Camping spots near Rices Landing, Pennsylvania provide access to the Youghiogheny River basin and surrounding Appalachian foothills, with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,000 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter dropping to 20-30°F. Camping options vary from full-hookup RV resorts to primitive trail shelters, with most campgrounds open April through October.
What to do
Explore Coopers Rock State Forest: The forest offers extensive hiking trails with varying difficulty levels across its 12,747 acres. One visitor noted, "Love the views over the mountains here. Completely captures the beauty and peace of WV." Coopers Rock State Forest provides rock climbing opportunities with "pitches aren't too high (50ft) but great just to get out there an enjoy life!"
Bike the Great Allegheny Passage: This rails-to-trails route connects to camping areas like Round Bottom at Slush Run, which features raised tent pads and Adirondack shelters. As one camper described, "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." The trail passes through former railroad towns, providing historical context during your ride.
Go white water rafting: The Youghiogheny River offers rafting experiences for various skill levels. Companies in Ohiopyle provide equipment rentals and guided trips. One camper from Kentuck Campground chose "Wilderness Voyageurs across the river, over the tracks and to the right. Time and finances limited us to a 'family friendly' float self-guided raft down the Middle Yough...laced with minimal Class 1 and 2 rapids."
What campers like
Natural water features: The region's streams and waterfalls provide recreation opportunities. At Ohiopyle State Park, visitors recommend "Sliding Rock. Get there early to get a parking spot…and then look forward to having some serious liquid fun. A natural water slide extends around 100 feet as it winds through the rock. Wear sturdy shorts and shirt…I'd also recommend solid footwear." Cucumber Falls is another attraction where "you will contend with people wading under the falls later in the day."
Spacious camping areas: Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort offers "beautifully maintained lawns and gravel campsites, modern hookups, good shower/laundry facilities, nice fire rings with built in grills, trash pickup service." Sites at Benner's Meadow Run provide "nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform."
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds feature pools or natural swimming areas. One camper at Pine Cove Beach Club mentioned the "pool & concession stand" as a highlight. At Camp Sherwin, visitors report "a pool but it isn't the cleanest and with small children you have to be within arms reach of them" but noted "the saving grace to this place is the back primitive tent site and the private beach."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with limited winter options. The Uniontown KOA (now Blue Canoe RV Resort) typically runs from "Open 5/1/2020 - 10/18/2020," while Sand Springs Campground offers year-round availability. Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so check forecasts before departure.
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature hilly terrain that can be difficult for larger vehicles. At Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground, one camper noted "The site was sloped pretty bad side to side and there is a drop off on the one side of the fire ring so we could not sit completely around the fire." Similarly, the Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA has "very steep narrow roads to access campground and sites..sites not level and noisy, next to highway."
Train noise: Campgrounds near railways often experience noise disruption. At Round Bottom Camping Area, "The only negative was the train traffic on the opposite side of the River…it is loud when they rumble through. If you don't sleep with ear-plugs, you will wish you had." Pack earplugs if staying near rail lines.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated activity areas: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground is described as an "Awesome kid friendly campground!! Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform. Kids had a great time and lots of activities for them to do!" The campground offers "a game room, pool, mini golf, a full camp store, firewood, etc."
Consider campground layout: Family-friendly sites should have clear boundaries and reasonable distances to facilities. The Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA has "big open dog park! There are only a few shaded spots. Spot width was a little narrow where we stayed (on the hill), but perfect for a quick overnight stay." At Benner's Meadow Run, visitors appreciate that it's a "Great place for kids! Family friendly atmosphere, cordial staff, well run campground. Lots of activities. Tree shaded sites!"
Plan for food access: Food options can be limited near some campgrounds. At Ohiopyle State Park, visitors advise: "Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late. There are no grocery stores real close." Pack non-perishable foods for unexpected weather delays.
Tips from RVers
Route planning is essential: When approaching campgrounds in this region, pre-plan your route carefully. One camper at Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA advised, "Follow the signs to the campground NOT the GPS in order to avoid some narrow and sharp turn roads." Another noted it's "Very conveniently located off the interstate" but warned about "hills were terrible getting there, then another hill to get to the KOA. Then ANOTHER hill to get to our site."
Leveling challenges: Many RV sites require significant leveling. At Sand Springs Campground, one visitor mentioned "it was challenging to level because the big gravel rocks on the site." Look for campgrounds with recently upgraded sites - at Coopers Rock State Forest, campers note "the RV lots were well maintained and all the asphalt seems to have been redone recently."
Hookup variability: Research hookup options before booking. Some sites offer water and electric only, while others provide full connections. At Coopers Rock, a visitor noted, "The spots were well spaced out and pretty spacious, the site we were in had electric hookup for 50a/30a/20a but no water at the site but there was water near the bathroom area."
