Loyalhanna camping sites sit at elevations between 1,000-1,300 feet in Pennsylvania's Westmoreland County. The region features mixed hardwood forests with occasional rock outcroppings and multiple water sources including Loyalhanna Creek. Winter temperatures can drop below 20°F while summer camping typically ranges from 75-85°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, you can access multiple fishing spots along the lake trail. "The lake provides a great place to fish and the walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk. We enjoyed the easy walking lake trail with the kids because it was wide and flat," notes Erik E.
Hiking trails: Some of the smaller parks offer quieter trail experiences than the more crowded destinations. "There is a main road nearby and you hear industrial trucks rolling by constantly. There are some great private tent only wooded sites that sit above the main park of the campground so you really feel secluded," reports Matt R. about Kooser State Park Campground.
Swimming and boating: Several campgrounds offer water recreation beyond the beach areas. "We went canoeing on the lake. And had fun just hiking around a bit. No luck fishing, but there was one fella who found a good spot," shares Kate D. about Laurel Hill State Park. For families, kayak rentals are affordable at many parks: "Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake."
What campers like
Quieter camping loops: At Keystone State Park Campground, more secluded sites are available in specific areas. "We stayed at site 43 in the Hillside Loop because we brought our 2 large dogs. Site was very private and relatively flat," explains Kevin E. This contrasts with the busier lakeside section that tends to be more crowded.
Waterfront campsites: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing offers premium waterfront spots. One camper notes, "We were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, everything you want on a spring trip." Sites along creeks are also popular, with Mathew H. recommending "Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek."
Affordable local attractions: The region offers activities beyond the campgrounds themselves. "Ohiopyle is a trendy, hip little town...Running smack dab through the center of town is the Youghiogheny River...A picturesque waterfall, numerous outdoor retailers, bicycle & raft rentals, peaceful trails and a sweet, cutting edge visitor/nature center," writes Dave V. about visiting Kentuck Campground.
What you should know
Campsite selection matters: When making reservations at Laurel Hill State Park, consider which loop best fits your needs. "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. We didn't realize and stayed in the first one. Dogs were barking at all hours and there's no privacy," cautions Casey L.
Shower facilities vary: Bathroom quality differs significantly between campgrounds. At Bush Recreation Area, "The host was right across from us and very friendly. The campground also had a nice shower just a few spots from us and my wife said it was clean with large stalls," reports Tim J. However, other campgrounds have more basic facilities.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. "Many of the sites are not level at all and take some serious work to get your rig level," notes Kevin E. about Kooser State Park. Similarly, at Fox Den Acres Campground, "The site numbering is a bit wonky on the dog loop so make sure you look at your map before you start driving the loops."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When camping with small children, site selection can make a big difference. "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! Our kids were within easy eye and earshot of the playground," shares Tim J. about Bush Recreation Area.
Creek play areas: Some campgrounds offer natural water play spots perfect for children. "The campgrounds are very nice they have a pool as well as a community building and camp store. We had 8 kids and 8 adults who all had a blast playing on the playground, floating down the creek, swimming in the pool, riding bicycles etc.," describes Austin B. at Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing.
Family-friendly hiking: Fox Den Acres Campground provides an accessible outdoor experience even for urban families. "Although the campground is close to several large cities, it is very relaxed, wooded, and quiet. We weren't to sure what to expect as we usually camp in much more remote areas, but we enjoyed the park very much," notes a camper named Harley.
Tips from RVers
Electrical hookup accessibility: Keystone State Park has some limitations with hookup placement. "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.
Pull-through site options: For easier RV parking, Fox Den Acres offers convenient sites. "Mostly an RV campground, but several tent sites. Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away," reports Dena L. The campground features both seasonal and weekend camping options.
Winter camping considerations: For cold weather camping, some campgrounds remain open year-round with precautions. "We're staying in the winter for a few nights to visit friends who live outside Pittsburgh. Friendly and cozy spot. They've done a great job in the winter despite the frigid weather by using heat tape on the spigots and leaving lots of information at the office," explains Zachary H. about the Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
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