Ohiopyle camping areas sit within Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands at elevations between 1,200 and 2,800 feet, creating distinct temperature variations that affect camping comfort. The region's microclimate typically runs 5-10 degrees cooler than Pittsburgh, with summer nights often dropping into the 50s even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. Most campgrounds near Ohiopyle remain open from mid-April through October, with limited winter camping options available.
What to do
River activities: Access points at multiple campgrounds. At Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground, campers enjoy water-based recreation within walking distance. "We went to Benner's meadow the end of September. Not many people were there and the seasonal campsites were mostly closed up for the winter. This was our first big trip with two large dogs and it did not disappoint," notes Emily L.
Mountain biking: Trails connect to several campsites. The Great Allegheny Passage trail system provides excellent cycling opportunities directly from Outflow Camping. One reviewer explains, "Great little campground for smaller groups/families/couples! Very good environment right next to the GAP. Right on the river and was nice and quiet!"
Rock climbing: Multiple difficulty levels within 30 minutes. Coopers Rock State Forest offers accessible climbing options. "I have been going her for years and I always love to climb this area. The pitches arent too high (50ft) but great just to get out there an enjoy life!" says Nick P. The area features beginner to intermediate routes on natural sandstone formations.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Natural separation between campsites. Scarlett Knob Campground receives praise for its layout. Bradley B. notes, "We spent a couple nights here tent camping. It's very cheap and rustic. The sites are pretty spread out and full of trees. So for tent camping it is fantastic. Each site feels very private and the atmosphere is great."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk activity near campsites. Many campgrounds offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, campers report frequent sightings. One visitor mentioned, "Wildlife encounters are common in the wooded camping areas, requiring vigilant leash control, especially at dawn and dusk when deer are most active."
Late season camping: Reduced crowds after Labor Day. Tall Oaks Campground provides excellent fall camping options. "Just the spot we were looking for! Last minute getaway with my two young kids over the holiday weekend and wanted somewhere close to Ohioplye. The nice people gave us a great spot in the woods, very private and room for the kids to explore," shares Tom C.
What you should know
Campground terrain: Many sites built on slopes. At Kooser State Park Campground, site levelness can be challenging. Kevin E. explains, "My only complaint is that many of the sites are not level at all and take some serious work to get your rig level. The campground is close to many places in the Laurel Highlands which makes it convenient."
Limited services: Grocery options restricted. Several campgrounds lack comprehensive stores. Robert C. from Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park advises, "This is a very nice campground. 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."
Road access limitations: Some areas have seasonal closures. Unexpected detours can affect arrival times. As one camper noted, "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."
Bathroom facilities vary widely between campgrounds. Some locations offer modern amenities while others provide basic services. Bradley B. reports about Scarlett Knob, "Facilities are not kept up so they are dirty and need some love. There is one spot with a flushable toilet and it's a bit of a walk. The pit toilets are actually pretty ok."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Kid-friendly swimming areas. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers extensive water recreation. Erik W. shares, "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 & the original 2 big water slides in woods."
Camp programs: Scheduled activities for different ages. Organized events keep children engaged at many campgrounds. Tina L. reports, "We visited this campground 3 years ago and had an absolute blast!! We ended with a very private tent site with no amenities but around the corner from a pavilion with an outside washing station and flush toilets."
Wildlife education: Ranger-led programs on weekends. Several parks offer educational sessions about local fauna. "Wildlife encounters are common in the wooded camping areas," notes one camper, making these areas excellent for nature lessons.
Weather preparation: Temperature swings affect comfort. The region's elevation creates significant day-to-night temperature changes. Packing appropriate clothing ensures comfort for all family members throughout the day.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Research hookup locations before booking. At Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run, site positioning matters. Kathy G. advises, "We camped here with our RV and boat. We stayed creekside to take advantage of the sewer connections. Had a great time. The seasonal campers are super friendly and fun as are the campground hosts."
Elevation considerations: Steep access roads at some campgrounds. Several locations require careful navigation. "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," notes Joni P. about Benner's Meadow Run.
Off-season availability: Limited winter camping options. Most campgrounds close by mid-October. Jim and Nancy C. report, "We stayed for 2 nights while we visited Fallingwater and the Flight 93 Memorial. We should have stayed another night so we could visit Fort Necessity NP just down the road but ran out of time."
Hookup variations: Water access often separate from sites. Adam and Suzanne B. found at Outflow Camping that "The sites are gravel and level. Most only have 30 amp electric hookup but water can be filled at the 'gatehouse' (for lack of better description). There are 3-4 full hookup and a few 50 amp."
Legend
