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Best Campgrounds near New Kensington, PA

493 Reviews

The Pittsburgh metropolitan area provides several established campgrounds within 30 miles of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, including both public recreation areas and private camping facilities. Mountain Top Campground in Tarentum offers tent sites, RV camping with hookups, and cabin accommodations with panoramic valley views just 7 miles from New Kensington. Other nearby options include Crooked Creek Lake, operated by the Army Corps of Engineers, and Smith Grove, a family-owned campground with tent, RV, and cabin sites. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both primitive tent camping and RVs, with varying levels of amenities and hookups.

Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the area, with some facilities operating year-round while others close during colder months. Bush Recreation Area operates on a limited season, while Mountain Top Campground remains open throughout the year. "The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in," advised one visitor to Mountain Top Campground. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. Facilities like Crooked Creek Lake feature electric hookups but limited water connections, requiring campers to fill tanks at central locations. Cell service varies across the region, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.

Campers frequently mention the scenic views as a highlight of staying at Mountain Top Campground, which sits atop a ridge offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys. According to one visitor, "Amazing views from this campground! Water and electric available, grey sewer available." While most campgrounds near New Kensington provide basic amenities like restrooms and picnic tables, amenities vary significantly. Several reviews note the cleanliness of facilities at Smith Grove and Mountain Top, while others mention limitations at more rustic sites like Crooked Creek Lake. Water access features prominently in visitor experiences at Bush Recreation Area and Crooked Creek Lake, where boating and fishing opportunities attract families. The region generally provides a mix of woodland and lakeside settings within easy driving distance of Pittsburgh.

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Best Camping Sites Near New Kensington, Pennsylvania (93)

    1. Mountain Top Campground

    7 Reviews
    Russellton, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 224-1511

    $48 / night

    "What amazing views from this location! It actually does really sit at the mountain top and gives you pretty good views of the valleys and surrounding areas from any of the rim campsites."

    "Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond. Basic amenities."

    2. Keystone State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Latrobe, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 668-2939

    $18 - $70 / night

    "Camped in the Lakeside Loop. This State Park is so Clean! The campground gives you easy access to anything you want to do. Fish, swim, hike, bike, kayak. It can all be done."

    "This is our second time staying here - once in Electric site on Lakeside and this time non electric site on Hillside. Love this side of Hillside - quiet and shaded."

    3. Crooked Creek Lake

    6 Reviews
    Ford Cliff, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 763-3161

    $15 - $35 / night

    "This is a small campground next to Crooked Creek Lake. The lake is manmade and maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. There is a small beach and picnic tables."

    "Nice small, quiet campground near Crooked Creek. Affordable as well. Love the lake, there is even a little beach for the family. Definitely worth a visit."

    4. Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Clinton, PA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 899-2200

    $18 - $128 / night

    "One tip: each loop does not have its own entrance from a main road. To get to C you drive through or past A and B. Same with E and F. Each loop has its own set of flush toilets and showers."

    "All and All great place to camp, good things; 1) lots of deer, turkeys, racoons, owls etc. 2) close to a farmer's market Jankowski's great place to get fresh food, 3) once you have level camp, all good"

    5. Smith Grove

    2 Reviews
    Cabot, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 285-3600

    $30 - $95 / night

    6. Bush Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Saltsburg, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 639-9013

    $25 - $50 / night

    "We rented 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!"

    "This is a nice, quiet small campground with a small lake. Our grandchildren loved it. The boat launch is a nice size to fit 2 boats at a time. The only problem is the beach is not that great."

    7. Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA

    10 Reviews
    Youngwood, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 722-4444

    "They have a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it along with two small dog play areas.Every week they organizes different themes for bingo, and other games."

    "The sites are pretty close together and we couldn’t use our fire ring because it ended up being very close to our rig."

    8. Fox Den Acres Campground

    8 Reviews
    Youngwood, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 925-7054

    $25 / night

    "It’s very military positive, even includes a reserved place for the fallen soldiers. Some sites are a bit close, the pull through sites are very ample. Gravel roads and level sites."

    "Tent site was nice and conveniently located next to the bathhouse"

    9. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    80 Reviews
    Ohiopyle, PA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 329-8591

    $20 - $54 / night

    "Ohiopyle is located in a beautiful area of Pennsylvania we've camped there a couple of times and have been able to get last minute tent sites. Lots of outdoor activities nearby."

    "Options to get there include the steep walking trail where bikes are allowed to be walked but not ridden, riding the 3.5 miles along the road, also very steep, or taking a shuttle from downtown Ohiopyle"

    10. Dravo's Landing Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sutersville, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 872-5586

    "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"

    "This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!)"

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Recent Camping Photos near New Kensington, PA

189 Photos of 93 New Kensington Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near New Kensington, PA

493 Reviews of 93 New Kensington Campgrounds

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Redbank Valley Municipal Park

    Mid September No one around

    We came here after finding this campsite on the dirt app. When we arrived, there was no one around. There are no rules or payment stations. There are a lot of RVs that seem to be set up in a permanent location. We camped on a field and haven’t seen anyone. There are bathrooms and showers and they are open. It looks like this is the site of the fairgrounds and maybe it is a hopping place in the summer? I will update this review if anyone comes by.

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Laurel Hill State Park Campground

    Okay campground

    Okay campground. We met nice people staying there. However, the sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites. Large open grassy area. The camp host saw me walking my pups, and as I walked toward the trash can(near the bathroom) to throw away a pooped that I had picked up, she yelled across the green area from her site“no dogs in the bathrooms!” Kinda rude, but later she was friendly. Some okay hiking trails off the campground in a meadow.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Whispering Pines Family Campground

    Lake Wateree

    Lovely GEM in the heart of Carolina. Nestled in a quiet area full of smiling faces. And the staff were extremely accommodating.

