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Champion is situated within Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands region, providing access to several established campgrounds that accommodate a range of camping styles. Roaring Run Resort and Laurel Highlands Campland are among the main camping areas near Champion, with most sites offering electric hookups and water access. These mixed-use campgrounds typically accommodate both tents and RVs, while some like Roaring Run Resort also offer cabin options. Several state parks including Kooser State Park and Laurel Hill State Park are within a 30-minute drive, providing additional camping opportunities in the surrounding forest landscape.
Campgrounds in the Champion area operate with varying seasonal schedules, with some like Roaring Run Resort open year-round while others like Kooser State Park operate from mid-April through mid-October. A visitor commented that "the tent camping sites are a very good distance from other sites, so you feel much more secluded" at Kooser State Park. Many campgrounds in this region require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. The area experiences cold winters with snowfall that may limit camping options from November through March. Road noise can be a consideration at some locations, with a camper noting that Donegal Campground has "highway noise that can be an issue if it bothers you."
The developed campgrounds surrounding Champion feature various amenities that enhance the camping experience. Swimming pools are common at the private campgrounds, with Laurel Highlands Campland offering both indoor and outdoor pools that visitors frequently mention in positive reviews. Most established sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to showers and restrooms. Proximity to regional attractions is a significant advantage, as several reviews highlight the convenient location for visiting the Youghiogheny River, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, and Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Campers seeking more privacy may prefer the state park campgrounds, where sites are typically more spacious and surrounded by natural forest settings, while those wanting more activities and amenities might choose the private campgrounds with their organized recreation programs.
"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."
from $20 - $54 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $64 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $22 - $79 / night
Check Availability"We ended with a very private tent site with no amenities but around the corner from a pavilion with an outside washing station and flush toilets."
"ask for with 2 swimming pools. 4 water slides ,tractor rides ,fire truck rides and a train ride alongside the free activities for the kids there is allways something fun to do and only a few minute drive"
from $115 - $750 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"Next to sewer tank pump station, though. Not a problem but a few truck visits throughout the day so some people might not like that. Lots to do for kids."
"Big fishing lakes. Pool could use a heater."
"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."
from $18 - $79 / night
Check Availability"We were very close to the state park and all activities there."
"There is one spot with a flushable toilet and it’s a bit of a walk. The pit toilets are actually pretty ok. The showers could use some TLC as well."
"Nice area, great staff, beautiful location. Unfortunately you must buy "ownership" to stay"
ScoutWow, the weekends were fun. They were quite a bit of people there and my kids had a good time. The weekdays were different story we were told we had to be quiet. We had a lot of craziness go on
GuideCoopers Rock State Park is an absolute gem and easily deserves 5 stars. The RV lots are large and easy to navigate, making setup stress-free and comfortable. The staff was very friendly and helpful, which made the whole stay even better. The new washrooms were clean, modern, and well maintained, and the scenery is breathtaking everywhere you look. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy nature, and take in the beautiful views.
GuideThis place is gorgeous and very quiet. The shower house and bathrooms were well maintained, and even had a laundry room and large sink around the back for dishes. Laundry costs $2 in quarters per load, 4 quarters for the washer and 4 quarters for the dryer. They are quick as well, took maybe an hour and 15 minutes all together. Campsites are spaced apart so you're not directly on top of eachother, but you can still see most of the other campers. Lots of trails in the area. We had electrical hook up and a lantern pole, and the is a dump and water station on the way in/out. Highly recommend this site.
GuideWe've stayed here annually for 7 years. Getting into the RV sites is a steep climb, then you head down from the top of the hill to the RV sites.
The older portion has back in and pull through sites. They are medium to small in size, and due to their height and proximity to Interstates you hear trucks engine breaking. The newer section is lower (and quieter) and the sites are larger, but the gravel is not compacted so it sinks in when you drive, park or try to level your RV on it.
There were dog walking trails in the woods but they are so overgrown you need a machete to use them. The pool is nice and is clean. The camp store is not small but carries a very limited amount of supplies.
The staff are friendly. We've had RV issues and birds nesting under our slide room covers that they have helped us deal with.
