Laurel Hill State Park Campground offers rustic glamping opportunities close to Gray, Pennsylvania, with a variety of accommodations including cabins and tent sites set among wooded hillsides. The park sits within the Laurel Highlands region at elevations reaching 2,800 feet with summer temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding lowlands. Seasonal camping runs from mid-April through the third Sunday in October, with fall foliage reaching peak colors in early to mid-October.
What to do
Explore creek-side bouldering: At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy rock climbing opportunities suitable 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 with a close location to the seven springs ski resort," notes reviewer Jill R.
Try water activities on the lake: The park offers various water recreation options within walking distance of camping areas. According to Erik E., "The lake provides a great place to fish and the walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk. Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake."
Visit historic sites: Just 30 minutes from Kentuck Campground is the Flight 93 Memorial, providing a meaningful day trip. As Rachel L. notes about a nearby park, "I spent a night here on my way to Pittsburgh one weekend, and I couldn't be more impressed. If you stay here, make sure to travel down the road to see the Flight 93 Memorial."
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Hickory Hollow Campground receives consistent praise for its upkeep. One camper, Sammii D., was particularly impressed: "This may be the first campground I give a 10 out of 10! All the amenities your could want, it's clean, sites are leveled, it's maintained beautifully, there are cows in the distance, fully stocked store, friendly staff."
Expansive wooded sites: The region offers campsites with ample space and natural settings. At Laurel Hill, Lee D. observed: "Large campground in four loops with a variety of sites ranging from tent-only, 30-amp electric, 50-amp electric, and 30/50-amp electric, along with eight camper cabins. All sites are wooded but some have more separation than others."
Unique glamping options: For those seeking glamping close to Gray, Pennsylvania, Rocky Gap State Park offers distinctive accommodations. "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," reports Kimberly H.
What you should know
Loop selection matters: Different camping areas within the same park offer vastly different experiences. At Laurel Hill, Casey L. advises: "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."
Seasonal road conditions: Road closures and maintenance can affect access. Danielle V. experienced this at Kentuck Campground: "No one - not either website or the woman whom I spoke to - mentioned that the main road to the campground from Ohiopyle was also closed due to a separate paving project. This unanticipated road closure with the typically convoluted PA road system detour...infuriated my father and husband."
Site levelness varies: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. At Shawnee State Park Campground, Lee D. notes: "Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level, and we did not have a problem finding one."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Families enjoy the swimming and water activities available at several parks. Katie H. says of Rocky Gap: "We love that the campground has their own beach so it's not over crowded with the public. Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch."
Entertainment amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers extensive family-friendly activities. Tina L. shares: "We visited this campground 3 years ago and had an absolute blast!! 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...snowless snow tubing! We stayed for 4 days and 3 nights!"
Hiking trails suitable for children: Many parks feature accessible trails for young hikers. At Laurel Hill, Natalie L. describes it as "Great for families to get away. Quiet and scenic, great trails. Close to lake and fishing."
Tips from RVers
Extension cord planning: RV sites may have inconvenient electrical hookup placements. Erik E. advises at Laurel Hill: "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."
Site selection for RVs: For larger rigs, checking site specifications is crucial. At Shawnee State Park, Brittany V. recommends: "We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating!"
Noise considerations: Traffic sounds affect some camping locations. At Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing, choosing sites away from roads improves the experience. Sue J. notes at a nearby park: "It was very noisy at night due to traffic on I-68 and even the campground road, which despite a 15 mph posting has no speed bumps and seems to have a poplar straightaway for cars with loud mufflers."
