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Best Tent Camping near Fort Hill, PA

729 Reviews

Several tent campgrounds dot the landscape near Fort Hill, Pennsylvania, providing scenic backcountry camping opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Laurel Ridge State Park Campground offers primitive tent camping along the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail with eight camping areas and shelter sites for backpackers. Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run provides free tent-only sites accessible from the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail around Mile 99, appealing to hikers and cyclists seeking walk-in tent sites. The Maple Festival Park near the GAP Trail allows tent camping on an open lawn area with access to warm showers and flush toilets.

Tent sites throughout the region generally feature minimal amenities and require self-sufficiency. Most primitive tent campgrounds operate seasonally, with Laurel Ridge State Park open from May to October while Round Bottom remains accessible when the trail is clear. Campers should bring their own water or water treatment supplies, as many locations have unreliable sources. A visitor commented, "The well for the campground stated that it was no longer potable" regarding Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground. Vault or pit toilets are common at most locations, though cleanliness varies depending on usage patterns and maintenance schedules. Fire regulations differ between sites, with some providing fire rings while others prohibit open flames entirely.

Areas farther from towns offer deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking quiet natural settings. The tent pads at Round Bottom Camping Area include raised platforms, picnic tables, and fire pits ideal for lightweight camping setups. A recent review noted, "There is a lot of grass and plenty of space for dozens of tents" at one of the hiker-biker camps along the C&O Canal. Train noise can be a consideration at several tent camping locations along both the GAP Trail and C&O Canal, particularly at night. The riverside tent sites provide easy water access but may experience increased mosquito activity during summer months. Fall camping delivers colorful foliage views and cooler temperatures, making it a popular season for tent campers exploring the hiking trails and waterways throughout the region.

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Best Tent Sites Near Fort Hill, Pennsylvania (19)

    1. Laurel Ridge State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Normalville, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 455-3744

    "Laurel Ridge State Park is the greenway that protects the legendary Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail from the busy world around it."

    "It is a beautiful wooded park offering lots of trees for privacy. I wish I had more time to explore the park before moving on. The bathhouse could use a renovation. It felt old and kind of dirty."

    2. Maple Festival Park (near GAP Trail)

    2 Reviews
    Meyersdale, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 442-4284

    $20 / night

    "Set your tent up on the lawn, up on the stage, or under the long lean-to, if you want to get out of the weather. It’s all up for grabs for the night."

    3. Big Run State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bloomington, MD
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 895-5453

    $10 - $55 / night

    "The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."

    "Unfortunately, someone moved our picnic table to the next site. Too lazy to move it. Pit toilets were pretty clean. Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish."

    4. Indian Creek Camplands Inc

    1 Review
    Normalville, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 455-7900

    5. Possum Tail Farm Camp

    1 Review
    Terra Alta, WV
    27 miles
    +1 (304) 857-2608

    $55 / night

    "We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. Camp in the heart of this farm close to a pond. Book your stay and come back here to leave them some love."

    6. Apple Blossom Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Mchenry, MD
    19 miles

    $40 - $60 / night

    7. Barnum Whitewater Area

    2 Reviews
    Jennings Randolph Lake, WV
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 788-5732

    $10 - $30 / night

    "Primitive campsites are $10 a night. Small cabins are $35 a night, with larger cabins going at $56 a night. There is electricity in the cabins."

    "Had my wedding 2022 at Jennings picnic area and then after that spent the whole weekend away from everyone and everything!"

    8. Rhododendron Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    Dellslow, WV
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 594-1561

    $25 - $35 / night

    "There is a bathhouse located closest to site 5 with trails from other sites to get there. The facilities are always clean- no shower available."

    "There was a fire place and a picnic table and an area to park your car. It was walking distance to the beautiful overlook and a great price for what you get."

    9. Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run

    1 Review
    Perryopolis, PA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 872-5586

    "Being positioned directly off the GAP Trail grants easy access to those traveling the trail. "

    10. Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground (GAP Trail)

    1 Review
    Perryopolis, PA
    29 miles
    Website

    "This is one of the only free hiker-biker campgrounds along the GAP trail (mile 99.6), and it is laid out similarly to the Dravo Campground, with lean-tos, picnic tables, firepits and lots of spaces for"

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Fort Hill, PA

26 Photos of 19 Fort Hill Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Fort Hill, PA

729 Reviews of 19 Fort Hill Campgrounds

  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Horseshoe Recreation Area

    Fish, hike, relax or seek river adventures

    This is a remote riverside campground with great fishing opportunities for catch and release(check the requirements for license/stamps; I included a picture of a sign). One loop comes with water/electic hookups($7 more) the others are primitive. If you use solar, ironically, the sites around the loop/with electric, are your best bet as there is a large open field in the middle; a second loop contains more primitive sites and some walk-in sites with parking near the bathroom. Parking pads are large and generally level. There are vault toilets and some flush toilets. No cell service(Verizon). Sites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grate, and lantern post. The prices for firewood are among the highest I’ve seen at$10/bundle. Camp store has limited hours, but ice and firewood are available. 

    You may have day visitors here to fish, swim, or picnic at one of the two pavilions. In addition to fishing, you may find it refreshing to swim/wade in the river, but I would definitely want water shoes to protect my feet. Interested in more adventure on the river? Head about 15 minutes down the road to St George where outfitters can set you up for both flatwater and whitewater activities on the Cheat River, depending on your preference, age, and water level.

  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Kooser State Park Campground

    Small Shaded Park

    Kooser State Park is a small campground nestled in the Laurel Highlands, close to Hidden Valley and Seven Springs ski resorts. The park has great amenities just a short walk from all sites. All sites have fire rings, with grills, however note they are double walled so do not expel a lot of heat outward. Great for cooking however. 

