Tent and RV camping near Export, Pennsylvania offers diverse terrain across mountainous forest and riverside locations. Sites range from 600 to 1,400 feet in elevation with temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than Pittsburgh. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with only a few maintaining winter operations.
What to do
Creek exploration and floating: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing provides creekside sites where children frequently play. "Alot of their sites are along a small creek which the kids play in and can float down. Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek," notes Mathew H.
Fishing opportunities: Bush Recreation Area offers access to Loyalhanna Creek with shore fishing available. "The boat launch is a nice size to fit 2 boats at a time. It's a great place to fish and swim and just relax," shares AnnaMarie S.
Mountain stargazing: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground features dedicated star viewing areas. One camper mentioned getting "a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform."
What campers like
Spacious sites and service: Several campgrounds offer generously sized sites. At Fox Den Acres Campground, Jennifer N. appreciated that "the sites in the lower field were roomy and level and all pull-throughs."
Panoramic views: Mountain Top Campground lives up to its name with valley vistas. "You are on top of a mountain with great views. The spots are well spaced out and it is family owned," writes Corey L., while another camper notes "I luckily got a spot overlooking a very dense tree-d valley with a beautiful sunset. Sites 41-48 are the best view at sunset."
Accessible water activities: Many campers appreciate the water access at various sites. At The Blue Canoe RV Resort, Rob S. enjoyed the riverside location: "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. Staff make multiple rounds, picks up your trash and delivers your purchased firewood."
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Several campgrounds feature sloped sites requiring careful setup. At Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA, Kevin D. cautions, "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."
Seasonal operation: Most facilities close during winter months. Fox Den Acres operates May 1 through October 31, while The Blue Canoe Resort runs from early May through mid-October.
Limited facilities at some locations: Pioneer Lakes RV Park receives mixed reviews regarding facilities. A visitor noted, "The bathrooms were outdated. They had older residential toilets that plugged constantly. The day we left 2 of the 3 in our nearest bathroom were out of order."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Family-friendly campgrounds offer structured entertainment. At Benner's Meadow Run, visitors found "lots of activities for them to do!" and called it a "Great place for kids! Family friendly atmosphere, cordial staff, well run campground. Lots of activities."
Swimming options: Many campgrounds maintain pools for summer use. Heath T. at Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort shared, "Great: The pool & concession stand, beautifully maintained lawns and gravel campsites, modern hookups, good shower/laundry facilities, nice fire rings with built in grills, trash pickup service."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. Pioneer Lakes earned this review: "Wonderful staff and facilities. The roads around the camp ground could use some maintenance, especially on the hill side by the pool! All in all, a wonderful place to take your family camping!"
Tips from RVers
Access route planning: Many RV camping areas near Export, Pennsylvania require navigating narrow roads. For Mountain Top Campground, Corey L. advises, "The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest route in."
Hookup options: Most campgrounds offer water and electric, but full hookups vary. Mountain Top provides a unique solution: "Grey water hookup so you don't have to unpack and use your own! 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."
Site leveling: Prepare for variable terrain at most campgrounds. At Fox Den Acres Campground, campers appreciate the level sites: "The sites in the lower field were roomy and level and all pull-throughs," making setup easier for RVs of all sizes.
