Camping options near Donora, Pennsylvania extend beyond established sites to include outdoor recreation areas along the Youghiogheny River and surrounding Laurel Highlands. The region sits at elevations between 800-2,000 feet, creating varied terrain from riverside flatlands to mountainous camps. Free hiker-biker sites along the Great Allegheny Passage offer alternatives to traditional campgrounds, with water access points every 8-12 miles along the trail.
What to do
White water rafting opportunities: The Youghiogheny River provides various difficulty levels for rafters near Ohiopyle State Park. As one camper at Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park noted, "Of the numerous cool outfitters, we chose Wilderness Voyageurs across the river, over the tracks and to the right. Time and finances limited us to a 'family friendly' float self-guided raft down the Middle Yough...laced with minimal Class 1 and 2 rapids, which I would classify as riffles. The float took three hours, was relaxing, serene and full of solitude."
Natural water slides: Located just outside Ohiopyle, Sliding Rock provides a unique water experience. "Get there early to get a parking spot...and then look forward to having some serious liquid fun. A natural water slide extends around 100 feet as it winds through the rock. Wear sturdy shorts and shirt...I'd also recommend solid footwear...its fun but it is still rock," reports a visitor to Kentuck Campground.
Biking the GAP Trail: The Great Allegheny Passage runs through multiple campgrounds in the region. A camper at Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run explained, "Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run is a free camping area directly on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail around Mile 99 (East of West Newton roughly 15 miles). For those not familiar with the GAP Trail, it is a Rails-to-Trails initiative that travels from Pittsburgh, PA to Cumberland, MD...meandering through numerous Trail Towns that were former thriving railroad towns at the end of the 1800's."
What campers like
Free riverside camping: Several free camping options exist for hikers and bikers along the GAP trail. At Dravo's Landing Campground, a camper shared, "Free bike-in camp site with water access along the Youghiogheny River. Access from the Allegheny Gap trail. There were a few shelters, nice campsite. It's close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire."
Group accommodation: Several sites accommodate large groups comfortably. One camper at Dravo's Landing noted, "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. We made friends with a few other folks who were stopping at Dravo during their bike trips along the GAP, and everyone appreciated the abundance of picnic tables, fire pits, lean-tos, and the nearby river."
Camping infrastructure: The facilities at Round Bottom provide essential comforts for trail users. "Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run can only be accessed by the GAP Trail, which means on foot or bicycle...or paddlers on the Youghioheny River. Being positioned directly off the GAP Trail grants easy access to those traveling the trail," one reviewer mentioned, adding that amenities include "Raised Tent pads (4), Vault Toilet, Adirondack Shelters (2), Firepits, Picnic tables."
What you should know
Train noise: Many campgrounds along the river experience train disturbances. A visitor to Round Bottom Camping Area warned, "The only negative was the train traffic on the opposite side of the River...it is loud when they rumble through. If you don't sleep with ear-plugs, you will wish you had."
Limited facilities at some sites: Free and primitive campsites have minimal amenities. At Round Bottom, "No potable water...there is hand pump but the water was discolored. It is a short walk down a trail to the river's edge, where I filtered water for drinking," noted one camper.
Seasonal timing matters: The best camping period runs late spring through early fall. A cyclist staying at The GAP Trail Campground - Bikers Only observed, "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. Although, things just did start opening up from the Covid-19 shutdown."
Tips for camping with families
Food storage precautions: Wildlife can be an issue at less developed sites. One camper at Dravo's Landing advised, "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
Camp amenities for kids: Some campgrounds feature recreation facilities designed for children. At Fox Den Acres Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "This is a large campground with play grounds, well maintained pool and grounds, fishing, party pavilions, and store. The staff is nice and helpful."
Plan meals carefully: Remote location means limited food access. A visitor to Kentuck Campground cautioned, "Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late. There are no grocery stores real close."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites in the area require leveling equipment. A visitor to Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA observed, "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped. On my way out I heard they were having someone come in to level the sites so I imagine it was just the time of year we visited."
Varied hookup options: RV sites offer different utility configurations. A camper at Fox Den Acres mentioned, "This is a large campground with play grounds, well maintained pool and grounds, fishing, party pavilions, and store. The staff is nice and helpful. 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."
RV site selection tips: Consider positioning when booking. "We're staying in the winter for a few nights to visit friends who live outside Pittsburgh. Friendly and cozy spot. They've done a great job in the winter despite the frigid weather by using heat tape on the spigots and leaving lots of information at the office," noted a winter visitor to Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
