Tomlinson Run State Park Campground in New Cumberland, West Virginia offers multiple camping options with electrical hookups and is situated about an hour from Pittsburgh. The campground features sites that accommodate tents, RVs, and cabins across several loops with varying privacy levels. The camping area sits atop a mountain separate from the main park with two main roads extending from the camp office. Most electric sites are not completely level, so campers should prepare accordingly. The campground maintains clean facilities including flush toilets and showers, though some sites are a considerable distance from the bathhouse. According to one visitor, "This is the one campground that my wife and I make it to every year. There's truly nothing special about it, except that is a very friendly, and laid back place to camp." The campground operates seasonally from April 1 through October 31.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping provides a large fishing area where visitors can enjoy catch-and-release activities. One guest noted, "It sits on top of a mountain well away from the rest of the park with two main roads going either direction from the camp office." At Tomlinson Run, both a lake and streams offer fishing options.
Trail exploration: Breakneck Campground borders McConnell's Mill State Park with direct creek access. A camper explained, "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."
Winter camping options: Unlike seasonal facilities, some campgrounds remain operational year-round. The Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA in Ruffs Dale stays open throughout winter. As one winter camper observed, "We're staying in the winter for a few nights to visit friends who live outside Pittsburgh. Friendly and cozy spot. They've done a great job in the winter despite the frigid weather by using heat tape on the spigots."
What campers like
Private creek-side sites: When seeking seclusion near Oakdale, Pennsylvania, Breakneck Campground offers highly private sites. A reviewer shared, "We definitely lucked out with one of the best campsites; we were right next to the creek, it was super spacious and super private." These walk-in sites require a longer trek but provide exceptional privacy.
Clean, accessible facilities: Keystone State Park Campground maintains well-kept facilities with reasonable rates. A visitor noted, "Park itself is gorgeous with a large lake and designated swimming area. Place attracts a lot of people in the summer as its basically in the Pittsburgh suburbs along a major road artery." The park has two distinct camping areas with different privacy levels.
Family-oriented activities: Fox Den Acres Campground caters specifically to families with organized events. According to one camper, "Wonderful campground. They provide activities almost every evening, making sure everything age range is catered to throughout the week." The campground includes a swimming pool and fishing pond approximately 40 minutes from Oakdale.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain requiring preparation. At Tomlinson Run, a camper advised, "Most of the camp sites have electricity, but most aren't level. It's the kind of place that has some really great sits and some not so great." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended.
Limited dish washing facilities: Not all campgrounds provide dedicated areas for cleaning cookware. One visitor to Breakneck Campground noted, "The only thing I didn't like about the campground is that there is no wash tub/sink to wash your dishes which made clean up a little more of a chore."
Seasonal amenities: Many facilities close certain features outside peak season. At Tomlinson Run, a camper observed, "Water - have to go up to entrance as the water spouts are still shut off," indicating that some services may be limited during shoulder seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Yogi Bear themed activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers extensive child-friendly amenities approximately 1.5 hours from Oakdale. A family reported, "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."
Multiple swimming options: Several campgrounds feature pools for children during hot summer months. A visitor to Fox Den Acres shared, "It is a large campground with play grounds, well maintained pool and grounds, fishing, party pavilions, and store."
Halloween camping events: Fall camping provides special themed weekends at multiple locations. One camper at Rose Point Park explained, "Halloween weekends are a great time to visit!" with many campgrounds offering decorating contests, trick-or-treating, and seasonal activities during September and October.
Tips from RVers
Laundry facilities: When glamping close to Oakdale, Pennsylvania in larger rigs, laundry access becomes important. A camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA reported, "Laundry facilities are the best we have encountered. Big machines and dryers making life easier and less time spent doing laundry."
Site selection strategy: For RVs, choosing the right location matters. A visitor at Keystone State Park advised, "There are 2 campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The lakeside one is a glorified trailer park and is packed during the summer with no privacy." Requesting sites away from high-traffic areas improves experience.
Leveling considerations: RVers should prepare for terrain challenges. At the Madison-Pittsburgh KOA, one camper noted, "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty sloped," highlighting the importance of bringing adequate leveling equipment when glamping near Oakdale.
