Best Tent Camping near Ohiopyle, PA
Tent campsites surround the Ohiopyle region in southwestern Pennsylvania, with numerous options for primitive camping along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail that runs through the area. Laurel Ridge State Park Campground offers eight camping areas specifically designed for backpackers and primitive tent camping along the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run provides free tent-only sites directly on the GAP Trail around Mile 99, accessible only by foot or bicycle, making it ideal for hikers and bikers seeking walk-in tent locations.
Fire rings and picnic tables are common at most tent campgrounds in the Ohiopyle area, though amenities vary significantly between established and primitive sites. Tent campers should note that many backcountry sites require pack-in/pack-out practices, with limited access to potable water. Round Bottom features raised tent pads and Adirondack shelters, but no reliable drinking water, as one visitor noted that "the hand pump was discolored" and they "filtered water from the river's edge." Sites directly on the GAP Trail often have vault toilets that are regularly maintained, though cleanliness can vary during busy weekends.
Walk-in tent sites along the GAP Trail offer unique riverside camping experiences with varying levels of privacy. A recent review highlighted that Round Bottom Camping Area is "very peaceful and though you can still visually see the GAP Trail, you are not disturbed by passing cyclists." Tent campers frequently use these locations as overnight stops during longer journeys, with grassy areas providing additional space when designated tent pads are occupied. Many primitive tent setups in the region have direct river access for filtering water or cooling off after a day of hiking. One consistent challenge for tent campers is train noise, as tracks often parallel the trail corridors—reviewers frequently recommend bringing earplugs for a better night's sleep at sites like Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground.
