Best Campgrounds near Irwin, PA

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 Camping Sites Near Irwin, Pennsylvania (104)

    1. Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA

    10 Reviews
    Youngwood, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 722-4444

    "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

    22 Reviews
    Latrobe, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 668-2939

    $18 - $70 / night

    "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."

    3. Fox Den Acres Campground

    8 Reviews
    Youngwood, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 925-7054

    $25 / night

    "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"

    4. Dravo's Landing Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sutersville, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 872-5586

    "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!)"

    5. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    80 Reviews
    Ohiopyle, PA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 329-8591

    $20 - $54 / night

    "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."

    6. The GAP Trail Campground - Bikers Only

    1 Review
    West Newton, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 244-5859

    $25 / night

    "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! "

    7. Bush Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Saltsburg, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 639-9013

    $25 - $50 / night

    "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."

    8. The Blue Canoe RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    Vanderbilt, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 628-4880

    $20 - $999 / night

    "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."

    9. Laurel Hill State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Rockwood, PA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 445-7725

    $20 - $64 / night

    "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."

    10. Donegal Campground

    7 Reviews
    Jones Mills, PA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 593-7717

    "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"

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Recent Reviews near Irwin, PA

548 Reviews of 104 Irwin Campgrounds


  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Laurel Hill State Park Campground

    Okay campground

    Okay campground. We met nice people staying there. However, the sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites. Large open grassy area. The camp host saw me walking my pups, and as I walked toward the trash can(near the bathroom) to throw away a pooped that I had picked up, she yelled across the green area from her site“no dogs in the bathrooms!” Kinda rude, but later she was friendly. Some okay hiking trails off the campground in a meadow.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Whispering Pines Family Campground

    Lake Wateree

    Lovely GEM in the heart of Carolina. Nestled in a quiet area full of smiling faces. And the staff were extremely accommodating.

  • Bettina A.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Bear Run Campground

    Options.

    This is an amazing campground with reasonable prices, an array of camping options to suit different camping needs as well as budget range. I am unsure if I just happen to have gotten lucky and decided to go camping during a special weekend, but it’s Labor Day weekend and I am loving that there is a calendar of events for campers to participate in if they choose to. Activities include wagon rides to the lake, talent show, karaoke…etc, as well as church! This was an unexpected gem as we are from Florida and were blessed enough to stumble upon the right person in a parking lot when my husband asked if they knew of any places that we could possibly camp at nearby and that gentleman told us about Moraine Park. Upon making our way out to here, we found Bear Run and have loved our experience so far. Love it!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Whispering Pines Family Campground

    Nee Meadow Creek campground

    Beautifully set in midst of a 360* view of mountains. Site 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.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Mountain Top Campground

    Solitude peace and quiet

    You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. It’s cute. Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond. Basic amenities. Some ice and fire wood that are self serve. We’re just here for the night and are hoping to catch an uber into the city for a pirates game. Place is full - ish but is super quiet. If you’re looking for a place to hang a hammock and read a book. This is it. Nice fire holes with a view.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Sand Springs Campground

    Remote wilderness

    Was a nice campground. Wish I would have picked a better spot. Was tricky backing in. Lots of tress. Was off season so felt like I had the place to myself. Gets some crazy fog but lot of parks and trails close by.

  • B
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Pioneer Lakes RV Park

    Don't waste your money

    This was the worst experience I have ever had camping. We always do a huge family aging trip which we end up booking multiple sites. Every site was paid in full before arrival. One family checked in and had to pay extra when they checked in while the others did not. Camp sites where not mowed and unpresentable. Picnic tables where falling apart and one was not even usable because the bolt rusted on the bench seats and the boards where falling off. The roads are full of potholes going back to the sites. The staff are extremely rude and ignorant. When I was on the gulf cart going up to pick up my family from the pool, the one staff member stepped out in front of me blockkng me from going to pick up my family who was standing by the office steps. Told me I had to go park in the grass. Anytime you left the camp ground we where one, they watched us like Hawks. We had visitors that came and went to get a visitors pass and was treated like crap in the office and they actually told our visitors they where being dishonest. The playground area is unsafe. The wood on the playsets are falling apart and splintering. I had to pull alot of splinters out of my childs hands and feet. In the guys and girls restrooms, toilets where make closed and some of the knobs where broken off in the shower rooms. The wifi is terrible. You can't even use your cellphone on the wifi, let alone trying to stream TV. The pool water is terrible. Its so filled with salt that when you get out your skin is extremely dry and your lips shrivel up. You have to pay to go fishing but yet their ponds are scummy. Driving around we noticed that one Campsite was completely under water and it hasn't rain enough for a site to be flooded, another site the freshwater connection was held down by raquet straps to keep it together, another site there was a pile of shale and a mini excavator sitting in the lot with campers there. There was a band at the pavillion and there was a moonshine tent and staff was at it doing taste testing. I feel that drinking on the job is inappropriate. We use to go once a year here for the last 25 years and since the new owners took over, we will no longer camper there. Overall our trip was more frustrating than enjoyable. They need to find new staff that are customer friendly and not tyrants.

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

    Great Outdoor Spot in Beaver County

    This campground is great for a little getaway. Most sites are spacious! Only downside is you can hear the airport. Not a huge deal though! We loved it


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?

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?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Irwin, PA that allow camping, notably Crooked Creek Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake.