The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Johnstown, PA

619 Reviews

Several good camping spots circle Johnstown, Pennsylvania, within an hour's drive. Ohiopyle State Park draws many campers with its Youghiogheny River access and trails. Cowans Gap State Park Campground has a small lake where you can fish and swim during summer months. Black Moshannon State Park Campground sits near a bog ecosystem with hiking paths through unusual plant communities. Rocky Gap State Park Campground lies just over the Maryland border and has a big lake for water activities. You'll need reservations for most of these parks, particularly on summer weekends when they fill quickly. Check fire rules before your trip as they change based on conditions. Most parks in this area limit stays to 14 days to keep spots available for everyone. Spring and fall camping works best here when the weather isn't too hot or cold. Pack layers, and remember to take out everything you bring in to keep these places clean for the next campers.

Map showing campgrounds near Johnstown, PennsylvaniaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Johnstown, Pennsylvania (118)

    1. Quemahoning Family Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Hollsopple, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 233-9512

    $20 - $50 / night

    "Easy walk to beach area and boat launch. Very clean."

    "The location on the water adds for a great view. Electric only."

    2. Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing

    4 Reviews
    New Florence, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 235-2115

    "It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek. Close by is Ligonier, Idlewild, and St. Vincent (where the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp takes place.)"

    "Not only were the staff super friendly and helpful, but we were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, everything you want on a spring trip."

    3. Shawnee State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Schellsburg, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 733-4218

    $20 - $110 / night

    "Was pleased by the quiet despite size of campground and proximity to highway. Sites not overly large or private. Has wood vending machine at entrance for firewood."

    "The morning drive started early, had several stops and starts, and I was once again glad that my big dog was along for the ride."

    4. Blue Knob State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Imler, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 608-3034

    $20 - $108 / night

    "it’s small, with shaded sites around the perimeter and two walk in sites just left of the entrance."

    "The hiking here is really spectacular with lots of scenery, overlooks, and side trails that extend many miles out into state forest lands which are adjacent to the park."

    5. Keystone State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Latrobe, PA
    25 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."

    6. Laurel Hill State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Rockwood, PA
    27 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."

    7. Woodland Park

    2 Reviews
    Ebensburg, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 472-9857

    8. 1889 Park

    1 Review
    South Fork, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 487-4426

    $15 - $35 / night

    9. Yellow Creek Campground — Yellow Creek State Park

    5 Reviews
    Penn Run, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 357-7913

    $44 - $49 / night

    "Right on the water, clean, and private access to the lake. Dog friendly cabins were available. We cannot wait to come back."

    "The creek surrounding the island does make it cold at night so make sure to pack warmly."

    10. Kooser State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Jones Mills, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 445-8673

    $22 - $70 / night

    ". -$5 firewood bundles at the entrance. -Cleanest bathrooms/showers -Crystal clear stream with beautiful trail to the lake. Both stocked with fish. -Lots of picnic tables at the lake."

    "Kooser State Park sits on the border of Forbes State Forest in the Laurel Highlands. It has a mix of camper & tent sites around a central clearing, and offers a few cabins."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 118 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Johnstown Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Johnstown, PA

250 Photos of 118 Johnstown Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Johnstown, PA

619 Reviews of 118 Johnstown Campgrounds

  • Daniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Curwensville Lake Campground

    Amazing

    Having PTSD and serious anxiety. This spot allows you to relax without to much concern,dogs welcome ,boating and swimming was awesome for around this area. Camping is great especially at night with boats on the water.

  • 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.

  • S
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest

    Nice spot to camp in the mountains

    First I'll just say that the Rothrock campsites should probably each be listed separately, rather than as a group; they are very spread out throughout the State Forest and each is a different experience.  This review will be for site 002 Colerain Road.  

    This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain.  It's easy enough during the summer, though the road is narrow and you've got some sharp bends depending on which way you come from.  This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion.  

