Camping sites near Ebensburg, Pennsylvania feature varied terrain with elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,300 feet throughout the region. The mountainous landscape creates microclimates that can result in temperature variations of 5-10 degrees between campsites. Late spring through early fall brings average daytime temperatures between 65-85°F, with overnight lows sometimes dropping below 50°F even in summer months at higher elevations.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: Blue Knob State Park Campground offers challenging routes on Pennsylvania's second-highest peak. A visitor noted, "Bike trails come directly through the park making it simple to go for a ride but the trails are not for the weak. Lots of climbing or descending and fairly rocky. The trails also lead to the peak and join up with trails on the resorts property."
BMX track riding: Crooked Run Campground features a dedicated BMX track for younger visitors. According to one camper, "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. Bmx track for kids."
Historical exploration: The 1889 Johnstown Flood site is accessible from several area campgrounds. A camper staying at 1889 Park mentioned, "Named after the disastrous 1889 Johnstown Flood, this park is at the site of the dam that burst... This is a must-visit. There is also a museum in the city of Johnstown, about 12 miles away."
Offroad vehicle recreation: Clayworks Campground connects directly to the Rock Run Recreation park trail system. A reviewer explained, "It's convenient to ride right from your camper. They also have several other campgrounds in the park that don't have any hookups but would be nice to tent or camp with a genny."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Duman Lake County Park receives praise for its maintained grounds. One reviewer commented, "Well-maintained small park, stocked lake, popular with local fisherman. Kayaking/small boat fishing. I've seen bald eagle and osprey... Newer restroom, w/two stalls each. Push-button, hot showers."
Affordability: The camping options near Ebensburg offer good value. A Yellow Creek camper mentioned, "We stayed in one of the yurts, and it was perfect for the group of 6 I went with. It dumped rain the first night we were there and the yurt kept us perfectly comfortable and dry."
Wildlife viewing: Several campgrounds provide opportunities to spot native wildlife. At Yellow Creek State Park, one visitor reported spotting various bird species during early morning hours at the lake edge.
Private camping spots: Some campgrounds offer secluded options. A Yellow Creek camper noted, "The private island is a beautiful campsite and has enough room for several tents. There's plenty of trees on the island so there are plenty of sticks to find for fires."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the area have spotty connectivity. A Blue Knob visitor warned, "Bring everything you need, it's about 30 minutes to some supplies. Make sure you bring firewood and be prepared for extremely limited cell service (Verizon)."
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience railway disruptions. A camper at 1889 Park mentioned the "VERY loud coal train which woke us up at just after 5 am."
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain. A visitor to Shawnee State Park Campground noted, "Many of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level. Most of the non-electric sites had no definable pads at all."
Weather preparedness: The mountain elevation can create sudden weather changes. A camper at Blue Knob State Park advised, "Clouds blowing east from the Midwest tend to break on the mountains here at Blue Knob, so short little bursts of rainfall are frequent, and they don't always show up on weather apps. Come prepared for short rain showers, chilly air even in the summer."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid spaces: Multiple area campgrounds feature child-friendly amenities. A visitor to Crooked Run Campground shared, "We used the group tent sites for our Girl Scout weekend. The site was clean, decently level area for tents, accessible to potable water and bathrooms with showers. Rangers were wonderful to work with in setting up teaching opportunities for the girls."
Consider cabin options: L and M Campgrounds and other facilities offer alternatives to tent camping. A Yellow Creek State Park visitor explained, "We stayed in 3 of the cabins for 4 days at Yellow Creek State Park. It was beautiful. Right on the water, clean, and private access to the lake. Dog friendly cabins were available."
Pack for temperature swings: The mountain elevation can create significant day-to-night temperature variations. A Blue Knob camper noted, "Come prepared for short rain showers, chilly air even in the summer, and great views."
Look for swimming options: Many campgrounds feature water recreation opportunities. A Shawnee State Park visitor shared, "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Many campgrounds have challenging site layouts. A Shawnee State Park camper advised, "We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating!"
Plan for limited hookups: Not all campgrounds offer full RV services. A Duman Lake reviewer detailed, "Six campsites, w/mature trees, level, w/paved drive & gravel area, large enough for mid-sized RVs. They state 40 ft., but all are back in. All have (lighted)30 amp & water."
Consider site exposure: Some campgrounds lack adequate shade. A Shawnee visitor mentioned, "The campground is okay, there are a fair amount of awkwardly-placed sites that sit on a hill and are difficult to place a tent, equipment or gear. Our site was essentially a grassy plain, no tree cover which was a bit disappointing."
