Camping facilities near Laughlintown sit within Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands region at elevations ranging from 1,800-2,800 feet, creating moderate summer temperatures that typically stay below 85°F. The area experiences significant seasonal closures, with most campgrounds operating April through October due to harsh winter conditions and mountain road accessibility concerns.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing in New Florence offers stocked ponds for catch-and-release fishing without requiring a license. "We were there for one of the first weekends of the season, and we enjoyed every bit of our trip. Not only were the staff super friendly and helpful, but we were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake," noted a visitor.
Hiking proximity: Kooser State Park Campground provides direct access to hiking trails with elevation changes. "There's only one hiking trail within the park's 250 acres. But it's a decent trail with sharp elevation gain," according to one camper. The park connects to larger tracts of public lands including Forbes State Forest for extended hiking options.
Star gazing experiences: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground features a designated star gazing platform, though recent visitors note it "leaves a lot to be desired and is in need of repair." The campground's location away from major light pollution still makes it worthwhile for night sky viewing.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground receives praise for its natural setting. "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform," shared one visitor. Another camper noted their fall visit provided "quiet and relaxing" conditions with "large spots to space out in."
Clean facilities: Kooser State Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities despite its small size. "The showers are nice. There's a great playground for kids," mentioned one reviewer. Another camper confirmed "Bathhouse was very clean with hot water shower," making it suitable for extended stays.
Stream access: Several campgrounds offer creek-side sites popular with families. At Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing, a camper mentioned their children enjoyed "floating down the creek," while at Pioneer Lakes RV Park, "Laurel hill cricks/lake are 2 miles up the mountain" for additional water activities.
What you should know
Site levelness varies: Many campgrounds in the Laurel Highlands have challenging terrain. At Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing, "Some river sites were small and very un level but was doable," while Kooser State Park visitors warned "many of the sites are not level at all and take some serious work to get your rig level."
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Kooser State Park, "There is a main road nearby and you hear industrial trucks rolling by constantly," and the cabins "sit awfully close to a noisy state highway." Friendship Village Campground receives similar comments: "This campground is located by 2 major highways and truck traffic and Jake brake are constant all night long."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between locations. At Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground, "Wifi was good enough to work and stream Netflix," but Kooser State Park has "No phone reception at this one!" according to a recent visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Friendship Village Campground & RV Park stands out for family amenities. "There is 3 play grounds all different and all well kept," noted one camper. Another mentioned additional features: "The kids played mini golf, jumped on the pillow, played on multiple playgrounds, enjoyed ice cream and went fishing."
Creek play areas: Several campgrounds feature child-friendly water access. At Pioneer Lakes RV Park, "kids had a great time and lots of activities for them to do" including a campground creek where children can play safely.
Pool options: Swimming facilities vary by location. The Blue Canoe RV Resort features "multiple pools, playsets, cabins and river sites" according to a summer visitor, making it popular during hot weather months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For full-hookup options, The Blue Canoe RV Resort provides riverfront sites with varying levelness. "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids... Staff make multiple rounds, picks up your trash and delivers your purchased firewood. Personally takes you to your site and helps you back in/pull in," shared an RV camper.
Navigation warnings: Some rv campgrounds near Laughlintown, Pennsylvania have challenging access roads. At Nature's Getaway RV Park, "The site wasn't so level, but we made it work," while Pioneer Lakes RV Park visitors noted "roads are full of potholes going back to the sites."
Seasonal considerations: Most Laughlintown area RV parks close completely during winter. Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort remains open year-round with "large sites, close to the highway but no road noise," making it a good option for shoulder season camping when other facilities have closed.
