The Laurel Highlands region surrounding Export, Pennsylvania sits at elevations between 1,700-2,800 feet, creating distinct microclimates that impact camping conditions throughout the seasons. This mountainous terrain features numerous streams and small lakes, providing water-based recreation opportunities. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing with significant snowfall, while summer evenings typically cool down to the 50s even after warm days.
What to do
Creek exploration: At Mirror Lake Campground, campers enjoy wading and floating down the small creek that runs through the property. "The sites in the lower field were roomy and level and all pull-throughs. The kids had a blast playing on the playground, floating down the creek, swimming in the pool, riding bicycles," notes one visitor.
Biking access: The Blue Canoe RV Resort provides direct access to the Great Allegheny Passage trail running through the property. "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional campground. For through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp, close to the west-bound entrance," explains a cyclist who stayed there.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer stocked ponds for fishing. Fox Den Acres maintains a dedicated fishing pond where success rates are notably high. According to one camper, "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them."
What campers like
Wooded seclusion: Keystone State Park Campground offers contrasting camping experiences. "There are 2 campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and is set in the woods. There are some very secluded sites," notes a reviewer who hiked through both areas.
Organized activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run provides extensive scheduled entertainment. "They have activities almost every evening, making sure every age range is catered to throughout the week. We stayed for 4 days and 3 nights! My children still talk about the fun we had," reports a family who visited.
Budget-friendly options: State parks typically offer lower nightly rates compared to private campgrounds. Ohiopyle State Park maintains reasonable pricing while providing access to prime outdoor recreation. One visitor observed, "Small lake where you can fish, paddle boat, and swim. Quiet hours and parking are strictly enforced."
What you should know
Site layout considerations: Laurel Hill State Park Campground requires careful site selection. "All sites are gravel; most appeared level, but some did not. The electrical hookups are not played out well with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable," advises a recent camper.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the area close during winter months. Fox Den Acres operates from May 1 to October 31, while Keystone State Park runs from early April through mid-October. If planning a fall trip, verify closing dates as they vary by facility.
Water facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Ohiopyle noted, "The restroom and all the bathhouses badly need updating. The paint is peeling, they smell like mildew and the siding is rotting on them. They are clean but the creepy and gross factor are too much."
Tips for camping with families
Interactive attractions: Fox Den Acres Campground offers multiple water features for children. "There's a swimming pool, fishing pond, and boating pond. Spacious shower house. No water sources in the primitive section, and the shower house is quite a hike from the furthest sites," notes a family camper.
Playground access: When booking at Keystone, select sites near recreational facilities for convenience with children. "We decided to go here for our first RV trip as it is close to home for us. Great first experience! There is a lot to do in the park," shares a camper who visited with dogs.
Activity planning: During peak summer months, organized activities run daily at larger campgrounds. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "They provide activities almost every evening, making sure everything age range is catered to throughout the week. There's a swimming pool, fishing pond, and boating pond."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing requires careful site selection for larger rigs. "The owner and his son got right to work fixing it: One got up on the roof and the other worked from the bottom to set it right and wire the broken arm to the side of the trailer so we could drive home," reports a camper describing staff assistance during windstorm damage.
Power requirements: Many campgrounds offer both 30-amp and 50-amp service, but availability varies. When staying at Laurel Hill State Park, one RVer advised, "We were on the outside edge of the pet loop so there was some nice shade there. Note: sites can be a bit small or awkward for campers. Our neighbor had a bit of a rough time accessing our shared electric box."
Winter camping options: For those seeking year-round glamping near Export, Pennsylvania, options remain limited. The Blue Canoe RV Resort (formerly Uniontown KOA) maintains winter operations. "We're staying in the winter for a few nights to visit friends who live outside Pittsburgh. They've done a great job in the winter despite the frigid weather by using heat tape on the spigots."
Traveler
