Camping near Washington, Pennsylvania provides varied options in hilly terrain about 30 miles southwest of Pittsburgh. The region sits at elevations between 1,000-1,200 feet with rolling landscapes characteristic of the Appalachian foothills. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below 20°F, while summer campers should pack for humidity and occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Lake activities at Raccoon Creek State Park: The 101-acre lake offers fishing, kayaking, and swimming opportunities from April through October. Boat rentals are available during summer months. "I had the most wonderful time on my first tent camping at Raccoon Creek. We made a fire, hiked by the moonlight and swam at the warm lake at night," shares a visitor at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground.
Hiking trails: Most campgrounds in the region connect to trail systems of varying difficulties. Tomlinson Run State Park features well-maintained pathways through wooded areas. "The hiking trails are very well kept. The guy the runs the store and check-in was a very nice guy," notes a camper at Tomlinson Run State Park Campground.
Shooting range access: For target shooting enthusiasts, Hidden Hollow Campground in Fernwood State Forest offers proximity to a shooting range, though it affects the soundscape. "Gun range 5 mins away or so. Normal camping bugs also, so bring bug spray," advises a visitor who stayed at the campground.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Site spacing varies significantly across the region's campgrounds. "Very well kept, completely free 1st come campground just outside the very small town of Bloomingdale, OH. Very quiet everytime I've camped there, many times btw," reports a camper at Hidden Hollow Campground.
Bathroom facilities: Newer facilities receive positive mentions at several campgrounds. "The bathhouse looked to be new or remodeled. It was very clean and nice. Laundry is available there as well," notes a visitor at Ryerson Station State Park Campground.
Seasonal options: Several campgrounds offer extended or year-round availability. Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA operates from March through December, while Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort remains open all year. "We are in the extended stay part of the campground which is quiet and slightly more secluded than the other spots," explains a long-term visitor.
What you should know
Site terrain challenges: Many campgrounds in this region feature uneven terrain. "A dozen or so of the sites are not level, not only that but they are narrow and where you sit is a slope making it very uncomfortable," warns a visitor at Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA.
Cell service limitations: Reception varies significantly by location and carrier. "There is NO Verizon service at the campground. We walked up to the amphitheater and were able to get out a few texts but no looking at the radar," shares a camper at Ryerson Station State Park.
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds require navigating steep or winding access roads. "Very steep narrow roads to access campground and sites... sites not level and noisy, next to highway," cautions a KOA visitor. Another camper advises: "Follow the signs to the campground NOT the GPS in order to avoid some narrow and sharp turn roads."
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools as alternatives to natural water bodies. "The pool looked very well maintained," notes a KOA visitor. Ryerson Station recently added a splash area for children: "The pool and splash area were very nice! There is a playground down near the pool area, basic but nice."
Playground availability: Not all campgrounds have dedicated play areas. "There is no playground at the campground which would have been nice," notes a visitor at Ryerson Station. Other campgrounds offer more family-friendly amenities: "There was a playground for the kids to unwind after a long day on the road," shares a visitor at Whispering Pines Family Campground.
Loop biking for children: Campgrounds with circular layouts provide safe biking opportunities for younger campers. "Small camp loop is great for little kids to bike around," mentions a Ryerson Station visitor. Another camper at Tomlinson Run notes: "It's a quiet little campground. Very pretty area."
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric service differs between campgrounds, with some offering 30-amp while others provide 50-amp options. "Camping in a 33 ft travel trailer with slides. Verizon service is great. Wifi in extended parking doesn't work well," reports a monthly visitor at Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA.
Dump station availability: Some campgrounds like Kentuck at Ohiopyle State Park offer sanitary dump stations but limited sewer hookups. "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground," shares an RV camper.
Site grading: Many campsites in the region require leveling blocks. "Site 166 is not flat what so ever," warns a camper at Ohiopyle State Park. Another visitor notes: "Site 37 - pad is pretty level, plenty for our small camper and truck, on a slight hill to get to fire ring but lots of space to spread out."