TravelerWe are here a couple days . Staff and facilities are great. Lots of hiking trails of various types and lengths. June 9 and only 2 other RVs on our loop. The “new” loop has great single occupancy bath facilities.
TravelerWe LOVED our visit to Kentuck campground and Ohiopyle. We went mid-week in early June and had very few neighbors Tuesday and Wednesday, with more rolling in toward the end of the week.
We stayed on Hickory Loop with our dog and saw quite a few other dogs while we were there. Not all sites are equal at this campground - ours was huge and lovely with adequate flattish area and a stream running along two sides of it. Others were quite small and not very level. I think we had one of the best sites on the loop, with great trees for hammocks and big rocks nearby, as well as good privacy from other sites.
The campground is very shaded and was regularly several degrees cooler than elsewhere in the park, which was great to home 'home' to. There's a lot of poison ivy in the area, so be watchful.
Firewood is available for purchase on entrance to the campground.
The bathhouse was relatively clean, with a large kitchen sink for washing dishes, three toilet stalls, and two shower stalls. We never had to wait for any of it.
GuideThis campground's foliage is interesting, I saw fernes growing and trees that looked older than me. I also noticed the campground has some history shown by the rust of the firepits. There is Billy's Pizza and general store which sells firewood if you go a little further down the road that maps takes you and take the second left instead of taking the first left. I think the campground also sells firewood on site. You can order Billy's Pizza and I saw them deliver to the campsites, which is amazing, havent seen that before. I'm a light sleeper and could hear truck engine braking sounds echo through the forest from the nearby highway, so the proximity to the road ruins the feeling of seclusion and the quiet. There's a restroom with a large sink outside which is nice.
TravelerThis is one of six campsites that can be reserved through PA's DCNR website. The six campsites are spread throughout the Laurel Highlands. This is the only one at Mt. Davis. We camp with three dogs, so we really appreciated the privacy. There were occasionally the sounds of distant ATVs or farm equipment, but, overall, this is a peaceful site. The campsite does not connect to the trails at Mt. Davis and there is no vault toilet here, but both vault toilets and a trailhead are just a few minutes away at the Mt. Davis picnic area. There is only one obvious tent site, so, if you need more than one tent site, you will have to get creative. The site is along a gravel road that leads to a field which you can use to walk your dogs. There are no water features here which our dogs enjoy, so that is the only reason for the 4 out of 5 stars. We will be reserving this site again!
GuideI come here at least twice a year for the wonder campground. The hiking trails, water falls and white water rafting. The town is small but filled with tons of great shops and outfitters. Campground is clean, every sight is nice and spacious, not all are private. Get gas on your way here, once here their are no gas stations for 40 minutes in every direction. Ice and wood at campground suck. Go into town for ice or see Butch out rt 381 on the left just outside the park boundary. Highly recommended.
The Laurel Highlands region surrounding Champion, Pennsylvania sits at elevations between 1,000-3,000 feet, creating cooler temperatures than nearby lowland areas. Champion's location provides access to both developed campgrounds and more rustic options within a 30-minute drive. Winter camping availability varies significantly by campground, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from November through March.
Whitewater adventures nearby: Ohiopyle State Park offers various paddling experiences on the Youghiogheny River. "We 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, which I would classify as riffles," notes a visitor at Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park.
Natural water slides: The Sliding Rock area provides unique water recreation during summer months. "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…its fun but it is still rock," advises a camper who stayed at Ohiopyle.
Bike the Great Allegheny Passage: Access the GAP trail directly from some camping areas. A camper at Ohiopyle State Park shared, "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple parks offer fishing options across stocked lakes. "The lake provides a great place to fish and the walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk," explains a camper who stayed at Laurel Hill State Park Campground.
Secluded tent sites: Many campgrounds offer more private spots for tent campers seeking quiet. "There are three little tenting sites in a wooded area of the campground, a little higher up the hillside," notes a camper who visited Kooser State Park Campground.
Fishing ponds: Several campgrounds maintain well-stocked fishing areas. "There is a fishing pond and a huge rec field. Some camp sites have more privacy than others," writes a camper who stayed at Scarlett Knob Campground.