    The parking is just right off the road, and there's a picnic table and large stone fire ring near the parking.  There's a small path further up the hill into the woods where there is a tent pad, another fire ring and another picnic table.  There are also a lot of flat spots nearby for additional tents to be set up.  

    Just behind the upper tent site is the top of the mountain, and the site has their own private overlook to the valley below.  The site is pretty remote, though there were vehicles and the occasional biker coming up the road.  Traffic may have been busier than usual the weekend we went because there was the Mid Atlantic Overland festival nearby at the same time.  At one point a family parked in the campsite's parking to start a walk... (there's a better trailhead up closer to Indian Lookout they should have used).

    No hookups, water, bathrooms, etc; its fully primitive camping here.  Cell coverage was fine on Xfinity Mobile (Verizon). 

    These sites used to be totally free but they're now $10 a night.  You still need to book a while out if you want to be here on a weekend, especially during the fall when Penn State is playing.

  • Ronnie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Hidden Springs Campground

    Labor Day Weekend

    It was packed-all went smoothly. From check in, wood delivery, and parking.

  • Sue J.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Rocky Gap State Park Campground

    Willing to give it another try

    I just returned from a 2-night tent camping solo trip with my dog.  This was my first time at Rocky Gap and I found some strong pros and cons.

    Pros

    Large camp sites, with decent space for tents. The descriptions on the State Park site seem very accurate. Mid week (Sunday and Monday nights) the campground was less than a third full, and the folks who were there were spread out so it felt more spacious than it was. There are some great trails for hiking, and the dog beach was perfect. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and SUPs, or bring your own for no launch fee.

    Cons

    It was very noisy at night due to traffic on I-68 and even the campground road, which despite a 15 mph posting has no speed bumps and seems to have a poplar straightaway for cars with loud mufflers who like to open it up. I don't know if the I68 traffic just sounds louder at night because everything else is quiet, or if the sound carries farther at night. But sleeping my tent, I was woken up many times by the sound of trucks down shifting and braking.

    Another noise -- during the day I heard what sounded like the world's largest circular saw, only to discover that there is a large saw mill about 2 miles north. Fortunately that noise stopped by about 6 pm.

    And finally, although there were only a few occupied sites in Dogwood loop, some were with very large groups with either no self awareness or no consideration for others. No fault of the park, and people did basically follow quiet hours, but 8:30am blasting music, and hooping and hollering into the night. Just. know that it is a popular park for large groups.

    Based on other reviews here saying that it was quiet, I'm willing to give it another try in a different loop. Or, not in a tent but in a camper van which is my other option.

  • 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.

  • Kimberly H.
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Rocky Gap State Park Campground

    Such a treasure of a state park!

    We stayed in cabin 170 in Fir loop and the site was incredibly spacious, heavily shaded, close to the bath house, path to the beach, and well distanced from other sites. There are only 2 cabins on this loop and this one is the best positioned. The bath house was kept very clean, even though the campground was full. We brought paddle boards and the lake was perfect for paddle boarding. Note that you cannot swim anywhere outside of the roped swim areas. It was a hot day and we found a great shallow area and decided to take a dip and the lifeguards came out on boat and kindly told us we could not swim. We will definitely be back here to camp again soon.

Guide to Johnstown

Camping near Johnstown, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the campfire, there’s something for every outdoor enthusiast.

What to do

  • Hiking and exploring: There are plenty of trails nearby. For example, at Ohiopyle State Park, you can find great hiking options. One visitor mentioned, “There is a lot of hiking nearby, most of which you need to drive to within the state park.”
  • Water activities: If you love water sports, Rocky Gap State Park Campground has a beach area perfect for swimming and kayaking. A camper shared, “We love that the campground has their own beach so it’s not overcrowded with the public.”
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Cowans Gap State Park Campground, offer fishing opportunities. One reviewer noted, “The campground has a beach swim area with concession stand, picnic area with tables, and large bath house.”

