Rv camping near Gibsonia, Pennsylvania places campers within 40 miles of Pittsburgh while offering access to lakes, mountains, and wooded terrain. The region sits at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,500 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain for motorhome travelers. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with occasional thunderstorms from June through August.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: At Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins, guests can enjoy a swimming area with inflatables, kayak, pontoon, and paddleboard rentals. "A little out of the way but worth the drive. Has a playground in every section, well equipped cabins, a swimming area with inflatables, kayak, pontoon, and paddle boarding rentals," notes Linda R.
Fishing: Raccoon Creek State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities on its lake. According to Jim L., "It's close to home plus it is a great place to take the dog out to swim and chase geese and ducks. A great little beach area to lay out and enjoy the sun."
Hiking trails: Multiple trail systems exist throughout the region's campgrounds. One camper at Raccoon Creek State Park mentions, "The hiking trails are in excellent condition and the park keeps them clear of fallen debris." The park features over 40 miles of trails and a backpacking loop ideal for beginners.
Organized activities: Family events are common at many campgrounds. At Bear Run Campground, "Every weekend there are activities, there is a heated pool and Friday night Bingo," according to Amy S. Another camper noted, "This campground hosts themed events, game nights and arts & crafts."
What campers like
The views: Mountain Top Campground lives up to its name with panoramic vistas. "You are on top of a mountain with great views. The spots are well spaced out and it is family owned," writes Corey L. Another camper emphasizes, "Sites 41-48 are the best view at sunset."
Swimming pools: Several campgrounds maintain pools for summer enjoyment. Heath T. from Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort describes "beautifully maintained lawns and gravel campsites, modern hookups, good shower/laundry facilities, nice fire rings with built in grills, trash pickup service."
Privacy at select sites: While some areas have tightly packed sites, others offer more seclusion. Jennifer H. describes Mountain Top Campground as having "Solitude peace and quiet...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."
Proximity to local towns: Several campgrounds provide easy access to nearby communities. According to James, Indian Brave Campground offers "walking distance to harmony and all the live music and nightlife that Harmony and Zelienople have to offer."
What you should know
Elevation changes: Access roads to some campgrounds involve steep terrain. At Mountain Top Campground, "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in," advises Corey L.
Site levelness: Many campsites require leveling equipment. One camper at Raccoon Creek State Park notes, "The area is not wooded at all and most sites look right into the sites next to them."
Seasonal operations: Operating dates vary significantly between campgrounds. While Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort operates year-round, most others close for winter. Bear Run Campground runs from April 15 to October 30 each year.
Additional fees: Some campgrounds charge for amenities. A visitor to Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins warns, "Austin lake offers plenty of fun with the lake. Kayaking, inflatables, beach, but almost anything you want to do will cost you an additional charge. Need to use the bathhouse? Better take quarters...bc the showers are coin operated."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with recreational facilities: Austin Lake RV Park offers numerous family activities. A visitor shares: "TONS of stuff to do here. Very big campground, all kinds of sites. Reserve early for Holiday Weekends as it fills up. Lots of seasonals. Inflatable slides and such in the lake, hiking trials, playgrounds, all sorts of stuff."
Look for organized events: Bear Run Campground provides structured activities for children. One camper noted, "Tons of activities always planned on the weekend. Family Friendly Friendly!" Another mentioned, "On Saturdays they sell amazing Armish Donuts!"
Consider pet-friendly loops: For families traveling with pets, specific areas accommodate animals. At Raccoon Creek State Park, "Loop f is pet friendly. We were in sight 32 f loop. It is sunny so pick your spots. Clean rr's with good showers but a bit old," writes Larry M.
Check noise levels: Some campgrounds have more activity than others. At Indian Brave Campground, "The site was quiet and even though you were close to your neighbors it didn't feel like it to us! The atmosphere seemed friendly among the other campers," according to Jon H.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: For level motorhome parking, choose carefully. Mathew H. notes about Austin Lake, "Take your time and all will be just fine. Our rig is 39' & 16K. 4wd low helps, not cause you need 4wd just for the lower gears."
Call ahead for road guidance: Mountain Top Campground recommends contacting them for the best route up the mountain with larger rigs. A reviewer mentions, "The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in."
Consider seasonal options: Many local RVers become seasonal campers. At Bear Run Campground, "We loved camping at Bear Run so much we bought an old trailer and we now park it there year around."
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer various hookup configurations. James B. notes that Mountain Top Campground has "level gravel lots with wood borders" and "30 + 50amp services" plus "grey water dump on most sites" though there's "no black sewer hookup (does have dump station and honey wagon)."
