Best Tent Camping near Imperial, PA
Tent camping options near Imperial, Pennsylvania include several established sites along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail. Dravo's Landing Campground and Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground provide free tent sites with access to the Youghiogheny River. These campgrounds primarily serve hikers and cyclists traveling the GAP trail, with no vehicle access available. The Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm also offers tent sites within 25 miles of Imperial, providing a unique setting for tent campers.
Most tent sites in this region feature basic amenities designed for primitive camping experiences. Dravo's Landing provides drinking water, picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets. Sites typically have flat, grassy terrain suitable for tent placement. Roundbottom Campground includes raised tent pads, Adirondack shelters, and vault toilets, though campers should note that the well water is not designated as potable. One camper mentioned, "There is plenty of grassy area for scores of tents in this area. So if you are not fortunate enough to secure one of the shelters or tent pads, you can still set up a tent in the nicely mowed areas, which are still level."
GAP trail campgrounds create a communal atmosphere for tent campers, especially during cycling season. These areas provide river access for filtering water or cooling off after hiking. Sites require first-come, first-served occupation, with limited or no reservations available. A review noted that "The only people you will see are the ones who've biked, boated, or walked in," highlighting the secluded nature of these tent camping locations. Train noise presents the most significant drawback, as freight lines run parallel to many camping areas. Campers frequently recommend bringing earplugs for overnight stays. Wildlife encounters, particularly with raccoons, are common at these tent sites, requiring proper food storage practices.
