Camping near Pittsburgh offers access to diverse recreational areas between 30-60 minutes from downtown. Most sites operate April through October, though select campgrounds remain open year-round. Pittsburgh's camping options range from forested state parks to dedicated bike trail camping with varying levels of development.
What to do
Water activities at Raccoon Creek State Park: The 101-acre lake provides swimming and boating opportunities from late May through early September. The lake is popular for fishing, with one camper noting, "It's a great place to take the dog out to swim and chase geese and ducks. A great little beach area to lay out and enjoy the sun."
Mountain biking on GAP Trail: The GAP Trail Campground caters specifically to cyclists traversing the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage. A cyclist described it as "a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!), and a nice easy introduction to bikepacking camping for the east-bound (the closest to Pittsburgh)."
Hiking at Tomlinson Run: Located about 45 minutes northwest of Pittsburgh, Tomlinson Run State Park Campground offers well-maintained trails through wooded terrain. A visitor mentioned, "Lots of trails to choose from. Some were pretty easy some were a little hilly. My favorite was the fern trail - lots of ferns and a very pretty stream."
What campers like
Elevated views: Mountain Top Campground in Tarentum offers panoramic views from its ridge sites. One camper shared, "Amazing views from this campground! Water and electric available (50 amps), grey sewer available. For the black you can dump here or have someone pump out on Wednesday morning."
Secluded sites: While many Pittsburgh-area campgrounds feature closely spaced sites, some offer more privacy. At Keystone State Park, a reviewer noted, "The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods. There are some very secluded sites."
Free riverside camping: Dravo's Landing Campground provides complimentary camping along the Youghiogheny River for cyclists. A visitor described it as "Free bike-in camp site with water access along the Youghiogheny River. Access from the Allegheny Gap trail. There were a few shelters, nice campsite."
What you should know
Road access challenges: Mountain roads can be difficult for larger rigs. A Mountain Top Campground visitor advised, "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest direction. If you are Overlanding like us just follow the map."
Train noise: Rail lines run parallel to several campgrounds, particularly those along bike trails. A GAP Trail camper warned, "With all this luxury comes an active train too...that's the nature of this trail. Bring those earplugs for a good night's sleep!"
Grocery planning: Limited shopping options exist near many campgrounds. For Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, a camper advised, "It's in the middle of nowhere, but depending on where you wanna go it's either 15-30min drive. Greens burg is where you'll find all your needs like grocery stores."
Tips for camping with families
Free activities: Fox Den Acres Campground provides regular family programming. A reviewer noted, "They provide activities almost every evening, making sure everything age range is catered to throughout the week."
Swimming options: Most state parks with lakes have designated swimming areas, often with additional amenities. At Raccoon Creek State Park, a camper shared, "There is a lake with swimming and kayak rentals."
Tent site selection: For tent campers with children, site privacy varies significantly. One camper cautioned about Raccoon Creek's tent areas: "The area is not wooded at all and most sites look right into the sites next to them. If you are like me and crave privacy, avoid."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain at many Pittsburgh-area campgrounds. A Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA visitor noted, "A dozen or so of the sites are not level, not only that but they are narrow and where you sit is a slope making it very uncomfortable."
Hookup variations: Water, sewer and electrical services differ significantly between campgrounds. At Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park, a camper advised, "We have a wonderful, big electric and water site. Our camper doesn't have a bathroom so we need the bathhouse."
Seasonal limitations: Water systems at many campgrounds shut down during colder months. At Tomlinson Run, a fall visitor noted, "Have to go up to entrance as the water spouts are still shut off."
Traveler
