Camping near Canonsburg, Pennsylvania offers a range of primitive and developed sites situated within the rolling hills of southwestern Pennsylvania. The region sits at elevations between 900-1,200 feet with decidedly four-season weather patterns. While summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, spring and fall camping can experience significant temperature fluctuations requiring extra preparation.
What to do
Hiking trails: Raccoon Creek State Park Campground features over 40 miles of trails with varying difficulty levels. "We 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," noted one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer access to lakes and streams for fishing. At Tomlinson Run State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "Its a quiet little campground. Very pretty area. The hiking trails are very well kept. The guy the runs the store and check-in was very nice guy."
Winter camping: Unlike many regional campgrounds that close seasonally, some facilities remain open year-round. A winter visitor to Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA shared, "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 and leaving lots of information at the office."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate campgrounds with adequate space between sites. At Tomlinson Run State Park Campground, a reviewer noted, "Beautiful campground, quiet, not to crowded..... Most sites are spacious!"
Water recreation: Access to swimming and boating ranks high on visitor preferences. "The lake with swimming and kayak rentals" was mentioned by one camper at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground. Another reviewer highlighted "A great little beach area to lay out and enjoy the sun."
Laundry facilities: For longer stays, accessible laundry becomes essential. A Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA visitor remarked, "Laundry facilities are the best we have encountered. Big machines and dryers making life easier and less time spent doing laundry. Nice little pool and lake for fishing."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly by location and provider. At Raccoon Creek State Park Campground, one camper warned, "If you're on Sprint or T-mobile - there is no service."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region feature sloped terrain. A visitor to Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA noted, "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."
Access roads: The mountainous terrain means campground access often requires navigating steep grades. "You drive up a long, steep, windy road to the campgrounds, not to mention the drive to get to the town was very out of the way," reported one Raccoon Creek visitor.
Bathroom maintenance: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Kentuck Campground in Ohiopyle State Park, a camper observed, "The restroom and all the bathhouses badly need updating. The paint is peeling, they smell like mildew and the siding is rotting on them. They are clean but the creepy and gross factor are too much."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools or lakes for family enjoyment. At Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort, a visitor praised, "The 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."
Pet-friendly areas: Designated pet sections allow families to camp with their animals. A Raccoon Creek camper noted, "Long holiday weekend trip. Love this park. Designated pet areas, flush toilets and shower house available. Plenty of trails."
Playground access: Some facilities provide playgrounds for younger visitors. Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA received this comment: "There was a playground for the kids to unwind after a long day on the road. Campground had full hook ups and was quiet at night."
Tips from RVers
Campsite selection: RVers should research site dimensions and topography before booking. At Whispering Pines Family Campground, a visitor mentioned their "Site was right on the water and listened to the bubbly brook all day."
Highway proximity: Some campgrounds are conveniently located near major roads but may experience traffic noise. Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA received this observation: "Easy highway access great for overnight travel," while another noted it is "next to highway" which creates noise.
Water and electric reliability: Seasonal maintenance can affect hookup availability. A Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA camper advised, "If you stay in one of the smaller kabins with a shower, just know there will be a flood and you should wet, turn the water off, lather, then rinse. Also don't think everyone is showering one after the other or you can do dishes and wash hands as much as you want before showering because it's very small water tank."
