Glamping near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania blends convenience with natural settings in the Appalachian foothills. The region sits at elevations between 700-1,300 feet and experiences distinct seasonal changes, making late spring through early fall the prime camping season. The Youghiogheny River Valley provides water recreation opportunities at multiple campgrounds within a 90-minute drive of the city.
What to do
Water recreation on the Youghiogheny River: Ohiopyle State Park offers excellent white water rafting options. "A picturesque waterfall, numerous outdoor retailers, bicycle & raft rentals, peaceful trails and a sweet, cutting edge visitor/nature center" make it a versatile destination.
Natural water slides: Just outside Ohiopyle, Sliding Rock provides unique water recreation. "Get there early to get a parking spot…and then look forward to having some serious liquid fun. A natural water slide extends around 100 feet as it winds through the rock."
Biking the GAP trail: The Blue Canoe RV Resort provides direct access to the Great Allegheny Passage trail. "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional campground... For through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp, close to the west-bound entrance."
Explore caves and rock formations: Some parks offer geological exploration opportunities. At Laurel Hill, "there was easy little rocks to boulder and climb! and even a few smaller caves to explore! It was an adventure paradise with a close location to the seven springs ski resort."
What campers like
Secluded creek-side glamping options: Breakneck Campground offers private sites by water. "We were lucky enough to be able to camp down by the stream. There are designated fireplaces. It is quite a walk up the hill to the campground amenities, but worth it to feel secluded down by the creek."
Winter camping availability: Some Pittsburgh-area sites remain open year-round. "We're staying in the winter for a few nights to visit friends who live outside Pittsburgh. Friendly and cozy spot. They've done a great job in the winter despite the frigid weather by using heat tape on the spigots."
Platform camping with views: Several sites offer elevated camping experiences. "The tent camping is either grassy, flat sites or on an elevated timber platform overlooking a gorge. They also offer walk-in tent sites down by the creek which are beautiful."
Morning wildlife viewing: Natural surroundings provide wildlife viewing opportunities. "The whole back area is covered in blackberry bushes and in the morning your awaken by the beautiful sounds of birds singing."
What you should know
Site conditions vary considerably: Keystone State Park Campground has two distinct camping areas. "There are 2 campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The lakeside one is a glorified trailer park and is packed during the summer with no privacy... The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods."
Booking timing matters: Holiday weekends fill quickly at most sites. "Book early if you're planning a weekend trip since these spots fill up fast, especially in summer."
Roads to campgrounds can close: Construction projects may impact access. "No one mentioned that the main road to the campground was also closed due to a separate paving project. This unanticipated road closure with the typically convoluted PA road system detour... infuriated us."
Limited grocery options: Stock up before arrival. "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
Choose sites with planned activities: Family-oriented campgrounds organize regular events. "They provide activities almost every evening, making sure everything age range is catered to throughout the week. There's a predictably overpriced store where you can buy since essentials, and a few luxuries."
Check for playground proximity: Fox Den Acres Campground has organized activities and play areas. "This is a large campground with play grounds, well maintained pool and grounds, fishing, party pavilions, and store. The staff is nice and helpful."
Water activities for children: Many sites have fishing ponds for kids. "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them."
Pet-friendly loops vs. quieter areas: Understand campground layout before booking. "There are two main loops in this campground. One that is pet friendly and more of a pitch-your-tent-in-the-yard thing and another that is pet-free and wooded... Dogs were barking at all hours and there's no privacy."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Tomlinson Run State Park Campground requires preparation. "Most of the camp sites have electricity, but most aren't level. It's the kind of place that has some really great sits and some not so great."
Hookup configurations: Check electrical hookup locations before arrival. "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."
Pull-through site options: Some campgrounds offer easier access. "Very nice and newer campground. Some river sites were small and very un level but was doable."
Laundry facilities: Limited options exist for multi-day stays. "Laundry facilities are the best we have encountered. Big machines and dryers making life easier and less time spent doing laundry."
