Camping options in McKeesport, Pennsylvania range from established campgrounds to free tent sites. Located in the Monongahela River valley at an elevation of 755 feet, this area experiences a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Average summer temperatures reach 80-85°F while winter lows drop to 20-25°F, affecting campground seasonal operations.
What to do
Bike the Great Allegheny Passage trail: Access Dravo's Landing Campground for overnight stays along the 150-mile rail-trail connecting Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. "Free bike-in camp site with water access along the Youghiogheny River. Access from the Allegheny Gap trail. There were a few shelters, nice campsite," notes one cyclist.
Swimming and fishing: Multiple campgrounds offer water recreation from May through September. At Fox Den Acres Campground, children find success fishing in the stocked pond. "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them," shares one visitor.
Scenic mountain views: Fall colors peak in October when hillsides display vibrant reds and yellows. "We arrived at 9 PM, and sure enough he was there ready with his little ranger golf cart to escort us to our site! Fall was in full effect and it was AMAZINGLY beautiful!!" writes a Mountain Top Campground visitor.
White water rafting: The Youghiogheny River offers class I-IV rapids depending on section and water levels. "Great place to go white water rafting!!!" says a camper at Kentuck Campground in Ohiopyle State Park.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Free primitive camping provides riverside access and basic amenities. "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," reports a visitor about The GAP Trail Campground.
Modern bathhouse facilities: Several campgrounds maintain quality shower facilities. "What a treat! Imagine if a luxury AirBnB and a Hobbit Camp had a baby – this place would be it. The outdoor shower/toilet block is such a divine sight, it makes you crave one whether you're stinky or not," describes one cyclist about The GAP Trail Campground.
Spacious tent sites: Many campgrounds offer well-maintained grassy areas for tent camping. "Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away," notes a Fox Den Acres camper.
Year-round accessibility: While most campgrounds operate April-October, several remain open during winter months. "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," shares a winter visitor at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
What you should know
Train noise affects sleep: Railroad tracks parallel many campgrounds along the GAP trail, creating noise disturbances. "One thing to consider with these campgrounds next to the trail is the number of trains that pass by in the night. It's not the train horn but the number of turns in the track and the squealing breaks that keep you up – so bring good earplugs if you hope to sleep!" advises a Dravo's Landing camper.
Limited grocery options: Most areas require advance meal planning. "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," warns a visitor at Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park.
Hillside terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven sites on mountain slopes. "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 Mountain Top camper.
Limited cell service: Coverage varies widely between carriers. "Verizon service is great. Wifi in extended parking doesn't work well," reports a Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA visitor staying monthly.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: Not all campgrounds offer children's play areas. "The only downsides at this site (which are really not downsides for anyone else without kids) are: 1. There is no playground or activities for children," notes one family at Mountain Top Campground.
Kid-friendly water features: Swimming options range from pools to natural lakes. "This is a very nice campground. They provide activities almost every evening, making sure everything age range is catered to throughout the week," shares a Fox Den Acres visitor.
Nature exploration for children: Many sites offer child-friendly hiking trails and outdoor education. "My wife has been going to keystone all her life, I've only gone since she and I started dating. I've been all over the world hiking and camping, but keystone is nostalgic for her. And it's a great place for our one year old to cut his teeth in the great outdoors!! He loves going and love camping!!" explains a visitor at Keystone State Park Campground.
Pack food securely: Wildlife frequently visits campsites seeking food. "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!" warns a Dravo's Landing visitor.
Tips from RVers
Laundry facilities: Some campgrounds offer industrial-sized washers and dryers. "Laundry facilities are the best we have encountered. Big machines and dryers making life easier and less time spent doing laundry," notes a Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA visitor.
Grey water disposal options: Alternative systems exist at some campgrounds without full hookups. "Since they sit atop the mountain, the grey water hookup is a long hose that has an adapter which hooks up to your black and grey tank outlet and it runs down the hillside of the mountain into the grassy area," explains a Mountain Top Campground visitor.
Navigation challenges: Narrow roads and steep terrain require careful driving. "Follow the signs to the campground NOT the GPS in order to avoid some narrow and sharp turn roads," advises a Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA visitor.
Winter RV considerations: Heated water connections allow for winter camping. "Nice quiet campground with lots of sites. Sitting in a valley the site go up the hillside. Good amenities, pool and bathroom/showers," shares a Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA visitor.
