Glamping close to Jones Mills, Pennsylvania sits at the western edge of the Laurel Highlands, an area with elevations reaching 2,800 feet that receives significantly more annual rainfall than surrounding lowlands. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures typically 10-15 degrees cooler than Pittsburgh, making for comfortable camping conditions when lower elevations become humid and hot. Winter brings reliable snowfall that can affect campground accessibility from November through March.
What to do
Hiking accessible trails: Near Keystone State Park, trails accommodate various ability levels with minimal elevation change. "There's plenty to do in surrounding areas from Ft Ligonier to the shops in the town. Great place to spend the weekend," notes a visitor who enjoyed the combination of outdoor recreation and cultural attractions.
Fishing opportunities: The fishing at Laurel Hill State Park Campground provides consistent catches for beginners. "The campsite and bathrooms were clean when we arrived and when we left. The site numbering is a bit wonky on the dog loop so make sure you look at your map before you start driving the loops," advises one camper who found good fishing spots by walking the lake trail.
Star-gazing platforms: Dedicated observation areas at Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground allow for night sky viewing away from light pollution. "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform," reports one visitor who appreciated the astronomical observation opportunities.
What campers like
Proximity to historical sites: Within 30 minutes of glamping accommodations near Jones Mills, visitors can reach Fort Ligonier and Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture. "This is a very nice campground. Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late," shares a camper who visited Kentuck Campground.
Laundry facilities: Some campgrounds maintain industrial-sized washers and dryers helpful for extended stays. "Laundry facilities are the best we have encountered. Big machines and dryers making life easier and less time spent doing laundry," reports a visitor to Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA who appreciated this practical amenity.
Scenic water features: Many glamping locations include access to fishing ponds, swimming areas, or streams. "My family has been camping here for generations. There are charming rustic cabins, toilets and showers nearby. They're all right next to a shady crick, near a sliding rock, and some nice hikes," notes a visitor to Linn Run State Park Cabins.
What you should know
Campsite leveling challenges: Many RV sites in the Jones Mills area require leveling equipment due to sloped terrain. "We couldn't use our fire ring because it ended up being very close to our rig. Luckily we camped with friends who had more space in their spot. I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped," reports a camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Seasonal operation schedules: Most glamping facilities near Jones Mills operate from April through October, with limited winter availability. "We stayed for 1 night. We chose site 102 because it looked decent in the picture and seemed a little apart and more private than other areas. Unfortunately, it was not great for tent camping as there wasn't really a spot to set up our 4-person tent," notes a visitor to Laurel Hill State Park.
Shower house conditions vary: Quality and cleanliness of bathroom facilities differ significantly between campgrounds. "Small park small campground. Very beautiful," summarizes one camper's experience at Laurel Hill State Park Campground, while another notes, "Very clean and quiet. The people selling firewood were the best! Site 166 is not flat what so ever."
Tips for camping with families
Water-based activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run provides multiple swimming options for different age groups. "Mill run by far the best yogi bear/campground we have been to. Second time we have been & they have upgraded the water slides 4 huge slides plus big splash pad with little slide for smaller kids," explains a family that visited with a large group.
Off-peak timing benefits: Weekday visits during May and September offer reduced crowds while maintaining access to amenities. "We stayed in the new camping Wagon which was so much fun. Kids loved it. This park has so much to due. Love that there is 2 pools so you can relax wo all the hustle and bustle of water slides and pirate ships," notes a family who appreciated the quieter experience.
Site selection for privacy: Request sites away from playgrounds and bathhouses for better sleep if traveling with young children. "It was an adventure paradise with a close location to the seven springs ski resort," says a visitor to Laurel Hill State Park who found the balance of activities and rest beneficial for families.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup placement: Power pedestals at some campgrounds may require extension cords due to unusual site layouts. "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 an RV camper who stayed in the dog loop at Laurel Hill State Park.
Pre-arrival shopping: Limited grocery options exist near most glamping facilities around Jones Mills. "This is a large campground with play grounds, well maintained pool and grounds, fishing, party pavilions, and store. The staff is nice and helpful. Some sites are a bit close, the pull through sites are very ample," reports a camper at Fox Den Acres Campground.
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer pull-through sites that accommodate larger RVs without unhitching. "Hickory Hollow's campsites were nicely spaced out, perched on a hillside, but with nice flat pads. The lake and farm country provided a welcoming and relaxing setting," notes a visitor who appreciated the thoughtful site design that worked well for their RV.
