Rustic cabin and yurt camping around Johnstown, Pennsylvania provides affordable access to the Allegheny Mountain region. Located at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 2,500 feet, these camping areas experience cool evenings even during summer months, with temperature drops of 15-20 degrees after sunset. Most yurt accommodations remain open April through October, though several parks now offer winter camping with heated structures.
What to do
Fishing on multiple lakes: Keystone State Park Campground offers a small lake that's excellent for introducing children to fishing. "Great place to fish with young children," notes Tom C., while other visitors mention the variety of watercraft available for rent including paddle boats and canoes.
Hiking various trail networks: The 5-mile Lake Habeeb loop at Rocky Gap State Park Campground provides a comprehensive tour of the park. "The 5 mile hike around Lake Habeeb is enjoyable. Great way to see all sides of the park," explains Jeff H. The trail connects to the campground beach area and offers multiple access points for hikers of different ability levels.
Mountain biking options: Many campers bring bikes to navigate the extensive trail systems. At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, the wide, flat lake trail accommodates younger riders, while more advanced cyclists can connect to steeper terrain. "There are a lot of activities for the day, including a beach, fishing, hiking, group picnic areas," mentions Tiffany K. in her review of Shawnee State Park.
What campers like
Spacious camping sites: Laurel Hill State Park Campground offers well-spaced sites with natural separation between campers. "All sites are gravel; most appeared level, but some did not. All sites are wooded but some have more separation than others," reports Lee D., who appreciated the privacy despite visiting during a busy weekend.
Clean facilities: Many campers mention the well-maintained bathhouses and common areas at Shawnee State Park Campground. "Bathroom and showers were clean, bright, and there is a dish washing sink outside. Showers were push button but pressure was great and the water was hot," explains Danielle S., who stayed at site 258 on loop D.
Family-oriented activities: Entertainment options abound at most campgrounds near Johnstown. "The kids played mini golf, jumped on the pillow, played on multiple playgrounds, enjoyed ice cream and went fishing," writes Tasha M. about her experience at Friendship Village Campground, noting these activities were available even during the off-season.
What you should know
Site selection matters: When booking yurt camping near Johnstown, research the specific site characteristics. "Double check site booked... We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers were super accommodating," advises Brittany V. from her stay at Shawnee State Park Campground.
Different pet policies: Not all loops or yurts allow pets. "There are two main loops in this campground. One that is pet friendly and more of a pitch-your-tent-in-the-yard thing and another that is pet-free and wooded," explains Casey L. about their experience at Laurel Hill, recommending the pet-free section for better spacing and quiet.
Seasonal variations: Kentuck Campground at Ohiopyle State Park has distinct busy and quiet periods. "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," notes Sue J., highlighting the benefits of off-peak visits for a more secluded experience.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing offers creek play opportunities popular with younger visitors. "A lot of their sites are along a small creek which the kids play in and can float down. Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek," shares Mathew H., describing one of the best family-oriented options.
Cabin options for mixed groups: When planning a Johnstown area yurt or cabin camping trip with varied camping experience levels, consider semi-rustic options. "My family stayed in one of the cabins while friends were in their campers. The cabin was great, very clean and cozy," reports Austin B. about Mirror Lake, mentioning the variety of accommodation types available at a single location.
Playground access: Most campgrounds feature multiple play areas distributed throughout the property. "There are 3 play grounds all different and all well kept," mentions Steve K. about Friendship Village, while Katie H. notes that Rocky Gap has "a nice playground near shade for parents to watch."
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Power post locations at Crooked Run Campground require planning. "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable," advises Erik E., who camped in the dog loop with his family.
Leveling challenges: Several state parks around Johnstown have uneven sites. "Varies by type and location within the park. I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time," shares Lee D. about Shawnee State Park, recommending scouting sites before committing to a reservation.
Size restrictions: Many of the older campgrounds have limited capacity for large RVs. "There are some very secluded sites," notes Matt R. about Keystone State Park, but cautions that site dimensions can be tight in certain sections, particularly in the lakeside loop which he describes as "a glorified trailer park" during peak season.
