Natrona Heights area campgrounds offer year-round access with varying terrain and elevation changes. Located in western Pennsylvania where temperatures range from lows around 19°F in winter to highs of 83°F in summer, campers can expect significant seasonal variation. Fall camping peaks in October when temperatures average 50-65°F and surrounding forests display colorful foliage.
What to do
Kayaking on Loyalhanna Creek: Bush Recreation Area provides water access for paddlers and anglers. "The lake level was high because of the dam nearby so fishing was non-existent, but it was peaceful and pleasant," reports one Bush Recreation Area visitor. The area includes a boat launch that can accommodate two boats at a time.
Swimming at campground pools: During summer months, several rv parks near Natrona Heights offer swimming options. "The pool is smaller but still enjoyable. Tons of activities always planned on the weekend," notes a camper about Bear Run Campground. For families wanting more extensive water recreation, Pine Cove Beach Club's "giant pool" operates throughout the summer season.
Attend weekend events: Many campgrounds schedule regular activities. "Every weekend there are activities, there is a heated pool and Friday night Bingo," mentions a seasonal Bear Run camper. At The Blue Canoe RV Resort, the GAP trail runs through the property, making it convenient for cyclists to access the regional trail system.
What campers like
Open field camping: Mountain Top Campground features a spacious central area. "You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. It's cute. Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter," describes a visitor to Mountain Top Campground, noting the fire pits with valley views.
Creek access for children: Several campgrounds offer water play areas for kids. At Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing, "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," shares one regular camper.
Family-run operations: Smaller campgrounds often provide personalized service. At Rustic Acres, one camper noted, "Owners were great and extremely accommodating and helpful. I can't remember when we were at a campground where everyone said hi and waved to each other."
What you should know
Cell service variability: Connectivity differs significantly between locations. At Bush Recreation Area, "Verizon cell coverage was 2 bars, at best," while at Mountain Top, a reviewer reported "full Verizon LTE coverage."
Site grading concerns: Many Natrona Heights area campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Rustic Acres, the sites are "large and the spacing is not crowded," but Bush Recreation Area campers warn "most of the sites are sloped and the water is not filtered."
Reservations essential: Popularity varies by season with fall being particularly busy. At The Blue Canoe RV Resort, one camper noted it's "a very busy campground, nothing like the serenity of the less easy to access sites along the GAP trail, but offers some nice services for those in need of them."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid activities: Select sites near recreation areas. At Bush Recreation Area, one family chose "space 16 late August 2020 and our friends (and their kids) rented #17 on the inner circle, right next to us with the playground right behind us. Great spots! Our kids were within easy eye and earshot of the playground."
Check for scheduled children's programs: Some campgrounds offer structured activities. "We were thrilled to find they had a children's program on Saturday mornings. Our children had a ball making crafts, playing games, finding items on a scavenger hunt and of course snacks!" shares a visitor to Rustic Acres.
Consider camp store availability: Not all campgrounds offer supplies on-site. The Blue Canoe RV Resort provides amenities like "ice cream and laundry available!" while others require bringing all supplies or traveling to nearby towns.
Tips from RVers
Check road access: Mountain approaches can be challenging for larger rigs. For Mountain Top Campground, one RVer advises, "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in."
Grey water management options: Some campgrounds offer partial hookups with solutions for waste. At Mountain Top, "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 leveling requirements: Many RV parks in the Natrona Heights region have gravel sites requiring additional leveling. A visitor to Bear Run Campground noted, "The nightly RV sites are close to the park entrance and are relatively flat" making them accessible for most rigs.
