Camping opportunities near Carnegie, Pennsylvania extend beyond the established campgrounds into more rustic settings. The region sits within the Allegheny Plateau at elevations ranging from 700-1,200 feet, creating varied terrain for campers. Weather conditions remain moderate from May through September with average highs in the 70s-80s°F, making these months optimal for tent and cabin camping.
What to do
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds connect to scenic paths suitable for day hikes. At Tomlinson Run State Park Campground, campers appreciate the well-maintained trail system. "The hiking trails are very well kept," notes Theodore C., who gave the park five stars. This West Virginia location sits just across the state line from Carnegie.
Biking access: Campsites along the Great Allegheny Passage offer direct trail connections. One camper staying at Ohiopyle State Park mentioned, "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground." This accessibility makes multi-day cycling trips convenient for camping families.
Fishing opportunities: Many locations offer stocked ponds or river access. At Fox Den Acres Campground, visitors observed children having particular success: "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them." Most fishing spots don't require additional permits beyond standard Pennsylvania fishing licenses.
What campers like
Swimming options: Beyond the lake at Raccoon Creek, other water features attract summer visitors. Whispering Pines Family Campground earns praise for its water features, with one camper noting, "This campground checks all the boxes for me. Pool, brook, trees, space, quiet! Every time we come here it gets better. Site was right on the water and listened to the bubbly brook all day."
Private sites: Campers consistently mention site spacing as important. At Mountain Top Campground, a reviewer highlighted, "The spots are well spaced out and it is family owned. The family is always out making improvements, talking with the campers, and putting on events." The elevated position creates natural separation between camping areas.
Winter options: For off-season camping, limited locations remain accessible. Raccoon Creek State Park maintains winter availability, and according to Jay R., winter activities remain enjoyable: "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."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience sound from nearby infrastructure. At Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA, campers mention highway proximity: "Very conveniently located off the interstate. Follow the signs to the campground NOT the GPS in order to avoid some narrow and sharp turn roads." Another reviewer noted it can be "next to highway" with associated noise.
Booking requirements: Most campgrounds require advanced planning, especially for weekend stays from June through August. Many operate on different reservation systems, with some requiring phone calls rather than online booking. At Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort, a visitor pointed out "No online reservations" as an area for improvement.
Seasonal variations: While the existing description mentions seasonal operations, specific campground transitions vary. Fox Den Acres operates from May 1 through October 31, and a camper observed, "We stayed early in the season so many of the amenities were not open yet." Always call ahead to verify facility status during shoulder seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Families with children appreciate designated swimming areas during summer months. A camper at Fox Den Acres Campground noted, "They provide activities almost every evening, making sure every age range is catered to throughout the week... There's a swimming pool, fishing pond, and boating pond."
Playground availability: Several locations offer play equipment for younger campers. At Tomlinson Run State Park Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "Playground is available for kids and a huge shelter house too," providing options for rainy day activities.
Walking distances: Consider site location relative to facilities when camping with small children. At Dravo's Landing, a visitor found, "Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away." This becomes important for families with frequent bathroom needs.
Tips from RVers
Terrain challenges: The region's hilly nature creates leveling issues at some locations. At Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, an RVer cautioned, "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." Bringing additional leveling blocks helps address this common issue.
Hookup variations: Grey water disposal differs between campgrounds, with some offering partial hookups. At Mountain Top Campground, an RVer explained the unique system: "Since they sit atop the mountain, the grey water hookup is a long hose that has an adapter which hooks up to your black and grey tank outlet and it runs down the hillside of the mountain into the grassy area."
Access considerations: Some of the best places to camp near Carnegie, Pennsylvania present access challenges for larger rigs. A Mountain Top Campground visitor advised, "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in." Always call ahead for recommended routes when driving larger RVs.
