Campgrounds near Freeport, Pennsylvania lie within the Allegheny Plateau region with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Water access varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering creek frontage while others feature lake access for recreation.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing at Bush Recreation Area: Located on Loyalhanna Creek, this recreation area provides boat launches and shore fishing opportunities. "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 a visitor to Bush Recreation Area.
Hiking at McConnells Mill State Park: Access trails directly from select campgrounds with creekside options. "From our campsite we walked along the creek into McConnells Mill State Park and joined the covered bridge trail. Approx. 30min walk along the creek down into McConnells Mill State Park," explains a camper who stayed at Breakneck Campground.
Swimming at managed beaches: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming areas during summer months. "Crooked Creek Lake and nice lake for kayaking or small boats. There is a small beach and picnic tables," according to a visitor at Crooked Creek Lake.
Horse riding opportunities: Some campgrounds feature equestrian facilities. "My son loves the horse rides on Sundays," mentions a family who camped at Bear Run Campground.
What campers like
Mountain views: Elevated campsites provide scenic vistas uncommon in western Pennsylvania. "You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. It's cute. Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond," reports a visitor to Mountain Top Campground.
Creekside camping: Several campgrounds offer sites near running water. "We were right next to the creek, it was super spacious and super private. There's rough terrain so typically these sites are walk in but there wasn't many people so they allowed us to take our truck which was very convenient," notes a camper at Breakneck Campground.
Varied terrain options: Campsites range from open fields to wooded areas. "The park itself is gorgeous with a large lake and designated swimming area. There are 2 campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods," explains a visitor to Keystone State Park Campground.
Affordable pricing: Several campgrounds maintain competitive rates compared to other regions. "The spaces are pretty small and completely out in the open but it was grassy, quiet, and cheap," notes a visitor to Crooked Creek Lake.
What you should know
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have steep entrance roads. "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in. If you are Overlanding like us just follow the map," advises a camper from Mountain Top Campground.
Variable cell coverage: Connectivity ranges widely between campgrounds. "There is no phone reception at the tent sites by the creek," notes a visitor to Breakneck Campground.
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds near Freeport close during winter. "I stayed at site 43 in the Hillside Loop because we brought our 2 large dogs. Site was very private and relatively flat," shares a first-time RV camper at Keystone State Park Campground, which operates from "1st Friday April to 3rd Sunday October."
Bathroom facilities vary: Quality and availability of facilities differs between locations. "The central bathroom, pay shower, and laundry room had ac, a couch and were quite clean," mentions a visitor to Bear Run.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with dedicated play areas: Several sites feature playgrounds and organized activities. "Every weekend there are activities, there is a heated pool and Friday night Bingo. A great place with even better people!" shares a visitor at Bear Run Campground.
Consider site location relative to bathrooms: Some campgrounds have limited facilities. "Our site was very private and relatively flat. We did not use the bathroom facilities but they seemed nice," notes a visitor at Keystone State Park.
Look for campgrounds with weekend events: Scheduled activities keep children entertained. "This campground hosts themed events, game nights and arts&crafts. There is a swimming pool and playground for the kids. It also has a small café that sells baked goods and coffee. On Saturdays they sell amazing Armish Donuts!" describes a visitor to Bear Run Campground.
Check noise levels on weekends: Some campgrounds become busier and noisier. "We enjoyed our three day stay. The campground is large and wooded, with good-sized sites," mentions a visitor describing weekend conditions.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Tough to get our 36' fifth wheel in. Don't pass the drive coming in. We had to drive few miles to get looped back," advises an RV owner at Crooked Creek Lake.
Grey water disposal options: Some campgrounds offer innovative solutions. "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," explains a visitor to Smith Grove.
Electric service variations: Amperage options vary by campground. "30 + 50amp services, grey water dump on most sites, water, open year round," notes a visitor describing Mountain Top Campground's amenities.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping. "Dump station is out the exit by ranger building. Pull out and make a left and its about 500' down road on left by pavilion. Pull into the second drive to be on the correct side," details an RV camper at Crooked Creek Lake.
