118 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Parkhill, PA range from full-service state park sites with RV hookups and cabins to rustic tent-only areas, giving campers across western Pennsylvania a broad set of options within an hour's drive. Shawnee State Park Campground, open year-round, provides over 300 sites including tent areas, RV hookups, yurts, and cabins across multiple loops. Laurel Hill State Park Campground, situated about 40 miles south, offers gravel sites among wooded terrain. Quemahoning Family Recreation Area in Hollsopple and Prince Gallitzin State Park's Crooked Run Campground provide water-oriented camping options with boat-in access. Most facilities accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more sheltered accommodations.
Reservations are essential during the peak camping season from late April through October, when most campgrounds operate at full capacity. Many state park campgrounds in the region maintain quiet hours from 9pm to 8am and enforce alcohol restrictions, though enforcement varies by location. Highway noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near the Pennsylvania Turnpike. As one camper noted about Shawnee State Park: "Sites are not overly large or private. Has wood vending machine at entrance for firewood. Hiking loop around lake is beautiful." Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with stronger signals at campgrounds closer to towns and limited connectivity in more remote locations. Temperature differences between wooded campsites and surrounding areas can be substantial, with campsites often 5-15 degrees cooler than nearby towns.
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive reviews from visitors to the region. At Seven Points campground on Raystown Lake, campers praise the spacious waterfront sites: "They are all big and private with stunning views of Raystown Lake. There are steps down from your camper to a pad with a fire pit and area for a tent." Bathhouse facilities vary widely across campgrounds, with newer state parks generally offering better amenities. Families particularly appreciate campgrounds with playgrounds, swimming areas, and hiking trails. Several reviewers mention highway noise as a common drawback at otherwise scenic locations. The camping season typically runs from mid-April through mid-October, though some facilities like Shawnee State Park remain open year-round with limited services during winter months.
"Easy walk to beach area and boat launch. Very clean."
"The location on the water adds for a great view. Electric only."
from $20 - $50 / night
Check Availability"it’s small, with shaded sites around the perimeter and two walk in sites just left of the entrance."
"The hiking here is really spectacular with lots of scenery, overlooks, and side trails that extend many miles out into state forest lands which are adjacent to the park."
from $24 - $117 / night
Check Availability"Was pleased by the quiet despite size of campground and proximity to highway. Sites not overly large or private. Has wood vending machine at entrance for firewood."
"The morning drive started early, had several stops and starts, and I was once again glad that my big dog was along for the ride."
from $24 - $122 / night
Check Availability"It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek. Close by is Ligonier, Idlewild, and St. Vincent (where the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp takes place.)"
"Not only were the staff super friendly and helpful, but we were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, everything you want on a spring trip."
"Right on the water, clean, and private access to the lake. Dog friendly cabins were available. We cannot wait to come back."
"The creek surrounding the island does make it cold at night so make sure to pack warmly."
from $44 - $49 / night
Check Availability"This campground is perfect for people who are looking to get away from busy city life or just want to relax next to a lake."
"The site was roomy enough, but next time I know to try to reserve on the outside perimeter for more room. Dogs are permitted in this area of the campground and honestly they were all well behaved."
from $24 - $95 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability"Camped in the Lakeside Loop. This State Park is so Clean! The campground gives you easy access to anything you want to do. Fish, swim, hike, bike, kayak. It can all be done."
"This is our second time staying here - once in Electric site on Lakeside and this time non electric site on Hillside. Love this side of Hillside - quiet and shaded."
from $22 - $117 / night
Check Availability"The lake is separate from the campground, but it is less than a mile away and a reasonable distance walk."
"The site numbering is a bit wonky on the door loop so make sure you look at your map before you start driving the loops."
from $20 - $64 / night
Check Availability
LegendThis quiet campground has plenty of wooded campsites that offer privacy to campers. We were in the electric loop and it can be a bit tight if your rig is larger, and also you need to be prepared to level your rig in several different directions. But all in all, it was a great spot for an overnight day and we even got to check out some of the trails. Very nice park overall.
TravelerStayed one night. Close to Fallingwater and Fort Necessity. The campsite was terrible; close to water and buggy, steep grade required lots of blocking to level the camper and challenging to hook up to the vehicle. Thick canopy kept Starlink from working. The worst part was the bathrooms. The one closest to our spot had no hot water. So we had to walk about a half a mile to two other restrooms and showers within 100 yards of each other. Makes no sense. Anyway, both bathrooms were filthy, had paint peeling everywhere, lots of black mold growing on the ceilings, growing everywhere. No place to hang clothes while taking a shower. One of the two toilets in each of the men’s room was probably 3 feet off the ground. Made for giants I guess! And good luck finding the visitor center. It’s hidden from view and parking is terrible. You’ll have to walk 150 yards from the nearest point of the parking lot to find it. To walk there from the bus and RV parking, add an additional 1/4 mile each way. Be aware that the visitor center store does not accept credit cards. Cash or check only. Who does that? It’s 2026 Pennsylvania!
RangerThe sites and roads are well maintained. Some sites are on hilly roads but are acceptable for tenters. The bathhouse is older but the showers are hot. August 2026
ScoutAdvertised as a family camp but very far from it. I’ve watched this camp progressively get worse as the years go on, over priced camp with zero efforts to make anything worthwhile, run down play grounds, broken toilet paper roll holders in the bathrooms of the shower house, roads that make you feel like your off road. Owner plans “events” and then wants campers to pay for overpriced food. The owner complains nobody comes to events anymore but barely comes to them herself. The owner is VERY money hungry! And most importantly it’s home to a sex offender who the owner cherishes dearly.
