Many glamping sites in Hidden Valley, Pennsylvania sit at elevations between 2,000-2,600 feet in the Laurel Highlands region. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with significant snowfall, while summer daytime temperatures typically range from 75-85°F. The topography features rolling hills with mixed hardwood forests dominated by maple, oak and hickory trees interspersed with meadows and waterways.
What to do
Riverside recreation: The Youghiogheny River provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing at The Blue Canoe RV Resort. "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. Staff make multiple rounds, picks up your trash and delivers your purchased firewood," notes Rob S.
Hiking network: Multiple trail systems connect throughout the region with varying difficulty levels. "We hiked with my son all the trails in the park and cut through and did not like what I saw. The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods. There are some very secluded sites," reports Matt R. about Keystone State Park Campground.
Winter activities: Seven Springs Downhill Bike Park operates near Laurel Hill State Park Campground, with C.S. noting "Huge park, $5 firewood, Seven Springs Downhill Bike Park" among the pros of staying at this location. The bike park converts to ski slopes during winter months.
What campers like
Creek access: Sites along water features rank highly with families. At Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing, Mathew H. recommends "Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek. Close by is Ligonier, Idlewild, and St. Vincent (where the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp takes place)."
Large campsites: Spacious, level sites with privacy get consistent praise. "Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away. Firewood available for purchase," mentions Dena L. about Fox Den Acres Campground.
Modern amenities: Clean facilities make extended stays more comfortable. "Very nice campground with very nice people. Lots of type of site options. Mix of seasonal and weekend camping," states Fred R. about The Blue Canoe RV Resort, while Silver Canoe Campground receives praise for having "The pool area and bath house were clean and maintained."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Campgrounds often have drastically different loops or sections. "There are two main loops in this campground. One that is pet friendly and more of a pitch-your-tent-in-the-yard thing and another that is pet-free and wooded. We didn't realize and stayed in the first one. Dogs were barking at all hours and there's no privacy," warns Casey L. about Laurel Hill State Park.
Seasonal considerations: Most glamping options in the region operate between April and October. "Open from April 21 to October 22," states Mirror Lake's listing, while Fox Den Acres Campground operates "May 1 - Oct 31." Few facilities remain open year-round.
Reservation timing: Weekends fill quickly during peak summer months. "We were there in November with plans to visit Fallingwater. This campground was the perfect location for both activities! Our Sprint hotspot didn't work well (unboosted), but our Verizon did," notes Bounding Around about Ohiopyle State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Several sites offer swimming and boating options. "There's a swimming pool, fishing pond, and boating pond. Spacious shower house. No water sources in the primitive section, and the shower house is quite a hike from the furthest sites," reports Heather H. about Fox Den Acres.
Kid-focused amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run specializes in family entertainment. "This Yogi Bear campground offers a large waterpark area, large pool, monster truck rides and many activities. You don't have to leave to find something to do, but there are also many local attractions as well," explains Terra B.
Budget-friendly options: State parks offer lower rates than private glamping sites. "Small campground in four loops with a variety of sites ranging from tent-only, 30-amp electric, 50-amp electric, and 30/50-amp electric, along with eight camper cabins," describes Lee D. about Laurel Hill State Park.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many sites. "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped. On my way out I heard they were having someone come in to level the sites so I imagine it was just the time of year we visited," shares Patience W. about Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Hookup placement: Check site maps when booking. "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," advises Erik E. from his experience at Laurel Hill State Park.
Access restrictions: Some routes have size limitations. "There were special notices at the bottom of the site's page stating that certain campground facilities were closed, and a conflicting message on the reservation site's page for the campground - which also mentioned a detour that was necessary for 'big rig' campers traveling to the campground," warns Danielle V. about Ohiopyle State Park.
