The Jones Mills area offers tent camping opportunities at primitive sites across the Laurel Mountain region of Pennsylvania. Located within the Laurel Highlands at approximately 2,000 feet elevation, this area experiences cooler temperatures than surrounding lowlands, with summer nights often dropping into the 50s. Most backcountry camping sites require advanced planning for water needs, as natural sources often need treatment before drinking.
What to do
Kayaking access: Dravo's Landing Campground provides excellent water access for paddlers along the Youghiogheny River. "We made friends with a few other folks who were stopping at Dravo during their bike trips along the GAP, and everyone appreciated the abundance of picnic tables, fire pits, lean-tos, and the nearby river," notes Sarah Q.
Wildlife viewing: While setting up camp at the primitive sites in the region, keep an eye out for native wildlife. At Laurel Ridge State Park Campground, one visitor mentioned spotting nocturnal wildlife: "This is a beautiful wooded park offering lots of trees for privacy. I wish I had more time to explore the park before moving on."
Stream fishing: Several backcountry tent sites provide access to local waterways with active fish populations. According to Nathan S., "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic."
What campers like
Natural sound buffers: The rushing water at stream-side camping spots helps mask other noises. One camper at Big Run State Park Campground shared: "Beautiful campsite and loved the sound of the river as white noise!"
Spacious tent areas: Most primitive sites in the region offer ample room to spread out. As one visitor to Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground explained, "This is one of the only free hiker-biker campgrounds along the GAP trail (mile 99.6), and it is laid out similarly to the Dravo Campground, with lean-tos, picnic tables, firepits and lots of spaces for tents."
Seclusion from crowds: Weekday camping typically offers more solitude for tent campers around Jones Mills. "Bicycle traffic was fairly light during the week, so not only did you have the GAP Trail mostly to oneself, the camping areas were either sparsely filled or empty," according to one visitor.
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Most tent sites near Jones Mills have nearby rail lines. One camper suggests: "The only thing to consider with these campgrounds next to the trail is the number of trains that pass by in the night. It's not the train horn but the number of turns in the track and the squealing breaks that keep you up – so bring good earplugs if you hope to sleep!"
Water treatment needed: Hand pumps at many sites produce questionable water. A camper at The GAP Trail Campground - Bikers Only warned: "Town is a short walk away, with a few restaurants and other options for necessities as well."
Variable tent pad conditions: Not all sites have developed tent pads. According to a visitor, "You have to know what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities. Frankly, the bare campsites are nicer - they are more spread out, wooded, and some of them are located right along the stream."
Tips for camping with families
Pack insect protection: Mosquitoes can be problematic at streamside tent sites near Jones Mills. One camper noted: "There was a lot of space between each site and it was very peaceful, but the mosquitos sucked."
Consider weekday visits: For families tent camping around Jones Mills, Pennsylvania, midweek offers quieter experiences with fewer cyclists on nearby trails. Mark K. shared: "It is a pleasure to sleep in nature with nothing but birdsong and the sound of the rushing creek."
Select sites with natural play areas: Indian Creek Camplands Inc offers secluded tent spots with natural features for children to explore. Christopher M. described it as a "Good spot, just beyond owners side yard. Not the most level areas but good clean and quiet campsites."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most camping near Jones Mills focuses on tent camping with few developed RV sites. Andy C. shared about one exception: "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. The kids loved playing in the water."
Access challenges: Roads to primitive camping areas may not accommodate larger vehicles. "This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream," explained Katie H., noting that accessibility varies significantly between sites.
