Camping near New Kensington sits at the edge of the Allegheny Plateau, where elevations range from 800-1,200 feet in most camping areas. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with humid summers averaging 85°F and winters dipping below freezing. Campgrounds in this area typically feature wooded terrain on rolling hills with some sites positioned near small lakes or creeks.
What to do
Hiking and exploration: Ohiopyle State Park features numerous trails for hiking and biking through diverse environments. "The trails are very well kept," notes one visitor about Tomlinson Run State Park. The fern trail is particularly noteworthy with "lots of ferns and a very pretty stream. Hiking poles are recommended especially if it rains."
Water recreation: Several parks offer multiple water activities within walking distance of camping areas. A Fox Den Acres camper mentions, "There's a swimming pool, fishing pond, and boating pond. Spacious shower house. No water sources in the primitive section, and the shower house is quite a hike from the furthest sites." Many campgrounds maintain both swimming pools and natural water features for different experiences.
Fishing opportunities: Local lakes and streams provide various fishing options. At Keystone State Park Campground, "The lake is great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails," according to one reviewer. Another camper noted the park is "great for fishing with young children" with consistently stocked lakes making catches more likely for beginners.
What campers like
Privacy options: Many campgrounds offer secluded sites alongside more social camping areas. At Breakneck Campground, "We were right next to the creek, it was super spacious and super private. There's rough terrain so typically these sites are walk in." Campers appreciate having choices between isolation and community.
Family activities: Scheduled events keep younger campers entertained throughout the day. According to a Fox Den Acres Campground visitor, "They provide activities almost every evening, making sure every age range is catered to throughout the week. There's a predictably overpriced store where you can buy since essentials, and a few luxuries."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rank high on camper satisfaction lists. One camper at Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest commented on the "best shower house I've seen," while another specified it was "probably the cleanest shower house I have ever seen at a campground." Several campgrounds feature recently upgraded restroom facilities.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from April through October with limited winter availability. According to a Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA visitor who stayed during winter, the campground has "done a great job in the winter despite the frigid weather by using heat tape on the spigots and leaving lots of information at the office."
Site selection matters: Campground layouts vary significantly across the region. One camper at Laurel Hill State Park Campground advised, "The campsite and bathrooms were clean when we arrived and when we left. The site numbering is a bit wonky on the dog loop so make sure you look at your map before you start driving the loops."
Noise levels: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours while others have more relaxed policies. A visitor to Breakneck Campground cautioned, "I got about 2 hours of sleep Saturday night total, and the last time I was woken up my watch said 3:48 am. Clearly there is absolutely no enforcement of the quiet hours whatsoever."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-focused amenities: Certain campgrounds specifically cater to families with young children. At Fox Den Acres, one camper highlighted that "there's a predictably overpriced store where you can buy essentials, and a few luxuries. There's a swimming pool, fishing pond, and boating pond."
Consider glamping options: Family glamping in New Kensington, Pennsylvania area offers more comfortable accommodations. Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping provides "cabins and yurts that include comfortable sleeping arrangements" according to reviews. One visitor mentioned they "stayed in a cabin with a few friends. It was a great area with a lot to do around it!"
Check event schedules: Many campgrounds run themed weekends that appeal to families. A camper at Rose Point Park noted they "stayed for their Halloween Weekend" which included "pumpkin carving contest, voting on pumpkins, dance party" and special seasonal merchandise at the camp store.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds feature uneven terrain that requires preparation. A visitor to Laurel Hill State Park Campground mentioned, "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable."
Space considerations: Site dimensions and access points vary widely between parks. A Silver Canoe Campground camper noted that "sites in the lower field were roomy and level and all pull-throughs," while another camper mentioned "my 9 year old and myself got a tent site with electric for two nights and had a great time. The sites were all level and were well-shaded."
Seasonal storage: Some locations offer year-round storage for regular visitors. According to a review, "We're staying in the winter for a few nights to visit friends who live outside Pittsburgh. Friendly and cozy spot." Seasonal glamping near New Kensington area parks often requires advance planning as many sites are reserved for returning guests.
