Sandra P.
Scout
ScoutCoopers Rock State Forest- McCollum Campground
Very calm campground
We stayed 2 nights. People are very nice. Bathrooms and Laundry are clean.
Spaced spots surrounded by the forrest. Some trails directly from the camp.
Camping near Irwin, PA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds near Irwin, Pennsylvania range from fully-developed facilities with modern amenities to rustic sites along river corridors. The region includes several established campgrounds like Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA in Ruffs Dale and Fox Den Acres Campground in New Stanton, both within 15 miles of Irwin. These developed campgrounds support various accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and even glamping options. Many facilities in the area maintain seasonal operations, with most campgrounds open from spring through fall, though some like Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA remain open year-round.
Reservations are strongly recommended at most developed campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. The terrain varies considerably throughout the area, with some campgrounds situated in valleys with sloped sites that can present leveling challenges for RVs. Several campgrounds feature water access along the Youghiogheny River, particularly along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail which provides hike-in and bike-in camping opportunities. Most developed campgrounds maintain shower facilities, electric hookups, and drinking water, though amenities vary significantly between locations. A camper noted, "Although the campground is close to several large cities, it is very relaxed, wooded, and quiet."
Families camping in the area frequently mention the child-friendly amenities at locations like Fox Den Acres, which features playgrounds, fishing ponds, and swimming pools. Campers seeking more rustic experiences can find free camping at places like Dravo's Landing, a popular stop for cyclists on the GAP trail that offers lean-to shelters, fire pits, and river access. Train noise is commonly reported at campsites near the GAP trail, with several reviews recommending earplugs for light sleepers. RV campers should be aware that site conditions vary widely, with some locations reporting challenging terrain. As one visitor shared, "The sites in the lower field were roomy and level and all pull-throughs," while others noted steep slopes at certain campgrounds that required careful positioning of stabilizers and leveling equipment.
Best Campgrounds near Irwin (105)
1. Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA
"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."
2. Keystone State Park Campground
"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."
from $18 - $79 / night
Check Availability3. Fox Den Acres Campground
"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"
from $50 / night
Check Availability4. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park
"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."
from $20 - $54 / night
Check Availability5. Dravo's Landing Campground
"Access from the Allegheny Gap trail. There were a few shelters, nice campsite. It’s close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire"
"This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!)"
6. The GAP Trail Campground - Bikers Only
"Had we not stopped for the previous night’s camp 8 miles sooner, this would have been our favorite camp along the trail. Glad we stopped to check it out, but next time we will include it for sure! "
from $25 / night
Check Availability7. Bush Recreation Area
"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."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability8. The Blue Canoe RV Resort
"Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. New pool, but not open when we stayed."
"The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground."
from $25 - $999999 / night
Check Availability9. Laurel Hill State Park Campground
"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."
from $20 - $64 / night
Check Availability10. Donegal Campground
"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"
Drive Time
- 21 min from Pittsburgh, PA
- 54 min from Weirton, WV
- 1 hr 1 min from Morgantown, WV
- 1 hr 2 min from Johnstown, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Irwin, PA
225 Photos of 105 Irwin Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Irwin, PA
577 Reviews of 105 Irwin Campgrounds
- KKevin F.
TravelerKentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park
Restrooms, showers and visitor center get an F
Stayed one night. Close to Fallingwater and Fort Necessity. The campsite was terrible; close to water and buggy, steep grade required lots of blocking to level the camper and challenging to hook up to the vehicle. Thick canopy kept Starlink from working. The worst part was the bathrooms. The one closest to our spot had no hot water. So we had to walk about a half a mile to two other restrooms and showers within 100 yards of each other. Makes no sense. Anyway, both bathrooms were filthy, had paint peeling everywhere, lots of black mold growing on the ceilings, growing everywhere. No place to hang clothes while taking a shower. One of the two toilets in each of the men’s room was probably 3 feet off the ground. Made for giants I guess! And good luck finding the visitor center. It’s hidden from view and parking is terrible. You’ll have to walk 150 yards from the nearest point of the parking lot to find it. To walk there from the bus and RV parking, add an additional 1/4 mile each way. Be aware that the visitor center store does not accept credit cards. Cash or check only. Who does that? It’s 2026 Pennsylvania!
RobScoutLazy Acres Campground
DO NOT BRING KIDS HERE
Advertised as a family camp but very far from it. I’ve watched this camp progressively get worse as the years go on, over priced camp with zero efforts to make anything worthwhile, run down play grounds, broken toilet paper roll holders in the bathrooms of the shower house, roads that make you feel like your off road. Owner plans “events” and then wants campers to pay for overpriced food. The owner complains nobody comes to events anymore but barely comes to them herself. The owner is VERY money hungry! And most importantly it’s home to a sex offender who the owner cherishes dearly.
