RV camping near Murrysville, Pennsylvania offers varied terrain from hilltop sites to waterfront locations within 30-45 minutes of the city. The area features campgrounds at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,300 feet, providing cooler summer temperatures compared to downtown Pittsburgh. Most campgrounds in this region maintain operating seasons from April through October, though several remain open year-round.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Bear Ridge Campground's ponds and nearby Mountain Top Campground provide access to fishing spots. "The lake level was high because of the dam nearby so fishing was non-existent, but it was peaceful and pleasant," noted one camper about Bush Recreation Area.
Explore local attractions: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground serves as a convenient base for visiting regional landmarks. "We stayed for 2 nights while we visited Fallingwater and the Flight 93 Memorial. We should have stayed another night so we could visit Fort Necessity NP just down the road but ran out of time," shared a visitor.
Biking access: The Blue Canoe RV Resort offers direct access to regional bike trails. "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground. The seasonal RVers and weekend warriors have long claimed their sites, but for through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp."
Water recreation: Some campgrounds feature water activities beyond fishing. "Kids had a blast playing on the playground, floating down the creek, swimming in the pool, riding bicycles etc.," reported a camper at Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing.
What campers like
Hilltop views: Mountain Top Campground provides panoramic valley views from elevated sites. "I luckily got a spot on looking over a very dense tree-d valley with a beautiful sunset. Sites 41-48 are the best view at sunset," shares one reviewer who enjoyed the vantage point.
Family-friendly amenities: Many parks offer recreational facilities for children. "Great place for kids! Family friendly atmosphere, cordial staff, well run campground. Lots of activities. Tree shaded sites!" noted a camper at Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground.
Pool facilities: Several campgrounds maintain swimming pools as alternatives to natural water features. "Great: The pool & concession stand, beautifully maintained lawns and gravel campsites, modern hookups, good shower/laundry facilities, nice fire rings with built in grills, trash pickup service," shared one visitor to Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort.
Creek access: Multiple sites feature streams or creeks that enhance the camping experience. "A lot of their sites are along a small creek which the kids play in and can float down. Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek."
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds in the region feature sloped terrain that requires planning. "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," reported a visitor to Benner's Meadow Run.
Site leveling issues: Several parks require equipment to level campers effectively. "Very nice and newer campground. Some river sites were small and very un level but was doable," noted a camper at The Blue Canoe RV Resort.
Bathroom conditions: Facility maintenance varies across campgrounds. "The floor in the women's bathroom had holes in it. It smelled funny in there too. This place needs a major remodel!" observed a camper at Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA.
Road access considerations: Reaching some campgrounds requires navigating steep or narrow roads. "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in. If you are Overlanding like us just follow the map," advised a visitor to Mountain Top Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Creek exploration: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing provides waterways for children to enjoy. "The campgrounds are very nice they have a pool as well as a community building and camp store. We had 8 kids and 8 adults who all had a blast playing on the playground, floating down the creek, swimming in the pool, riding bicycles etc."
Playground proximity: When booking, consider sites near recreational facilities. "We were there for one of the first weekends of the season, and we enjoyed every bit of our trip. Not only were the staff super friendly and helpful, but we were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake."
Entertainment options: Some campgrounds organize regular activities. "You will not find better campground owners, they are amazing. After office hours they can be commonly found hanging out with their campers. Pick up cornhole games, bonfires, are the norm at the community building."
Budget planning: Watch for additional fees at some locations. "Owners are great, let us in weekend before to look at campground being our first time there. Found a couple spots our camper would fit in. Creek was close and neighbors were great. My only negative would be extra costs."
Tips from RVers
Service availability: Fox Den Acres Campground offers multiple service options. "It is your typical campground. Very relaxed, wooded, and quiet. Although the campground is close to several large cities, it is very relaxed, wooded, and quiet."
Navigation for larger rigs: Road access varies significantly between campgrounds. "Very steep narrow roads to access campground and sites. Sites not level and noisy, next to highway," warned one RVer about Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA.
Grey water solutions: Some parks have creative solutions for partial hookups. "Since they sit atop the mountain, the grey water hookup is a long hose that has an adapter which hooks up to your black and grey tank outlet and it runs down the hillside of the mountain into the grassy area."
Site spacing: Park layouts vary in terms of privacy between sites. "The sites in the lower field, where I was, were roomy and level and all pull-throughs."
