Campgrounds near Greensburg, Pennsylvania offer diverse terrain across the Laurel Highlands region, with elevations ranging from 1,000-3,000 feet. Winter camping is available at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, which remains open year-round with temperatures often dropping below freezing between November and March. The surrounding forests feature a mix of maple, oak, and pine trees that provide natural privacy at many sites.
What to do
Trail riding access: Laurel Hill State Park Campground connects to several popular hiking paths with varied terrain. "The wooded settings provide natural shade during summer months," and visitors appreciate the "large picnic area at the end of one of the loops." One camper reported: "Many include fishing, swimming, boating, bicycling, hiking, geocaching, and hunting. The lake is separate from the campground, but it is less than a mile away and a reasonable distance walk."
Scenic waterfall viewing: Cucumber Falls near Ohiopyle State Park requires early arrival for parking. "Get there early for one of the few parking spaces to walk down to the falls. In early August, the falls were not flowing heavy so it wasn't as spectacular as it would be after rains or in the spring," notes one visitor. The natural water slide at Sliding Rock is another popular attraction in summer months.
Lake activities: Fishing and boating opportunities abound at several campgrounds within 30 minutes of Greensburg. "The lake is great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails. There's plenty to do in surrounding areas from Ft Ligonier to the shops in the town," reports a camper at Keystone State Park Campground, where paddle boats and canoes can be rented seasonally.
What campers like
Pool access: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools, which campers consistently rate highly. At Laurel Highlands Campland, "The outdoor pool is large and the indoor pool is great for those rainy days," making it a reliable option regardless of weather conditions. Another camper mentions the "very nice pools with playground, fishing pond and tons of open space."
Laundry facilities: For longer stays, practical amenities become important. One camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA specifically noted: "Laundry facilities are the best we have encountered. Big machines and dryers making life easier and less time spent doing laundry."
Seasonal entertainment: Many campgrounds offer organized activities during peak seasons. "Every week they organizes different themes for bingo, and other games. They also have Sunday pancake days," reports a camper about Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA. Activities tend to be most frequent between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
What you should know
Site selection challenges: Not all sites are created equal, even within the same campground. At Laurel Hill State Park, a camper warns: "Sites can be a bit small or awkward for campers. Our neighbor had a bit of a rough time accessing our shared electric box and we had to put our tent right on the edge because the rest of the campsite was a little muddy and there were roots sticking up."
Uneven terrain: Many campgrounds in the Laurel Highlands feature sloped sites. At Kooser State Park Campground, "many of the sites are not level at all and take some serious work to get your rig level." This terrain challenge appears at multiple locations across the region.
Road noise: Several campgrounds experience traffic noise from nearby highways. At Kooser State Park, "there is a main road nearby and you hear industrial trucks rolling by constantly." Consider requesting sites furthest from roads when making reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When camping with children, site location matters. At Fox Den Acres Campground, one family suggests: "If you HAVE KIDS young enough to have to keep an eye on, the kabins and spots facing the pillow ARE PRIME (kids wait for it to blow up every morning)." Many families also appreciate campgrounds with open fields for impromptu games.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer kid-friendly fishing experiences. "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them," reports a visitor to Fox Den Acres Campground. The most accessible fishing spots tend to be stocked ponds rather than moving water.
Wildlife viewing: Several campsites offer opportunities to see local wildlife. At Kooser State Park, a camper mentioned observing "wildlife (turkeys and deer right by the tent)." Early morning and dusk provide the best viewing opportunities when animals are most active.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Experienced campers note the importance of hookup placement. At Laurel Hill State Park, "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."
Pull-through availability: For easier setup, some campers prefer pull-through sites. "Bush Recreation Area has a nice shower just a few spots from us and my wife said it was clean with large stalls. The lake level was high because of the dam nearby so fishing was non-existent, but it was peaceful and pleasant."
