Blue Knob State Park Campground
Ok place to stay
Wow, the weekends were fun. They were quite a bit of people there and my kids had a good time. The weekdays were different story we were told we had to be quiet. We had a lot of craziness go on
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Campgrounds near Latrobe, Pennsylvania range from lakeside state park sites to wooded tent and RV campgrounds across the Laurel Highlands region. Keystone State Park Campground, just 5 miles from Latrobe, offers lakeside camping with options for tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts from April through October. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can access additional campgrounds including Bush Recreation Area near Saltsburg, Fox Den Acres in New Stanton, and several state parks like Laurel Hill and Kooser. The area's campgrounds typically feature wooded settings with varying levels of privacy, many situated near lakes or streams that support fishing, boating, and swimming activities.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with the primary camping season running from mid-April through October. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. As one camper noted about Keystone State Park, "This State Park is so clean! The campground gives you easy access to anything you want to do. Fish, swim, hike, bike, kayak." Road conditions vary throughout the area, with some campgrounds requiring navigation of steep, narrow roads. Cell service can be limited in more remote locations, with visitors reporting "fleeting cell at best on Verizon" at Laurel Hill State Park. Weather in the region tends to be cooler than surrounding areas, especially near lakes and in wooded settings.
Many campgrounds feature a mix of site types and privacy levels. At Ohiopyle State Park's Kentuck Campground, some campers report sites being "packed in like sardines," while others appreciate the "roomy" sites with "enough foliage that separates campsites that it feels somewhat private." Families often gravitate toward campgrounds with playgrounds and recreational amenities, such as Bush Recreation Area where one visitor mentioned, "It's definitely a great choice for families, especially those with young children." The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail provides unique bikepacking opportunities with dedicated camping areas. Water features are prominent throughout the region's campgrounds, with many offering fishing, swimming, and boating options, though some visitors note that water levels can fluctuate due to dam operations.
"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."
from $18 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Ohiopyle is located in a beautiful area of Pennsylvania we've camped there a couple of times and have been able to get last minute tent sites. Lots of outdoor activities nearby."
"Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."
from $20 - $54 / night
Check Availability"It’s very military positive, even includes a reserved place for the fallen soldiers. Some sites are a bit close, the pull through sites are very ample. Gravel roads and level sites."
"Tent site was nice and conveniently located next to the bathhouse"
from $50 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $64 / night
Check Availability"They have a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it along with two small dog play areas.Every week they organizes different themes for bingo, and other games."
"The sites are pretty close together and we couldn’t use our fire ring because it ended up being very close to our rig."
"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."
from $22 - $70 / night
Check Availability"We rented space 16 late August 2020 and our friends (and their kids) rented #17 on the inner circle, right next to us with the playground right behind us. Great spots!"
"This is a nice, quiet small campground with a small lake. Our grandchildren loved it. The boat launch is a nice size to fit 2 boats at a time. The only problem is the beach is not that great."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability"The only thing I can say about this campground that made me not give it 5 stars is, the highway noise."
"Peaceful despite being by the highway. The owners were very friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back. Dogs loved it as well"
"Nearby all the local attractions that laurel highlands has to offer....Youghiogheny River, Frank Loyd Wright house, Living Treasures Animal Park, Seven Springs, Hidden Valley, etc.."
"Laurel Highlands campland is in a terrific location for all the local attractions."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"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."











Wow, the weekends were fun. They were quite a bit of people there and my kids had a good time. The weekdays were different story we were told we had to be quiet. We had a lot of craziness go on
We've stayed here annually for 7 years. Getting into the RV sites is a steep climb, then you head down from the top of the hill to the RV sites.
The older portion has back in and pull through sites. They are medium to small in size, and due to their height and proximity to Interstates you hear trucks engine breaking. The newer section is lower (and quieter) and the sites are larger, but the gravel is not compacted so it sinks in when you drive, park or try to level your RV on it.
There were dog walking trails in the woods but they are so overgrown you need a machete to use them. The pool is nice and is clean. The camp store is not small but carries a very limited amount of supplies.
The staff are friendly. We've had RV issues and birds nesting under our slide room covers that they have helped us deal with.
