Best Campgrounds near Mars, PA

Campgrounds near Mars, Pennsylvania span the surrounding Butler County area, providing a variety of accommodation options from rustic tent sites to full-hookup RV camping. Indian Brave Campground in nearby Harmony features 185 sites with tent, RV, and cabin options, while Mountain Top Campground in Tarentum offers panoramic ridge views from its elevated position. Most facilities in the region maintain both primitive camping areas and developed sites with amenities like electric hookups, shower facilities, and picnic tables. Family-owned properties dominate the camping landscape, with several campgrounds situated within a 30-minute drive of Mars.

The camping season in western Pennsylvania typically runs from mid-April through mid-October, with most campgrounds including Bear Run, Indian Brave, and Mountain Top closing for the winter months. Occasional year-round exceptions exist, though winter camping requires preparation for potentially harsh conditions. Many properties feature a mix of seasonal sites occupied by long-term campers alongside spots available for short-term visitors. Grey water disposal is commonly available at individual sites, though black tank service varies by location with some campgrounds offering only central dump stations. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with the mountainous terrain causing minimal coverage issues. As a recent visitor noted, "Mountain Top was off the beaten path and very quiet. The check in process was easy and our site was flat. We had the most amazing views from our site."

Waterfront access and scenic overlooks represent highly valued features at campgrounds surrounding Mars. Properties situated on higher elevations like Mountain Top Campground receive consistently positive feedback for their expansive valley views and sunset vantage points. While sites closer to Pittsburgh offer convenience for urban exploration, those seeking nature immersion gravitate toward campgrounds near Moraine State Park with its cabin accommodations and water recreation opportunities. Family-friendly amenities appear as common themes in camper reviews, with several visitors highlighting clean facilities and helpful staff. A camper at Indian Brave Campground shared, "The owners and staff are wonderful, right on top of things. We enjoy spending time with our son and his family in Zeli and Harmony as well as the other Villages around."

Best Camping Sites Near Mars, Pennsylvania (85)

    1. Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Clinton, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 899-2200

    $18 - $128 / night

    "One tip: each loop does not have its own entrance from a main road. To get to C you drive through or past A and B. Same with E and F. Each loop has its own set of flush toilets and showers."

    "All and All great place to camp, good things; 1) lots of deer, turkeys, racoons, owls etc. 2) close to a farmer's market Jankowski's great place to get fresh food, 3) once you have level camp, all good"

    2. Mountain Top Campground

    7 Reviews
    Russellton, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 224-1511

    $48 / night

    "What amazing views from this location! It actually does really sit at the mountain top and gives you pretty good views of the valleys and surrounding areas from any of the rim campsites."

    "Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond. Basic amenities."

    3. Bear Run Campground

    15 Reviews
    Portersville, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 368-3564

    $30 - $300 / night

    "The nightly RV sites are close to the park entrance and are relatively flat. The campground hosts themed events, game nights and arts& crafts."

    "I always camp near the horses as i like a bit more privacy. The front of the campground is a bit too packed for my liking. They also have a primative area that is quite nice."

    4. Indian Brave Campground

    5 Reviews
    Harmony, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 452-9204

    $30 - $55 / night

    "They have an Olympic sized swimming pool, nature trails, playground, basketball court, recreation hall and walking distance to harmony and all the live music and nightlife that Harmony and Zelienople have"

    "The site was quiet and even though you were close to your neighbors it didn’t feel like it to us!"

    5. Breakneck Campground

    16 Reviews
    Portersville, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 368-3233

    $10 - $20 / night

    "We wanted a secluded site and close to Pittsburgh.  We arrived around 7pm and there was no check in, we drove around for a while trying to find a spot with a fire ring per some helpful campers."

    "My husband and I camped here on a whim, after our original location got rained out. We picked a nice big lot by the dirt road."

    6. Group Camping and Cabins — Moraine State Park

    9 Reviews
    Prospect, PA
    18 miles
    Website

    "It is right next to the bike trail and has access to the lake. I have enjoyed my time at Moraine and will enjoy it every time I visit."

    "In fact my family used to own property near by. This park has an awesome trail system for walking or biking"

    7. Buttercup Woodlands Campground

    3 Reviews
    Homeacre-Lyndora, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 789-9340

    8. Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping

    9 Reviews
    Portersville, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 924-2415

    $32 - $60 / night

    "They have a nice heated large pool, hiking trails close to some great places like McConnells mill, Morane state park, Fishing the shenango river."