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. At Black Moshannon State Park Campground, a visitor said, “The bathhouse was pristine, and the shower was clean with plentiful hot water.”
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Cowans Gap State Park Campground mentioned, “The privacy of our site was pretty good and we had nice shade.”
  • Friendly atmosphere: Campers often enjoy the community vibe. One reviewer at Rocky Gap State Park Campground said, “The people are nice and friendly.”

What you should know

  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell reception. A visitor at Cowans Gap State Park Campground warned, “There is no cell service. NONE.”
  • Seasonal availability: Some campgrounds are only open during specific months. For instance, Laurel Hill State Park Campground is open from mid-April to mid-October.
  • Campground amenities vary: Not all campgrounds have the same facilities. A camper at Seven Points noted, “The sites are mostly well kept, but only electric at site.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. At Rocky Gap State Park Campground, a parent mentioned, “Near the beach, there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch.”
  • Plan for meals: Bring snacks and easy-to-cook meals. One camper at Prince Gallitzin State Park said, “Camp store with ice cream, snacks, clothes, everything you need and more.”
  • Choose the right site: Look for spacious sites that offer some privacy. A visitor at Shawnee State Park Campground noted, “Loop D was quiet with ample space between sites that provided privacy.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Keystone State Park Campground mentioned, “Sites are a little tight if you have a larger camper, but we fit perfect with our 24’er.”
  • Use electric hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric sites, which can be helpful. A visitor at Seven Points said, “Most sites are electric, looking for other epic reviews check out the top ten campgrounds in PA.”
  • Plan for amenities: Some campgrounds have limited facilities. A reviewer at Black Moshannon State Park Campground noted, “There is also no firewood available in the camp, but nearby locations where you can buy it are posted.”

Camping near Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has a lot to offer, from beautiful parks to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for some quirks, and you’ll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there tent camping available near Johnstown, PA?

Yes, there are several tent camping options near Johnstown. Laurel Ridge State Park Campground offers peaceful tent sites along the scenic Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, providing a true nature experience in a narrow strip of protected land. For more developed options, Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park is known for accommodating last-minute tent site reservations and offers access to numerous outdoor activities. Both locations are within an hour's drive of Johnstown and provide essential amenities for tent campers including fire rings, picnic tables, and nearby restroom facilities.

Can I find RV camping near Johnstown, PA?

Johnstown offers several excellent RV camping options. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park near Bedford is highly recommended for RVers, with easy access regardless of rig size and straightforward check-in procedures. The campground is conveniently located on the outskirts of Bedford. Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run primarily caters to RVs and boaters, offering open sites with hookups. Additional RV-friendly options include Woodland Park near Ebensburg and Keystone State Park Campground, both accommodating larger rigs with appropriate amenities and hookups.

Where are the best campgrounds in Johnstown, PA?

The Johnstown area boasts several highly-rated campgrounds worth visiting. Hidden Springs Campground stands out with its clean facilities, well-lit bath houses, and peaceful atmosphere even during busy weekends. For history buffs, 1889 Park offers a unique experience at the site of the historic Johnstown Flood dam. While more of an RV park with ten gravel sites, it provides an interesting historical perspective. Other excellent options within a reasonable drive include Quemahoning Family Recreation Area and Blue Knob State Park, both offering diverse recreational opportunities and well-maintained camping facilities.

What lake or beach camping options are near Johnstown, PA?

The Johnstown area offers several outstanding lake camping destinations. Seven Points (PA) provides a beautiful Lake Raystown experience with over 200 sites, many directly on the water. Activities include swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Rocky Gap State Park Campground features spacious, shaded sites with easy access to beach areas, clean bath houses, and beautiful mountain views. The park offers both standard campsites and rental cabins. Additional options include Shawnee State Park Campground with its scenic lake hiking loop, and Yellow Creek State Park, both providing water-based recreation with convenient camping facilities nearby.

Keep Exploring