Western Pennsylvania glamping sites near Nottingham feature varied terrain from mountainous regions to river valleys with elevations ranging from 900 to 2,500 feet. The Laurel Highlands area experiences distinct seasons with warm summers reaching 80°F and cold winters dropping below freezing. Campgrounds in this region often incorporate the natural landscape features, with sites tucked into wooded areas or positioned for mountain views.
What to do
Hiking trails and waterfalls: At Ohiopyle State Park, visitors can access numerous trails with varying difficulty levels. "The Ferncliff Trail loops around the inside of the Yough as it does a near 360 in town. Gentle terrain along the falls and then through moss covered forest," shares one camper. Another mentions that "Just outside town as you climb the hill, to the left is Sliding Rock... A natural water slide extends around 100 feet as it winds through the rock."
Mountain biking: The Great Allegheny Passage trail runs through several campgrounds in the region. "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground," notes a visitor at Ohiopyle State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Coopers Rock State Forest offers excellent fishing spots with beautiful surroundings. "Love the views over the mountains here. Completely captures the beauty and peace of WV," says one camper. Local ponds and lakes throughout the region provide varied fishing environments for anglers of all skill levels.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Fox Den Acres Campground receives praise for its site layout. "Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away," mentions a tent camper. Another notes, "Although the campground is close to several large cities, it is very relaxed, wooded, and quiet."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain good standards for bathhouses and common areas. At Tomlinson Run State Park, campers appreciate "nice simple, small campground sites are for everyone, RV to tent, older bathhouses but clean." Another visitor notes, "The campground is nice with clean bathrooms and showers."
Activities for children: Most locations offer family-friendly amenities. "Swimming pool and lake for fishing and boating!" shares one Tomlinson Run visitor. Another mentions, "Lots to do there, swimming, fishing, movie nites, gamerooms…fun for the whole family."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds have limited availability outside summer months. Fox Den Acres operates from May through October, while others maintain year-round access with reduced services.
Campsite leveling challenges: Site conditions vary significantly across the region. At Uniontown KOA, a visitor notes, "Some river sites were small and very un level but was doable." Similar challenges exist at other locations.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely throughout the area. At Coopers Rock, one camper reports, "The camp Wi-Fi isn't the best but we did have cell service with Consumer Cellular (AT&T Towers) and were able to work while we camped."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have difficult access routes. "No one - not either website or the woman whom I spoke to - mentioned that the main road to the campground from Ohiopyle was also closed due to a separate paving project," notes one frustrated visitor about seasonal road maintenance.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers extensive water recreation. "Mill run by far the best yogi bear/campground we have been to. Second time we have been & they have upgraded the water slides 4 huge slides plus big splash pad with little slide for smaller kids," shares an enthusiastic camper.
Kid-focused events: Many campgrounds schedule regular activities. "Every week they organizes different themes for bingo, and other games. They also have Sunday pancake days," notes a visitor at Madison-Pittsburgh KOA.
Playground access: Consider sites near play areas for convenience. At Keystone State Park, "There is a playground for the kids and plenty of room for them to play," according to one visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Keystone State Park, RVers should note site variations. "Electric Site 37 - pad is pretty level, plenty for our small camper and truck, on a slight hill to get to fire ring but lots of space to spread out," shares one camper. Another points out, "Each site has a 30ft concrete pad to park on."
Hookup availability: Water and electrical connections vary by campground. "We were in the middle of the street, right by the bathroom and playground. Many campers used our site (19) as a main walk-way," notes a visitor at Jellystone Park, highlighting the importance of site location research.
Dump station access: Most campgrounds offer dump facilities, but locations vary. At Tomlinson Run, a camper notes the "Dump station- 2 way and potable water on the other side of it. The only place to drop your trash too."
Traveler
