Campsites near Library, Pennsylvania occupy terrain characterized by rolling hills with elevations ranging between 900-1,400 feet. Many campgrounds sit along river valleys where summer temperatures average 75-85°F with evening lows reaching 55-65°F. July brings the highest rainfall, averaging 4-5 inches, creating occasionally muddy conditions at non-paved sites.
What to do
Kayaking on the Youghiogheny River: Access the water directly from The Blue Canoe RV Resort where "the ramp for entering/exiting with your kayak stopped before river getting to the river's edge. It was very muddy after the ramp, so it was slick getting to the river and we sunk into the mud several inches," according to one visitor who still enjoyed paddling despite access challenges.
Star gazing opportunities: Visit Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground which features a dedicated observation area. "The star gazing platform leaves a lot to be desired and is in need of repair," notes one camper, though the mountain views make nighttime viewing worthwhile.
Hiking regional trails: Multiple trail networks connect to campgrounds including the GAP (Great Allegheny Passage) which "rolls right through the middle of" The Blue Canoe Resort. The 40+ miles of trails at Raccoon Creek State Park include "the Palomino Loop" which a winter visitor found "great" for "stretching the legs" even in snowy conditions.
What campers like
Clean swimming facilities: At Benner's Meadow Run, campers appreciate "the pool which was nice" while at other properties swimming areas remain popular but variable in condition. The Blue Canoe Resort features river swimming while Austin Lake RV Park offers "a lake with inflatables, jumps, slides" where "they loved the lake and everything there was to do on it."
Level site availability: Campgrounds vary greatly in this respect. Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins receives praise for "great spots all along the main strip, lake side and creek side," though the approach road requires caution as "it is all downhill getting there. Take your time and all will be just fine. Our rig is 39' & 16K."
Pet-friendly accommodations: Raccoon Creek State Park Campground features "designated pet areas" and campers note it's "a great place to take the dog out to swim and chase geese and ducks." Most private campgrounds allow pets but may restrict them to certain areas or charge additional fees.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: While some rv sites near Library, Pennsylvania remain open year-round, many close between October and April. Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort offers "year-round access" while The Blue Canoe Resort operates only from "May 1 to October 18."
Shower access challenges: At Austin Lake, campers should "take quarters...bc the showers are coin operated." Site facilities vary widely, with some campgrounds offering modern bathhouses while others provide minimal facilities.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have poor connectivity. At Austin Lake, campers report "no phone service at all, no matter the carrier," which some appreciate as one visitor "loved not having cell service at all."
Road access concerns: When approaching The Blue Canoe Resort, follow posted directions as "the hills were terrible getting there, then another hill to get to the KOA. Then ANOTHER hill to get to our site." Similarly, at Raccoon Creek, "you drive up a long, steep, windy road to the campgrounds."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA has "a playground for the kids to unwind after a long day on the road," which parents appreciate. Similarly, Benner's Meadow Run offers "plenty of activities" with "multiple playgrounds" throughout the grounds.
Swimming options: Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort features "the pool & concession stand" which provides convenient food options. One visitor called it a "perfect weekend at the pool" due to these amenities.
Site selection considerations: At Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA, choose sites away from high-traffic areas as some campers reported having "people walk through our site on shortcuts to the bathroom in the middle of the night."
Budget planning: Be prepared for extra costs at some locations. At Austin Lake "almost anything you want to do will cost you an additional charge" beyond your campsite fee, with activities like lake inflatables requiring separate payment.
Tips from RVers
Leveling equipment needs: For rv sites near Library, Pennsylvania, bring substantial leveling blocks. At Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA, "a dozen or so of the sites are not level, not only that but they are narrow and where you sit is a slope making it very uncomfortable."
Electrical capacity verification: Call ahead to confirm amperage. While most commercial parks advertise 50-amp service, actual availability varies by site. One campground visitor noted sites with "modern hookups" but varying electrical capacity.
Site dimensions: Many campgrounds have tight spacing between sites. Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA features spots that are "very tight driving" with sites where "they really pack you in." Benner's Meadow Run similarly has "sites very close together with little privacy."
Approach route planning: Avoid steep grades where possible by following campground directions rather than GPS. For Austin Lake, "it will seem a little sketchy getting in. The road dead-ends into the campground and it is all downhill getting there." Using 4WD in low gear helps "not cause you need 4wd just for the lower gears."
