Tent campers near Gibsonia, Pennsylvania have several established campgrounds within reasonable driving distance, including Dravo's Landing Campground and Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run. Both sites are positioned along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail and the Youghiogheny River, offering tent-only sites with varying levels of amenities. The Mountain View Camps area provides additional tent camping options approximately 30 miles northeast of Gibsonia, while several free hiker-biker campgrounds can be found along the GAP trail system.
Most tent sites in the region are accessible as walk-in tent locations, requiring campers to park and carry their gear short distances to reach campsites. Facilities typically include vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, though water availability varies significantly between locations. According to reviews, "The only people you will see are the ones who've biked, boated, or walked in," highlighting the secluded nature of many sites. Many campgrounds are maintained by volunteer organizations and may have varying conditions throughout the season. Campers should verify water potability, as several locations like Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground have wells that may require filtration or treatment.
The tent camping experience near Gibsonia offers opportunities for quiet natural immersion with riverside locations being particularly popular. Sites directly along the GAP Trail provide easy access for hikers and cyclists, with many tent campgrounds featuring raised tent pads, Adirondack-style lean-to shelters, and established fire pits. Train noise can be a consideration at riverside campgrounds, as freight traffic runs along tracks opposite many campsites. A camper noted that "Though you can still visually see the GAP Trail, you are not disturbed by passing cyclists," indicating the balance between accessibility and privacy at these locations. The region experiences seasonal variations in usage, with weekdays typically offering greater solitude and availability for tent campers seeking more secluded sites.
"We camped out overnight with a group of 14 people, and there was plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars."
"This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!)"
"The spacious and lush lawn has lots of space for tents, but the winner is the covered seating, dining, and cooking area. Everything is clean as a whistle…pun intended. "
from $25 / night
"Great place to stay close to hiking trails and fishing spots. Hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn."
from $20 - $70 / night
"We're so happy to welcome this new property to our platform. Bill and Nancy offer a safe place to set up camp. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love! 💕"
Available this weekend
from $22 - $75 / night
"We're happy to welcome your host, Laurel, to our platform. This is a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains."
Campground full this weekend
from $100 - $150 / night
"My first camping location and review. Camping in a tree farm has been cool! I called the number listed and left a message. See the friendly manager walking the farm."
from $35 / night
"Being positioned directly off the GAP Trail grants easy access to those traveling the trail. "
"This is a hike in or paddle in only campground. The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge, but there are other trailheads throughout the tract also."
"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"
from $10 - $60 / night
ScoutThis is our second time staying here. Each time in October. We love it. Unlike most RV resorts this place is small and wooded. Has free Wi-Fi, clean bathrooms and an awesome community hub room for work from home or playing games. The weekends are busy but during the week it’s so quiet and peaceful. Close to so many attractions and parks that are part of the PA Wilds. Would definitely recommend.
ScoutPLEASE DONT GO HERE ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE KIDS AND IF YOUR NOT WHITE..THE OWNER IS A RACIST HYPOCRITE AND SO ARE ALL OF HER CREW AT THIS LOWLIFE CAMPGROUND. JUST BECAUSE SHE DONT DRINK AND LIKE TO HAVE FUN, SHE RUINS IT FOR ALL THE OTHER CAMPERS..YOU HAVE TO BE IN BED AT 10PM..WHAT A FRIGGING JOKE..SHE SNEAKES AROUND IN HER GOLF CART AT NIGHT AND CREEPS IN YOUR WINDOWS TO SEE WHAT YOUR DOING. THATS WHY YOUR NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE CURTAINS CLOSED .SO HER AND HER SO CALLED HYPOCRITE FRIENDS CAN SEE WHAT YOUR DOING..WE USED TO BE UP THERE UNTIL WE SAW HOW SHE TREATED AND TALKED ABOUT THE POOR LITTLE BLACK KIDS..ESPECIALLY ON CHRISTMAS IN JULY, SHE BOUGHT TOYS FOR EVERY WHITE KID UP THERE WHILE SHE WATCHED THE LITTLE BLACK KIDS CRY THEIR EYES OUT BECAUSE THEY WERE 10 MINUTES LATE TO GET THEIR GIFTS..SHE IS A WHICH IN DISQUISE..EVERY KID GOT TO RIDE THE WAGON WITH SANTA AND WHEN SHE SAW YHE BLACK KIDS ,THEY JUST PASSED THEM UP LIKE THEY DIDNT EVEN SEE THEM...HOW CRUEL CAN SOMEONE BE🤬🤬BUT THEN AGAIN, ITS HER ,SHE HATES PEOPLE HAVING FUN UP THERE.DONT DRINK AFTER HER HRS .DONT PLAY MUSIC AFTER HER HRS..DONT DO SHIT UP THERE UNLESS YOU WANT KICKED OUT THE NEXT DAY...I NEVER SEEN ANYONE SO CRUEL AND HEARTLESS
....THERES A FEW OTHER CAMPGROUNDS AROUND THE BEND .PLEASE GO THERE IF YOU DONT WANT TO CAMP IN A PRISON CAMPGROUND....SHE'LL NEVER CHANGE..MAYBE UF YOYR WHITE, SHELL BE NICE 🤣🤣🤣AND YOU WOLNT GET KICKED OUT..
