Tent campsites near Windber, Pennsylvania range from primitive walk-in sites to established farm-based camping. Most locations sit between 1,600 and 2,500 feet elevation in the Allegheny Mountains, creating distinct camping seasons typically running April through October. Winter camping remains limited due to access roads that become impassable during heavy snow periods, with overnight temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Hike accessible trails: Round Bottom Camping Area provides direct access to the Great Allegheny Passage with multiple day hiking options. According to camper Dave V., "Round Bottom Camping Area is very peaceful and though you can still visually see the GAP Trail, you are not disturbed by passing cyclists."
Fish nearby waterways: Long Acres on Clover Creek offers tent camping with proximity to prime fishing spots. One camper noted, "Close access to state game lands and nearby hiking trails and fishing spots!"
Stargaze from open fields: STAR LEE FARM provides exceptional stargazing opportunities from its open fields. Camper Tiana S. confirms: "Place was very pretty and secluded... There's a huge field to star gaze as well as taking pictures, lots of hiking and if you're a bee enthusiast they grow their own honey in the property."
Experience rural Pennsylvania: The GAP Trail Campground offers a unique base for experiencing small towns along the trail. Camper Shari G. explains: "Town is a short walk away, with a few restaurants and other options for necessities as well."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Maple Festival Park receives praise for its maintained shower facilities. Mark G. reported: "I was traveling from Iowa to Delfest in Cumberland MD. When I decided to find a campground I used the Dyrt app and found this place. There are quite a few trains thru town. Very peaceful place. I highly recommend."
Privacy between sites: Indian Creek Camplands offers secluded tent sites with good spacing. Christopher M. appreciated that it was a "Good spot, just beyond owners side yard. Not the most level areas but good clean and quiet campsites."
Unique camping experiences: Many tent sites near Windber offer distinctive settings. At Maple Festival Park, Shari G. observed: "Set your tent up on the lawn, up on the stage, or under the long lean-to, if you want to get out of the weather. It's all up for grabs for the night. The neighborhood cat will come to greet you, maybe even curl up on your sleeping bag! She's a sweetheart!"
Water access options: Several campgrounds feature creek or river proximity. At Long Acres on Clover Creek, Sarah A. commented: "This campsite was absolutely perfect! The secluded area combined with the creek nearby made for a great escape from reality."
What you should know
Train noise: Multiple campgrounds along the GAP Trail experience train disruptions. The GAP Trail Campground reviewer Shari G. warns: "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!"
Limited water sources: Laurel Ridge State Park Campground has water availability concerns. Brian S. noted: "The camping areas are supposed to have firewood and water, but the wood is often punky, and the water needs to be treated."
Seasonal timing considerations: October and holiday weekends experience higher occupancy rates. Brian S. advises about Laurel Ridge: "This trail is especially popular in October and on long weekends, so if you're coming to the woods for solitude or silence, avoid those times."
Cell service limitations: Some camping areas have minimal connectivity. Tiana S. reports about STAR LEE FARM: "Service is a little sketch but it's perfect for those who want to completely escape the business of modern world."
Tips for camping with families
Shower facilities: When camping with children, prioritize campgrounds with shower access. Long Acres on Clover Creek provides toilet facilities but no showers, while Maple Festival Park offers full bathroom facilities. One reviewer noted they are "quirky but clean and functional with warm showers and flush toilets."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground offers unique wildlife interactions. Kristen H. mentions: "These campsites are accessible by boat ONLY! They are in an area of the lake that has a lot of boat traffic, the waterfront spots usually book a few weeks in advance."
Campground supervision: Some locations have on-site management for added security. John H. explains about Nancy's Boat To Shore: "This campground is accessed by boat only. But it has a maintenance road and is patrolled by college kids with summer jobs. Follow the rules and you will have a wonderful time."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer learning experiences. At STAR LEE FARM, Tiana notes that "if you're a bee enthusiast they grow their own honey in the property and you're more than welcome to walk around and look at all the boxes."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent campsites near Windber have few accommodations for larger vehicles. Of the established campgrounds, only Indian Creek Camplands and Nancy's Boat To Shore list RV camping as an option, with Indian Creek offering drive-in access.
Power considerations: For RVers needing electricity, options remain limited. Tiana S. observed at STAR LEE FARM: "There's no electricity there but the owner is working on that but there is power in the shower house."
Campsite leveling: Indian Creek Camplands requires additional preparation for RVs. Christopher M. noted these are "Not the most level areas but good clean and quiet campsites."
