Best Tent Camping near New Florence, PA
The Laurel Highlands region surrounding New Florence, Pennsylvania offers several tent-only camping options along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail. Laurel Ridge State Park Campground, located approximately 30 miles south of New Florence, provides primitive tent camping with eight distinct camping areas along its 70-mile corridor. For hikers and cyclists, specialized walk-in tent sites can be found at Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run (Mile 99 on the GAP Trail) and Dravo's Landing Campground, both offering tent-specific amenities for trail users.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic facilities with varying levels of amenities. Sites typically include dirt or gravel tent pads, with some offering raised platforms specifically designed for tents. Vault toilets are standard at most locations, though potable water is limited or unavailable at several sites. Campers should plan to filter water from nearby streams or carry their own supply. The GAP Trail campgrounds operate seasonally, with Laurel Ridge State Park open from May through October. Fire rings are available at most locations, but firewood quality varies considerably between sites. Earplugs are recommended for light sleepers, as train noise affects several campgrounds along the river corridors.
Tent campers frequently note the peaceful atmosphere at these sites despite occasional train disruptions. According to reviews, Dravo's Landing provides "plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars," with ample space even for larger groups. At Round Bottom Camping Area, visitors appreciate the "grassy area for scores of tents" with level ground throughout the site. Backcountry tent camping in Laurel Ridge State Park offers more seclusion, with one camper noting the "beautiful wooded park offering lots of trees for privacy." Most tent-only sites along the GAP Trail provide direct access to the Youghiogheny River, allowing campers to cool off after hiking or biking.
