Dispersed camping options around Garrett, Pennsylvania provide alternatives to established campgrounds in the Allegheny Mountains. The region sits at elevations between 2,000-3,000 feet, with summer temperatures typically cooler than surrounding lowland areas. Nearby forests offer primitive camping with fewer amenities but greater privacy than developed sites, while state parks maintain both rustic and modern camping facilities.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Several campgrounds near Garrett feature well-stocked fishing spots. At Rocky Gap State Park Campground, "the lake provides a great place to fish and the walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk," according to Erik E. The park also offers affordable boat rentals to access more remote fishing areas.
Trail exploration: The region contains extensive hiking networks suitable for various skill levels. Savage River State Forest connects to adjacent parks, as one visitor noted: "There's also plenty of hiking in the park and in the adjacent parks like New Germany state park." The trails accommodate day hikes ranging from 30 minutes to full-day excursions.
Biking on the Great Allegheny Passage: Multiple campgrounds provide direct access to this major trail system. "We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground," reports a visitor at Outflow Camping. The trail follows former railroad routes with gradual elevation changes suitable for recreational cyclists.
What campers like
Spacious, wooded sites: Campers consistently praise the room between sites at certain campgrounds. At Hickory Hollow Campground, "Hickory Hollow's campsites were nicely spaced out, perched on a hillside, but with nice flat pads. The lake and farm country provided a welcoming and relaxing setting." This setup allows for more privacy than many commercial campgrounds.
Convenient water access: Proximity to lakes and streams ranks high in camper satisfaction. "The campground has their own beach so it's not over crowded with the public," notes Katie H. about Rocky Gap State Park. Some sites in Savage River State Forest sit directly beside flowing streams, as one camper mentioned: "We found a site right on a beautiful stream. It was a good sized site with a nice fire circle."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses make extended stays more comfortable. "The bathhouses are always clean and well stocked," reported a Rocky Gap visitor. Another camper at Hickory Hollow noted: "The bathhouse was clean and easy to access," showing the importance of basic amenities even in more rustic settings.
What you should know
Variable cell coverage: Connectivity differs dramatically between campgrounds near Garrett. New Germany State Park has "NO cell coverage, so bring your conversation starters or a book," according to one reviewer. At Laurel Hill, a camper reported "Fleeting cell at best on Verizon," indicating even major carriers have limited reception in the mountainous terrain.
Distance to supplies: Most campgrounds sit far from major shopping areas. "There are no grocery stores real close," warns a reviewer about Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park. Another notes to "Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature sloped terrain requiring preparation. "Many of the sites are not level at all and take some serious work to get your rig level," reports a Kooser State Park visitor. This factor affects both tent and RV camping comfort.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer better play facilities than others. At Rocky Gap, "Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch," mentions a repeat visitor. This allows parents to relax while maintaining visibility of children.
Swimming options: New Germany State Park Campground provides family-friendly water activities. "Nice destination spot if you have children. A great swim area where mom can relax while kids play," according to one reviewer. The lake areas typically feature shallow sections cordoned off for younger swimmers.
Kid-friendly hiking: Several trails accommodate younger hikers. At Rocky Gap, "The 5 mile hike around Lake Habeeb is enjoyable. Great way to see all sides of the park," notes a visitor. The relatively flat lakeside paths work well for families with mixed abilities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Research specific site characteristics before booking. At Kooser 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 a recent visitor. Photos on reservation systems may not show all site details.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access routes. A camper at Pioneer Lakes noted: "The roads are full of potholes going back to the sites," indicating the need for careful driving with larger vehicles. Narrow, winding mountain roads require advance planning for larger rigs.
