Camping near Somerset, PA

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    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.

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    Best Campgrounds near Somerset (136)

      1. Laurel Hill State Park Campground

      4.3(29)8mi from Somerset272 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      2. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

      4.5(86)24mi from Somerset242 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      3. Kooser State Park Campground

      4.1(15)9mi from Somerset42 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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 $26 - $130 / night

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      4. Hickory Hollow Campground

      4.8(6)7mi from SomersetRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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. "

      5. Pioneer Park Campground

      4.0(6)8mi from SomersetRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      6. Quemahoning Family Recreation Area

      4.8(8)13mi from SomersetRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      7. Pioneer Lakes RV Park

      3.3(6)8mi from SomersetRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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!"

      8. Shawnee State Park Campground

      4.0(27)24mi from Somerset205 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      9. Rocky Gap State Park Campground

      4.5(55)30mi from SomersetRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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      10. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run

      4.1(16)21mi from SomersetRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

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    Recent Reviews near Somerset, PA

    777 Reviews of 136 Somerset Campgrounds


    • Rob
      Aug. 18, 2026

      Lazy Acres Campground

      DO NOT BRING KIDS HERE

      Advertised as a family camp but very far from it. I’ve watched this camp progressively get worse as the years go on, over priced camp with zero efforts to make anything worthwhile, run down play grounds, broken toilet paper roll holders in the bathrooms of the shower house, roads that make you feel like your off road. Owner plans “events” and then wants campers to pay for overpriced food. The owner complains nobody comes to events anymore but barely comes to them herself. The owner is VERY money hungry! And most importantly it’s home to a sex offender who the owner cherishes dearly.

      It’s a shame to see how many people realized how terrible this camp was and are selling their camps because of it. The owner should open her eyes and realize she’s the reason people don’t want to be there anymore !!!

    • S
      Aug. 10, 2026

      Lazy Acres Campground

      Filthy

      Cant have no fun or drink.kids get yelled at all the time..owner sneaks around looking in campers at night..they watch every thing you do. Then they throw you out because your having to much fun. Or your up after 10pm..what a joke....please dont do nothing wrong.because.youll be on the shitlist...they are very very racist ,dont ever take a black child or try to get a place to stay or even put a tent up ,cause if your Black ,they tell you their is no room for u or a tent..STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE,ITS A BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES AND THEY DONT WANT NO BLACS IN THEIR CAMP GROOUND AT ALL..GO UP THE ROAD..THEY ARE NICER THERE...

    • Shelby H.
      Aug. 7, 2026

      Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run

      Fantastic for Family

      We love it here so much we almost never leave. There is a creek, playground and games for the kids year round. The lake is great for fishing, boating, swimming and more from March-August usually but even longer this year it seems. They are INCREDIBLY strict about 5mph and I LOVE THAT! My 8 year old can run around and be a kid at camp like I was without me being panicked. They even have events once a month. They are constantly adding and upgrading around the campground. Everything from walk to primitive sites to full hook ups and dry cabins.

      Highly recommend for a long or short get away.

    • Cari E.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 31, 2026

      Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

      Pick the loop for you

      I stayed at two sites at Ohiopyle and I’ll say it again—picking the loop that best fits your equipment is key to enjoying your camping experience here. Not all loops are created equal! My second, and heavy favorite, was my site on Ivy Road. The sites were had more privacy and most importantly, were far more level and easier to access. This loop/road is also more central to the rest of the campground, the dumpsters, and had access to much nicer (still a smidge dingy), larger bathrooms. The cell service here was also decent as this road is in a less hilly area within the campground.

      While the park and town are excellent for exploring, I found that the highlight of my trip was Fallingwater—it’s a Frank Lloyd Wright house (personally, I think his best) that offers tours and I was shocked to find that it was less than 10 minutes away. If you need a break from hiking and the river, I cannot recommend it enough!

    • Cari E.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 31, 2026

      Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

      Great, but…

      My happiness with Ohiopyle SP started off rocky from the start due to two factors, which can also impact your stay:

      1. No matter what Google Maps tells you, try to avoid taking Sugarloaf Rd into the park—it’s a very steep dirt road that is not at all direct, despite popping you out in the middle of town (which was widely surreal as I landed in the middle of some kind of festival), but most importantly there is no cell service which is frustrating when you’re unexpectedly routed down backroads as night approaches

      2. which loop you stay in really matters, more so than many other parks I’ve stayed at. My first few nights were on Hickory road and many were small and wildly unleveled—I saw one individual give up trying to get his small RV backed in due to the site being a basin shape. So you truly need to do your research and find a site that fits your equipment. The bathroom in this leg was also small and dingy, to put it nicely, but serviceable. Personally, I would not stay in Hickory again.

      That said, this is a beautiful park with phenomenal hiking and water adventures. The town (which is in the park) was also quaint and lovely, with a variety of food and shopping options.

    • Heather S.
      Jul. 29, 2026

      Friendship Village Campground & RV Park

      Home Away From Home

      I don’t know what it is about this place but whenever I’m here all my worries are gone! I can honestly say IM RELAXED!!! I’m relaxed- whether I’m riding the golf cart eating ice cream, playing in the arcades, walking around in the campground store, playing mini golf, fishing from our campsite, watching the doggy’s play in the dog park. I’m honestly happy here!!! My favorite sites are by the lake or river. The bathhouses were clean!! We don’t swim but the pools looked great!! I’m always sad to leave but super excited to come back!! I have a video review on my YouTube channel @UpOnTheRidge304 about this campground - feel free to check it out.


    Guide to Somerset

    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.

    What to do

    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.

    What campers like

    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.

    What you should know

    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.

    Tips for camping with families

    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.

    Tips from RVers

    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.