RV camping near Edinboro, Pennsylvania offers options for motorhome travelers within a short drive of the lake town. Located in northwestern Pennsylvania at approximately 1,600 feet elevation, the area experiences distinct seasons with heavy lake effect snow in winter and mild summers. Most campgrounds in the region sit on level terrain with a mix of wooded and open sites, making navigation straightforward for large rigs.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Mitchell Lake Campgrounds provides access to fishing with 11 sites available for RVers. Many campers visit Kenisee's Grand River Campground for their multiple fishing ponds, with one reviewer noting they host "fishing tournaments for kids" among other regular activities.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain swimming facilities for summer visitors. One camper at Kenisee's Grand River mentioned "multiple fishing ponds, Friday night bingo, bands, duck race, Christmas in July and many other activities" with "very clean bathrooms and showers."
Playground access: Families appreciate the recreational amenities at Erie KOA, where one visitor shared that "the playground got 2 thumbs up from a 4 and 6 year old" and there was "a movie night every night," making it convenient for families with young children.
What campers like
Entertainment schedule: Seasonal campers appreciate organized activities at campgrounds near Edinboro. A reviewer at Kenisee's Grand River mentioned being "a seasonal camper at Kennisee for 5 years" and praised it as "a great place with a lot of events and entertainment for family's."
Pool facilities: RV Village Camping Resort earns high marks for their pool amenities. One camper noted that "the pool and playground are awesome for the kiddos" while also mentioning the campground has "lots of planned activities on the weekends."
Wildlife buffers: Some campgrounds maintain natural areas between sites. At Erie KOA, a camper mentioned there is "more privacy between sites and lots of shade on the loop around the pond," providing a more natural camping experience.
What you should know
Site privacy variations: The level of privacy between sites varies significantly among campgrounds. At West haven rv park and campground, one tent camper noted their experience was "nice, kinda secluded but could still see RVs and people driving around. Was pretty quiet though."
Tent vs RV focus: Many campgrounds primarily cater to RVs with limited tent options. A camper at West Haven RV Park explained they were "extremely nice and accommodating, but their idea of secluded and ours were very different" and that the campground is "great for RV park, not for tents."
Off-season considerations: Some campgrounds maintain minimal amenities during shoulder seasons. At Erie KOA, a reviewer mentioned issues with facilities, saying "Wifi was iffy" though they still found it "overall ok" despite some policy concerns.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Sun Retreats Geneva on the Lake offers extensive recreation for children. A camper noted they have "activities all day for all ages" and that the "pool was great due to temps being in the 90s," making it a good option during hot summer months.
Playground evaluations: Parents should check playground conditions before booking. At Erie KOA, a visitor mentioned "the kids enjoyed the gaga ball pit and fishing in the KOA pond," highlighting diverse recreation options.
Evening entertainment: Many campgrounds schedule regular evening activities. A camper at Erie KOA mentioned they have "a movie night every night" and are "close to Presque isle and the amusement park, which is a fantastic place for kids."
Tips from RVers
Big rig accessibility: Most campgrounds can accommodate larger motorhomes and fifth wheels with advance notice. At Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake, a camper reported "Kenisee Lake has 30 and 50 amp FHU back-in and pull-through sites," though they warned "the only downside is the internet which is lacking in this area."
Site leveling requirements: Many campers report varied site conditions requiring leveling equipment. At Erie KOA, one visitor mentioned "the sites are not level and are very crowded" though they still found it "good for an overnight stop."
Permanent resident ratio: Several campgrounds maintain a high percentage of seasonal residents. At RV Village Camping Resort, a camper noted "a ton of permanent sites which the folks are all very friendly" and mentioned the resort is "golf cart friendly and that's how most get around."
