RV camping near New Kensington, Pennsylvania offers access to diverse terrain across Western Pennsylvania's Allegheny Plateau region. The area features moderate elevation changes between 700-1,400 feet with a humid continental climate that brings four distinct seasons. Fall camping season typically runs from mid-September through early November when temperatures range from 35-65°F with colorful foliage displays.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing provides access to nearby hiking routes. "We were there for one of the first weekends of the season, and we enjoyed every bit of our trip. Not only were the staff super friendly and helpful, but we were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake," notes one visitor.
Water recreation options: Raccoon Creek State Park offers swimming, fishing, and kayaking opportunities on its lake. "There is a trail that leads down from the tent loop to the beach which is cool but very very steep (not for too young or old)," notes one camper, while another adds that "It's close to home plus it is a great place to take the dog out to swim and chase geese and ducks. A great little beach area to lay out and enjoy the sun."
Horseback riding experiences: Bear Run Campground provides seasonal horse rides. "My son loves the horse rides on Sundays," mentions one repeat visitor. The campground offers various weekend activities beyond horseback riding as another camper notes, "Every weekend there are activities, there is a heated pool and Friday night Bingo."
What campers like
Scenic mountain views: Mountain Top Campground delivers on its name with panoramic vistas. "You are on top of a mountain with great views. The spots are well spaced out and it is family owned," explains one reviewer. Another camper confirms, "We had the most amazing views from our site. Water and electricity were easy to access and hook up."
Riverside camping spots: The Blue Canoe RV Resort (formerly Uniontown KOA) provides waterfront options. One visitor shares, "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. Staff make multiple rounds, picks up your trash and delivers your purchased firewood." However, note the riverside location has some drawbacks as "the ramp for entering/exiting with your kayak stopped before getting to the river's edge."
Swimming pools and recreational facilities: Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort earns praise for its pool amenities. "Great: The pool & concession stand, beautifully maintained lawns and gravel campsites, modern hookups, good shower/laundry facilities, nice fire rings with built in grills, trash pickup service," explains one visitor who gave the resort 5 stars.
What you should know
Seasonal differences: Weather impacts camping conditions significantly. At Fombell Landing, one camper cautions about flooding: "The campground is entirely in a flood zone. It gets so deep the locals cars have floated away... Our camp area ended up in at least 6 inches of rushing creek water."
Site selection considerations: When selecting campsites at Raccoon Creek State Park, privacy can be an issue. "The area is not wooded at all and most sites look right into the sites next to them. If you are like me and crave privacy, avoid," advises one camper. For better isolation, "Grab your permit at the park office, park at the heritage trail lot in the southern end of the park and hike to the Pioneer shelter. Sites 4 and 5 are amazing."
Navigation challenges: Roads leading to some campgrounds require careful planning. At Mountain Top Campground, "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in." Bush Recreation Area has similar access issues as "Don't follow the GPS directions because it will take you down a wrong road and around to the main road. Instead, stay on Bush Road all the way to the campground entrance site."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing provides dedicated activities for children. "My family stayed in one of the cabins while friends were in their campers. The cabin was great, very clean and cozy. We had 8 kids and 8 adults who all had a blast playing on the playground, floating down the creek, swimming in the pool, riding bicycles etc."
Playground proximity: When booking at Bush Recreation Area, consider sites near recreational areas. One visitor recommends: "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! Our kids were within easy eye and earshot of the playground."
Weekend activity calendars: Bear Run Campground offers structured activities for families. "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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: When traveling with an RV to Bush Recreation Area, be prepared for uneven sites. "This campground is not bad but is not great... if you have a large trailer may run to some problems most of the sites are sloped and the water is not filtered," reports one RVer.
Full hookup availability: For those seeking complete utility connections, Rustic Acres offers dependable options. "We are traveling across country. This campground is easy access to I80, Less than 10 minutes. It is very clean, amazingly helpful staff, mix of seasonal, weekly, and overnight," notes one cross-country RVer.
Grey water disposal options: Mountain Top Campground provides unique solutions for longer stays. One RVer explains, "Since they sit atop the mountain, 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. This means that unless you are a very active user of the commode, your black tank should not need to be flushed for 1-2 weeks at a time!"