    Most sites are not level, but very grassy. Firewood is available at the entrance for$5 bundle supporting a local club. A beautiful walk through the park leads you to the Kooser Lake, great for fishing. It is also close to the Laurel Hill State Park which is great for hiking and water activities. The park is close to the road so you will experience some road noise. 

    The park is 15min from Somerset. No phone reception at this one! They welcome all furry friends!

  • K
    Jul. 27, 2022

    Swallow Falls State Park Campground

    Great camping near falls

    Clean, beautiful and quiet (occasional barking dog or children playing loudly). The basic tent sites each have a picnic table, fire pit w/ grill, and lantern post. The trails to the beautiful falls are a short walk from the campgrounds.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2022

    Pioneer Park Campground

    Close to Flight 93 Memorial

    PROS 

    Able to reserve 129 days prior to arriving 

    Melissa at check-in was very friendly and helpful 

    Good overnight stop to visit Flight 93 Memorial 22 miles from campground 

    Site #391 level 

    Gravel site surrounded by grass 

    Moveable wooden picnic table 

    Large concrete fire ring 

    Clean toilet-shower building that are heavily used 

    Mostly quiet except for road noise 

    Firewood for sale in Park

    CONS 

    No discount 

    Site #391 no shade 

    Park cable connection failed 

    Sewer connection“up hill” 

    Never found trash dumpster and wasn’t marked on campground map 

    Very loud radio station blaring in the toilet/shower building that could be heard outside the building 

    2 bars Verizon 

    No WIFI

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake

    Great Tenting, Little Busy

    8/14/2025

    USACE-managed campground with hosts who are on-site all season. Nice sites (easy staking) with picnic tables and fire pits, plus a camp store for firewood and other supplies (got there too late to check it out though). A little crowded with what seemed like folks who stay there for a hefty chunk of the season, and the sites are pretty close together, but there weren't any issues with rowdy folks - it seems like the hosts keep things in order/enforce quiet hours if necessary. 

    Drinking water right next to the site (37) as well as a trail to a restroom - I think there's a shower on the other loop/section. 

    $22 for a basic (non-electric) tent site.

  • Olivia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Coopers Rock State Forest

    Beautiful Mountains

    We often do dispersed, leave no trace, primitive camping throughout the state forest. There are wonderful, well maintained trails throughout. If you want to dive into nature within a 30 minute drive from Morgantown, this is your place to go. Take the scenic hike to raven’s rock for views that will not disappoint.

  • Danielle S.
    Apr. 16, 2019

    Coopers Rock State Forest

    Go all the way up the hill

    We stayed here 9/2018 at site #10 and can't wait to return. There is a small campground just by the entrance that has a small store and electric sites with RV hookups. Site 10 was at the campground at the top of the hill, sparsely populated, and had beautiful views beyond the trees. There were toilets and drinking water, but no electricity.  The bathrooms do not have lighting so bring a headlamp or flashlight. Each site had a fire ring and a picnic table. Trails were well maintained, but be warned that the overlook is crowded.

  • Benjamin S.
    Dec. 7, 2023

    Swallow Falls State Park Campground

    Peaceful and Serene

    Campground was well maintained. Tent pads were great. It rained on us but tent pads were elevated enough that we stayed dry. It is so peaceful and serene there. Hiked the trails to the waterfalls and had a great time. Firewood was cheap. Bathrooms were good and clean.

  • Dave V.
    Aug. 1, 2020

    Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run

    Great Hike/Bike Camping Area on the Great Allegheny Passage Trail

    Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run is a free camping area directly on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail around Mile 99 (East of West Newton roughly 15 miles).  For those not familiar with the GAP Trail, it is a Rails-to-Trails initiative that travels from Pittsburgh, PA to Cumberland, MD…meandering through numerous Trail Towns that were former thriving railroad towns at the end of the 1800's.

    Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run can only be accessed by the GAP Trail, which means on foot or bicycle…or paddlers on the Youghioheny River. Being positioned directly off the GAP Trail grants easy access to those traveling the trail. 

    Amenities:

    • Raised Tent pads (4)
    • Vault Toilet
    • Adirondack Shelters (2)
    • Firepits
    • Picnic tables

    No potable water…there is hand pump but the water was discolored.  It is a short walk down a trail to the river's edge, where I filtered water for drinking.

    There is plenty of grassy area for scores of tents in this area.   So if you are not fortunate enough to secure one of the two Shelters or tent pads, you can still set up a tent in the nicely mowed areas, which are still level.

    We were bikepacking the GAP Trail east from Pittsburgh and arrived on a Sunday evening mid-June. We secured the only open Adirondack Shelter and were able to set up our tent inside, along with keeping our bicycles inside and out of the elements. Which made it wonderfully convenient when it started to rain. Sites and shelters are first come, first served.

    Usually the vault toilets along this trail are clean, maintained and stocked…but on this visit, piles of trash were inside likely from an overly busy weekend.

    The only negative was the train traffic on the opposite side of the River…it is loud when they rumble through. If you don't sleep with ear-plugs, you will wish you had.

    Bicycle traffic was fairly light during the week, so not only did you have the GAP Trail mostly to oneself, the camping areas were either sparsely filled or empty. Although, things just did start opening up from the Covid-19 shutdown.

    Apart from the train noise during sleeping hours, Round Bottom Camping Area is very peaceful and though you can still visually see the GAP Trail, you are not disturbed by passing cyclists.

Guide to Fort Hill

Tent camping near Fort Hill, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can immerse themselves in the great outdoors. With options ranging from peaceful streams to vibrant trails, there's something for every tent camper.

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Tips for tent camping near Fort Hill

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fort Hill, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fort Hill, PA is Laurel Ridge State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Fort Hill, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 19 tent camping locations near Fort Hill, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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