Yurt camping near Morrisville, Pennsylvania offers access to the Youghiogheny River watershed with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,600 feet throughout the Laurel Highlands region. Seasonal temperatures fluctuate dramatically, with summer highs typically reaching 85°F and winter temperatures regularly dropping below freezing. Most yurt accommodations in the area include wooden floors and canvas walls designed to withstand mountain weather conditions.
What to do
Star gazing access: Coopers Rock State Forest features designated observation areas for night sky viewing. "This is my absolutely favorite go-to weekend exploration spot. She never looks the same, and every season has a new vista to offer," notes one visitor to Coopers Rock State Forest.
Rock climbing opportunities: Multiple sandstone formations provide climbing challenges for various skill levels. A regular visitor mentions, "I have been going her for years and I always love to climb this area. The pitches arent too high (50ft) but great just to get out there an enjoy life!"
Cannabis farm tours: Educational tours available at Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm showcase agricultural practices. The farm offers a "cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains," with specialized experiences including "Toke With A Goat Yoga at 7 at the barn weather depending."
Trail connections: Many campgrounds provide direct access to the Great Allegheny Passage. One camper at The Blue Canoe RV Resort (formerly Uniontown KOA) noted, "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground... for through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp, close to the west-bound entrance."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Kentuck Campground in Ohiopyle State Park, campers appreciate site layout. "We have a wonderful, big electric and water site. Our camper doesn't have a bathroom so we need the bathhouse," one visitor mentioned while noting the importance of facility access.
Clean facilities: Regular maintenance keeps amenities functional. "The bathrooms and showers were clean and well maintained. And, of course, they have ice cream and laundry available!" reported a visitor to The Blue Canoe RV Resort.
Spacious camping areas: Sites offer room to spread out camping gear. One camper at Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground appreciated that "the sites are very close together with little privacy. We stayed in site 435. The site was sloped pretty bad side to side and there is a drop off on the one side of the fire ring so we could not sit completely around the fire."
Water sounds: Many campsites feature creek or river proximity. "This campground checks all the boxes for me. Pool, brook, trees, space, quiet! Every time we come here it gets better. Site was right on the water and listened to the bubbly brook all day," notes a visitor to Whispering Pines Family Campground.
What you should know
Bath house conditions vary: Facilities range from recently renovated to needing attention. At Kentuck Campground, one camper observed that "The restroom and all the bathhouses badly need updating. The paint is peeling, they smell like mildew and the siding is rotting on them. They are clean but the creepy and gross factor are too much."
Limited pet-friendly options: Some campgrounds restrict which sites allow pets. "There are also very limited sites that you can have a pet with you. So a nice place but if those two things are important to you just be aware," cautions a Ohiopyle State Park visitor.
Uneven terrain: Many sites require leveling equipment. At Chestnut Ridge Regional Park, "Sites are very large. Water pressure was good. Bath house was clean. The grounds were very clean and well kept," but visitors should still bring leveling blocks.
Seasonal closures: Most yurt camping options near Morrisville operate from April through October. Coopers Rock State Forest operates from "April 1 to October 31" according to their season information.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature play areas for children. "There is a playground for the kids and plenty of room for them to play," notes a visitor to Coopers Rock State Forest, making it suitable for families with young children.
Water activities: Streams and swimming areas provide cooling options. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run, "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."
Dog-friendly trails: Many campgrounds accommodate pets on trails. A visitor to Coopers Rock mentioned, "Many hiking trails of all sizes and kept clear. My dog is mostly weenie dog, and his little legs made it everywhere. Also had 12yr old son with me and he had a great time. Didn't miss his PS4 at all."
Yurt options for families: Canvas yurt structures near Morrisville provide an alternative to tent camping. "This is a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains. One yurt with a bed is offered," notes a Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric, water, and sewer connections vary by campground. At Rhododendron Camping Area, one camper noted the site includes "a fire place and a picnic table and an area to park your car. It was walking distance to the beautiful overlook and a great price for what you get."
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require significant leveling. "The RV lots were well maintained and all the asphalt seems to have been redone recently," reported a visitor to Coopers Rock State Forest, though they also mentioned limited hookup options.
Camping wagon alternatives: Some locations offer alternative RV experiences. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "We stayed in the new camping Wagon which was so much fun. Kids loved it. This park has so much to due."
Dump station locations: Most campgrounds provide dump stations on exit routes. "Just returned from our first weekend here. The new section is open and ready. Water and Electric Only. Dump station on the way out," notes a Coopers Rock State Forest visitor.
