The Dunbar area sits in the Laurel Highlands region of southwestern Pennsylvania, with elevations reaching up to 2,800 feet. Visitors to the area find a mix of established campgrounds and secluded tent sites within 30 minutes of town. Campsites typically feature hard-packed gravel pads with some seasonal flooding near creek-adjacent sites during spring months.
What to do
Mountain biking on the Great Allegheny Passage: The GAP trail runs through the middle of several campgrounds near Dunbar. At The Blue Canoe RV Resort, "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional campground. The bathroom and shower facilities are modern and well maintained," according to one cyclist.
Whitewater rafting on the Youghiogheny River: The "Yough" offers various difficulty levels for rafters. One visitor to Ohiopyle State Park noted, "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."
Fishing at Youghiogheny River Lake: Easily accessible from various campgrounds. A camper at Tub Run campground observed, "We camped here with our RV and boat. Yough lake is small, but fun to explore. Good fishing. The campground is very clean and well maintained."
What campers like
Star gazing platforms: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground offers unique night sky viewing. "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform," shared one visitor who stayed in the wooded area.
Clean bathroom facilities: Many campgrounds in the area maintain their facilities well. At Benner's Meadow Run, "They have a new bath house which is personal bathroom style and very nice." Another visitor noted the conveniences: "Bathrooms and showers were convenient and clean."
Water attractions beyond swimming: Beyond standard pools, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers elaborate water features. "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," reported one happy camper.
What you should know
Road closures affect access: Check with campgrounds about current road conditions. One Ohiopyle visitor warned, "No one - not either website or the woman whom I spoke to - mentioned that the main road to the campground from Ohiopyle was also closed due to a separate paving project. This unanticipated road closure with the typically convoluted PA road system detour... infuriated my father and husband."
Limited grocery options: Stock up before arrival. A camper at Laurel Hill State Park Campground advised, "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."
Cannabis-friendly options exist: For those interested in alternative glamping in Dunbar, Pennsylvania, there's a specialized camping experience. Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm offers "a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains. One yurt with a bed is offered. Please no alcohol."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with organized activities: Regular scheduled events keep kids entertained. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, they provide "tractor rides, fire truck rides and a train ride alongside the free activities for the kids there is always something fun to do."
Consider site placement carefully: Some family-friendly sites are noisier. At Fox Den Acres, "Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away." However, another camper noted that sites near recreation areas can be loud: "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."
Check pool facilities before booking: Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA offers "a nice little pool and lake for fishing. Lots of full timers here." Another visitor mentioned the pool is "clean and small but does the job, they try to open it ASAP every year."
Tips from RVers
Prepare for uneven sites: Many RV sites in the Dunbar area require leveling equipment. At Tub Run campground, a visitor reported, "The site was sloped pretty bad side to side and there is a drop off on the one side of the fire ring so we could not sit completely around the fire."
Look for pull-through options: Several campgrounds offer easier access sites. At Fox Den Acres Campground, "The sites in the lower field were roomy and level and all pull-throughs." Another camper confirmed, "Nice pull-thrus with full hookups for overnights."
Luxury glamping near Dunbar, Pennsylvania maximizes hookup options: For those seeking upscale camping experiences, multiple locations offer full amenities. One visitor to The Blue Canoe RV Resort noted it has "multiple pools, playsets, cabins and river sites. So quiet except for the occasional train pass by across the river. Food ice cream and biking access and sites."
