Best Campgrounds near Latrobe, PA

State parks and recreation areas surrounding Latrobe, Pennsylvania provide a variety of camping experiences within the Laurel Highlands region. Keystone State Park Campground, just 5 miles from Latrobe, offers lakeside camping with options for tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts from April through October. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can access additional established campgrounds including Bush Recreation Area near Saltsburg, Fox Den Acres in New Stanton, and several state parks like Laurel Hill and Kooser. The area's campgrounds typically feature wooded settings with varying levels of privacy, many situated near lakes or streams that support fishing, boating, and swimming activities.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with the primary camping season running from mid-April through October. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. As one camper noted about Keystone State Park, "This State Park is so clean! The campground gives you easy access to anything you want to do. Fish, swim, hike, bike, kayak." Road conditions vary throughout the area, with some campgrounds requiring navigation of steep, narrow roads. Cell service can be limited in more remote locations, with visitors reporting "fleeting cell at best on Verizon" at Laurel Hill State Park. Weather in the region tends to be cooler than surrounding areas, especially near lakes and in wooded settings.

Many campgrounds feature a mix of site types and privacy levels. At Ohiopyle State Park's Kentuck Campground, some campers report sites being "packed in like sardines," while others appreciate the "roomy" sites with "enough foliage that separates campsites that it feels somewhat private." Families often gravitate toward campgrounds with playgrounds and recreational amenities, such as Bush Recreation Area where one visitor mentioned, "It's definitely a great choice for families, especially those with young children." The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail provides unique bikepacking opportunities with dedicated camping areas. Water features are prominent throughout the region's campgrounds, with many offering fishing, swimming, and boating options, though some visitors note that water levels can fluctuate due to dam operations.

Best Camping Sites Near Latrobe, Pennsylvania (97)

    1. Keystone State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Latrobe, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 668-2939

    $18 - $70 / night

    "Camped in the Lakeside Loop. This State Park is so Clean! The campground gives you easy access to anything you want to do. Fish, swim, hike, bike, kayak. It can all be done."

    "This is our second time staying here - once in Electric site on Lakeside and this time non electric site on Hillside. Love this side of Hillside - quiet and shaded."

    2. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    80 Reviews
    Ohiopyle, PA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 329-8591

    $20 - $54 / night

    "Ohiopyle is located in a beautiful area of Pennsylvania we've camped there a couple of times and have been able to get last minute tent sites. Lots of outdoor activities nearby."

    "Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."

    3. Fox Den Acres Campground

    8 Reviews
    Youngwood, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 925-7054

    $25 / night

    "It’s very military positive, even includes a reserved place for the fallen soldiers. Some sites are a bit close, the pull through sites are very ample. Gravel roads and level sites."

    "Tent site was nice and conveniently located next to the bathhouse"

    4. Laurel Hill State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Rockwood, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 445-7725

    $20 - $64 / night

    "The lake is separate from the campground, but it is less than a mile away and a reasonable distance walk."

    "The site numbering is a bit wonky on the door loop so make sure you look at your map before you start driving the loops."

    5. Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA

    10 Reviews
    Youngwood, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 722-4444

    "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."

    "The sites are pretty close together and we couldn’t use our fire ring because it ended up being very close to our rig."

    6. Kooser State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Jones Mills, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 445-8673

    $22 - $70 / night

    ". -$5 firewood bundles at the entrance. -Cleanest bathrooms/showers -Crystal clear stream with beautiful trail to the lake. Both stocked with fish. -Lots of picnic tables at the lake."

    "Kooser State Park sits on the border of Forbes State Forest in the Laurel Highlands. It has a mix of camper & tent sites around a central clearing, and offers a few cabins."

    7. Bush Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Saltsburg, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 639-9013

    $25 - $50 / night

    "We rented space 16 late August 2020 and our friends (and their kids) rented #17 on the inner circle, right next to us with the playground right behind us. Great spots!"

    "This is a nice, quiet small campground with a small lake. Our grandchildren loved it. The boat launch is a nice size to fit 2 boats at a time. The only problem is the beach is not that great."

    8. Donegal Campground

    7 Reviews
    Jones Mills, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 593-7717

    "The only thing I can say about this campground that made me not give it 5 stars is, the highway noise."

    "Peaceful despite being by the highway. The owners were very friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back. Dogs loved it as well"

    9. Laurel Highlands Campland

    7 Reviews
    Jones Mills, PA
    14 miles
    Website

    $45 / night

    "Nearby all the local attractions that laurel highlands has to offer....Youghiogheny River,  Frank Loyd Wright house, Living Treasures Animal Park,  Seven Springs,  Hidden Valley,  etc.."