We LOVED our visit to Kentuck campground and Ohiopyle. We went mid-week in early June and had very few neighbors Tuesday and Wednesday, with more rolling in toward the end of the week.
We stayed on Hickory Loop with our dog and saw quite a few other dogs while we were there. Not all sites are equal at this campground - ours was huge and lovely with adequate flattish area and a stream running along two sides of it. Others were quite small and not very level. I think we had one of the best sites on the loop, with great trees for hammocks and big rocks nearby, as well as good privacy from other sites.
The campground is very shaded and was regularly several degrees cooler than elsewhere in the park, which was great to home 'home' to. There's a lot of poison ivy in the area, so be watchful.
Firewood is available for purchase on entrance to the campground.
The bathhouse was relatively clean, with a large kitchen sink for washing dishes, three toilet stalls, and two shower stalls. We never had to wait for any of it.
I’m really impressed with this campground. Everything is very well maintained—clean, tidy, and organized. The staff and other campers are friendly, and there’s a welcoming atmosphere overall. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, a great pool, and the sites are spacious and comfortable. They even have what I’d consider professional-grade cornhole boards that look like they’re made from concrete or a similar solid material—really well built and a nice touch. It’s been a very enjoyable and relaxing place to stay.
This campground's foliage is interesting, I saw fernes growing and trees that looked older than me. I also noticed the campground has some history shown by the rust of the firepits. There is Billy's Pizza and general store which sells firewood if you go a little further down the road that maps takes you and take the second left instead of taking the first left. I think the campground also sells firewood on site. You can order Billy's Pizza and I saw them deliver to the campsites, which is amazing, havent seen that before. I'm a light sleeper and could hear truck engine braking sounds echo through the forest from the nearby highway, so the proximity to the road ruins the feeling of seclusion and the quiet. There's a restroom with a large sink outside which is nice.
This is one of six campsites that can be reserved through PA's DCNR website. The six campsites are spread throughout the Laurel Highlands. This is the only one at Mt. Davis. We camp with three dogs, so we really appreciated the privacy. There were occasionally the sounds of distant ATVs or farm equipment, but, overall, this is a peaceful site. The campsite does not connect to the trails at Mt. Davis and there is no vault toilet here, but both vault toilets and a trailhead are just a few minutes away at the Mt. Davis picnic area. There is only one obvious tent site, so, if you need more than one tent site, you will have to get creative. The site is along a gravel road that leads to a field which you can use to walk your dogs. There are no water features here which our dogs enjoy, so that is the only reason for the 4 out of 5 stars. We will be reserving this site again!
I come here at least twice a year for the wonder campground. The hiking trails, water falls and white water rafting. The town is small but filled with tons of great shops and outfitters. Campground is clean, every sight is nice and spacious, not all are private. Get gas on your way here, once here their are no gas stations for 40 minutes in every direction. Ice and wood at campground suck. Go into town for ice or see Butch out rt 381 on the left just outside the park boundary. Highly recommended.
My wife has been going to keystone all her life, I’ve only gone since she and I started dating. I’ve been all over the world hiking and camping, but keystone is nostalgic for her. And it’s a great place for our one year old to cut his teeth in the great outdoors!! He loves going and love camping!! He loves to be outside more than anything!! Gentle trails and a smooth lake, a great place for a quick weekend from the city
Some areas of campground felt very congested with little privacy. Our bathhouse was old and smelled moldy but have seen worse. Our site itself was nice, spacious and clean with large tent pad, right across from bathroom.
Campers exploring the best places to camp near Latrobe, Pennsylvania can take advantage of the region's Allegheny Mountain foothills, with elevations ranging from 900 to 2,500 feet. The Laurel Highlands area experiences cooler temperatures year-round compared to nearby Pittsburgh, often 5-10 degrees lower, especially during summer nights. Winter camping is limited as most area campgrounds close from late October through mid-April due to freezing conditions.
Fishing in stocked waters: At Keystone State Park Campground, anglers can fish from shore or small boats with nearby rentals. "Small lake where you can fish, paddle boat, and swim. Quiet hours and parking are strictly enforced," notes Joseph S.