ScoutThere’s no electricity and no where in walking distance and the internet isn’t great, and at night u hear raccoons in the trash cans. If you come here bring a portable phone charger. There’s really nothing here, and the bathrooms are disgusting
TravelerStayed the weekend for the first time and it wasn’t bad! There were kids playing at sites nearby but that was all the noise, highway noise at all! I like how they have a spot for your tent with a picnic table and fire ring. I was in my rooftop tent on my truck so I wish the parking spot went back a little deeper for a little more privacy. But it was nice that there was bathrooms and showers within a 1 minute walk from the site! Also it says on here there is no AT&T signal, that’s not true…it’s not great but there is a bar or 2 at times!
ScoutThe park is beautiful, unlevel shade sites; is challenging to get the trailer level. unfortunately, the bathhouses are neglected, dark and full of mildew inside the showers. The park really needs to upgrade the bathhouses. The park itself is very nice and offers a lot of opportunities for outdoor exploration and hiking.
GuideThis is more a campground for RVs then tents or even roof top tents. Place is clean and the sites 90% of them are in the open. Very little shade. Travis runs the place and very nice and accommodating. Fire wood is 20 dollars for a massive amount.
ScoutSpent three nights there in August Mid-week. Was pretty quiet but was clean and nicely taken care of. No mosquitos or bugs at night. Nice walking paths. Pool, hot tub, outdoor showers all very nice.
ScoutAdvertised 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 !!!
ScoutCant 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...
Tent camping near Gibsonia, Pennsylvania offers year-round opportunities with peak season running May through September when temperatures average 65-80°F during daytime. The region sits at approximately 1,140 feet elevation within the Allegheny Plateau, characterized by rolling hills and forest terrain. Several campgrounds in the area maintain dedicated primitive sites specifically for tent campers, with varying levels of accessibility depending on seasonal conditions.
River exploration: Follow the Youghiogheny River from Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run where campers can access the water directly. According to Dave V., "It is a short walk down a trail to the river's edge, where I filtered water for drinking."
Mountain biking: Access nearby trails from tent sites at Mountain View Camps which connects to local routes. Richard C. notes you can "Hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn."
Historical exploration: Visit the adjacent cemetery near Dravo's Landing for a dose of local history. Lauren C. mentions "It's close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire."
Paddling access: Launch kayaks or canoes from Danner Primitive Campground where dedicated water access points exist. Casey L. observed "A few of the sites had stairs to the water for paddler access," making equipment handling easier.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campsites provide natural habitats for observing local fauna. At Quiet and Secluded, Clyde A. enjoyed the "beautiful spot" with clean amenities that supports wildlife observation.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Despite primitive settings, many tent sites receive regular upkeep. At Danner Primitive Campground, Casey L. found "vault toilets that were clean and well maintained, with hand sanitizer."
Level tent sites: Finding flat areas for tent setup isn't a challenge. At Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground, Shari G. noted "The river is very easy to access for a quick dip after a long day on the trail," with sites that accommodate standard tent dimensions comfortably.
Natural surroundings: The regional ecosystem provides diverse plant communities. Tom J. from Quiet and Secluded simply stated it was "a wonderful experience" amid the natural setting.
Water availability varies significantly: Many sites require treatment or personal supply. At Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground (GAP Trail), Shari G. reported "the well for the campground stated that it was no longer potable. My guess is that this is simply because the volunteer organization which maintains this campground lacks the funds for testing."
Train noise can disturb sleep: Railroad proximity affects multiple campsites. Shari G. warns about Roundbottom Campground: "One thing to consider with these campgrounds next to the trail is the number of trains that pass by in the night. It's not the train horn but the number of turns in the track and the squealing breaks that keep you up."
Food storage precautions needed: Wildlife encounters require proper storage. At Dravo's Landing, Sarah Q. advises "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
First-come-first-serve system: Most tent sites don't accept reservations. Dave V. explains for Round Bottom, "Sites and shelters are first come, first served," requiring early arrival during peak weekends.
Shelter options for easier setup: Some sites offer structural alternatives to tents. At The GAP Trail Campground - Bikers Only, Shari G. describes, "The spacious and lush lawn has lots of space for tents, but the winner is the covered seating, dining, and cooking area."
Consider accessibility requirements: Site approaches vary in difficulty. Casey L. noted at Danner Campground, "The first 2 sites had wheelchair friendly picnic tables," though access remains challenging through unpaved terrain.
Proximity to amenities: Evaluate distance to basic needs. About GAP Trail Campground, Shari G. mentioned, "Town is a short walk away, with a few restaurants and other options for necessities as well."
Plan for insect protection: Seasonal insects affect comfort levels. Sarah Q. from Dravo's Landing campground found "plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars," but proper protection remains necessary during warmer months.
Limited RV-friendly options: Most tent sites near Gibsonia don't accommodate larger vehicles. At Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground, Andrew O. found "It was very easy and relaxing," but notes the very limited vehicle access.
Electrical hookups scarce: Only select locations offer power connections. Frederick B. at Pioneer Trails mentions, "Clean bathroom. Office to charge electronics and a campsite with firepit was great," highlighting one of the few charging options in the region.
Narrow access roads: Vehicle size limitations exist throughout the area. When describing Quiet and Secluded, Bill's welcome impressed Clyde A. despite "rolling up on the later side," as the property can accommodate modest-sized recreational vehicles with advance notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gibsonia, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gibsonia, PA is Dravo's Landing Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Gibsonia, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Gibsonia, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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