Camping near Eighty Four, Pennsylvania offers options across several terrain types including hillsides, valleys, and riverside locations. Elevations range from approximately 900 to 1,200 feet throughout the region, contributing to temperature variations between campgrounds. Weather typically allows for camping from April through October, with some locations experiencing significant temperature drops during evening hours even in summer months.
What to do
Fishing at local lakes: Camp Sherwin provides fishing opportunities alongside other recreational activities. "Great place with a lot of things to do for everyone. Pool, Fishing, Hiking," notes Jim L.
White water rafting: The Youghiogheny River offers exciting water activities near Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park. A visitor commented, "Great place to go white water rafting!!!"
Hiking on maintained trails: Several campgrounds connect to trail systems. At Raccoon Creek State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "The hiking trails are in excellent condition and the park keeps them clear of fallen debris."
Biking the Great Allegheny Passage: The GAP trail runs through the region with camps designed for cyclists. A reviewer at The GAP Trail Campground described it as "More like a Spa than a Campground! Imagine if a luxury AirBnB and a Hobbit Camp had a baby – this place would be it."
What campers like
Clean shower facilities: Many campers mention bathroom cleanliness as important. At Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, one camper noted, "Nice bath houses" and another highlighted their "Huge industrial size washers & dryers."
Swimming options: Pools are available at several campgrounds. At Whispering Pines Family Campground, John R. shared, "This campground checks all the boxes for me. Pool, brook, trees, space, quiet! Every time we come here it gets better."
Overnight travel convenience: Some campgrounds offer easy highway access. One camper at Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA stated, "Easy highway access great for overnight travel."
Secluded woodland settings: Natural environments with privacy appeal to many campers. A visitor to Raccoon Creek State Park Campground reported, "I had the most wonderful time on my first tent camping at Racoon Creek. We made a fire, hiked by the moonlight and swam at the warm lake at night."
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds along the GAP trail, requiring preparation. At The GAP Trail Campground, a visitor advised, "With all this luxury comes an active train too...that's the nature of this trail. Bring those earplugs for a good night's sleep!"
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature significant elevation changes. One camper at Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA observed, "Very steep narrow roads to access campground and sites...sites not level and noisy, next to highway."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort operates year-round, with reviewers noting, "Wonderful hosts, well maintained, large sites, close to the highway but no road noise."
Variable site conditions: Leveling can be difficult at some locations. One camper mentioned, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated play areas: Campgrounds with children's activities offer better family experiences. At Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, one visitor noted, "They have a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it."
Consider shower facilities: Clean, accessible bathrooms matter for families. One camper at Kentuck Campground observed, "The restroom and all the bathhouses badly need updating. The paint is peeling, they smell like mildew and the siding is rotting on them."
Check pool availability: Swimming facilities can make a family trip more enjoyable. A visitor to Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm mentioned, "Friday nights are Toke With A Goat Yoga at 7 at the barn weather depending," offering unique family activities.
Verify grocery access: Many campgrounds have limited supplies. As one camper at Kentuck 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."
Tips from RVers
Follow campground directions: GPS may lead to difficult routes. At Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA, a reviewer recommended, "Follow the signs to the campground NOT the GPS in order to avoid some narrow and sharp turn roads."
Check site levelness: Many campgrounds feature sloped sites. One RVer noted about Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped."
Allow time for setup: Tight sites can make parking challenging. An RVer at Whispering Pines Family Campground advised, "Every time we come here it gets better. Site was right on the water and listened to the bubbly brook all day."
Consider hookup locations: Some sites have awkwardly positioned utilities. A visitor at Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA mentioned, "We stayed here one night for a stop over on our way to Niagra Falls. It was fairly easy to get in and out. We had a pull through spot."
