Glamping options near Oakmont, Pennsylvania offer an upscale camping experience within a 50-mile radius of the city. The area sits at the edge of the Allegheny Mountains with elevations ranging from 745 to 2,950 feet, creating diverse camping environments. Weather conditions can shift quickly, with summer temperatures typically between 65-85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms common from June through August.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 30 minutes from sites: At Tomlinson Run State Park Campground, the fishing spots are readily accessible. "The lake is great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails. There's plenty to do in surrounding areas from Ft Ligonier to the shops in the town," notes Luke K. about nearby Keystone State Park.
Hiking trail networks: Multiple difficulty levels: Ohiopyle State Park offers extensive hiking options with trails for all skill levels. "The Ferncliff Trail loops around the inside of the Yough as it does a near 360 in town. Gentle terrain along the falls and then through moss covered forest," explains Dave V. The trails connect many campsites to the main attractions.
Swimming at designated beaches: Memorial Day-Labor Day: During summer months, Keystone State Park Campground provides supervised swimming. "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," comments Matt R.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Hillside vs. lakeside options: Campers consistently mention site location as critical. "There are 2 campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The lakeside one is a glorified trailer park and is packed during the summer with no privacy. The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods," explains Matt R. about Keystone State Park.
Clean restroom facilities: Quality varies by season: Most glamping-focused campgrounds maintain their bathhouses regularly. At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, "Basic and dated, but reasonably clean. Did not use the shower," notes Lee D., while at Kentuck Campground, "The bathhouses themselves were great. The roads were torn up due to the paving project."
Campsite sizing and layout: Check before booking: Campground layouts vary significantly. At Fox Den Acres, "Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away," reports Dena L. Many glamping-focused sites feature expanded layouts compared to traditional tent sites.
What you should know
Seasonal maintenance schedules: Call ahead: Road and facility maintenance can disrupt camping plans. "I called the Kentuck campground park office to ensure the campground was actually open, as the reservation system was very confusing... No one mentioned that the main road to the campground from Ohiopyle was also closed due to a separate paving project," warns Danielle V.
Noise levels vary by weekend: Party-oriented weekends can affect peaceful glamping experiences. At Breakneck Campground, one camper noted: "I got about 2 hours of sleep Saturday night total, and the last time I was woken up my watch said 3:48 am. Clearly there is absolutely no enforcement of the quiet hours whatsoever."
Uneven site quality within same campground: Many parks have dramatically different site conditions. At Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, a reviewer reported: "The parking spots for non seasonal are okay, a few steep ones but they all haave gravel and a patch of grass with a table and fire pit. Now thier monthly (which I have currently) man are those a nervous wreck! Very steep and awkward."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Check weekly schedules: Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA offers structured weekly activities. "Every week they organizes different themes for bingo, and other games. They also have Sunday pancake days," reports Evelyn T. Families should check event calendars when booking.
Kid-focused water activities: Morning is best: At Fox Den Acres, one visitor observed, "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them." Early morning fishing between 6-9am often yields the best results for children with short attention spans.
Play area proximity to glamping sites: When booking glamping accommodations, consider proximity to play areas. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run, "This Yogi Bear campground offers a large waterpark area, large pool, monster truck rides and many activities. You don't have to leave to find something to do," explains Terra B., though noise from these areas continues until quiet hours.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Pack extra gear: Many sites require significant leveling. At Laurel Hill State Park, "All sites are gravel; most appeared level, but some did not," notes Lee D. RVers should bring additional leveling blocks, especially at older campgrounds.
Power hookup configurations: Check placement before arrival: At some parks, electrical hookups require extension cords. "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. at Laurel Hill State Park.
Water availability varies seasonally: Many campgrounds shut off individual water spigots during shoulder seasons. "Have to go up to entrance as the water spouts are still shut off," notes Shannon G. about Laurel Hill State Park in October. RVers should fill their tanks upon arrival during early spring and late fall visits near Oakmont.