    "Laurel Highlands campland is in a terrific location for all the local attractions."

    10. Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing

    4 Reviews
    New Florence, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 235-2115

    "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.)"

    "Not only were the staff super friendly and helpful, but we were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, everything you want on a spring trip."

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Recent Reviews near Latrobe, PA

502 Reviews of 97 Latrobe Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Redbank Valley Municipal Park

    Mid September No one around

    We came here after finding this campsite on the dirt app. When we arrived, there was no one around. There are no rules or payment stations. There are a lot of RVs that seem to be set up in a permanent location. We camped on a field and haven’t seen anyone. There are bathrooms and showers and they are open. It looks like this is the site of the fairgrounds and maybe it is a hopping place in the summer? I will update this review if anyone comes by.

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Laurel Hill State Park Campground

    Okay campground

    Okay campground. We met nice people staying there. However, the sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites. Large open grassy area. The camp host saw me walking my pups, and as I walked toward the trash can(near the bathroom) to throw away a pooped that I had picked up, she yelled across the green area from her site“no dogs in the bathrooms!” Kinda rude, but later she was friendly. Some okay hiking trails off the campground in a meadow.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Whispering Pines Family Campground

    Lake Wateree

    Lovely GEM in the heart of Carolina. Nestled in a quiet area full of smiling faces. And the staff were extremely accommodating.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Whispering Pines Family Campground

    Nee Meadow Creek campground

    Beautifully set in midst of a 360* view of mountains. Site are nicely spaced and are blessed with constant gentle breeze. Lovely wild flowers surrounded during my brief visit.

    However I was deceived seeing post and electrical hookup. Pretty sure none of them function.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Mountain Top Campground

    Solitude peace and quiet

    You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. It’s cute. Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond. Basic amenities. Some ice and fire wood that are self serve. We’re just here for the night and are hoping to catch an uber into the city for a pirates game. Place is full - ish but is super quiet. If you’re looking for a place to hang a hammock and read a book. This is it. Nice fire holes with a view.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Sand Springs Campground

    Remote wilderness

    Was a nice campground. Wish I would have picked a better spot. Was tricky backing in. Lots of tress. Was off season so felt like I had the place to myself. Gets some crazy fog but lot of parks and trails close by.

  • B
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Pioneer Lakes RV Park

    Don't waste your money

    This was the worst experience I have ever had camping. We always do a huge family aging trip which we end up booking multiple sites. Every site was paid in full before arrival. One family checked in and had to pay extra when they checked in while the others did not. Camp sites where not mowed and unpresentable. Picnic tables where falling apart and one was not even usable because the bolt rusted on the bench seats and the boards where falling off. The roads are full of potholes going back to the sites. The staff are extremely rude and ignorant. When I was on the gulf cart going up to pick up my family from the pool, the one staff member stepped out in front of me blockkng me from going to pick up my family who was standing by the office steps. Told me I had to go park in the grass. Anytime you left the camp ground we where one, they watched us like Hawks. We had visitors that came and went to get a visitors pass and was treated like crap in the office and they actually told our visitors they where being dishonest. The playground area is unsafe. The wood on the playsets are falling apart and splintering. I had to pull alot of splinters out of my childs hands and feet. In the guys and girls restrooms, toilets where make closed and some of the knobs where broken off in the shower rooms. The wifi is terrible. You can't even use your cellphone on the wifi, let alone trying to stream TV. The pool water is terrible. Its so filled with salt that when you get out your skin is extremely dry and your lips shrivel up. You have to pay to go fishing but yet their ponds are scummy. Driving around we noticed that one Campsite was completely under water and it hasn't rain enough for a site to be flooded, another site the freshwater connection was held down by raquet straps to keep it together, another site there was a pile of shale and a mini excavator sitting in the lot with campers there. There was a band at the pavillion and there was a moonshine tent and staff was at it doing taste testing. I feel that drinking on the job is inappropriate. We use to go once a year here for the last 25 years and since the new owners took over, we will no longer camper there. Overall our trip was more frustrating than enjoyable. They need to find new staff that are customer friendly and not tyrants.


Guide to Latrobe

Campers exploring the best places to camp near Latrobe, Pennsylvania can take advantage of the region's Allegheny Mountain foothills, with elevations ranging from 900 to 2,500 feet. The Laurel Highlands area experiences cooler temperatures year-round compared to nearby Pittsburgh, often 5-10 degrees lower, especially during summer nights. Winter camping is limited as most area campgrounds close from late October through mid-April due to freezing conditions.

