The Laurel Highlands region where Jones Mills is located sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 feet, contributing to cooler summer temperatures averaging 10-15°F below surrounding lowlands. Most campgrounds in this area feature gravel sites with varying degrees of shade coverage, with the majority situated near small lakes or creeks. Cell service throughout the mountains is spotty, with signal strength dependent on proximity to major roadways.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing maintains stocked ponds that don't require additional fishing licenses. "You will not find better campground owners, they are amazing. After office hours they can be commonly found hanging out with their campers," notes a camper at Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing.
Creek exploration: Several campgrounds feature small creeks perfect for children to wade in during summer months. One visitor to Mirror Lake mentioned, "Alot 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."
Miniature golf: Family-friendly activities at local campgrounds include maintained mini-golf courses. A camper at Friendship Village Campground & RV Park stated, "The kids played mini golf, jumped on the pillow, played on multiple playgrounds, enjoyed ice cream and went fishing."
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural setting of campgrounds in the Laurel Highlands. One reviewer at Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground mentioned, "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform."
Seasonal activities: Campgrounds in the region typically offer organized weekend events from April through October. A visitor to Friendship Village noted, "They have fun holiday events, like the Halloween trick or treat, and they provide a shuttle for Bedford's annual Fall Foliage festival, which is a bonus."
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities as a highlight. A guest at The Blue Canoe RV Resort commented, "Pretty campground, clean and nice amenities," though they also noted, "Unfortunately we won't come back bc of the people. The site itself is great."
What you should know
Road noise: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds in the area. At Friendship Village, a camper observed, "The only thing we didn't like was all of the road noise. This campground is located by 2 major highways and truck traffic and Jake brake are constant all night long."
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites throughout the Jones Mills area require significant leveling. At Kooser State Park Campground, a reviewer noted, "My only complaint is that many of the sites are not level at all and take some serious work to get your rig level."
Limited off-season amenities: While some campgrounds remain open year-round, services are reduced outside peak season. A camper at Friendship Village explained, "Went camping here for the first time this weekend. Although it was the off season there was still tons to do."
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Choose campgrounds with multiple play areas for different age groups. A visitor at Pioneer Lakes RV Park stated, "There is 3 play grounds all different and all well kept."
Dedicated swimming areas: Swimming options vary significantly between locations. A camper at Friendship Village commented, "Neither pool has provided seating so you will need to bring your own camp chairs or towels to sit on. They also do not provide umbrellas but allow you to bring your own as long as they are 5 feet wide or less."
Site selection for kids: Request sites near recreational areas when traveling with children. One camper recommended, "For big rig campers, you need to stay at the upper portion of the campground at sites 200-500. In my opinion, the best sites to stay at if you have kids are sites 145–171 as those are right beside the jumping pillow, playground and gaga ball pit."
Tips from RVers
Limited big-rig access: RV camping near Jones Mills, Pennsylvania often requires careful navigation of mountain roads and campground entrances. A camper at Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort noted it's "close to the highway but no road noise" and has "large sites."
Site selection for privacy: Some RV parks offer more separation between sites than others. A visitor to Benner's Meadow Run observed, "The sites are very close together with little privacy. We stayed in site 435. The site was sloped pretty bad side to side and there is a drop off on the one side of the fire ring so we could not sit completely around the fire."
Utility connections: Electric service varies between campgrounds, with some offering only 30-amp hookups. A Kooser State Park guest shared, "Stayed in one of 4 full hookup sites. My complains...WAY too close to the neighbors and VERY little shade."
