RV campgrounds near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania range from state parks to privately-owned facilities within 30 miles of the city. The topography features rolling hills and river valleys with elevations between 700-1,300 feet, creating varied terrain for campsites. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F while spring and fall camping seasons experience temperature ranges from 45-70°F with moderate rainfall.
What to do
Creek exploration: Fombell Landing offers creek access for cooling off in summer months. "Our camp area ended up in at least 6 inches of rushing creek water," notes one camper, highlighting the area's relationship with water features.
Water recreation: At Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins, campers can enjoy lake activities. "Tons of stuff to do here. Very big campground, all kinds of sites. Inflatable slides and such in the lake, hiking trials, playgrounds, all sorts of stuff," explains one visitor.
Star gazing: Set aside time for night sky viewing at campgrounds with less light pollution. "We got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform," notes a camper at Benner's Meadow Run.
Trail hiking: Many Pittsburgh-area campgrounds connect to trail systems. "We did the Palomino Loop. It also was quite interesting getting to the trail. Some nice snow covered back roads," mentions a winter visitor to Raccoon Creek State Park.
What campers like
Swimming options: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground features pool facilities and water recreation. "Great place for kids! Family friendly atmosphere, cordial staff, well run campground. Lots of activities. Tree shaded sites!" reports one reviewer.
Proximity to attractions: Campgrounds serve as bases for visiting regional attractions. "We stayed for 2 nights while we visited Fallingwater and the Flight 93 Memorial. We should have stayed another night so we could visit Fort Necessity NP just down the road but ran out of time," explains a camper at Benner's Meadow Run.
Creek access: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing provides creek-side sites popular with families. "Alot of their sites are along a small creek which the kids play in and can float down. Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek," shares one visitor.
Pet-friendly areas: Designated pet sections accommodate animal companions. "Long holiday weekend trip. Love this park. Designated pet areas, flush toilets and shower house available. Plenty of trails," notes a Memorial Day visitor to Raccoon Creek State Park.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly around Pittsburgh campgrounds. "No phone service at all, no matter the carrier," warns a camper about Austin Lake. Another notes, "If you're on Sprint or T-mobile - there is no service" at Raccoon Creek State Park.
Reservation timing: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "Book early for holidays," advises a camper at Benner's Meadow Run, where summer weekends often reach capacity.
Access road conditions: Raccoon Creek State Park Campground requires careful navigation. "You drive up a long, steep, windy road to the campgrounds, not to mention the drive to get to the town was very out of the way," cautions one visitor.
Extra fees: Some campgrounds charge for amenities. At Austin Lake, a camper warns, "Kayaking, inflatables, beach, but almost anything you want to do will cost you an additional charge. Need to use the bathhouse? Better take quarters...bc the showers are coin operated."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Choose campgrounds with built-in entertainment options. At The Blue Canoe RV Resort (formerly Uniontown KOA), "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground... If you are an RVer and seeking a place to park and ride along this trail, this is a perfect place to have the best of both worlds."
Site selection for kids: Request creek-side or playground-adjacent sites when traveling with children. "My family stayed in one of the cabins while friends were in their campers. 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. We had 8 kids and 8 adults who all had a blast," reports a Mirror Lake visitor.
Safety considerations: Be aware of terrain and water features when camping with young children. "There is a trail that leads down from the tent loop to the beach which is cool but very very steep (not for too young or old)," notes a Raccoon Creek camper.
Entertainment options: Look for campgrounds with recreational facilities. "Wonderful hosts, well maintained, large sites, close to the highway but no road noise. Giant pool opened in the summer," mentions a visitor to Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many Pittsburgh area rv campgrounds have uneven terrain. "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," warns a visitor to Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA.
GPS navigation: Follow campground directions rather than GPS for RV access. "Follow the signs to the campground NOT the GPS in order to avoid some narrow and sharp turn roads," advises an RVer who visited Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA.
Setup timing: Allow extra time for site preparation in hilly areas. "Very steep narrow roads to access campground and sites... sites not level and noisy, next to highway," cautions a Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA visitor.
Size considerations: Check length restrictions before booking. "We were in sight 32 f loop. It is sunny so pick your spots," notes a visitor to Raccoon Creek State Park, where site exposure varies considerably.
