136 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Laurel Highlands region surrounding Somerset, Pennsylvania features multiple state parks with established campgrounds, including Laurel Hill, Kooser, and Ohiopyle State Parks. These areas provide a mix of wooded tent sites, RV hookups, and rustic cabins within an hour's drive of town. Kooser State Park offers a small, shaded campground nestled in the highlands, while Laurel Hill provides a larger facility with four camping loops and various electrical hookup options. Private campgrounds like Hickory Hollow and Pioneer Park complement the state facilities with additional amenities for families and recreational vehicles. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from mid-April through October, though Ohiopyle and a few private facilities remain open year-round.
Camping permits and reservations are typically required throughout the region, with most state park campgrounds filling quickly on summer weekends and holiday periods. Road access varies significantly between facilities, with some campgrounds requiring navigation of narrow, winding roads. Cell phone coverage can be limited in certain areas, particularly at Kooser State Park where reception is often nonexistent. Many campgrounds report occasional road noise from nearby highways. As one camper noted, "Most sites are not level, but very grassy. Firewood is available at the entrance for $5 per bundle supporting a local club." Poison ivy is common along trail edges and campsite boundaries, requiring awareness when setting up camp.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for many campers in the region, with several campgrounds offering proximity to lakes and streams for fishing, boating, and swimming. Laurel Hill State Park features a lake separate from the campground but within walking distance, while other facilities provide direct water access. Bathhouses and amenities receive mixed reviews, with some visitors noting dated facilities while others praise cleanliness and maintenance. Site privacy varies considerably, with some campgrounds offering well-spaced, wooded sites and others placing campers in closer proximity. Winter camping options are limited, with most facilities closing after mid-October. The region's proximity to attractions like Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater and the Great Allegheny Passage trail makes it popular with outdoor enthusiasts seeking both recreation and cultural experiences.
"The lake is separate from the campground, but it is less than a mile away and a reasonable distance walk."
"The site numbering is a bit wonky on the door loop so make sure you look at your map before you start driving the loops."
from $20 - $64 / night
Check Availability"Ohiopyle is located in a beautiful area of Pennsylvania we've camped there a couple of times and have been able to get last minute tent sites. Lots of outdoor activities nearby."
"Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."
from $20 - $54 / night
Check Availability"5 firewood bundles at the entrance. -Cleanest bathrooms/showers -Crystal clear stream with beautiful trail to the lake. Both stocked with fish. -Lots of picnic tables at the lake."
"Kooser State Park sits on the border of Forbes State Forest in the Laurel Highlands. It has a mix of camper & tent sites around a central clearing, and offers a few cabins."
from $22 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Beautiful scenery, quiet location, spacious campsites, full RV hookups, well-placed fire rings, dog park, nice large bathhouses, polite staff, and Wi-Fi that works. "
"The lake and farm country provided a welcoming and relaxing setting. The trail around the lake was perfect for running or walking. "
"Next to sewer tank pump station, though. Not a problem but a few truck visits throughout the day so some people might not like that. Lots to do for kids."
"Big fishing lakes. Pool could use a heater."
"Extremely family friendly, lots to do for kiddos on weekend, stocked ponds, bathhouses very close to all sites. Laurel hill cricks/lake are 2 miles up the mountain!"
"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!"
"Easy walk to beach area and boat launch. Very clean."
"The location on the water adds for a great view. Electric only."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Was pleased by the quiet despite size of campground and proximity to highway. Sites not overly large or private. Has wood vending machine at entrance for firewood."
"The morning drive started early, had several stops and starts, and I was once again glad that my big dog was along for the ride."
from $20 - $110 / night
Check Availability"We stayed in cabin 170 in Fir loop and the site was incredibly spacious, heavily shaded, close to the bath house, path to the beach, and well distanced from other sites."
"Our friends were in the site next to us (17) which was also nice and there was a wide walking path between them. Family also stayed in one of the rental cabins (21)."
from $23 - $29 / night
Check Availability"We ended with a very private tent site with no amenities but around the corner from a pavilion with an outside washing station and flush toilets."
"ask for with 2 swimming pools. 4 water slides ,tractor rides ,fire truck rides and a train ride alongside the free activities for the kids there is allways something fun to do and only a few minute drive"
from $115 - $750 / night
Check Availability
GuideGorgeous area and well worth it to go. $10 a night and go to the HQ to book. (address at the bottom of the green sign in pic). It’s first come first serve but if Hq is closed you can sign up on a clipboard outside. This is about 30 minutes from the forest itself depending on which site you get. Some sites are better than others so try to get in early. Leave no trace
GuideFive stars because this place was very clean and I felt at ease. The river is gorgeous and so are the trails bring a bike if you have one. There’s a bar within walking distance that’s cash only. Outhouse is clean enough but it does smell a little so check map and try to book a site that isn’t right next to it.
