Tent camping near Burgettstown, Pennsylvania centers primarily around the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail's eastern sections. The region experiences seasonal temperature variations with summer highs averaging 80°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms between June and August. Most tent sites in this area sit at elevations between 800-1,200 feet along river valleys, creating cool evening conditions even during summer months.
What to do
Swimming access: At Dravo's Landing Campground, tent campers can cool off in the Youghiogheny River directly from the camping area. "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," notes camper Lauren C.
Explore historic sites: The camping areas contain interesting historical elements. One reviewer at Dravo's Landing mentioned the "old cemetery which is useful in telling ghost stories around the campfire," creating unique nighttime entertainment options for groups.
Yoga with animals: For a truly unique activity, the Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm offers special Friday night events. As Ashley F. describes, "Friday nights are Toke With A Goat Yoga at 7 at the barn weather depending." This cannabis-friendly camping option provides an unusual activity not commonly found at standard campgrounds.
What campers like
Spacious group camping: The tent sites provide ample room for larger groups. Sarah Q. from Dravo's Landing Campground shared, "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."
Complimentary firewood: Several campgrounds along the GAP Trail provide free firewood for campers. The local volunteer groups maintain woodpiles at designated camping areas, eliminating the need to purchase or scavenge for wood. At Dravo's Landing, one reviewer noted that "the local volunteer group also keeps the free wood pile stocked and ready to go."
Unique shower facilities: The GAP Trail Campground - Bikers Only features surprisingly upscale bathroom facilities. According to camper Shari G., "The outdoor shower/toilet block is such a divine sight, it makes you crave one whether you're stinky or not," adding that the site feels like "a luxury AirBnB and a Hobbit Camp had a baby."
What you should know
Water availability concerns: At Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground, tent campers should prepare for water access issues. Shari G. reports, "the well for the campground stated that it was no longer potable. My guess is that this is simply because the volunteer organization which maintains this campground lacks the funds for testing." Bring filtration equipment or stock up in nearby towns.
Wildlife precautions: Secure food properly at night to prevent wildlife encounters. One camper at Dravo's Landing warns, "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
Weekend crowding: The tent sites can fill quickly during peak season weekends. Weekday camping provides more solitude and site options. A visitor noted that "bicycle traffic was fairly light during the week, so not only did you have the GAP Trail mostly to yourself, the camping areas were either sparsely filled or empty."
Tips for camping with families
Tree farm camping option: Families looking for a more accessible option might consider Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground. Andrew O. shares, "My family and I had a great time. It was very easy and relaxing. The trees were quite the entertaining experience for the kids." The site features a clean bathroom and office for charging electronics.
Prepare for train noise: Families with light sleepers should bring earplugs for all members. The active rail lines near most GAP Trail tent sites create significant noise throughout the night. Multiple reviewers emphasize the importance of earplugs due to "the number of trains that pass by in the night. It's not the train horn but the number of turns in the track and the squealing breaks that keep you up."
Check shelter availability: The Adirondack shelters at several campgrounds provide weather protection for family camping. As one camper described, "We secured the only open Adirondack Shelter and were able to set up our tent inside, along with keeping our bicycles inside and out of the elements. Which made it wonderfully convenient when it started to rain."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping in the Burgettstown area focuses on walk-in or bike-in sites not suitable for RVs. For tent campers requiring vehicle access, alternatives like Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground offer drive-in tent sites with basic amenities, though availability may be limited. Frederick B. notes, "Clean bathroom. Office to charge electronics and a campsite with firepit was great. Nice and quiet here also."
Consider hybrid options: For those transitioning between RV and tent camping, the GAP Trail Campground offers a middle ground. One reviewer described it as "not quite glamping, it's the perfect hybrid," offering more comfort than standard tent sites without requiring RV hookups.