It’s a shame to see how many people realized how terrible this camp was and are selling their camps because of it. The owner should open her eyes and realize she’s the reason people don’t want to be there anymore !!!
ScoutWe are here for a month and it feels like we have the place to ourselves!
ScoutCant have no fun or drink.kids get yelled at all the time..owner sneaks around looking in campers at night..they watch every thing you do. Then they throw you out because your having to much fun. Or your up after 10pm..what a joke....please dont do nothing wrong.because.youll be on the shitlist...they are very very racist ,dont ever take a black child or try to get a place to stay or even put a tent up ,cause if your Black ,they tell you their is no room for u or a tent..STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE,ITS A BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES AND THEY DONT WANT NO BLACS IN THEIR CAMP GROOUND AT ALL..GO UP THE ROAD..THEY ARE NICER THERE...
ScoutPerfect little campsite with voting access fishing rod says and very clean showers
TravelerWe love it here so much we almost never leave. There is a creek, playground and games for the kids year round. The lake is great for fishing, boating, swimming and more from March-August usually but even longer this year it seems. They are INCREDIBLY strict about 5mph and I LOVE THAT! My 8 year old can run around and be a kid at camp like I was without me being panicked. They even have events once a month. They are constantly adding and upgrading around the campground. Everything from walk to primitive sites to full hook ups and dry cabins.
Highly recommend for a long or short get away.
Scout,
Camping spots near Parkhill, Pennsylvania spread across the Laurel Highlands region at elevations between 1,200-2,900 feet, creating temperature variations that can be 10-15°F cooler than surrounding areas. The region's waterways include lakes formed by flood control dams constructed in the early-to-mid 1900s. Western Pennsylvania campgrounds typically operate from mid-April through mid-October, with some facilities remaining open year-round with reduced amenities.
Swimming and beach access: Quemahoning Family Recreation Area offers a beach area within easy walking distance from campsites. "Easy walk to beach area and boat launch. Very clean," notes Paul B. The swimming area sits along the shore of Quemahoning Reservoir.
Mountain biking: Trails near Blue Knob State Park Campground provide challenging terrain for cyclists of various skill levels. "Bike trails come directly through the park making it simple to go for a ride but the trails are not for the weak. Lots of climbing or descending and fairly rocky," explains Travis S. Blue Knob contains Pennsylvania's second-highest peak with multiple trail connections.
Fishing: Multiple campgrounds provide fishing access, with Quemahoning Family Recreation Area receiving consistent praise. "Great place for fishing kayaking. Very family oriented," states Kyle K. Campers can fish from shorelines or use electric-only boats on certain lakes.
Waterfront sites: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing provides sites with water views that campers consistently mention in reviews. "The location on the water adds for a great view," writes Theodore C. Many sites allow campers to enjoy lake views directly from their camping spot.
Affordable boat rentals: Laurel Hill State Park Campground offers reasonably priced watercraft rentals. "Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake," says Erik E. The park maintains rental operations during peak season from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Site privacy: Several campgrounds offer secluded sites away from crowds. At Blue Knob State Park, "it's small, with shaded sites around the perimeter and two walk in sites just left of the entrance," notes Travis S. The campground's smaller size contributes to a quieter experience compared to larger facilities in the region.
Site limitations: Many campgrounds have challenging terrain for tent placement. At Laurel Hill State Park, one camper noted: "Unfortunately, it was not great for tent camping as there wasn't really a spot to set up our 4-person tent. We squeezed it in by the fire pit, but if we had wanted to use the fire pit it would have been a fire hazard."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. At Blue Knob State Park, visitors should "be prepared for extremely limited cell service (Verizon)," according to Olivia L. Higher elevation campgrounds often have better reception than those in valleys.
Weather variability: Yellow Creek State Park and similar highland campgrounds experience significant temperature drops after sunset. "The creek surrounding the island does make it cold at night so make sure to pack warmly," advises Abigail about Yellow Creek's island campsite. Temperature drops of 15-20°F between daytime and nighttime are common.
Beach alternatives: Prince Gallitzin State Park's Crooked Run Campground offers family-friendly water access. "Great camp sites and friendly staff," notes Joseph H. The campground includes a designated swimming area separate from fishing zones.
Activity options: Several parks provide diverse recreation beyond just camping. "Great for families to get away. Quiet and scenic, great trails. Close to lake and fishing," writes Natalie L. about Laurel Hill State Park. The park includes volleyball courts, shuffleboard, and geocaching opportunities.
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies across campgrounds. Mirror Lake campers noted: "The cabin was great, very clean and cozy. The campgrounds are very nice they have a pool as well as a community building and camp store." When camping with children, facilities with updated restrooms provide greater comfort for multi-day stays.
Site selection: Shawnee State Park Campground requires careful site selection for larger rigs. "We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating! We moved over one site and it made all the difference," shares Brittany V.
Hookup access: Electric connection placement requires planning at some campgrounds. At Laurel Hill State Park, "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 Erik E.
Leveling challenges: Campground terrain often requires additional equipment. "RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites," notes Kathy L. about Laurel Hill State Park. Carrying extra leveling blocks helps address the uneven terrain common at state park campgrounds in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Parkhill, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Parkhill, PA is Quemahoning Family Recreation Area with a 4.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
What parks are near Parkhill, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Parkhill, PA that allow camping, notably Raystown Lake and Crooked Creek Lake.
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