Stoystown camping areas sit within the Laurel Highlands region at elevations between 1,800-2,500 feet, creating cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. Most campgrounds in this area feature wooded settings with a mix of open meadow and forest sites. Winter camping is limited, with only Shawnee State Park maintaining year-round accessibility while most other facilities close between late October and mid-April.
What to do
Hiking on dedicated trails: At Rocky Gap State Park Campground, campers can access a 5-mile trail that circles Lake Habeeb. "The trail around the lake was incredible for biking - highly recommend! Everything in this park and campground are extremely well marked and maintained," notes one visitor who appreciated the well-maintained paths.
Fishing in stocked ponds: Pioneer Lakes RV Park maintains three fishing ponds that remain popular with campers. As one camper notes, "We stayed here to go to the flight 93 memorial so we didnt do much at the campground except fish cought a few nice bass."
ATV and dirt bike riding: For those seeking more active recreation, Mountain Ridge offers 2,500+ acres of riding trails. "Nestled between wind turbines on a mountain ridge within sight of the nearby Flight 93 memorial, this is 2500+ acres of atv, utv, and dirt bike riding trails with camping. The view is amazing, the turbines up close are other worldly, and the trails were a blast."
Kayak and canoe rentals: Several campgrounds offer affordable water equipment rentals. At Laurel Hill State Park, "Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake."
What campers like
Private tent sites: Many campers value the secluded wooded tent sites at Quemahoning Family Recreation Area. A camper noted, "On the lake. Good private tent sites in the woods. Rv sites too." The campground maintains separate areas for different camping styles.
Well-spaced campsites: Hickory Hollow Campground receives consistent praise for site separation. "Hickory Hollow's campsites were nicely spaced out, perched on a hillside, but with nice flat pads. The lake and farm country provided a welcoming and relaxing setting."
Clean facilities: Kentuck Campground at Ohiopyle State Park maintains high cleanliness standards. One visitor mentioned, "Just what u expect. Woods, large sites picnic table, fire ring, lantern hook. Large site level hravel."
Separate pet-friendly areas: Multiple campgrounds have designated pet areas. Kooser State Park has a full pet-friendly section, with one camper reporting, "They welcome all furry friends!"
What you should know
Shower availability varies: At Quemahoning, "The campground has a bathroom with showers (2 for men, 2 for women). The result is there are sometimes lines waiting for a shower to be available."
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require significant leveling work. At Kooser State Park Campground, "My only complaint is that many of the sites are not level at all and take some serious work to get your rig level."
Road noise at some parks: Several campgrounds sit near major roads. A visitor to Kooser noted, "There is road noise, which really didn't bother me. I liked the good cell coverage since my oldest kid was at home."
Non-potable water: Some facilities lack drinking water access. At Mountain Ridge, "The water was non potable so bring with."
Varying cell service: Coverage is inconsistent across the region. At Laurel Hill State Park, campers report "Fleeting cell at best on Verizon."
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated swimming areas: Shawnee State Park Campground offers a designated swimming beach. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating. The campground was nice, quiet and clean."
Consider playgrounds: Several parks maintain play areas for children. At Rocky Gap, one visitor noted, "Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch."
Check for bathroom proximity: Family sites near facilities reduce nighttime treks. A Hickory Hollow visitor mentioned, "Bathhouses very close to all sites."
Firewood availability: Most campgrounds sell firewood on-site, but quality varies. A Shawnee visitor noted, "Camp wood at the entrance is $5 and is tiny; our biggest piece was a foot long, 4 inches wide and 2 inches thick!"
Tips from RVers
Verify site dimensions: Many RV sites can't accommodate larger rigs. A visitor to Shawnee State Park observed, "We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating!"
Electric hookup positioning: At Laurel Hill State Park, "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."
Dump station access: Some facilities have limited dump facilities. A Pioneer Park visitor mentioned, "Easy access to the dump station as you exit."
Road conditions: Interior park roads can be rough. A recent visitor noted, "The roads are small and a mix of asphalt, gravel and dirt."