  • Bettina A.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Bear Run Campground

    Options.

    This is an amazing campground with reasonable prices, an array of camping options to suit different camping needs as well as budget range. I am unsure if I just happen to have gotten lucky and decided to go camping during a special weekend, but it’s Labor Day weekend and I am loving that there is a calendar of events for campers to participate in if they choose to. Activities include wagon rides to the lake, talent show, karaoke…etc, as well as church! This was an unexpected gem as we are from Florida and were blessed enough to stumble upon the right person in a parking lot when my husband asked if they knew of any places that we could possibly camp at nearby and that gentleman told us about Moraine Park. Upon making our way out to here, we found Bear Run and have loved our experience so far. Love it!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Whispering Pines Family Campground

    Nee Meadow Creek campground

    Beautifully set in midst of a 360* view of mountains. Site are nicely spaced and are blessed with constant gentle breeze. Lovely wild flowers surrounded during my brief visit.

    However I was deceived seeing post and electrical hookup. Pretty sure none of them function.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Mountain Top Campground

    Solitude peace and quiet

    You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. It’s cute. Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond. Basic amenities. Some ice and fire wood that are self serve. We’re just here for the night and are hoping to catch an uber into the city for a pirates game. Place is full - ish but is super quiet. If you’re looking for a place to hang a hammock and read a book. This is it. Nice fire holes with a view.

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

    Great Outdoor Spot in Beaver County

    This campground is great for a little getaway. Most sites are spacious! Only downside is you can hear the airport. Not a huge deal though! We loved it

  • Erik W.
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Wolfs Camping Resort

    Absolutely beautiful

    Super friendly staff, great location. stocked lake with catch and release fishing. Loved it.

    Stayed in May 2017

Guide to New Kensington

Camping near New Kensington, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the beautiful trails at Ohiopyle State Park. One visitor mentioned, "There is a lot of hiking nearby, most of which you need to drive to within the state park."
  • Rafting: If you're feeling adventurous, try rafting on the Youghiogheny River. A camper shared, "Stayed here one weekend and rafted down the Ohio Pyle river. Very convenient to the river and town."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "The lake is lovely! The only downside is that the airport is pretty close so at times you can hear planes taking off."

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Cook Forest State Park Campground. A happy camper said, "The whole campground is mostly wooded with hardly a bad site."
  • Clean Facilities: Many visitors rave about the cleanliness of the bathrooms. One review from Laurel Hill State Park Campground stated, "The bathrooms are clean and it has great walking access to the beautiful beach and lake."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run is a hit with families. A reviewer mentioned, "Your kids will love it here: two pools, splashgrounds, fire truck rides, arcades, meeting Yogi and friends."

What you should know:

  • Road Noise: Some campgrounds, like Kooser State Park Campground, are near highways. One camper noted, "Only thing that was disappointing was the fact it was on a highway and all night I could hear the trucks driving."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets. A visitor at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "There is no camp store, but firewood was available."
  • Site Selection Matters: Choose your site wisely, especially at Keystone State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Sites are a little tight if you have a larger camper, but we fit perfect with our 24’ camper."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with kid-friendly activities. One parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run said, "They have paddle boats, kayak and canoe rentals."
  • Secluded Tent Sites: For a quieter experience, consider tent camping at Kooser State Park Campground. A camper shared, "Their tent camping sites are a very good distance from other sites, so you feel much more secluded."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring your own food or check for nearby restaurants. A visitor at Cook Forest State Park Campground recommended, "Be SURE to eat at the Cooksburg Cafe as well there. Absolutely delicious and very reasonable in cost."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Make sure to pick a level site, especially at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground. One reviewer advised, "The electric sites are very close together."
  • Bring Extensions: If you're using electric hookups, be prepared with extension cords. A camper at Laurel Hill State Park Campground noted, "The electrical hookups are not laid out well like an expensive RV park."
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Many campgrounds are close to attractions. A visitor at Ohiopyle State Park mentioned, "Most are off visiting the local attractions of Ohiopyle."

Camping near New Kensington, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of nature, adventure, and family fun. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there tent camping facilities around Lake Kensington in Pennsylvania?

While there is no specific "Lake Kensington" in Pennsylvania, the region around New Kensington offers several excellent tent camping options. Moraine State Park provides tent camping facilities near Lake Arthur, which is within reasonable driving distance. For tent campers seeking a more secluded experience, Breakneck Campground offers primitive sites close to Pittsburgh. This campground provides a more rustic experience with fire rings at most sites. For tent camping with more amenities, consider Crooked Creek Lake near Ford City, which offers drive-in and walk-in access with water and toilet facilities.

What family camping options are available near New Kensington, PA?

Families looking for camping near New Kensington have several excellent options within driving distance. Raccoon Creek State Park Campground offers a large wooded setting with spacious sites spread across five loops, making it perfect for families. It's close enough to use as a base for Pittsburgh day trips. Another family-friendly option is Bush Recreation Area, which features sites with electric hookups, fresh water access, and a playground that kids will love. The inner circle sites (#16-17) are particularly good for families as they provide easy supervision of children using the playground.

When is Kensington Fall Camp held and what activities are offered?

There is no specific "Kensington Fall Camp" event documented in the available information. However, fall camping in the New Kensington area offers excellent seasonal activities at nearby campgrounds. Ohiopyle State Park is particularly popular for fall camping with numerous outdoor activities including hiking, biking on the GAP trail, and whitewater rafting when water levels permit. Tomlinson Run State Park Campground, located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia near the Pennsylvania border, offers fall activities including mini golf, hiking trails, biking, fishing, and paddle boats. Fall camping typically runs from September through mid-November, weather permitting.

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