    "It is close to Moraine State Park."

    9. Harts Content Campground

    3 Reviews
    Beaver Falls, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 846-0005

    10. Smith Grove

    2 Reviews
    Cabot, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 285-3600

    $30 - $95 / night

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Recent Reviews near Mars, PA

382 Reviews of 85 Mars Campgrounds


  • Jennifer S.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Fox Den Acres Campground

    Nice campground, close to home

    Friendly people. Clean. Only downside is only one bathhouse/restroom, hampering g the no #2 in camper. LoL

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Redbank Valley Municipal Park

    Mid September No one around

    We came here after finding this campsite on the dirt app. When we arrived, there was no one around. There are no rules or payment stations. There are a lot of RVs that seem to be set up in a permanent location. We camped on a field and haven’t seen anyone. There are bathrooms and showers and they are open. It looks like this is the site of the fairgrounds and maybe it is a hopping place in the summer? I will update this review if anyone comes by.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Whispering Pines Family Campground

    Lake Wateree

    Lovely GEM in the heart of Carolina. Nestled in a quiet area full of smiling faces. And the staff were extremely accommodating.

  • Bettina A.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Bear Run Campground

    Options.

    This is an amazing campground with reasonable prices, an array of camping options to suit different camping needs as well as budget range. I am unsure if I just happen to have gotten lucky and decided to go camping during a special weekend, but it’s Labor Day weekend and I am loving that there is a calendar of events for campers to participate in if they choose to. Activities include wagon rides to the lake, talent show, karaoke…etc, as well as church! This was an unexpected gem as we are from Florida and were blessed enough to stumble upon the right person in a parking lot when my husband asked if they knew of any places that we could possibly camp at nearby and that gentleman told us about Moraine Park. Upon making our way out to here, we found Bear Run and have loved our experience so far. Love it!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Whispering Pines Family Campground

    Nee Meadow Creek campground

    Beautifully set in midst of a 360* view of mountains. Site are nicely spaced and are blessed with constant gentle breeze. Lovely wild flowers surrounded during my brief visit.

    However I was deceived seeing post and electrical hookup. Pretty sure none of them function.

  • Don H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Shenango Campground

    Great camping

    Great place to camp. Beautiful lake and wonderful people.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Mountain Top Campground

    Solitude peace and quiet

    You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. It’s cute. Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond. Basic amenities. Some ice and fire wood that are self serve. We’re just here for the night and are hoping to catch an uber into the city for a pirates game. Place is full - ish but is super quiet. If you’re looking for a place to hang a hammock and read a book. This is it. Nice fire holes with a view.

  • S
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground

    Great community

    When I first got here the 2 owners went above and beyond in so many ways. Unfortunately they didn’t have a 50 amp site available so the owner gave me 30 amp converter at no cost and also helped me hook up my gray water and black water connections. They keep the area pristine and welcome everyone as if they are family.

  • Sienna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Salem-Lisbon Ohio KOA

    Nice All Year Around Camping

    This was an awesome place for a winter trip! The tent sites were big and right on the lake. Everyone was so kind!


Guide to Mars

Camping near Mars, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly parks to serene spots for RVers, there's something for everyone.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Cook Forest State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "There are soooo much family things to do here in this state park. We've always had a lot of fun here over the years."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground. A camper noted, "The campground overall is very hilly and the swimming area is almost too far to walk to with young kids."
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground. One review mentioned, "Big campsite lots of fishing area."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Keystone State Park Campground. A visitor said, "Very clean park and shower house does not have the timed showers of Lakeside."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground. One camper remarked, "The camp sites were fairly spacious and level."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families love the activities at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run. A parent noted, "Your kids will love it here: two pools, splashgrounds, fire truck rides, arcades, meeting Yogi and friends."

What you should know

  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds, like Kooser State Park Campground, are near busy roads. A camper mentioned, "Only thing that was disappointing was the fact it was on a highway and all night I could hear the trucks driving."
  • Limited Amenities: At Mill Creek Camping — Berlin Lake Wildlife Area, there are no showers or water hookups. One review stated, "The shower house is pretty nice."
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busier crowds on weekends at places like Beaver Creek State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "Gets loud and crowded on the weekend as usual."

Tips for camping with families

Tips from RVers

Camping near Mars, Pennsylvania, has a lot to offer, whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Mars, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mars, PA is Raccoon Creek State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 49 reviews.