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Best Campgrounds near Loyalhanna, PA

499 Reviews

The Loyalhanna area of Pennsylvania provides a mixture of campground experiences, from state parks to recreation areas, with sites suitable for tents, RVs, and cabin stays. Bush Recreation Area offers camping close to Loyalhanna Dam, while Keystone State Park Campground provides more developed facilities approximately 10 miles southeast. Several campgrounds in the region accommodate various camping styles, with options ranging from primitive sites to full hookup RV areas. Most locations feature mixed-use campgrounds that support both tent and RV camping, with some including cabin rentals.

Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with many locations operating from April through October. According to a visitor who stayed at Bush Recreation Area, "My husband & I recently purchased our first 20ft. pull-behind camper...it was the only campground w/availability [for Memorial Day weekend]. It's located east of Pittsburgh and is tucked alongside a large boat dock/launch on the Loyalhanna Creek." Road access varies between locations, with some campgrounds requiring navigation of narrow or single-lane roads. Most campgrounds provide electric hookups, though water and sewer connections differ by location. Cell service tends to be limited, with reviewers noting "Verizon cell coverage was 2 bars, at best" at Bush Recreation Area.

Campground experiences near Loyalhanna often include access to water recreation. The Loyalhanna Creek and nearby lakes provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming. Visitors frequently mention the peaceful settings and family-friendly environments at area campgrounds. One camper described Bush Recreation Area as "a great choice for families, especially those w/young children- there's a nice playground and green space." Campground layouts vary widely across the region, with some offering more secluded, wooded sites and others featuring more open settings. Most developed campgrounds include bathrooms and shower facilities, though amenities can be basic. Campers looking for more privacy should consider sites farther from water access points or request locations in wooded sections of campgrounds.

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Best Camping Sites Near Loyalhanna, Pennsylvania (99)

    1. Keystone State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Latrobe, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 668-2939

    $18 - $70 / night

    "Camped in the Lakeside Loop. This State Park is so Clean! The campground gives you easy access to anything you want to do. Fish, swim, hike, bike, kayak. It can all be done."

    "This is our second time staying here - once in Electric site on Lakeside and this time non electric site on Hillside. Love this side of Hillside - quiet and shaded."

    2. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    80 Reviews
    Ohiopyle, PA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 329-8591

    $20 - $54 / night

    "Ohiopyle is located in a beautiful area of Pennsylvania we've camped there a couple of times and have been able to get last minute tent sites. Lots of outdoor activities nearby."

    "Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."

    3. Laurel Hill State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Rockwood, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 445-7725

    $20 - $64 / night

    "The lake is separate from the campground, but it is less than a mile away and a reasonable distance walk."

    "The site numbering is a bit wonky on the door loop so make sure you look at your map before you start driving the loops."

    4. Fox Den Acres Campground

    8 Reviews
    Youngwood, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 925-7054

    $25 / night

    "It’s very military positive, even includes a reserved place for the fallen soldiers. Some sites are a bit close, the pull through sites are very ample. Gravel roads and level sites."

    "Tent site was nice and conveniently located next to the bathhouse"

    5. Kooser State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Jones Mills, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 445-8673

    $22 - $70 / night

    ". -$5 firewood bundles at the entrance. -Cleanest bathrooms/showers -Crystal clear stream with beautiful trail to the lake. Both stocked with fish. -Lots of picnic tables at the lake."

    "Kooser State Park sits on the border of Forbes State Forest in the Laurel Highlands. It has a mix of camper & tent sites around a central clearing, and offers a few cabins."

    6. Bush Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Saltsburg, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 639-9013

    $25 - $50 / night

    "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!"

    "This is a nice, quiet small campground with a small lake. Our grandchildren loved it. The boat launch is a nice size to fit 2 boats at a time. The only problem is the beach is not that great."

    7. Donegal Campground

    7 Reviews
    Jones Mills, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 593-7717

    "The only thing I can say about this campground that made me not give it 5 stars is, the highway noise."

    "Peaceful despite being by the highway. The owners were very friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back. Dogs loved it as well"

    8. Laurel Highlands Campland

    7 Reviews
    Jones Mills, PA
    15 miles
    Website

    $45 / night

    "Nearby all the local attractions that laurel highlands has to offer....Youghiogheny River,  Frank Loyd Wright house, Living Treasures Animal Park,  Seven Springs,  Hidden Valley,  etc.."

    "Laurel Highlands campland is in a terrific location for all the local attractions."

    9. Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA

    10 Reviews
    Youngwood, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 722-4444

    "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 organizes different themes for bingo, and other games."

    "The sites are pretty close together and we couldn’t use our fire ring because it ended up being very close to our rig."

    10. Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing

    4 Reviews
    New Florence, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 235-2115

    "It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek. Close by is Ligonier, Idlewild, and St. Vincent (where the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp takes place.)"

    "Not only were the staff super friendly and helpful, but we were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, everything you want on a spring trip."

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Recent Camping Photos near Loyalhanna, PA

189 Photos of 99 Loyalhanna Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Loyalhanna, PA

499 Reviews of 99 Loyalhanna Campgrounds

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Laurel Hill State Park Campground

    Okay campground

    Okay campground. We met nice people staying there. However, the sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites. Large open grassy area. The camp host saw me walking my pups, and as I walked toward the trash can(near the bathroom) to throw away a pooped that I had picked up, she yelled across the green area from her site“no dogs in the bathrooms!” Kinda rude, but later she was friendly. Some okay hiking trails off the campground in a meadow.

