Tent camping options near Nottingham, Pennsylvania extend beyond the Great Allegheny Passage Trail to include small private campgrounds and state park facilities. The Laurel Highlands region features wooded campsites at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 2,900 feet, contributing to cooler summer temperatures compared to surrounding lowlands. Most primitive tent sites require advance reservations during peak season from May through October.
What to do
Explore historical sites: Campers at Dravo's Landing Campground can visit nearby historical attractions. According to Lauren C., "It's close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire."
Cannabis-friendly activities: Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm offers unique programmed events for adult campers. Ashley F. notes, "Friday nights are Toke With A Goat Yoga at 7 at the barn weather depending."
Cool off in the river: During summer months, swimming access provides relief from hiking heat. Christopher M. from Indian Creek Camplands describes the location as "Good spot, just beyond owners side yard. Not the most level areas but good clean and quiet campsites."
What campers like
Adirondack shelters: These covered structures at Round Bottom Camping Area provide weather protection while still feeling like camping. Dave V. explains, "We secured the only open Adirondack Shelter and were able to set up our tent inside, along with keeping our bicycles inside and out of the elements. Which made it wonderfully convenient when it started to rain."
Free firewood supplies: Some campgrounds maintain wood piles for campers. Sarah Q. from Dravo's Landing appreciates that "everyone appreciated the abundance of picnic tables, fire pits, lean-tos, and the nearby river. Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
Weekday solitude: For best tent camping near Nottingham, Pennsylvania, consider non-weekend visits. According to Dave V., "Bicycle traffic was fairly light during the week, so not only did you have the GAP Trail mostly to oneself, the camping areas were either sparsely filled or empty."
What you should know
Wildlife precautions: Food storage awareness is essential for all tent camping near Nottingham. Sarah Q. warns, "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
Water filtration needs: Campers should bring filtration systems or collect water from towns. Shari G. notes about Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground, "the well for the campground stated that it was no longer potable. My guess is that this is simply because the volunteer organization which maintains this campground lacks the funds for testing. We grabbed water at the last town before the campground."
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facility upkeep differs significantly between weekdays and weekends. Dave V. observes, "Usually the vault toilets along this trail are clean, maintained and stocked…but on this visit, piles of trash were inside likely from an overly busy weekend."
Tips for camping with families
Check bathroom lighting: Some facilities lack proper illumination after dark. Emily M. from Rhododendron Camping Area notes, "the camp bathroom light didn't work while we were visiting so it got a littttttle creepy after sunset."
Opt for raised tent pads: These provide better weather protection for family camping. Dave V. describes Round Bottom's layout: "Raised Tent pads (4), Vault Toilet, Adirondack Shelters (2), Firepits, Picnic tables."
Schedule viewpoint visits: Early morning trips to scenic overlooks avoid crowds. Emily M. advises, "Wake up early and watch the sunrise at the overlook I'm telling ya!"
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most camping near Nottingham focuses on tent sites with few RV amenities. Shari G. describes one exception, The GAP Trail Campground: "What a treat! Imagine if a luxury AirBnB and a Hobbit Camp had a baby – this place would be it. The outdoor shower/toilet block is such a divine sight, it makes you crave one whether you're stinky or not."
Access constraints: Most sites require hiking in, limiting RV camping possibilities. Kaly from Rhododendron notes the basic setup: "There was a fire place and a picnic table and an area to park your car. It was walking distance to the beautiful overlook and a great price for what you get."
Consider seasonal timing: Fall foliage attracts more visitors, creating competition for limited spaces. Brian S. advises, "This trail is especially popular in October and on long weekends, so if you're coming to the woods for solitude or silence, avoid those times."
