Tent campsites near Murrysville, Pennsylvania concentrate mainly around the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail system and along the Youghiogheny River. The region sits within the Allegheny Mountains section of the Appalachian Plateau, with elevations ranging from 900 to 2,600 feet. Local campgrounds experience typical seasonal variations with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during the day, while spring and fall camping require preparation for cooler nights.
What to do
Riverside fishing access: At Dravo's Landing Campground, visitors can easily access the Youghiogheny River for fishing. "We made friends with a few other folks who were stopping at Dravo during their bike trips along the GAP, and everyone appreciated the abundance of picnic tables, fire pits, lean-tos, and the nearby river," notes camper Sarah Q.
Mountain biking trails: Several tent campsites near Murrysville provide direct access to mountain biking opportunities. At Mountain View Camps, campers can "hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn," according to Richard C.
Nighttime stargazing: Clear mountain nights offer excellent stargazing opportunities from many campsites in the region. "We camped out overnight with a group of 14 people, and there was plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars," reports Sarah Q. about her experience at Dravo's Landing.
What campers like
Easy bike-to-town access: The GAP Trail Campground earns high marks for its proximity to services. "Town is a short walk away, with a few restaurants and other options for necessities as well," notes Shari G., making it convenient for resupplying during multi-day trips.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained nature of certain campgrounds. "Everything is clean as a whistle…pun intended. Here's where that luxury kicks in, so much that you'll wonder if what you're doing still qualifies as camping," writes Shari G. about The GAP Trail Campground's facilities.
River swimming spots: The accessibility of the Youghiogheny River for cooling off is a major plus. At Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground, "The river is very easy to access for a quick dip after a long day on the trail," according to Shari G.
What you should know
Wildlife precautions: Food storage considerations are important at several campgrounds. "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!" warns Sarah Q. about Dravo's Landing.
Train noise considerations: Nearly all riverside campgrounds experience train traffic noise. "If you don't sleep with ear-plugs, you will wish you had," notes Dave V. about his stay at Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run.
Water treatment needs: Many campgrounds require filtering or treating 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," explains Shari G. about Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Try shorter segments first: For families new to trail camping, starting with accessible sites makes sense. "This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail, and a nice easy introduction to bikepacking camping for the east-bound (the closest to Pittsburgh). At 26 miles from Three Rivers Park, this makes a great place to get your head around what it might be like to ride and camp the whole way to Washington D.C.," suggests Shari G. about Dravo's Landing.
Seek covered options: During unpredictable weather, shelters provide added security for family camping. At Round Bottom, "We secured the only open Adirondack Shelter and were able to set up our tent inside, along with keeping our bicycles inside and out of the elements. Which made it wonderfully convenient when it started to rain," shares Dave V.
Consider weekday visits: For quieter family experiences with less competition for shelter spaces, time your visit strategically. "Bicycle traffic was fairly light during the week, so not only did you have the GAP Trail mostly to oneself, the camping areas were either sparsely filled or empty," notes Dave V. about Round Bottom Camping Area.
Tips from RVers
Limited options for large rigs: Most tent campsites near Murrysville don't accommodate large RVs. At Indian Creek Camplands, a reviewer notes it's "not the most level areas but good clean and quiet campsites," indicating even smaller RVs may need leveling blocks.
Seasonal accessibility: RV camping in this region is highly seasonal due to weather and road conditions. "Good spot, just beyond owners side yard," indicates Christopher M. about Indian Creek Camplands, suggesting proximity to owners who can provide information about changing conditions.
Consider state park alternatives: For RV camping with more amenities, looking slightly further from Murrysville may be necessary. At Laurel Ridge State Park, "It is a beautiful wooded park offering lots of trees for privacy," notes Ashleigh M., though she adds "The bathhouse could use a renovation. It felt old and kind of dirty."
