Best Campgrounds near Mercer, PA

Campgrounds near Mercer, Pennsylvania range from full-service RV parks to more primitive tent camping areas, with several options within a 20-mile radius of the city. The Mercer-Grove City KOA offers tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping accommodations with amenities including electric hookups, water, showers, and a camp store. Shenango Campground provides a more natural setting with boat-in, hike-in, and drive-in access options primarily for tent and RV campers. Most developed campgrounds in the region maintain picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water, while several feature full hookup sites for RVs.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the area, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. According to one visitor, "Most campers come here to enjoy the boating, fishing, and relaxing in the lake. Some of the sites are right on the water and provide nice scenery and easy access." Winter closures are common due to Pennsylvania's cold weather and snow conditions. Reservations are recommended during summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds offer both electric and non-electric sites, with varying levels of privacy between locations. Cell service can be spotty in some areas, particularly at more remote campgrounds, with one reviewer noting "weak T-mobile cell service" at Pymatuning State Park.

The camping experience near Mercer features numerous water-based recreation opportunities, with several campgrounds situated on or near lakes and rivers. Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites that provide direct access for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. A review mentioned that "the campground is not big and it's not small, has non-electric and electric, it also has RV hookup. A lot of people go here to go fishing since it's located beside a very large lake." Family-friendly amenities are common at the larger, more developed campgrounds, including playgrounds, swimming pools, and organized activities. While some campgrounds maintain a quiet atmosphere with well-spaced sites, others place campsites closer together, creating a more social environment. Most campgrounds in the region welcome pets, though specific rules vary by location.

Best Camping Sites Near Mercer, Pennsylvania (116)

    1. Mercer-Grove City KOA

    9 Reviews
    Mercer, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 748-3160

    "We stopped at this koa on our way home from a friends private camp property in Mercer county. They permit non guests to utilize the dump site at a small fee $20 (during non peak times)."

    "It’s close to the outlets and Keystone Safari. They have a fishing pond but I haven’t walked over and seen it. It’s across the street of the KOA so you could miss it if you don’t ask about it."

    2. Shenango Campground

    14 Reviews
    Transfer, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 646-1124

    $24 - $38 / night

    "The Shenango Recreation Area is a large campground with some 300 plus sites located on a lake in western Pennsylvania. Access to the campground is fairly easy and about 12 miles north of I-80."

    "Most spaces are shaded and if not on the water, close to the water. We took kayaks - endless places to put into the water including from many sites. Easy 1.5 hour drive from Pittsburgh."

    3. Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest

    13 Reviews
    Boyers, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 735-2417

    4. Rocky Springs Campground

    4 Reviews
    Mercer, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 662-1568

    "This beautifully tree-filled campground is a bit off the beaten path, but definitely quiet, warm, and friendly."

    "Gated entrance for security; very safe area in the middle of Amish country:closest businesses are an Amish-run nursery and a fruit/vegetable stand."

    5. Quiet and Secluded

    3 Reviews
    Mercer, PA
    4 miles
    +1 (724) 301-6949

    $22 - $75 / night

    6. Adventure Bound Shenango Valley

    5 Reviews
    Transfer, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 962-9800

    $57 - $67 / night

    "We stayed here as it was close to my work. We love being weekend warriors and this place is great for us. The season tenants were incredibly kind and you can tell they take care of this campground."

    "Plenty of shaded, private lots, and great lots by playground to let kids roam and still watch from a distance. All sites full hookup."

    7. RV Village Camping Resort

    2 Reviews
    Mercer, PA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 662-4560

    "I highly recommend this campground to anyone that loves to be around a lot of friendly people. We are going to make this our most favorite spot in western Pa."

    "The resort is golf cart friendly and that’s how most get around. The daily sites are a bit tight which lends to noisy evenings past quiet hours."

    8. Breakneck Campground

    16 Reviews
    Portersville, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 368-3233

    $10 - $20 / night

    "We wanted a secluded site and close to Pittsburgh. 

    We arrived around 7pm and there was no check in, we drove around for a while trying to find a spot with a fire ring per some helpful campers."

    "My husband and I camped here on a whim, after our original location got rained out. We picked a nice big lot by the dirt road."

    9. Goddard Park Vacationland Campground

    9 Reviews
    Petersburg, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 253-4645

    $35 - $175 / night

    10. Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping

    9 Reviews
    Portersville, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 924-2415

    $32 - $60 / night

    "They have a nice heated large pool, hiking trails close to some great places like McConnells mill, Morane state park, Fishing the shenango river."

    "It is close to Moraine State Park."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 116 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mercer, PA

478 Reviews of 116 Mercer Campgrounds



Guide to Mercer

Camping near Mercer, Pennsylvania, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for West Branch State Park Campground states, "The facilities were clean. The campground was quiet as much as can be expected."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families. One happy camper at Cook Forest State Park Campground said, "This is truly one of my favorite state parks to camp at. The whole campground is mostly wooded with hardly a bad site."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Geneva State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site was very nicely set back from the road about 20-30 feet and had three trees around the fire pit."

What you should know:

  • Site Selection: Some sites can be close together, which may affect privacy. A camper at Silver Springs Campground noted, "While there isn't much to say about the privacy at this campground, because you are generally just staying in a field."
  • Weather Considerations: Be prepared for rain. One camper at Streetsboro-Cleveland SE KOA shared, "Our tent leaked horribly bad and it was evident with the forecast we would not last another day in the tent."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have stores or restaurants nearby. A review for Clear Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "There’s no camp store in the campground, which is something they could improve upon."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. Campers at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground enjoyed the "very nice playground."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food or check for nearby dining options. A family at Cook Forest State Park Campground recommended, "Be sure to eat at the Cooksburg Cafe as well there. Absolutely delicious and very reasonable in cost."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and pillows for a cozy stay. A camper at Punderson State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site barely had space for our large tent to fit but it all worked out."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Pymatuning State Park Campground noted, "Most of the sites are large and pretty spread out."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups if you need them. Campers at Mosquito Lake State Park Campground appreciated the "water fill stations scattered around the campground."
  • Be Prepared for Wildlife: Keep food stored properly to avoid unwanted visitors. A camper at Punderson State Park Campground warned, "Be sure to keep all food in cars or bring your bear cans."

Camping near Mercer, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for family fun or a peaceful getaway, you'll find a spot that suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Mercer, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mercer, PA is Mercer-Grove City KOA with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.

What parks are near Mercer, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Mercer, PA that allow camping, notably Michael J Kirwan Lake and Tionesta Lake.