Best Tent Camping near McKeesport, PA
Tent camping options abound along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail near McKeesport, Pennsylvania, with several campgrounds catering specifically to tent campers seeking backcountry experiences. Dravo's Landing Campground and Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground offer free tent camping directly on the GAP Trail, with both requiring walk-in or hike-in access. These sites serve as popular stops for through-hikers and cyclists exploring the 70-mile Laurel Highlands region, positioned along the Youghiogheny River with natural separation from developed areas.
Most tent campgrounds in this region feature basic amenities suitable for self-contained camping. The sites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though potable water availability varies significantly between locations. At Roundbottom Camping Area, the well is marked as non-potable, requiring campers to either filter water from the nearby Youghiogheny River or carry in their own supply. Sites are generally set on grassy clearings with ungraded terrain, so selecting level tent pads requires some searching. Campers should prepare for nighttime train noise, as most sites along the GAP Trail parallel active rail lines, with reviewers consistently mentioning the need for earplugs.
The McKeesport area tent camping experience offers direct river access and solitude not found at developed campgrounds. Sites provide raised tent pads at several locations, with Adirondack-style lean-to shelters available at both Dravo's Landing and Roundbottom on a first-come, first-served basis. During weekdays, campers report minimal crowds and peaceful settings despite the proximity to the GAP Trail. Most sites accommodate multiple tents on mowed grass areas when the designated pads are occupied. As one camper noted, "There are about 4 lean-to's which can accommodate 4 sleepers, or one 2-person tent. Additional picnic shelters and free-range tables means that the whole troop could pitch their tents and still not be on top of each other."