ScoutWow, the weekends were fun. They were quite a bit of people there and my kids had a good time. The weekdays were different story we were told we had to be quiet. We had a lot of craziness go on
GuideCoopers Rock State Park is an absolute gem and easily deserves 5 stars. The RV lots are large and easy to navigate, making setup stress-free and comfortable. The staff was very friendly and helpful, which made the whole stay even better. The new washrooms were clean, modern, and well maintained, and the scenery is breathtaking everywhere you look. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy nature, and take in the beautiful views.
GuideThis place is gorgeous and very quiet. The shower house and bathrooms were well maintained, and even had a laundry room and large sink around the back for dishes. Laundry costs $2 in quarters per load, 4 quarters for the washer and 4 quarters for the dryer. They are quick as well, took maybe an hour and 15 minutes all together. Campsites are spaced apart so you're not directly on top of eachother, but you can still see most of the other campers. Lots of trails in the area. We had electrical hook up and a lantern pole, and the is a dump and water station on the way in/out. Highly recommend this site.
TravelerWe are here a couple days . Staff and facilities are great. Lots of hiking trails of various types and lengths. June 9 and only 2 other RVs on our loop. The “new” loop has great single occupancy bath facilities.
TravelerWe LOVED our visit to Kentuck campground and Ohiopyle. We went mid-week in early June and had very few neighbors Tuesday and Wednesday, with more rolling in toward the end of the week.
We stayed on Hickory Loop with our dog and saw quite a few other dogs while we were there. Not all sites are equal at this campground - ours was huge and lovely with adequate flattish area and a stream running along two sides of it. Others were quite small and not very level. I think we had one of the best sites on the loop, with great trees for hammocks and big rocks nearby, as well as good privacy from other sites.
The campground is very shaded and was regularly several degrees cooler than elsewhere in the park, which was great to home 'home' to. There's a lot of poison ivy in the area, so be watchful.
Firewood is available for purchase on entrance to the campground.
The bathhouse was relatively clean, with a large kitchen sink for washing dishes, three toilet stalls, and two shower stalls. We never had to wait for any of it.
TravelerThis place is so relaxing! As soon as we stepped out of our motorhome it felt like we could relax. You could hear the birds tweeting and see squirrels playing and even butterflies dancing in the sunlight. It felt so nice to just set down in our chairs and take a break from life here. The owners are so friendly! I loved being able to pet the donkey/mule. This place is beautiful. We stayed in site 9 this time and site 8 last time. I honestly have no complaints about this place!!!
GuideThis campground's foliage is interesting, I saw fernes growing and trees that looked older than me. I also noticed the campground has some history shown by the rust of the firepits. There is Billy's Pizza and general store which sells firewood if you go a little further down the road that maps takes you and take the second left instead of taking the first left. I think the campground also sells firewood on site. You can order Billy's Pizza and I saw them deliver to the campsites, which is amazing, havent seen that before. I'm a light sleeper and could hear truck engine braking sounds echo through the forest from the nearby highway, so the proximity to the road ruins the feeling of seclusion and the quiet. There's a restroom with a large sink outside which is nice.
Somerset offers a gateway to the Laurel Highlands region with many camping opportunities situated at elevations between 2,000-3,000 feet. This higher elevation creates distinctly cooler summer temperatures, typically 5-10 degrees lower than surrounding lowlands. Camping sites in the area vary from densely wooded to open grassy areas, with many facilities closing after mid-October due to harsh winter conditions.
Fishing opportunities: Quemahoning Family Recreation Area provides excellent access to fishing in its large reservoir. "Great place for fishing kayaking. Very family oriented," notes Kyle K. The area allows electric-only powered boats or paddle craft.
Bouldering and climbing: Near Laurel Hill State Park Campground, you'll find natural rock formations perfect for beginners. "This was a very fun place! There was easy little rocks to boulder and climb! And even a few smaller caves to explore! It was an adventure paradise," reports Jill R.
Water activities: Multiple parks offer swimming and boating between May and September. "Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake," says Erik E. about Laurel Hill State Park.
Trail exploration: The 5-mile Lake Habeeb trail at Rocky Gap State Park Campground provides a comprehensive tour. "There is a 5 mile trail that goes all around the lake. Lots of lake to paddle. Easy to get to from I-70," notes Marcandpatti B.
Spacious, private sites: Hickory Hollow Campground offers well-separated camping areas. "Hickory Hollow's campsites were nicely spaced out, perched on a hillside, but with nice flat pads. The lake and farm country provided a welcoming and relaxing setting," writes Brandy Q.
Quality firewood: Several campgrounds offer reasonably priced firewood. "Firewood is available at the entrance for $5 per bundle supporting a local club," reports Britt B. about Kooser State Park.
