Best Campgrounds near Garrett, PA
Garrett, Pennsylvania sits near several state parks and forests offering diverse camping experiences. Laurel Hill State Park Campground provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with electric hookups and showers, while Savage River State Forest in nearby Maryland offers more primitive camping options. Kooser State Park Campground features cabin rentals and RV sites with electric hookups. The region includes both developed campgrounds with full amenities and more secluded forest sites for those seeking a quieter experience.
Camping seasons vary significantly throughout the area, with many campgrounds operating from mid-April through October. Laurel Hill State Park typically opens mid-April and closes the third Sunday in October, while Kooser State Park maintains a similar schedule from April 15 to October 15. Some areas like Savage River State Forest remain open year-round, though winter access may be limited by snow and ice conditions. Reservations are recommended for developed campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and holidays. A camper noted that "Green Ridge State Forest's dispersed campsites offer great privacy. All are roadside, but plenty are tucked away so you feel alone in the woods."
The Allegheny Mountains provide a scenic backdrop for camping in this region, with several lakes and rivers enhancing the experience. Rocky Gap State Park Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its spacious, shaded sites and lake access. "The sites are large, paved and with shade (lots of trees). Very short walk to the beach on a path between sites," one visitor reported. Campers should be aware that sites vary in privacy levels across the region's campgrounds. Some campgrounds like Ohiopyle State Park can feel crowded during peak season with sites positioned close together, while others offer more seclusion. Most developed campgrounds provide clean bathhouses with hot showers, picnic tables, and fire rings, though amenities decrease at more primitive sites. Cell service varies throughout the mountainous terrain, with better coverage typically available at campgrounds closer to towns.
