Camping spots near Greensburg, Pennsylvania provide easy access to the Laurel Highlands region, with elevations reaching nearly 3,000 feet in some locations. Most campgrounds sit at lower elevations between 1,000-1,500 feet, contributing to moderate summer temperatures that typically remain 5-10 degrees cooler than Pittsburgh. While many campers visit between April and October, a few year-round facilities can accommodate winter campers when temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The area offers various fishing spots at lakes and ponds. At Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, campers can fish at their small lake. One visitor noted, "You do see things jump so I don't doubt there's fish and it's really pretty in the backdrop." The campground occasionally stocks the pond with blue gill, as one visitor mentioned catching during their stay.
Trail access: Several campgrounds connect directly to popular trails. Dravo's Landing Campground provides access to the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail. A camper shared: "This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!), and a nice easy introduction to bikepacking camping for the east-bound." The site is approximately 26 miles from Three Rivers Park.
Water recreation: Beyond fishing, several parks offer boating and swimming. Laurel Hill State Park Campground features kayak rentals for $15 per hour, which a camper called "the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake." The lake trail is described as "wide and flat," making it accessible for families with children.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate adequately-sized campsites that offer privacy. At Fox Den Acres Campground, a tent camper noted, "Mostly an RV campground, but several tent sites. Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight." Another visitor mentioned it's "very relaxed, wooded, and quiet" despite being close to several large cities.
Camp amenities: Clean facilities and convenient amenities rank high for visitors. A camper at Bush Recreation Area remarked on their camping site: "Our picnic table was (nearly) brand new composite material and easy to move around. The host was right across from us and very friendly." Another mentioned that "the shower was clean with large stalls."
Natural surroundings: The wooded settings appeal to many campers. At Laurel Hill State Park, visitors enjoy the "large campground in four loops with a variety of sites" where "all sites are wooded but some have more separation than others." The "clean park" is noted as "easy to get to from Pittsburgh" with wildlife sightings including coyotes heard in the distance at night.
What you should know
Site conditions: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain that can be challenging. At Kooser State Park Campground, a camper noted, "My only complaint is that many of the sites are not level at all and take some serious work to get your rig level." Similarly, at Laurel Hill State Park, a visitor mentioned, "All sites are gravel; most appeared level, but some did not."
Road noise: Several campgrounds experience traffic noise from nearby highways. At Kooser State Park, one camper mentioned, "There is a main road nearby and you hear industrial trucks rolling by constantly." At Donegal Campground, a visitor noted, "The campground is situated right off of the main road so the road noise can be an issue if it bothers you."
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Some campgrounds have limited facilities in certain areas. At Fox Den Acres, a camper noted, "No water sources in the primitive section, and the shower house is quite a hike from the furthest sites." At Dravo's Landing, a camper advised, "One thing to consider with these campgrounds next to the trail is the number of trains that pass by in the night."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer convenient playground facilities. Bush Recreation Area features a playground "right behind" certain sites, with one family noting: "Great spots! Our kids were within easy eye and earshot of the playground." The campground also has a fishing pond and "a nice shower just a few spots from us."
Swimming options: Pools and designated swimming areas provide recreation for children. Laurel Highlands Campland has both indoor and outdoor pools that receive positive reviews. One visitor commented, "The outdoor pool is large and the indoor pool is great for those rainy days," making it suitable for swimming regardless of weather conditions.
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds organize regular events for children. At Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, a visitor noted they have "a cloud pillow with the playground next to it" and "Every week they organizes different themes for bingo, and other games. They also have Sunday pancake days." Keystone State Park was praised because "The lake is great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Several campgrounds have unique electric hookup configurations. At Laurel Hill State Park, an RVer noted, "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." This can prevent frustration upon arrival.
Water availability: Water systems vary between campgrounds. An RVer staying in Kooser State Park's cabins advised, "Don't think everyone is showering one after the other or you can do dishes and wash hands as much as you want before showering because it's very small water tank, it goes lukewarm to cold quick." Planning water usage accordingly helps prevent unexpected cold showers.
Laundry facilities: For longer stays, laundry access becomes important. Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA received praise specifically for this: "Laundry facilities are the best we have encountered. Big machines and dryers making life easier and less time spent doing laundry." Another camper mentioned they have "HUGE INDUSTRIAL SIZE washers & dryers."
Traveler