Clean facilities: Campground bathhouses receive regular maintenance. "The bathhouse was kept very clean, even though the campground was full," says Kimberly H. about Rocky Gap State Park.
Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation of camps like Kooser State Park (nearly 3,000 feet) provides relief from summer heat. "We camped here in July to escape the head down in Pittsburgh. Sits up high in the mountains close to 3000ft elevation," notes Matt R.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require significant effort to level equipment. "The RV sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites," warns Kathy L. about Laurel Hill State Park.
Cell phone coverage: Connectivity varies dramatically between locations. "No phone reception at this one!" mentions Britt B. about Kooser State Park, while others report better coverage at campgrounds closer to towns.
Loop selection: Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park has distinct camping areas with different features. "There are two main loops in this campground. One that is pet friendly and more of a pitch-your-tent-in-the-yard thing and another that is pet-free and wooded. We didn't realize and stayed in the first one. Dogs were barking at all hours and there's no privacy," cautions Casey L.
Road noise: Several campgrounds experience highway sounds. "The park is close to the road so you will experience some road noise," mentions Britt B. about Kooser State Park.
Water parks and activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers extensive recreation options. "Mill run by far the best yogi bear/campground we have been to. Second time we have been & they have upgraded the water slides 4 huge slides plus big splash pad with little slide for smaller kids," shares Erik W.
Dedicated swim areas: Many parks maintain swimming beaches separate from fishing areas. "We have a wonderful beach area with volley ball nets. Nice paddle boards and canoes for rent," Jeff H. mentions about Rocky Gap State Park.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "There is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch," notes Katie H. about Rocky Gap State Park.
Nature programs: Several parks offer guided nature walks and junior ranger activities during summer months. "They have activities for the kids and the pool is great," Kevin H. says about Jellystone Park.
Extension cord needs: Be prepared with extra electrical cords at some parks. "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable," advises Erik E. about Laurel Hill State Park.
Site selection: Research your specific site before booking. "We have been very impressed by the pristine conditions of many Pennsylvania state parks, but this one had a more rustic feel and had not been modernized," explains Lee D. about Laurel Hill State Park.
Seasonal facilities: Most campgrounds with full hookups operate seasonally. "The campground offers a few sites with electrical and others with varying primitive services," explains Thomas G. about Quemahoning Family Recreation Area.
Full hookup availability: Pioneer Park Campground offers complete services. "Very well maintained large sights all pull through. Great camp store, fire wood, fire rings, very clean facilities," notes Denny S.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tent camping options are available near Somerset, PA?
Tent campers have several excellent options near Somerset. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park offers beautiful tent sites with last-minute availability and numerous nearby outdoor activities. Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run features walk-to tent sites in an open grass field with shade trees, with site 9A offering more privacy along the creek. For those willing to drive a bit further, Deep Creek Lake State Park provides tent sites in a beautiful forest setting where campers can enjoy spectacular firefly displays during summer evenings. The Somerset area's natural beauty makes it perfect for tent camping, with many sites offering fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails.
What are the best campgrounds in Somerset, PA?
Somerset offers several outstanding campgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts. Kooser State Park Campground is a hidden gem nestled in the Laurel Highlands, conveniently located near popular ski resorts with great amenities within walking distance of all sites. For those seeking more recreational options, Pioneer Park Campground provides excellent facilities with multiple access options including drive-in and walk-in sites. Other notable options include Hickory Hollow Campground near Rockwood and the nearby Ohiopyle State Park, which offers beautiful surroundings and plenty of outdoor activities. The Somerset area's campgrounds benefit from their proximity to the Laurel Highlands region, providing access to hiking, fishing, and other recreational activities.
How much does camping cost in Somerset, PA?
Camping costs in Somerset vary by facility type and amenities. At Friendship Village Campground & RV Park, rates are competitive with easy check-in processes and good value for the amenities provided. For budget-conscious campers, Green Ridge State Forest offers dispersed camping at just $10 per night with registration at the main office. State parks in the region typically charge $15-30 per night for standard tent sites, while RV sites with hookups generally range from $30-50 depending on the season and utilities provided. Cabin rentals are more expensive, typically starting around $60-80 for basic units and ranging up to $150+ for larger or more amenity-rich options. Many campgrounds offer discounts for extended stays or off-season camping.
Are there cabin rentals available at Somerset campgrounds?
Rocky Gap State Park Campground offers excellent cabin options, including spacious units in the Fir loop. Cabin 170 is particularly well-positioned, heavily shaded, close to bath houses and beach access paths. Hidden Springs Campground also provides cabin accommodations with access to their clean, well-maintained facilities. Other options in the region include Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mill Run, which features family-friendly cabin rentals with additional amenities. Most cabins in the Somerset area provide basic furnishings, though amenities vary by location. It's advisable to book cabins well in advance, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons, as they tend to reserve quickly.
Keep Exploring