Explore mountain biking trails: The Laurel Hill State Park Campground provides access to mountain biking trails throughout the park. "Very beautiful with a large lake and designated swimming area. Place attracts a lot of people in the summer as it's basically in the Pittsburgh suburbs along a major road artery," explains Matt R.
Snowshoeing winter adventure: Winter visitors can try snowshoeing at Kooser State Park Campground. "We enjoyed the waterfront camping and snowshoeing. We got a site by the water and with good tree cover," shares Harry H., highlighting this cold-weather activity option.
Creek access for summer cooling: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing features sites alongside a creek popular with children. "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," describes Mathew H.
Hillside camping sections: Keystone State Park offers a quieter hillside loop away from the main campground. "There are 2 campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The lakeside one is a glorified trailer park and is packed during the summer with no privacy. The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods," advises Matt R.
Nearby hiking options: Bush Recreation Area provides campers with green space and amenities. "It's definitely a great choice for families, especially those with young children," according to Kassie F., who appreciated the playground and open areas.
Limited cellular service: Cell coverage varies significantly throughout the region, with higher elevations offering better service. "Fleeting cell at best on Verizon," reports one camper at Laurel Hill State Park.
Off-season limitations: Some facilities close early in fall. "We were there in November with plans to visit Fallingwater. This campground was the perfect location for both activities! Our Sprint hotspot didn't work well (unboosted), but our Verizon did," shares a visitor at Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park.
Highway noise at some locations: Fox Den Acres Campground has ambient highway sounds. "Quiet in the camp but lots of highway noise at night if the breeze is just right. Nice pull-thrus with full hookups for overnights," reports Kathryn.
Playground proximity: When camping with children, select sites near playgrounds. "We had a wonderful, big electric and water site. Our camper doesn't have a bathroom so we need the bathhouse," explains Nora M. at Kentuck Campground, noting the need to balance amenities with location.
Activities during rainy days: Laurel Highlands Campland offers indoor options. "The outdoor pool is large and the indoor pool is great for those rainy days," reports Terra B.
Off-peak camping for less crowding: At Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, midweek stays are quieter. "I think the weekends would be too full for my taste but mid week was very quiet," recommends Msmetoo48 S.
Challenging site leveling: RVers should bring extra leveling equipment for Laurel Hill State Park. "Many of the sites are not level at all and take some serious work to get your rig level," warns Kevin E.
Power hookup extension cords: Bring power extensions to reach hookups at some parks. "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. at Laurel Hill State Park.
Water storage planning: Limited water availability in primitive sections requires preparation. "No water sources in the primitive section, and the shower house is quite a hike from the furthest sites," Heather H. mentions about Fox Den Acres Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available near Latrobe, PA?
Several great camping options surround Latrobe, PA. Laurel Hill State Park Campground offers a scenic destination with family-friendly facilities. For those seeking a location close to outdoor activities, Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park provides camping with easy access to hiking, rafting, and biking opportunities. Other nearby options include Fox Den Acres Campground near New Stanton, Donegal Campground, and Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run. Most locations are within a 45-minute drive of Latrobe, making them convenient for weekend getaways or longer stays in the Laurel Highlands region.
What amenities do Latrobe camping areas offer?
Crooked Run Campground — Prince Gallitzin State Park provides lakeside recreation with pet-friendly sites, bike trails, and water activities like canoeing and kayaking. You'll find electric hookups at many sites. Bush Recreation Area offers electric sites (30A), fresh water access, and a playground that's perfect for families with children. Most campgrounds in the region feature standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms. Some locations provide additional facilities such as shower houses, dump stations, and camp stores. RV-friendly sites with various hookup options are available at multiple locations, though amenities vary by specific campground.
What are the best seasons for camping in Latrobe, PA?
Late spring through early fall is ideal for camping around Latrobe, with peak season running from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Shawnee State Park Campground offers beautiful hiking around its lake, particularly stunning during late spring wildflower blooms and fall foliage. Summer provides perfect conditions for water activities, while Friendship Village Campground & RV Park remains accessible regardless of weather conditions. Fall brings spectacular colors to the Laurel Highlands region, making it a photographer's paradise. While some campgrounds remain open year-round, many reduce services or close entirely during winter months. Always check seasonal operating schedules before planning a trip outside the main camping season.
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