Tent camping options around Glenshaw, Pennsylvania cluster primarily along the Youghiogheny River corridor. Most walk-in tent sites in this region require accessing the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail, with campsites positioned at strategic intervals along the 150-mile route. These rustic sites typically operate without reservation systems, with availability determined by seasonal timing and weekday versus weekend visitation patterns. River access provides both water sources and recreational opportunities at most locations.
What to do
River cooling breaks: Tent campers at Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground appreciate easy river access. "The river is very easy to access for a quick dip after a long day on the trail," notes one camper, highlighting the refreshing reward after hiking or cycling.
Explore historical features: At Dravo's Landing Campground, visitors can investigate local history. "It's close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire," mentions one reviewer, adding an unexpected historical element to evening activities.
Mountain biking excursions: For campers willing to travel north, Mountain View Camps offers proximity to trail networks. A recent visitor recommends you "hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn," providing both exercise and wildlife viewing opportunities.
What campers like
Abundant flat tent spaces: The camping areas along the GAP trail feature more space than apparent at first glance. "There is plenty of grassy area for scores of tents in this area. So if you are not fortunate enough to secure one of the two Shelters or tent pads, you can still set up a tent in the nicely mowed areas, which are still level," notes a cyclist about Round Bottom Camping Area.
Stocked firewood supplies: Free firewood represents an appreciated amenity at Dravo's Landing. One camper notes, "The local volunteer group also keeps the free wood pile stocked and ready to go," eliminating the need to carry or forage for burning materials.
Sheltered structures: The lean-to shelters at multiple GAP trail campgrounds provide weather protection. "We secured the only open Adirondack Shelter and were able to set up our tent inside, along with keeping our bicycles inside and out of the elements. Which made it wonderfully convenient when it started to rain," explains a bike-packer who appreciated this feature during inclement weather.
What you should know
Train noise disruptions: Railway lines parallel many GAP trail camping areas, creating noise issues. According to a camper at The GAP Trail Campground, "With all this luxury comes an active train too...that's the nature of this trail. Bring those earplugs for a good night's sleep!"
Water purification necessities: Potable water remains inconsistent at most tent camping locations. One camper at Roundbottom reports, "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. We grabbed water at the last town before the campground."
Food storage concerns: Wildlife intrusions represent a risk at riverside camping areas. A Dravo's Landing visitor warns, "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
Tips for camping with families
Weekday camping advantages: For the best tent camping near Glenshaw, Pennsylvania with children, consider non-weekend visits. One GAP trail camper notes, "Bicycle traffic was fairly light during the week, so not only did you have the GAP Trail mostly to yourself, the camping areas were either sparsely filled or empty," creating a more controlled environment for families.
Tree farm alternatives: Consider Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground for a unique family experience. "My family and I had a great time. It was very easy and relaxing. The trees were quite the entertaining experience for the kids," reports one visitor, though noting bathroom access requires some walking.
Level site selection: When tent camping with children, prioritize level ground assessment. A camper at Indian Creek Camplands advises, "Not the most level areas but good clean and quiet campsites," highlighting the importance of careful site selection when setting up family tents.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most camping near Glenshaw primarily accommodates tent campers with walk-in requirements. RVers report needing to travel further from Glenshaw to find suitable sites, as most GAP trail campgrounds remain accessible only via hiking, biking, or paddling.
Cannabis-friendly options: For RVers seeking alternative camping cultures, specialized campgrounds exist within driving distance. At Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm, visitors note this is "a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains," though alcohol is prohibited.
Shelter considerations: RVers transitioning to tent camping should utilize available shelters. One camper describes The GAP Trail Campground as "more like a Spa than a Campground," explaining, "Imagine if a luxury AirBnB and a Hobbit Camp had a baby – this place would be it," with covered dining and cooking areas that ease the transition from RV conveniences.
