Camping options surrounding Plum, Pennsylvania range from rustic tent sites to fully-equipped RV destinations within a 30-mile radius. The region sits where the Allegheny Plateau meets the Appalachian Mountains, creating varied terrain with elevations between 700-1,200 feet. Weather conditions fluctuate significantly, with winter lows frequently below freezing and summer temperatures averaging in the mid-80s, requiring campers to pack accordingly for their chosen season.
What to do
Waterfront activities at Crooked Creek Lake: The small beach and picnic facilities provide day-use options for campers. "The lake is great for kayaking or small boats. We fish and kayak the creek opposite the lake," notes Jennifer P., who stayed at Crooked Creek Lake.
Disc golf and family games: Some campgrounds offer built-in recreation beyond hiking. "The area is beautiful. Nice beach, boat ramps, disc golf, corn hole at campground with kid playground," writes Keith, another Crooked Creek Lake visitor.
Bike access on the Great Allegheny Passage: Several campgrounds connect directly to this major trail system. "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground," mentions a review from Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park.
Train spotting from your camp: Many campgrounds in the region sit near active train lines. Dravo's Landing campers note the railway proximity: "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."
What campers like
Mountain views: Sites with elevated perspectives receive consistent praise. "You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond," writes Jennifer H. about Mountain Top Campground.
Year-round accessibility: Unlike many seasonal options, some campgrounds operate continuously. "Open year round," James B. notes about Mountain Top Campground, where he appreciated the "amazing views at this mountain top campsite" and "level gravel lots with wood boarders."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers can find no-cost sites. "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," shares lauren C. about Dravo's Landing Campground.
Quiet settings close to urban areas: Despite proximity to cities, some campgrounds maintain peaceful environments. "Although the campground is close to several large cities, it is very relaxed, wooded, and quiet," reports harley about Fox Den Acres Campground.
What you should know
Tent site configurations vary significantly: Not all tent sites are created equal. "Mostly an RV campground, but several tent sites. Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight," notes Dena L. about Fox Den Acres.
Limited winter camping options: Seasonal restrictions apply to most campgrounds. "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," explains Zachary H. from Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Shower facilities require preparation: Campground bathroom quality differs widely. "Bring a quarter for a 10 minute shower! There's one 1950's bathhouse with a few stalls for hundreds of RV sites but they figure you're self-contained I suppose," advises Kathryn about Fox Den Acres.
Noise considerations: Between highways and railways, sound can be an issue. "Quiet in the camp but lots of highway noise at night if the breeze is just right," notes a Fox Den Acres reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Finding sites near play areas helps with supervision. "We had the most amazing time on my first tent camping at Racoon Creek. We made a fire, hiked by the moonlight and swam at the warm lake at night," shares Mariana N. from Raccoon Creek State Park Campground.
Swimming options: Water features rate highly with families. "Raccoon Lake is not far from the campground. It has a lovely medium-sized beach with hills in the background. You can rent canoes and kayaks from a stand nearby," notes Jim L., who calls Raccoon Creek State Park "my go to spot for camping when I have to just get away from it all."
Weekend activities: Some campgrounds offer structured entertainment. "They provide activities almost every evening, making sure everything age range is catered to throughout the week," explains Heather H. about Fox Den Acres Campground.
Tips from RVers
Grey water management: Mountain Top Campground offers a unique solution for longer stays. "Since they sit atop the mountain, the grey water hookup is a long hose that has an adapter which hooks up to your black and grey tank outlet and it runs down the hillside of the mountain into the grassy area," explains Dave.
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared with proper equipment. "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," reports Patience W. about Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Access route considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging approaches. "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest route in," recommends Corey L. about Mountain Top Campground, located 20 minutes from Pittsburgh.
