Homestead area campgrounds vary in elevation, terrain, and access. Most camping options sit between 900-1,300 feet above sea level, with seasonal weather patterns bringing humid summers and occasionally snowy winters. Weekday availability tends to be better than weekends at most campsites near Homestead, Pennsylvania, particularly in spring and fall shoulder seasons.
What to do
Water activities on the Youghiogheny River: At Dravo's Landing Campground, campers have direct river access along the Youghiogheny. "Free bike-in camp site with water access along the Youghiogheny River. Access from the Allegheny Gap trail. There were a few shelters, nice campsite," notes Lauren C. The river provides opportunities for swimming during summer months.
Hiking on multiple trail systems: Forests surrounding Homestead campgrounds contain over 60 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels. At Mountain Top Campground, "You are on top of a mountain with great views. The spots are well spaced out and it is family owned. The family is always out making improvements, talking with the campers, and putting on events," shares Corey L.
Winter outdoor activities: Several campgrounds remain open during colder months. "Got out for a couple hours hiking in the snow. It was great. Just what we needed to stretch the legs and enjoy some family time. We did the Palomino Loop. It also was quite interesting getting to the trail. Some nice snow covered back roads," writes Jay R. about Raccoon Creek State Park.
What campers like
Mountaintop views: The elevation changes around Homestead create scenic lookout points. "Amazing views from this campground! You actually does really sit at the mountain top and gives you pretty good views of the valleys and surrounding areas from any of the rim campsites. Fall was in full effect and it was AMAZINGLY beautiful!!" explains Dave from Mountain Top Campground.
Biking access on the Great Allegheny Passage: The GAP Trail connects multiple camping areas. "This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!), and a nice easy introduction to bikepacking camping for the east-bound (the closest to Pittsburgh). At 26 miles from Three Rivers Park, this makes a great place to get your head around what it might be like to ride and camp the whole way to Washington D.C.," shares Shari G. at The GAP Trail Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer stocked ponds or river access. "The lake provides a great place to fish and the walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk," explains a visitor at Laurel Hill State Park. Another camper noted, "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them" at Fox Den Acres Campground.
What you should know
Campsite privacy varies significantly: Not all sites offer seclusion. "We stayed in the tent loop at the back of the campground. The area is not wooded at all and most sites look right into the sites next to them. If you are like me and crave privacy, avoid," warns Matt R. about certain areas of Raccoon Creek State Park.
Many campgrounds require advance planning: Most sites fill quickly during peak season. "We stayed here one night for a stop over on our way to Niagra Falls. It was fairly easy to get in and out. We had a pull through spot. Spots were pretty close to each other," explains Glynnis A. at Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA.
Toilet and shower facilities vary widely: Some campgrounds offer modern facilities while others are more primitive. "The floor in the women's bathroom had holes in it. It smelled funny in there too. This place needs a major remodel!" reports Cynthia K. about Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA. At other locations like Keystone State Park Campground, "Bathrooms are typical for a state park."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid activities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated recreation areas. "They have a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it along with two small dog play areas. Every week they organizes different themes for bingo, and other games. They also have Sunday pancake days," shares Evelyn T. about Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Swimming options vary by season: Beach and pool access changes throughout the year. "Great pool & concession stand, beautifully maintained lawns and gravel campsites, modern hookups, good shower/laundry facilities, nice fire rings with built in grills, trash pickup service," reports Heath T. about Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort.
Tent-specific sites for beginners: First-time tent campers should look for designated areas. "I had the most wonderful time on my first tent camping at Racoon Creek. We made a fire, hiked by the moonlight and swam at the warm lake at night. There were other campers around but we rarely noticed them and only when walking to restrooms at the daylight," shares Mariana N.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges at some campgrounds: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs easily. "A dozen or so of the sites are not level, not only that but they are narrow and where you sit is a slope making it very uncomfortable. This is overpriced for that simple issue, I guess ok for an overnight stay but I wouldn't plan a long stay," warns Kevin D. about Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA.
Electrical hookup variability: Power options range from basic to comprehensive. "We have a wonderful, big electric and water site. Our camper doesn't have a bathroom so we need the bathhouse," notes Nora M. at Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park.
Grey water disposal options: Some locations offer partial hookups with creative solutions. "Since they sit atop the mountain, the grey water hookup is a long hose that has an adapter which hooks up to your black and grey tank outlet and it runs down the hillside of the mountain into the grassy area. This means that unless you are a very active user of the commode, your black tank should not need to be flushed for 1-2 weeks at a time," explains Dave about Mountain Top Campground.
