Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands region surrounds Latrobe with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,900 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates. Glamping options near Latrobe provide protection from the region's average 46 inches of annual rainfall, with luxury tent accommodations typically available from April through October. Winter precipitation averages 31 inches of snowfall, making seasonal access considerations important for campers.
What to do
Hike nearby trails: Linn Run State Park contains several moderate hiking paths alongside Adams Falls, where rustic cabins provide shelter after outdoor activities. "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 visitor Rachael K.
Enjoy water recreation: Laurel Hill State Park Campground features a lake with rental options for kayaks at reasonable rates. "Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake," reports Erik E. The lake trail offers additional fishing spots for those willing to walk beyond crowded areas.
Steelers training camp access: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing provides proximity to St. Vincent College where Pittsburgh Steelers hold their training camp. "Close by is Ligonier, Idlewild, and St. Vincent (where the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp takes place)," mentions Mathew H. The campground allows families to combine sports fandom with outdoor activities.
What campers like
Creek-side camping spots: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing features sites along a small creek popular with families. "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," says Mathew H. The stream provides natural water play areas without needing pool facilities.
Private woodland sites: Fox Den Acres Campground offers spacious tent sites set back from RV areas. "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," shares Brandy Q. Sites feature level tent pads despite hillside locations.
Clean bathhouses: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathroom facilities at several Latrobe-area campgrounds. "Bathrooms were a short walk away. They have a brand new bath house which was spotless and a well kept dog park for the furs," notes Anne B. about Hickory Hollow. This practical consideration ranks high in positive reviews across multiple locations.
What you should know
Hillside vs. lakeside camping: Keystone State Park Campground contains two distinct camping areas with different experiences. "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," explains Matt R. The park attracts substantial crowds during summer months.
Reservation timing considerations: Popular sites fill quickly, particularly on weekends. "We decided to go here for our first RV trip as it is close to home for us. Great first experience! We stayed at site 43 in the Hillside Loop because we brought our 2 large dogs. Site was very private and relatively flat," reports Kevin E.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require equipment for leveling RVs. "On my way out I heard they were having someone come in to level the sites so I imagine it was just the time of year we visited," mentions Patience W. about Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA. Campers should pack appropriate leveling gear for most area campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run features multiple water attractions 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 & the original 2 big water slides in woods," shares Erik W. The water park components operate seasonally.
Bring quarters for showers: Some campgrounds require coins for shower operation. "Bring a quarter for a 10 minute shower! There's one 1950's bathhouse with a few stalls for hundreds of RV sites but they figure you're self-contained I suppose," advises Kathryn about Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA. Families should prepare with adequate change for longer stays.
Dog-friendly camping loops: Several parks designate specific sections for 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 Laurel Hill State Park. Pet owners should research site-specific pet policies before booking.
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions: The Blue Canoe RV Resort offers riverfront sites with variable sizes. "I stayed in a tent site, but had friends that brought their 5th wheel camper. I had my son and nephew with and we all had a great time at both sites," shares Dale O. Advance planning helps ensure adequate space for larger rigs.
Extension cord requirements: Power hookups at some sites require additional equipment. "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," warns Erik E. about Laurel Hill State Park. RVers should pack extra-length power cords.
Cell reception variables: Connectivity differs significantly between campgrounds. "Fleeting cell at best on Verizon," notes Lee D. about Laurel Hill State Park. RVers relying on mobile connectivity should research signal strength before booking at more remote locations.
