Camping near Loyalhanna, Pennsylvania offers riverside sites and mountain terrain throughout the Laurel Highlands region. Located at elevations between 1,200-2,800 feet, the area experiences cooler summer temperatures with daytime averages around 82°F and nighttime lows near 60°F. Most campgrounds open April through October with a limited number of sites available for off-season camping.
What to do
Lake activities at Keystone State Park Campground: The 78-acre lake features swimming beaches, boat rentals, and fishing for bass, bluegill, and catfish. "Small lake where you can fish, paddle boat, and swim. Quiet hours and parking are strictly enforced," reports Joseph S., who appreciated the reasonable rates at Keystone State Park Campground.
Hiking through Laurel Hill State Park: The park offers multiple trail systems ranging from 1-4 miles with varying difficulty levels. Visitors can access trails directly from campground loops. "There are a multitude of fun activities to do in the area. I feel fortunate to live only about 2 hours from this beautiful place, with the Montour biking/hiking trail running right through it," notes Robert C. about Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park.
Water slides and adventure activities: Multi-level water attractions with slides for different age groups operate from late May through early September. "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," shares Erik W. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run.
What campers like
Secluded forest sites: Heavily wooded campsites provide natural privacy between neighbors with flat tent pads at many locations. "The sites are spread far apart and wooded. Table and fire rings are at each site. They have a brand new bath house which was spotless and a well kept dog park for the furs," according to Anne B.'s review of Hickory Hollow Campground.
Creek access for cooling off: Several campgrounds feature small stream access where kids can play and adults can wade. "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," mentions Mathew H. about Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing.
Campground hospitality: Staff availability and assistance extends beyond normal business hours at many locations. "We really got to witness the owners' kindness when we left for a hiking trip and a sudden windstorm caught our awning and broke one side of it. The owner and his son got right to work fixing it," reports Tara R. about her experience at Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing.
What you should know
Campground layout variations: Different camping loops offer vastly different experiences within the same park. "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 is set in the woods," warns Matt R. about Keystone State Park Campground.
Seasonal operations: Most facilities close between late October and mid-April. "We camped at Kentuck Campground two weekends before the typical summer camping season, and I was honestly extremely disappointed in the campground, though part of that frustration is probably more appropriately aimed at the state park system as a whole, and their lack of communication," explains Danielle V. about Ohiopyle State Park.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds with most offering spotty reception. "Fleeting cell at best on Verizon," notes Lee D. about Laurel Hill State Park Campground. Many state parks have limited or no WiFi availability.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request sites near playgrounds for easier supervision while maintaining campsite activities. "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 organize different themes for bingo, and other games," shares Evelyn T. about Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Multiple swimming options: Several parks offer both lake swimming and pool facilities with varying hours. "The lake is separate from the campground, but it is less than a mile away and a reasonable distance walk," mentions Lee D. about Laurel Hill State Park Campground.
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between loops and campgrounds. "The bathhouse wasn't as clean as they could be, but not bad," reports Becky C. about Hickory Hollow Camp Ground, while another camper noted, "The restrooms weren't as clean as they could be, but not bad."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature sloped terrain requiring additional leveling equipment. "A few steep ones but they all have gravel and a patch of grass with a table and fire pit," notes Evelyn T. about Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, while another reviewer mentioned, "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty sloped."
Electric hookup placement: Power posts at state parks may require extension cords for proper setup. "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. about Laurel Hill State Park Campground.
Limited water tank capacity: Small water heaters at glamping sites near Loyalhanna provide limited hot water. "Don't think everyone is showering one after the other or you can do dishes and wash hands as much as you want before showering because it's very small water tank, it goes lukewarm to cold quick," warns Jess I. about Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
