Campgrounds near Plum, Pennsylvania provide RV sites, tent camping, and cabins within 20 to 45 minutes of Pittsburgh. The region features rolling hills at elevations between 700-1,200 feet with mature hardwood forests. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though Mountain Top Campground and Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort offer year-round camping options.
What to do
Swimming access: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground maintains a clean pool and water activities for families. "Kids had a great time and lots of activities for them to do," notes one visitor who stayed with children.
Fishing opportunities: Ponds and lakes at several campgrounds stock fish for campers. At The Blue Canoe RV Resort, visitors enjoy riverside fishing. "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids," reports one camper.
Biking on the GAP Trail: Several campgrounds provide direct access to the Great Allegheny Passage trail. "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground. The seasonal RVers and weekend warriors have long claimed their sites, but for through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp," explains a cyclist who stayed at The Blue Canoe.
Star gazing platforms: Some campgrounds offer dedicated areas for night sky viewing. "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform," shares a Benner's Meadow Run visitor.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Raccoon Creek State Park Campground offers larger camping areas. "Most sites are spacious! Only downside is you can hear the airport. Not a huge deal though!" reports a recent visitor.
Pet-friendly areas: Several campgrounds accommodate pets with dedicated zones. "Loop F is pet friendly," notes one visitor about Raccoon Creek State Park, which also features "clean restrooms with good showers."
Seasonal activities: Campgrounds organize events throughout the camping season. At Fox Den Acres Campground, "They provide activities almost every evening, making sure every age range is catered to throughout the week."
Family gatherings: The layout of campgrounds accommodates group camping. "My family stayed in one of the cabins while friends were in their campers. The cabin was great, very clean and cozy," explains a visitor to Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing.
What you should know
Summer reservations: Book early, especially for summer weekends and holidays. "Book early for holidays," advises a repeat visitor to Benner's Meadow Run.
Water pressure issues: Some campgrounds experience utility challenges during busy weekends. Shower access can sometimes be limited, so ask about facilities when booking.
Varying site privacy: Campground layouts differ significantly across the region. At Raccoon Creek, "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."
Fees beyond site rental: Some campgrounds charge additional costs for services. At Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, one camper noted "My only negative would be extra costs" when describing their family weekend.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds feature multiple recreation options. At Mirror Lake, families enjoy "playing on the playground, floating down the creek, swimming in the pool, riding bicycles etc."
Playground access: When selecting a site with children, choose locations near play areas. "Front desk staff were knowledgeable and helpful. We had some issues with our power, and Larry was at our site within minutes to fix it. Big open dog park!" noted one visitor about campground amenities and staff response.
Campground organized events: Weekend activities provide entertainment. "Saturday night was a fun DJ. The facilities are very clean," reports a visitor who appreciated the organized events.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds have terrain challenges for younger children. At Raccoon Creek, "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)."
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: RV parks in Plum, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas often have varying site conditions. When arriving at Fox Den Acres Campground, one RVer found "The sites in the lower field, where I was, were roomy and level and all pull-throughs."
Grey water disposal: Many campgrounds offer specialized hookups for grey water. "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 a visitor to Mountain Top Campground.
Access challenges: Large RVs face navigation issues on mountain roads. "Very steep narrow roads to access campground and sites..sites not level and noisy, next to highway," warns a visitor about Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA.
Seasonal limitations: Winter camping options require advance planning. Only select RV parks remain open year-round, with Mountain Top Campground and Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort being the primary options for winter stays.
