Tent camping near Loyalhanna, Pennsylvania centers around the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail, with most sites positioned at elevations between 850-1,100 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing from November through March, making spring through fall the primary camping season. Most campsites in this region require advance planning for water sources since potable water access is limited or non-existent at many locations.
What to do
Riverside exploration: The Youghiogheny River provides excellent opportunities for wading, fishing, and paddling at Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run. "It is a short walk down a trail to the river's edge, where I filtered water for drinking," notes Dave V., who visited while bikepacking the GAP Trail.
Historical excursions: The nearby cemetery at Dravo's Landing Campground adds historical interest to camping trips. One camper mentioned, "It's close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghost stories around the campfire," making it a unique feature for evening entertainment.
Cycling connections: Plan day trips or multi-day journeys along the GAP Trail from various access points. "This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!), and a nice easy introduction to bikepacking camping for the east-bound," explains a cyclist who appreciated the strategic location of Dravo's Landing Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The GAP Trail Campground - Bikers Only earns praise for its exceptional cleanliness. A reviewer noted, "Everything is clean as a whistle…pun intended. Here's where that luxury kicks in, so much that you'll wonder if what you're doing still qualifies as camping."
Spacious campsites: Many tent sites offer generous space for larger groups. Sarah Q. reported about Dravo's Landing: "We camped out overnight with a group of 14 people, and there was plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars."
Sheltered options: Adirondack shelters provide alternative accommodations at several campgrounds along the trail. According to Dave V. at Round Bottom, "We secured the only open Adirondack Shelter and were able to set up our tent inside, along with keeping our bicycles inside and out of the elements. Which made it wonderfully convenient when it started to rain."
What you should know
Train noise impacts: Railways parallel many GAP Trail camping areas, causing significant nighttime disturbance. At Maple Festival Park, "The train line, and the trail, are a steep hike up the hill from the rest of town, so the noise is much less bothersome during the night," making it a quieter option than some other GAP Trail campgrounds.
Wildlife considerations: Local wildlife may visit campsites in search of food. One camper at Dravo's Landing warned, "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
First-come facilities: Competition for shelters and prime tent pads can be fierce on weekends. A reviewer noted at Round Bottom Camping Area, "Sites and shelters are first come, first served," so midweek camping provides better shelter availability during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Multi-use spaces: At Laurel Ridge State Park Campground, families can enjoy various activities beyond just camping. "It's a beautiful wooded park offering lots of trees for privacy. I wish I had more time to explore the park before moving on," shared Ashleigh M., suggesting families should plan for additional time to enjoy the surroundings.
Creative entertainment: Utilize natural settings for family activities like storytelling. Lauren C. at Dravo's Landing mentioned using the old cemetery for ghost stories around the campfire, providing a unique evening activity for adventurous families.
Town accessibility: Some campgrounds offer walking access to nearby towns. At Maple Festival Park, campers appreciate that "Downtown has a number of options for food," making it convenient for families needing supplies or meal alternatives.
Tips from RVers
Alternative accommodations: For those seeking a middle ground between tent camping and RVs, Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm offers unique options. Ashley F. noted, "This is a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains. One yurt with a bed is offered," providing an alternative for campers wanting more comfort.
Weekday advantages: Several reviewers mentioned significantly lower occupancy midweek. Dave V. observed, "Bicycle traffic was fairly light during the week, so not only did you have the GAP Trail mostly to oneself, the camping areas were either sparsely filled or empty," making weekdays ideal for those seeking more solitude.
Weather considerations: Shelter options can be crucial during inclement weather. GAP Trail campers appreciate that "The spacious and lush lawn has lots of space for tents, but the winner is the covered seating, dining, and cooking area," providing protection during rain events while still enjoying the camping experience.
