Campgrounds near Export, Pennsylvania range in elevation from 950 to 2,100 feet above sea level, with most sites situated in the Laurel Highlands region. The terrain varies from lakeside locations to mountain ridge camping with temperature differentials of 5-10 degrees between valley and highland sites. Roads to campgrounds can be narrow and winding, particularly in the more remote areas west of Export.
What to do
Fishing in Loyalhanna Creek: At Bush Recreation Area, visitors can fish directly from shoreline access points. "This is a nice, quiet small campground with a small lake. Our grandchildren loved it. The boat launch is a nice size to fit 2 boats at a time," notes AnnaMarie S.
Mountain biking on connecting trails: Several parks connect to regional trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground. We were there in November with plans to visit Fallingwater. This campground was the perfect location for both activities!" shares Bounding Around at Ohiopyle State Park.
Winter hiking options: Some parks remain open year-round with designated trails maintained during colder months. "Got out for a couple hours hiking in the snow. It was great. Just what we needed to stretch the legs and enjoy some family time. We did the Palomino Loop," reports Jay R. about Raccoon Creek State Park.
Kayaking rental opportunities: Affordable watercraft rentals available at many lake parks. "Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake," writes Erik E. about Laurel Hill State Park.
What campers like
Secluded wooded sites: Some campgrounds offer more private options away from main camping areas. "There are some very secluded sites. The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods," describes Matt R. at Keystone State Park.
Spacious camping areas: Fox Den Acres Campground receives positive feedback for its site layout. "Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away," shares Dena L. about her tent camping experience.
Natural water features: The region offers various water-based recreation options. "Keystone lake provided us swimming, boating, fishing on our hot and humid camping trip. A lot of history at the visitors center, which was a beautiful stone and wood building," writes Doreen M.
Volunteer-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds benefit from local volunteer groups. "The local volunteer group also keeps the free wood pile stocked and ready to go. Bathrooms are the typical Forest Service pit toilet, and drinking water is also available," notes Shari G. about Dravo's Landing Campground.
What you should know
Train noise concerns: Campsites near rail lines may experience nighttime disturbances. "One thing to consider with these campgrounds next to the trail is 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 – so bring good earplugs if you hope to sleep!" advises Shari G.
Limited supplies nearby: Some campgrounds are distant from stores and services. "It is in the middle of nowhere, but depending on where you wanna go it's either 15-30min drive. BRING CHANGE! YOUR RIGHT NEXT TO TI THE TURN PIKE," recommends Evelyn T. about Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Seasonal facility limitations: Not all amenities operate year-round. "There is 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," reports Heather H.
Uneven terrain at some sites: Many campgrounds feature sloped camping areas. "This campground is not bad but is not great there is running toilets and hot showers but not very well maintained if you have a large trailer may run to some problems most of the sites are sloped and the water is not filtered," warns imane about Bush Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity selection: When booking with children, prioritize sites near play areas. "We rented space 16 late August 2020 and our friends (and their kids) rented #17 on the inner circle, right next to us with the playground right behind us. Great spots! Our kids were within easy eye and earshot of the playground," recommends Tim J. from Bush Recreation Area.
Child-friendly lake options: Look for lakes with designated shallow areas. "The park itself is gorgeous with a large lake and designated swimming area. Place attracts a lot of people in the summer as its basically in the Pittsburgh suburbs along a major road artery," mentions Matt R.
Free camping with activities: Mountain Top Campground offers expansive open spaces for play. "They do however have a very very large open field right smack dab in the middle of the campground for any kind of activities you can come up with if you brought those activities with you (i.e. soccer, kite flying, baseball, etc..)" explains Dave.
Fishing success spots for kids: Some locations offer reliable catches for young anglers. "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them," notes Patience W. about Fox Den Acres.
Tips from RVers
Grey water solutions: Mountain Top Campground offers unique grey water disposal. "Since they sit atop the mountain, the grey water hookup is a long hose that has an adapter which hooks up to your black and grey tank outlet and it runs down the hillside of the mountain into the grassy area. This means that unless you are a very active user of the commode (or have 3 kids like us), your black tank should not need to be flushed for 1-2 weeks at a time!"
Site selection for pet-friendly camping near Export: Choose sites with adequate shade. "We decided to go here for our first RV trip as it is close to home for us. Great first experience! We stayed at site 43 in the Hillside Loop because we brought our 2 large dogs. Site was very private and relatively flat," shares Kevin E.
Pull-through accessibility: Certain campgrounds offer easier RV access. "Mostly an RV campground, but several tent sites. Firewood available for purchase," notes Dena L. about Fox Den Acres.
Shower considerations: "They have a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it along with two small dog play areas. Bring a quarter for a 10 minute shower!" advises Kathryn about Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
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