Camping options within 20 miles of Perryopolis, Pennsylvania include both primitive tent sites and full-service facilities across the region's hilly terrain. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 900-1,500 feet, with many positioned along former railroad corridors or waterways. Several free hiker-biker campsites serve travelers along the Great Allegheny Passage trail, while RV resorts offer amenities ranging from basic to comprehensive depending on the season.
What to do
Attend special events: During summer weekends at Fox Den Acres Campground, campers can participate in various organized activities. According to a visitor, "They provide activities almost every evening, making sure everything age range is catered to throughout the week."
Visit Fallingwater: This Frank Lloyd Wright architectural masterpiece is accessible from several campgrounds in the area. "We were there in November with plans to visit Fallingwater. This campground was the perfect location for both activities!" notes a camper at Kentuck Campground.
Bicycle the GAP trail: The Great Allegheny Passage runs through the region, connecting Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Maryland. A cyclist staying at the Roundbottom Campground mentioned, "The only people you will see are the ones who've biked, boated, or walked in."
Water activities: Local rivers provide opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. "We enjoyed being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground... This campground was the perfect location for both activities!" reports a visitor.
What campers like
Natural setting: The wooded environment offers relief from urban areas despite being close to cities. A camper at Fox Den Acres Campground noted, "Although the campground is close to several large cities, it is very relaxed, wooded, and quiet."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high standards of cleanliness. One visitor to Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground remarked, "They have a new bath house which is personal bathroom style and very nice."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer ample room between sites. A tent camper mentioned, "Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away."
Water features: Swimming pools and ponds are available at several locations. A visitor to Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort commented, "The pool & concession stand, beautifully maintained lawns and gravel campsites, modern hookups, good shower/laundry facilities, nice fire rings with built in grills, trash pickup service."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October. The Blue Canoe RV Resort typically closes mid-October, as do many other facilities in the area due to winter conditions.
Water availability: Some primitive sites lack potable water. A hiker at Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground noted, "The well for the campground stated that it was no longer potable... We grabbed water at the last town before the campground."
Train noise: Campgrounds near the GAP trail experience railroad traffic. "One thing to consider with these campgrounds next to the trail is the number of trains that pass by in the night. It's not the train horn but the number of turns in the track and the squealing breaks that keep you up -- so bring good earplugs!"
Grocery access: Food shopping options are limited near many campgrounds. As one camper advised, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers extensive water attractions. A visitor reported, "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."
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with young children. A camper advised, "If you HAVE KIDS young enough to have to keep an eye on the kabins and spots facing the pillow ARE PRIME, kids wait for it to blow up every morning."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing ponds where children can practice. One visitor observed, "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them."
Weekend activity planning: Many campgrounds schedule family-oriented events on weekends. "Mill run by far the best yogi bear/campground we have been to. Second time we have been & they have upgraded the water slides."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have sloped sites requiring additional equipment. A camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA reported, "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped. On my way out I heard they were having someone come in to level the sites."
Shower facilities: Shower availability varies significantly between campgrounds. "The bathrooms and all the bathhouses badly need updating. The paint is peeling, they smell like mildew and the siding is rotting on them. They are clean but the creepy and gross factor are too much."
Pull-through access: Certain campgrounds offer easier access sites. A camper mentioned, "Quiet in the camp but lots of highway noise at night if the breeze is just right. Nice pull-thrus with full hookups for overnights."
Utility hookup variations: Research hookup types before arrival. "The water hookups weren't working at the time, but we were able to connect in Cherry Loop and fill our tank."
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