What to do

Fishing in stocked waters: At Keystone State Park Campground, anglers can fish from shore or small boats with nearby rentals. "Small lake where you can fish, paddle boat, and swim. Quiet hours and parking are strictly enforced," notes Joseph S.

Explore mountain biking trails: The Laurel Hill State Park Campground provides access to mountain biking trails throughout the park. "Very beautiful with a large lake and designated swimming area. Place attracts a lot of people in the summer as it's basically in the Pittsburgh suburbs along a major road artery," explains Matt R.

Snowshoeing winter adventure: Winter visitors can try snowshoeing at Kooser State Park Campground. "We enjoyed the waterfront camping and snowshoeing. We got a site by the water and with good tree cover," shares Harry H., highlighting this cold-weather activity option.

What campers like

Creek access for summer cooling: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing features sites alongside a creek popular with children. "Alot of their sites are along a small creek which the kids play in and can float down. Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek," describes Mathew H.

Hillside camping sections: Keystone State Park offers a quieter hillside loop away from the main campground. "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. The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods," advises Matt R.

Nearby hiking options: Bush Recreation Area provides campers with green space and amenities. "It's definitely a great choice for families, especially those with young children," according to Kassie F., who appreciated the playground and open areas.

What you should know

Limited cellular service: Cell coverage varies significantly throughout the region, with higher elevations offering better service. "Fleeting cell at best on Verizon," reports one camper at Laurel Hill State Park.

Off-season limitations: Some facilities close early in fall. "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," shares a visitor at Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park.

Highway noise at some locations: Fox Den Acres Campground has ambient highway sounds. "Quiet in the camp but lots of highway noise at night if the breeze is just right. Nice pull-thrus with full hookups for overnights," reports Kathryn.

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: When camping with children, select sites near playgrounds. "We had a wonderful, big electric and water site. Our camper doesn't have a bathroom so we need the bathhouse," explains Nora M. at Kentuck Campground, noting the need to balance amenities with location.

Activities during rainy days: Laurel Highlands Campland offers indoor options. "The outdoor pool is large and the indoor pool is great for those rainy days," reports Terra B.

Off-peak camping for less crowding: At Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, midweek stays are quieter. "I think the weekends would be too full for my taste but mid week was very quiet," recommends Msmetoo48 S.

Tips from RVers

Challenging site leveling: RVers should bring extra leveling equipment for Laurel Hill State Park. "Many of the sites are not level at all and take some serious work to get your rig level," warns Kevin E.

Power hookup extension cords: Bring power extensions to reach hookups at some parks. "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. at Laurel Hill State Park.

Water storage planning: Limited water availability in primitive sections requires preparation. "No water sources in the primitive section, and the shower house is quite a hike from the furthest sites," Heather H. mentions about Fox Den Acres Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available near Latrobe, PA?

Several great camping options surround Latrobe, PA. Laurel Hill State Park Campground offers a scenic destination with family-friendly facilities. For those seeking a location close to outdoor activities, Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park provides camping with easy access to hiking, rafting, and biking opportunities. Other nearby options include Fox Den Acres Campground near New Stanton, Donegal Campground, and Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run. Most locations are within a 45-minute drive of Latrobe, making them convenient for weekend getaways or longer stays in the Laurel Highlands region.

What amenities do Latrobe camping areas offer?

Crooked Run Campground — Prince Gallitzin State Park provides lakeside recreation with pet-friendly sites, bike trails, and water activities like canoeing and kayaking. You'll find electric hookups at many sites. Bush Recreation Area offers electric sites (30A), fresh water access, and a playground that's perfect for families with children. Most campgrounds in the region feature standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms. Some locations provide additional facilities such as shower houses, dump stations, and camp stores. RV-friendly sites with various hookup options are available at multiple locations, though amenities vary by specific campground.

What are the best seasons for camping in Latrobe, PA?

Late spring through early fall is ideal for camping around Latrobe, with peak season running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Shawnee State Park Campground offers beautiful hiking around its lake, particularly stunning during late spring wildflower blooms and fall foliage. Summer provides perfect conditions for water activities, while Friendship Village Campground & RV Park remains accessible regardless of weather conditions. Fall brings spectacular colors to the Laurel Highlands region, making it a photographer's paradise. While some campgrounds remain open year-round, many reduce services or close entirely during winter months. Always check seasonal operating schedules before planning a trip outside the main camping season.