Camping near Grove City, Pennsylvania offers diverse options within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at the western edge of the Allegheny Plateau, where rolling hills transition to flatter terrain. Several campgrounds provide water access to Shenango River Lake and Lake Arthur, with camping elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,300 feet. Winter camping options remain limited, with most facilities closing from November through March.
What to do
Hiking trails: Access the North Country Trail through Moraine State Park, which features a 12+ mile segment of this national scenic trail. "The north country trail has an Adirondack shelter and small tenting area within the park that's reserved for backpackers," notes one visitor. The trail system connects to various water features throughout the park.
Creek exploration: Visit Breakneck Campground for direct water access. "From our campsite we walked along the creek into McConnells Mill State Park and joined the covered bridge trail. Approx. 30min walk along the creek down into McConnells Mill State Park," reports a camper who enjoyed the walk-in sites. The creekside primitive sites provide a more secluded experience compared to the main camping area.
Horseback riding: Some campgrounds offer equestrian activities nearby. "My son loves the horse rides on Sundays," shares a visitor to Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping. Guided rides typically last 30-45 minutes and are available on weekends during peak season, making this a special weekend activity option for families.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping receives praise for generous campsites. "Sites are super big and is a great family owned campground! Super close to a local ice cream shop and has a great dog park and is fully paved," mentions a satisfied camper. The paved sites accommodate larger RVs and provide defined boundaries between camping areas.
Swimming pools: Multiple campgrounds maintain heated pools. "We loved camping at Bear Run so much we bought an old trailer and we now park it there year around. Every weekend there are activities, there is a heated pool and Friday night Bingo," reports one enthusiastic visitor. Most pools operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with some extending through September depending on weather conditions.
Proximity to state parks: Quiet and Secluded property offers access to nearby recreational areas. "Beautiful place. Host was very accommodating. Great time," shares a visitor to this private camping option. This smaller property provides a base camp for exploring the region's multiple state parks within a 20-minute drive.
What you should know
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "Don't follow GPS! Great Stop. We stayed here for a quick overnight stop. We have a 40' class A and flat tow a Jeep... Be sure to use the park's directions for an easier drive in," advises a visitor to Mercer-Grove City KOA. The winding roads around the region can create challenges for larger rigs.
Noise levels vary significantly: "Breakneck is a private campground on the edge of the McConnell's Mill State Park. They offer RV sites, tent camping and cabins. The tent camping is either grassy, flat sites or on an elevated timber platform overlooking a gorge," notes a camper, highlighting the different site types. Platform sites tend to have less buffer between neighbors compared to walk-in options.
Limited primitive camping in state parks: Shenango Campground offers one of the few public camping options with water views. "A large number of them are on the lake providing a nice area to beach your boat or kayaks. There are several playgrounds for the kiddos. There is also a boat launch on site," explains a camper. While electric sites cluster in central areas, waterfront sites are primarily non-electric.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Look for campgrounds with multiple play areas. "Beautiful facilities. Clean bathrooms. Lots of activities. Great play area for the kids!" shares a camper about Mercer-Grove City KOA. Many campgrounds feature both traditional playground equipment and open field spaces for recreation.
Weekend programming: Bear Run Campground offers structured activities. "Bear Run offers pull through sites for larger RV's. The pool is smaller but still enjoyable. Tons of activities always planned on the weekend. Family Friendly Friendly!" notes one visitor. Activity schedules typically include crafts, wagon rides, and seasonal events like Halloween weekends.
Fishing access: Several campgrounds provide water access for anglers. "We got site 224 on the end which had some privacy. This site was non electric but was perfect for us since we were in a tent and just needed a place to crash for the night," reports a Shenango Campground visitor. Fishing licenses are required for ages 16+ and can be purchased online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Tips from RVers
Campground navigation: Some campgrounds have unusual layouts. "After getting off I80, our RV GPS wanted to take us on a wonky route, so we followed Waze and the campground's web instructions," explains an RVer who stayed at Shenango Campground. Most area campgrounds provide specific driving directions that differ from standard GPS routing.
Site selection for privacy: Choose end sites when possible. "Level, wooded sites and clean bathrooms. No area to wash dishes. Lots of space for each sites and trees for shade," notes a visitor to Mercer-Grove City KOA. Corner sites and those at the edges of camping loops typically offer more buffer space and reduced foot traffic.
Site surface considerations: Prepare for varying campsite bases. "Very level and big rig friendly. It is a little noisy from the roadway noises," reports a visitor about the Mercer-Grove City KOA. While most sites feature gravel pads, soil composition in the area can create muddy conditions after rain, making stabilizers and leveling blocks essential equipment.