Water activities: Swimming pools are available at some private campgrounds. A visitor to Jellystone Park noted, "Mill run by far the best yogi bear/campground we have been to. Second time we have been & they have upgraded the water slides 4 huge slides plus big splash pad with little slide for smaller kids & the original 2 big water slides in woods."
Hiking access: Many camping sites near Champion, Pennsylvania connect directly to trail systems. "We enjoyed the easy walking lake trail with the kids because it was wide and flat," mentions a visitor to Laurel Hill State Park.
Highway noise affects some locations: Road noise can be noticeable at certain campgrounds. "The campground is situated right off of the main road so the road noise can be an issue if it bothers you. We personally, didn't sleep well because of the road noise," reports a camper who stayed at Donegal Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring additional setup effort. A camper at Laurel Hill State Park observed, "The sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites."
Limited grocery options: Plan meals carefully as shopping options are restricted. "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," advises a visitor to Ohiopyle State Park.
Site type variations: Research site specifications before booking. "Looking around the rest of the campground, the loop up near the cabins was a typical RV area with sites lined up with little privacy in between. I would look at the other loops for our next tent-camping visit," notes a camper who stayed at Laurel Hill.
Waterpark amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers extensive water features. "This Yogi Bear campground offers a large waterpark area, large pool, monster truck rides and many activities. You don't have to leave to find something to do, but there are also many local attractions as well. Kids love it here," shares one visitor.
Pet-friendly loop considerations: Some campgrounds separate pet areas from quiet zones. "There are two main loops in this campground. One that is pet friendly and more of a pitch-your-tent-in-the-yard thing and another that is pet-free and wooded... Dogs were barking at all hours and there's no privacy. We drove through the other one and it looks so much nicer."
Affordable boat rentals: Laurel Hill State Park offers economical watercraft options. "Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake," explains a recent visitor.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain children's play areas. "The sites are a little close together but since it's so small, it's still very private. The bathrooms were clean and well kept, nothing fancy, but camping isn't about fancy accommodations," notes a camper who stayed at Donegal Campground.
Extension cord requirements: Check power hookup placement before arrival. "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable," advises an RVer who stayed at Laurel Hill State Park.
Dump station locations: Note waste disposal options when booking. "There are two dump stations, one located on the way out, and the other located in one of the upper loops," shares a camper who visited Roaring Run Resort.
Limited amperage availability: Some campgrounds restrict power capacity. "The whole park is 30 amp" notes a camper about Roaring Run Resort, adding "The sites are average, but there are no sewer hookups and no 50 amp service."
Arrival timing considerations: Complex road conditions make daytime arrival preferable. "The road my GPS brought me in was a little tight, but manageable. There was a better route but it did have a very short bridge with a 10 ton weight limit, so be sure to really check your route," recommends an RVer who visited Roaring Run Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best camping sites near Champion, PA?
The best camping sites near Champion include Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park, offering beautiful tent sites in the scenic Laurel Highlands with plenty of outdoor activities nearby. Kooser State Park Campground is another excellent option close to Champion, featuring reservable sites with toilets and accommodations for various camping styles. For RV campers, Hidden Springs Campground provides clean facilities, well-maintained grounds, and a quiet atmosphere even during busier weekends. The area around Champion is part of the Laurel Highlands region, known for its natural beauty, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
How far is Champion, PA from Pittsburgh and what camping options are available for a weekend trip?
Champion, PA is approximately 60 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, making it an ideal weekend camping destination at about 1.5 hours drive time. For a weekend trip, Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run offers both RV and tent camping options with sites along a creek for more privacy. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park near Bedford is another excellent option about 30 minutes from Champion with easy check-in and accommodations for various rig sizes. For those wanting a quieter experience, several state parks in the region offer wooded sites that provide a quick nature escape from the city without requiring extensive travel time.
What resorts in Champion, PA offer camping or outdoor accommodation options?
Roaring Run Resort in Champion offers camping and outdoor accommodations with drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in access options. The resort features reservable sites with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly for RV campers. Another nearby option is Laurel Highlands Campland near Donegal, just a short drive from Champion, providing various camping facilities in a picturesque setting. For those seeking a family-oriented resort experience, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers amenities like water activities, planned events, and comfortable camping facilities within easy driving distance of Champion.
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