Dispersed camping opportunities near Ohiopyle are limited due to state land management regulations, with most camping concentrated within established campgrounds that operate from spring through fall. The Laurel Highlands region sits at elevations between 1,200-2,800 feet, creating distinct seasonal temperature variations that impact camping conditions. Winter camping options are restricted to a handful of facilities with year-round cabin accommodations.
What to do
Hiking direct from campsites: At Kentuck Campground, trails connect directly to the Great Allegheny Passage. "From the campground trails head mostly straight down the mountain to the river or to the Great Allegheny Passage mult-use trail...So give yourself time to climb them, as there are many switchbacks...pretty much straight up...but doable," notes one visitor describing the terrain.
Fishing opportunities: Tub Run Rec Area provides lake access with boat facilities. "The boat ramp, slips and trailer storage made it an easy boating/camping vacation spot. Yough lake is small, but fun to explore. Good fishing," shares a camper who appreciated the water activities.
Family-friendly water activities: Natural water features beyond rafting include unique attractions. "Just outside town as you climb the hill, to the left is Sliding Rock. Get there early to get a parking spot...and then look forward to having some serious liquid fun. A natural water slide extends around 100 feet as it winds through the rock. Wear sturdy shorts and shirt...I'd also recommend solid footwear," advises one Kentuck camper.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Scarlett Knob Campground offers secluded camping at affordable rates. "All time favorite campsite yet. Each site is far away other sites you feel alone. Each check in and out. Same building you check in they have ice to buy and some snacks. Limited service at campsite. Small pond in middle of campground - great for fishing," a visitor noted about the campground's layout.
Off-season tranquility: Outflow Camping Area offers strategic positioning along the Great Allegheny Passage trail. "Best in off season. We cold camped, biked, geocached, and chilled here several times," reports a regular visitor who enjoys the quieter camping periods.
Stargazing opportunities: Some campgrounds offer designated areas for night sky viewing. "They have a new bath house which is personal bathroom style and very nice. The star gazing platform leaves a lot to be desired and is in need of repair," mentions a camper at Benner's Meadow Run, highlighting both amenities and astronomy options.
What you should know
Campsite accessibility varies: Not all sites are equally convenient. At Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground, "The entry is strange as we had to block the gated entrance to get to the office to check in. Once past that, the staff was nice and the buildings and properties are well maintained. The sites are very close together with little privacy. We stayed in site 435. The site was sloped pretty bad side to side."
Campground amenities fluctuate: Facilities change with seasons and management decisions. At Kooser State Park, a visitor noted, "It has a pretty decent campground with nice spots. A great area for hiking and taking walks. Pet friendly. Only downfall is that the lake swimming area is closed."
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: Quality differs between campgrounds. "The bath/shower houses could've used a much better cleaning (but were not the worst I've encountered)," reports a visitor to Outflow Camping Area, while another camper at Laurel Hill noted, "The bathhouses themselves were great. The roads were torn up due to the paving project, and the playground area did not look to be maintained."
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park offers extensive facilities for children. "This Yogi Bear campground offers a large waterpark area, large pool, monster truck rides and many activities. You don't have to leave to find something to do, but there are also many local attractions as well. Kids love it here," explains a satisfied family visitor.
Plan meals ahead: Restaurant options close early in the Ohiopyle area. "Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late. There are no grocery stores real close," advises a visitor to Kentuck Campground.
Consider tent pad locations: Site selection matters for tent campers. At Laurel Hill State Park, a visitor observed, "We had to put our tent right on the edge because the rest of the campsite was a little muddy and there were roots sticking up. Some of the sites were on an incline or in the middle of a field—which is good for some. Just make sure you check the pictures so you know what you're getting!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require equipment for leveling. At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, one RVer noted, "The sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites." Similarly, at Kooser State Park, a visitor shared, "My only complaint is that many of the sites are not level at all and take some serious work to get your rig level."
Electric hookup positioning: Check electrical service placement before selecting sites. "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," advises a Laurel Hill camper who visited in June 2024.
RV size considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles. Tub Run provides options for bigger units, as one camper noted, "We camped here with our RV and boat. We stayed creekside to take advantage of the sewer connections. The seasonal campers are super friendly and fun as are the campground hosts. The boat ramp, slips and trailer storage made it an easy boating/camping vacation spot."
