site, so, if you need more than one tent site, you will have to get creative. The site is along a gravel road that leads to a field which you can use to walk your dogs. There are no water features here which our dogs enjoy, so that is the only reason for the 4 out of 5 stars. We will be reserving this site again!
GuideI come here at least twice a year for the wonder campground. The hiking trails, water falls and white water rafting. The town is small but filled with tons of great shops and outfitters. Campground is clean, every sight is nice and spacious, not all are private. Get gas on your way here, once here their are no gas stations for 40 minutes in every direction. Ice and wood at campground suck. Go into town for ice or see Butch out rt 381 on the left just outside the park boundary. Highly recommended.
TravelerThis campground (now named "Orchard Station Campground" is under new management, and is open all year (I think). They are in the process of upgrading sites with new utility lines and level gravel pads.
Owner was very friendly & helpful.
Allowed me to charge my Rivian onsite (I paid him for the extra power).
Adjacent huge cemetery site is accessible via a goat path at the back of the campground and provided a great place to walk our dog every day.
We were attending the Alleghany Ukulele Soiree at the Altoona Grand Hotel, and this was a perfect spot (less than 5 minutes away).
Will definitely return!!
TravelerMy wife has been going to keystone all her life, I’ve only gone since she and I started dating. I’ve been all over the world hiking and camping, but keystone is nostalgic for her. And it’s a great place for our one year old to cut his teeth in the great outdoors!! He loves going and love camping!! He loves to be outside more than anything!! Gentle trails and a smooth lake, a great place for a quick weekend from the city
RangerSome areas of campground felt very congested with little privacy. Our bathhouse was old and smelled moldy but have seen worse. Our site itself was nice, spacious and clean with large tent pad, right across from bathroom.
Seasonal camping opportunities around Derry, Pennsylvania span from mid-April through late October, with most facilities closing after the third weekend in October. The Laurel Highlands region sits at elevations between 1,000-3,000 feet, creating cooler nights than nearby Pittsburgh, with temperature drops of 10-15 degrees common even during summer months. The region's forests consist primarily of maple, oak and hemlock trees.
Fishing spots with reliable catches: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing offers a stocked fishing pond where kids can experience immediate success. "The lake is great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails. There's plenty to do in surrounding areas from Ft Ligonier to the shops in the town," notes a visitor to Keystone State Park Campground.
Hiking access to Great Allegheny Passage: The 150-mile rail trail connecting Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland runs near several area campgrounds. "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground," reports a camper staying at Ohiopyle State Park.
Bouldering and rock climbing: Some local parks offer beginner-friendly climbing opportunities. "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," shares a visitor to Laurel Hill State Park Campground.
Creek access for children: Many campgrounds feature small streams perfect for cooling off. "Close by is Ligonier, Idlewild, and St. Vincent (where the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp takes place). Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek which the kids play in and can float down," notes a camper at Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing.
Dog-friendly accommodations: Multiple campgrounds welcome pets, though rules vary. "We stayed at site 43 in the Hillside Loop because we brought our 2 large dogs. Site was very private and relatively flat," reports a camper at Keystone State Park Campground. Another camper notes, "The campground is pet friendly, even for our bully breed, whom is a gentle giant."
Autumn camping weather: Fall provides comfortable camping temperatures and fewer crowds. "There are two main loops in this campground. One that is pet friendly and more of a pitch-your-tent-in-the-yard thing and another that is pet-free and wooded," observes a visitor to Laurel Hill State Park.
Campsite leveling challenges: Many sites throughout the Laurel Highlands require adjustment. "Okay campground. We met nice people staying there. However, the sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites," cautions a camper at Laurel Hill State Park Campground.
Variable campground crowding: Weekday camping offers significantly more solitude. "Park and campground are very small and almost desolate during the week. Park super small, some great sites hidden among some junk," shares a visitor to Kooser State Park Campground.
Highway noise concerns: Several campgrounds sit near major roads. "The campground is situated right off of the main road so the road noise can be an issue if it bothers you. We personally, didn't sleep well because of the road noise," reports a tent camper at Donegal Campground.
Pool availability: For hot summer days, some private campgrounds offer swimming pools. "We stayed in one of the cabins while friends were in their campers. The campgrounds are very nice they have a pool as well as a community building and camp store. We had 8 kids and 8 adults who all had a blast," notes a visitor to Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing.
Playground accessibility: Consider proximity to play areas when booking sites. "We rented space 16 late August 2020 and our friends (and their kids) rented #17 on the inner circle, right next to us with the playground right behind us. Great spots! Our kids were within easy eye and earshot of the playground," shares a camper at Bush Recreation Area.
Pet loop noise levels: Family groups with pets might create more noise. "Every week they organize different themes for bingo, and other games. They also have Sunday pancake days," notes a visitor to Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, while another camper observes, "Dogs were barking at all hours and there's no privacy."
Power hookup configuration: Electrical connections may require extensions at some parks. "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," advises an RVer at Laurel Hill State Park.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose carefully to avoid tight spaces. "We stayed at site 15 and it was perfect. It fit our 34ft toy hauler without any issues. The park is beautiful and very well maintained," reports a camper about Kooser State Park. Another visitor to Fox Den Acres Campground recommends, "This is a large campground with playgrounds, well maintained pool and grounds. Some sites are a bit close, the pull through sites are very ample. Gravel roads and level sites."
Dumping station seasonal closures: Check availability before arrival. "As of 5/25/19 the dump station is closed & undergoing construction," notes a camper at Bush Recreation Area, while others mention limited access during shoulder seasons at several of the best places to camp near Derry, Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Derry, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Derry, PA is Keystone State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 24 reviews.
What parks are near Derry, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Derry, PA that allow camping, notably Crooked Creek Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake.
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