Recreational vehicle camping near Ohiopyle offers diverse terrain across the Laurel Highlands region at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 feet. Seasonal temperature variations affect camping conditions significantly, with summer highs averaging 80°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area sit along waterways, providing both fishing opportunities and potential flood concerns during heavy rainfall periods.
What to do
Fishing access: 30 minutes from campground: Tub Run Recreation Area offers direct lake access with boat ramps and shoreline fishing spots. "We camped here with our RV and boat. We stayed creekside to take advantage of the sewer connections. Good fishing. The campground is very clean and well maintained," notes a visitor at Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run.
Biking on the GAP Trail: Access directly from campground: The Great Allegheny Passage bike trail runs through several campgrounds. "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground. The seasonal RVers and weekend warriors have long claimed their sites, but for through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp," reports one cyclist at The Blue Canoe RV Resort.
Water park activities: Onsite at campground: Multiple water features provide summer entertainment for families. "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," mentions a reviewer at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Daily maintenance: Campground cleanliness ranks high among camper preferences. "Bathhouses are kept clean. Ice and firewood are available on site," notes a visitor at Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run. Another camper adds, "The bathrooms were awesome and kept very clean. Having firewood and ice at the front along with a small store was also a bonus."
Family-oriented activities: Scheduled events: Organized activities for children make family camping more enjoyable. "They have actives for the kids and the pool is great," says a reviewer at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run. Another mentions, "We ended up on a grassy hill in the back. The spot was so unlevel there were 19 inches between my bottom step and the ground," highlighting importance of site selection at Pioneer Lakes RV Park.
Privacy options: Wooded sites available: Some Ohiopyle rv campgrounds offer secluded camping spaces away from busier areas. "We are avid tent campers and loved that we had a very private and secluded spot," reports a camper at Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run.
What you should know
Campground road conditions: Prepare for rough terrain: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful navigation. "Tub Run Road is a rough (but pretty) ride to the campground. Once you hit the property, everything is well-maintained," warns a camper at Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run.
Seasonal water levels: Check before visit: Lake levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting water activities. "Unfortunately the lake was dried up — which the folx at the reservations site warned us about — so the campground was pretty meh without that," notes a disappointed visitor.
Site layout variations: Request specific areas: Campground sections often offer different experiences. "Our tent sites were very nice sitting on raised mounds so you would stay fairly dry if it rained," explains a camper at Tub Run Recreation Area, while another advises, "If you go and are ok with a rustic site, I would suggest the lakefront sites overlooking the field and beach."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Arrange around weather: Schedule indoor and outdoor activities based on forecasts. "We visited this campground 3 years ago and had an absolute blast!! We stayed for 4 days and 3 nights! My children still talk about the fun we had!!" shares an enthusiastic parent at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run.
Playground safety: Check equipment condition: Inspect play areas before letting children use them. "The playground area is unsafe. The wood on the playsets are falling apart and splintering. I had to pull alot of splinters out of my childs hands and feet," cautions a visitor at Pioneer Lakes RV Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Multiple options available: Many campgrounds offer dedicated children's facilities. "So much to do for the kids. Clean and well kept," reports a visitor at Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground, while another adds, "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had a amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform. Kids had a great time and lots of activities for them to do!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Bring blocks: Uneven sites require preparation. "This is a former KOA campground, but still has the same management. The good: pretty campground, clean and nice amenities," notes a camper at The Blue Canoe RV Resort, while another mentions, "Some river sites were small and very un level but was doable."
Seasonal operations: Check opening dates: Many RV parks close during winter months. "Wonderful hosts, well maintained, large sites, close to the highway but no road noise. Giant pool opened in the summer," reports a camper at Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort.
Loop selection: Request specifics when booking: Campground sections vary in privacy and amenities. "Creekside sites felt smaller and more crowded than lakeside sites, which open onto the beach and lake," advises an RVer at Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run.
