Keystone State Park Campground offers year-round camping options with distinct seasonal activities. Located in Derry Township at 1,378 feet elevation, the park features diverse terrain with mixed hardwood forests surrounding a 78-acre lake. Winter temperatures average 20°F with summer highs reaching 85°F, creating seasonal camping conditions that affect water access and trail conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Yellow Creek State Park Campground provides access to freshwater fishing with multiple shoreline spots. "There is a lot to do in the park. The beaches were great. We went canoeing on the lake. And had fun just hiking around a bit. No luck fishing, but there was one fella who found a good spot," notes Kate D.
Biking on the GAP trail: Ohiopyle State Park connects directly to the Great Allegheny Passage multi-use trail. "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground," explains one visitor who stayed during November.
Creek exploration: Children can enjoy creek play at Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing where shallow waters are safe for wading. "A lot of their sites are along a small creek which the kids play in and can float down. Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek," says Mathew H.
What campers like
Multiple bathhouse options: Laurel Hill State Park Campground provides several clean facilities throughout the camping areas. A reviewer mentioned, "Basic and dated, but reasonably clean. Did not use the shower. There are many bath/shower houses in the upper and lower camp."
Private wooded sites: Experienced campers appreciate the secluded options at Kentuck Campground. "The sites are plentiful, and though there are many...there is enough foliage that separate campsites that it feels somewhat private," writes Dave V. who recommends choosing sites carefully.
Wide range of accommodations: From basic tent sites to luxury glamping close to Derry, Pennsylvania, the region offers diverse sleeping arrangements. At Fox Den Acres Campground, "Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away. Firewood available for purchase," reports Dena L.
What you should know
Two distinct campground loops: At Ohiopyle, campers should research before booking. "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. We didn't realize and stayed in the first one. Dogs were barking at all hours and there's no privacy."
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Some of the sites were on an incline or in the middle of a field—which is good for some. Just make sure you check the pictures so you know what you're getting!" advises Kate D. about Laurel Hill State Park.
Limited food options: When staying at Hickory Hollow Campground, remember that "Not a lot of restaurants or stores nearby, so keep that in mind if you'll be there awhile," as Becky C. cautions in her review.
Tips for camping with families
Check the site photos: When glamping near Derry, Pennsylvania with children, review site locations before booking. "We chose site 102 because it looked decent in the picture and seemed a little apart and more private than other areas. Unfortunately, it was not great for tent camping as there wasn't really a spot to set up our 4-person tent," warns Laura about Laurel Hill.
Consider non-peak seasons: Visiting during shoulder seasons offers quieter experiences. "We camped for 1 night in August. We were surprised that just a few days before Memorial Day, only a handful of sites were occupied," notes one reviewer about Pennsylvania state parks.
Look for recreation options: Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA offers multiple family activities. "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. They also have Sunday pancake days."
Tips from RVers
Be prepared for tight spaces: Many campgrounds have challenging site layouts. "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 Erik E. about Laurel Hill State Park.
Choose sites strategically: At Keystone State Park, the location matters significantly. "There are 2 campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The lakeside one is a glorified trailer park and is packed during the summer with no privacy. The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods."
Consider mid-week stays: For quieter glamping experiences near Derry, Pennsylvania, avoid weekends when possible. "I think the weekends would be too full for my taste but mid week was very quiet," notes one RVer about Fox Den Acres, which offers level pull-through sites with full hookups.
