Tent camping around Morrisville, Pennsylvania provides access to the Laurel Highlands and Great Allegheny Passage regions where elevations range from 900 to 2,200 feet. Weather conditions vary seasonally with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms between June and August. Most primitive campsites in this region don't take reservations and fill quickly on summer weekends, especially near Pittsburgh.
What to do
River activities: At Dravo's Landing Campground, campers can enjoy easy access to the Youghiogheny River for swimming, fishing, and paddling. "Access from the Allegheny Gap trail. There were a few shelters, nice campsite. It's close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire," notes Lauren C.
Mountain biking trails: The surrounding forests offer extensive trail networks for bikers of all skill levels. "You can rent a cabin, camp in the woods, or rent a bunkroom or your group. Beautiful lake for canoeing and fishing and the hiking and mountain bike trails are amazing! Cant wait to go back!" shares Jenn C. about Camp Ara.
Scenic overlooks: Many camping areas provide easy access to viewpoints. "There was 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," reports Kaly from Rhododendron Camping Area.
What campers like
Distinctive facilities: The GAP Trail Campground offers unexpected amenities. "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 Shari G. about The GAP Trail Campground.
Spacious layouts: Larger groups appreciate ample room at certain sites. Christopher M. from Indian Creek Camplands notes it's a "Good spot, just beyond owners side yard. Not the most level areas but good clean and quiet campsites."
Welcoming atmosphere: Some campgrounds offer exceptional hospitality. "Imagine being greeted by a happy Golden Retriever upon entering your next campsite..need I say more? The hosts of this camp provide drinking water and warm hospitality," shares Kaitlin B. about Camp Ara.
What you should know
Train noise challenges: Railroad tracks parallel many camping areas along rivers. Shari G. advises about Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground: "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!"
Water treatment needs: Many primitive sites require filtering river water. "The well for the campground stated that it was no longer potable. My guess is that this is simply because the volunteer organization which maintains this campground lacks the funds for testing. We grabbed water at the last town before the campground," reports Shari G.
Wildlife awareness: Secure food storage is essential in this region. "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!" warns Sarah Q. from Dravo's Landing.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities: Some sites have better amenities than others. "This is one of my favorite campgrounds! It is quiet and the sites are spacious. There is a bathhouse located closest to site 5 with trails from other sites to get there. The facilities are always clean- no shower available," notes Sienna L. from Rhododendron Camping Area.
Educational opportunities: Many campgrounds offer unique learning experiences. "This is a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains. One yurt with a bed is offered. Please no alcohol. Friday nights are Toke With A Goat Yoga at 7 at the barn weather depending," explains Ashley F. from Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm.
Seasonal considerations: Fall camping offers different experiences. Emily M. from Rhododendron Camping Area suggests: "Wake up early and watch the sunrise at the overlook I'm telling ya! Also the bathrooms at the overlook are better maintained than the campground bathrooms plus the camp bathroom light didn't work while we were visiting so it got a littttttle creepy after sunset."
Tips from RVers
Park renovations needed: Some facilities require updates. "We stopped here on a road trip for a quick night's sleep before continuing on. It is a beautiful wooded park offering lots of trees for privacy. I wish I had more time to explore the park before moving on. The bathhouse could use a renovation. It felt old and kind of dirty," reports Ashleigh M. from Laurel Ridge State Park Campground.
Limited amenities: Most primitive sites lack RV hookups and services. "Laurel Ridge State Park is the greenway that protects the legendary Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail from the busy world around it. The camping areas are supposed to have firewood and water, but the wood is often punky, and the water needs to be treated," notes Brian S.
Alternative arrangements: Tent camping in Morrisville, Pennsylvania offers better options for those without full self-contained setups. Some campgrounds provide cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort without an RV. Seasonal availability varies widely, with many sites closed from November through April.