  • 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.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Sand Springs Campground

    Remote wilderness

    Was a nice campground. Wish I would have picked a better spot. Was tricky backing in. Lots of tress. Was off season so felt like I had the place to myself. Gets some crazy fog but lot of parks and trails close by.

  • B
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Pioneer Lakes RV Park

    Don't waste your money

    This was the worst experience I have ever had camping. We always do a huge family aging trip which we end up booking multiple sites. Every site was paid in full before arrival. One family checked in and had to pay extra when they checked in while the others did not. Camp sites where not mowed and unpresentable. Picnic tables where falling apart and one was not even usable because the bolt rusted on the bench seats and the boards where falling off. The roads are full of potholes going back to the sites. The staff are extremely rude and ignorant. When I was on the gulf cart going up to pick up my family from the pool, the one staff member stepped out in front of me blockkng me from going to pick up my family who was standing by the office steps. Told me I had to go park in the grass. Anytime you left the camp ground we where one, they watched us like Hawks. We had visitors that came and went to get a visitors pass and was treated like crap in the office and they actually told our visitors they where being dishonest. The playground area is unsafe. The wood on the playsets are falling apart and splintering. I had to pull alot of splinters out of my childs hands and feet. In the guys and girls restrooms, toilets where make closed and some of the knobs where broken off in the shower rooms. The wifi is terrible. You can't even use your cellphone on the wifi, let alone trying to stream TV. The pool water is terrible. Its so filled with salt that when you get out your skin is extremely dry and your lips shrivel up. You have to pay to go fishing but yet their ponds are scummy. Driving around we noticed that one Campsite was completely under water and it hasn't rain enough for a site to be flooded, another site the freshwater connection was held down by raquet straps to keep it together, another site there was a pile of shale and a mini excavator sitting in the lot with campers there. There was a band at the pavillion and there was a moonshine tent and staff was at it doing taste testing. I feel that drinking on the job is inappropriate. We use to go once a year here for the last 25 years and since the new owners took over, we will no longer camper there. Overall our trip was more frustrating than enjoyable. They need to find new staff that are customer friendly and not tyrants.

  • W
    Jul. 6, 2025

    Donegal Campground

    Mostly seasonal. Currently rebuilding clubhouse and office. Beautiful large outdoor pool.

    See above

  • Adam and Suzanne B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2025

    Outflow Camping

    Quiet campground

    This is a lovely army corps of engineers campground. The sites are gravel and level. Most only have 30 amp electric hookup but water can be filled at the “gatehouse” (for lack of better description). There are 3-4 full hookup and a few 50 amp. It is well-maintained— lawns mowed, bathrooms cleaned, sites tidy. Bath house isn’t modern but showers are hot and have great pressure. Campground filled up on the weekend. The sites are a bit close to each other and are mostly sunny but it was quiet anyway. Lots of people fishing on the river—access right from the campground. Great Allegheny Passage trail also accessed from the campground. Boating on the lake too.

  • Brittany V.
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Shawnee State Park Campground

    Double check site booked

    We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35’ TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating! We moved over one site and it made all the difference. The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage. Easy access to the dump station as you exit. It’s not directly on the lake but there is a ton of parking and easy access points.

Guide to Loyalhanna

Camping near Loyalhanna, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Ohiopyle State Park. One visitor mentioned, "There is a lot of hiking nearby, most of which you need to drive to within the state park."
  • Rafting: The nearby rivers provide great opportunities for rafting. A camper shared, "Stayed here one weekend and rafted down the Ohiopyle river. Very convenient to the river and town."
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Rocky Gap State Park Campground, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. One reviewer noted, "The campground has their own swim beach with a great playground."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathhouses. A visitor at Swallow Falls State Park Campground said, "The bathhouses are pretty good, not the best but are always clean."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a good amount of space between them. A camper at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The spots are very sloped so bring your Lego blocks. We were the only campers in our loop so private."
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Campgrounds like Prince Gallitzin State Park - Crooked Run Campground allow pets, making it easier for families to bring their furry friends along. One camper said, "We stayed in one of the pet friendly loops of the park."

What you should know:

  • Site Conditions: Some sites can be uneven or sloped. A family at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground noted, "It was a relaxing time in a campground that is mostly shaded which I prefer. However, there weren't that many electric sites overall and they were very unlevel."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets nearby. A visitor at Ohiopyle State Park mentioned, "There is no camp store, but firewood was available."
  • Crowded Weekends: Some campgrounds can get busy on weekends. A camper at Swallow Falls State Park Campground said, "On Friday night… tons of families rolled in with loud kids running around."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas. One camper at Rocky Gap State Park Campground mentioned, "There is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch."
  • Choose the Right Site: Make sure to pick a level site for tents. A camper at Shawnee State Park Campground said, "This site was on an incline so the cots we brought were pretty miserable to sleep on."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or kayaks for added fun. A visitor at Prince Gallitzin State Park - Crooked Run Campground noted, "Bring your bike!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some sites may be tight for larger RVs. A camper at Keystone State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are a little tight if you have a larger camper, but we fit perfect with our 24’er."
  • Look for Electric Hookups: If you need power, check the availability of electric sites. A visitor at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground said, "Most of the sites are large and pretty spread out."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near roads or airports. A camper at Rocky Gap State Park Campground noted, "The only downside is that the airport is pretty close so at times you can hear planes taking off."

Camping near Loyalhanna, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and choose the right campground for your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Loyalhanna, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Loyalhanna, PA is Keystone State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.

What parks are near Loyalhanna, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Loyalhanna, PA that allow camping, notably Crooked Creek Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake.

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