Camping sites near Imperial, Pennsylvania offer year-round options within a 40-mile radius of Pittsburgh. The region features rolling hills with elevations between 900-1,400 feet, creating varied terrain challenges for campers. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer highs typically reach 80-85°F with moderate humidity levels during peak camping season.
What to do
Hiking diverse trails: Beaver Creek State Park Campground features multiple well-maintained paths suitable for day hikes. "This campground is nice– the toilets are just pit toilets and they do have a sun shower. They are on a well so there is limited water and they don't allow you to fill up your on board tank," notes one visitor about the Beaver Creek State Park Campground. Beaver Creek offers direct access to the North Country National Scenic Trail.
Fishing opportunities: Lakes and streams throughout the region support various fishing activities. "This is my go to spot for camping when I have to just get away from it all. It's close to home plus it is a great place to take the dog out to swim and chase geese and ducks," explains a regular at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground.
Winter activities: Some campgrounds maintain year-round access for cold-weather exploration. One visitor at Raccoon Creek notes, "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."
What campers like
Private tent sites: Tomlinson Run State Park receives positive feedback for site spacing. "My girlfriend and I stayed at tent site 40 Friday August 9th and Saturday August 10th. Most of the sites were pretty private and ours was probably the most private and had a lot of space since we were on the very end of the road / cul-de-sac," reports a camper at Tomlinson Run State Park Campground.
Budget-friendly options: The region offers free camping alternatives for cost-conscious travelers. "Self-register with cards located at pit latrine building. 14 days every 30. No problem getting 40' skoolie in and parked in mostly level spots. Camp fire rings and picnic tables at most sites," mentions a camper at Hidden Hollow Campground.
Creek-side camping: Several campgrounds feature water-adjacent sites. At Breakneck Campground, "We were lucky enough to be able to camp down by the stream. There are designated fireplaces. It is quite a walk up the hill to the campground amenities, but worth it to feel secluded down by the creek."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area feature uneven terrain. "Sites 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," notes a camper at Whispering Pines Family Campground.
Water accessibility: Water access varies significantly between facilities. A reviewer at Hidden Hollow reports, "Pit toilets and no source of safe, clean water anymore. Very quiet everytime I've camped there, many times btw."
Weekend noise levels: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels during peak times. At Breakneck Campground, a visitor observed, "I had been traveling for days so i was exhausted and managed to fall asleep only to be woken around 11:00 by several people across the way having a blast laughing and yelling which went until 2am and a couple next to me screaming and arguing at each other until 3am."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming amenities for children. At Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins, a visitor mentions, "TONS of stuff to do here. Very big campground, all kinds of sites. Reserve early for Holiday Weekends as it fills up. Lots of seasonals. Inflatable slides and such in the lake, hiking trials, playgrounds, all sorts of stuff."
First-timer support: Some campgrounds provide additional assistance for new campers. A visitor at Indian Brave Campground reports, "As first time travel trailer owners, they helped us accomplish our first trip away! Upon calling to book a site, we mentioned this was our first trip, they made the utmost effort to accommodate us with all of our needs. They escorted us to our campsite and made sure we had plenty of help getting backed in and set up!"
Playground access: For families with young children, playgrounds can be essential. "A little out of the way but worth the drive. Has a playground in every section, well equipped cabins, a swimming area with inflatables, kayak, pontoon, and paddle boarding rentals, a bumper boat area, small lake where you can fish and boat," explains a visitor at Austin Lake.
Tips from RVers
Mountain access considerations: Some campgrounds require navigating steep roads. At Mountain Top Campground, "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest route in. If you are Overlanding like us just follow the map. Great scenic routes and close to the spot you want to see in Pittsburgh."
Electrical options: Power hookups vary between facilities. "We had a full hookup site. Spacing between spots was not cramped at all. The central bathroom, pay shower, and laundry room had ac, a couch and were quite clean," reports a Mountain Top Campground visitor.
Waste management systems: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups with alternatives for black water. "Amazing views from this campground! Water and electric available (50 amps), grey sewer available. For the black you can dump here or have someone pump out on Wednesday morning (no charge)."