It’s a shame to see how many people realized how terrible this camp was and are selling their camps because of it. The owner should open her eyes and realize she’s the reason people don’t want to be there anymore !!!
- Tif T.Scout
Pittsburgh Roaring Run RV Resort
Quiet
We are here for a month and it feels like we have the place to ourselves!
- SShitheadScout
Lazy Acres Campground
Filthy
Cant have no fun or drink.kids get yelled at all the time..owner sneaks around looking in campers at night..they watch every thing you do. Then they throw you out because your having to much fun. Or your up after 10pm..what a joke....please dont do nothing wrong.because.youll be on the shitlist...they are very very racist ,dont ever take a black child or try to get a place to stay or even put a tent up ,cause if your Black ,they tell you their is no room for u or a tent..STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE,ITS A BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES AND THEY DONT WANT NO BLACS IN THEIR CAMP GROOUND AT ALL..GO UP THE ROAD..THEY ARE NICER THERE...
Lynette B.ScoutQuemahoning Family Recreation Area
Perfect
Perfect little campsite with voting access fishing rod says and very clean showers
Shelby H.TravelerYough Lake Campground at Tub Run
Fantastic for Family
We love it here so much we almost never leave. There is a creek, playground and games for the kids year round. The lake is great for fishing, boating, swimming and more from March-August usually but even longer this year it seems. They are INCREDIBLY strict about 5mph and I LOVE THAT! My 8 year old can run around and be a kid at camp like I was without me being panicked. They even have events once a month. They are constantly adding and upgrading around the campground. Everything from walk to primitive sites to full hook ups and dry cabins.
Highly recommend for a long or short get away.
- ccolt W.Scout
Bear Run Campground
Nice family campground
We love camping here. There are a few things to do, swim in the pool, mine for gem stones, they have an arcade and a playground. It’s in a wooded area near lake Arthur with a boat ramp down the Road.
Dakota J.ScoutYellow Creek Campground — Yellow Creek State Park
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Guide to Irwin
Camping spots near Irwin, Pennsylvania range from rustic tent sites to developed RV facilities across rolling hills and valleys of western Pennsylvania. The area sits 975 feet above sea level in Westmoreland County, with typical summer temperatures averaging 82°F. Campers often note the proximity to urban areas while maintaining woodland settings with varying degrees of privacy.
What to do
Boating and fishing opportunities: At Bush Recreation Area in Saltsburg, campers can access Loyalhanna Creek where "the lake level was high because of the dam nearby" and "the boat launch is a nice size to fit 2 boats at a time." The recreation area provides shore fishing access, though conditions vary with water levels.
Explore hiking trails: The Laurel Highlands region offers numerous hiking options. At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, "trails looked nice" according to visitors, with one camper noting the "walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk. We enjoyed the easy walking lake trail with the kids because it was wide and flat."
Bicycle touring: The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail provides excellent cycling opportunities. The GAP Trail Campground serves as a convenient stop for cyclists, with one reviewer describing it as "More like a Spa than a Campground" with "the outdoor shower/toilet block is such a divine sight, it makes you crave one whether you're stinky or not."
What campers like
Private woodland sites: At Fox Den Acres Campground in New Stanton, tent campers appreciate that "each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away." The campground maintains a peaceful atmosphere despite proximity to urban areas.
Swimming facilities: Keystone State Park Campground offers water-based recreation with "clean beaches" that are "great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails." A visitor mentioned "a big beach on the lake and playground" that provides recreation options for all ages.
Quiet camping experiences: Smaller campgrounds like Donegal Campground provide peaceful settings. A camper noted, "If you like camping to be quiet, peaceful and simple, then you'll love this little campground. We stayed at a tent site, site #11. This campground isn't one of those busy, overcrowded, commercialized campgrounds."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from spring through fall. Some facilities like Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA remain open year-round, with winter campers reporting "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."
Uneven terrain: Many campgrounds feature sloped sites that can present challenges. At Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, one camper reported "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped" while another mentioned "the monthly (which I have currently) man are those a nervous wreck! Very steep and awkward but we go it done."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds, particularly those convenient to interstate access, experience road noise. At Donegal Campground, a visitor observed "The campground is situated right off of the main road so the road noise can be an issue if it bothers you. We personally, didn't sleep well because of the road noise."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Irwin, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Irwin, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Irwin, PA is Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
What parks are near Irwin, PA?
What parks are near Irwin, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Irwin, PA that allow camping, notably Crooked Creek Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake.
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