Tent camping near Plum, Pennsylvania centers primarily along the Youghiogheny River corridor, which runs through elevations between 720-800 feet with typical summer temperatures reaching 85°F. Campers access most sites via the Great Allegheny Passage, a rails-to-trails conversion with a characteristic crushed limestone surface. Train noise occurs regularly along the river corridor with freight trains operating 24 hours daily.
What to do
River access: Dravo's Landing Campground provides direct access to the Youghiogheny River for swimming and water filtering. According to Lauren C., "Free bike-in camp site with water access along the Youghiogheny River. Access from the Allegheny Gap trail."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk offer opportunities to spot deer, including occasional albino fawns at Mountain View Camps. Richard C. notes campers can "explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn."
Mountain biking: Several trail systems connect to camping areas, with technical single-track options. Richard C. recommends you "hit the mountain bike track" near Mountain View Camps, which offers proximity to multiple difficulty levels.
Historic exploration: Several campsites feature nearby historic structures or ruins. Lauren C. mentions Dravo's Landing is "close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire."
What campers like
Shelter options: Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground provides both tent sites and Adirondack-style shelters. Shari G. describes the layout: "This is one of the only free hiker-biker campgrounds along the GAP trail (mile 99.6), and it is laid out similarly to the Dravo Campground, with lean-tos, picnic tables, firepits and lots of spaces for tents."
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer ample room between sites and space for larger groups. Sarah Q. reports on Dravo's Landing: "We camped out overnight with a group of 14 people, and there was plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars."
Wildlife encounters: Raccoons frequently visit camps along the river. Sarah Q. cautions, "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
Maintenance quality: Volunteer groups maintain most primitive sites. Shari G. notes, "The local volunteer group also keeps the free wood pile stocked and ready to go" at Dravo's Landing.
What you should know
Water availability: The GAP Trail Campground provides reliable drinking water, but many sites require filtration. Shari G. notes about Roundbottom: "The well for the campground stated that it was no longer potable. My guess is that this is simply because the volunteer organization which maintains this campground lacks the funds for testing."
Train noise: All riverside campsites experience significant train noise. Shari G. warns, "It's not the train horn but the number of turns in the track and the squealing breaks that keep you up -- so bring good earplugs!"
Site access limitations: Most primitive sites require hiking or biking in. Christopher M. describes Indian Creek Camplands as "Good spot, just beyond owners side yard. Not the most level areas but good clean and quiet campsites."
Reservation requirements: Policies vary by location. Laurel Ridge State Park requires advance reservations at $12 per night for its eight camping areas, while most GAP trail sites operate first-come, first-served.
Tips for camping with families
Bring water treatment: Children typically consume more water than adults, so bring filtration systems when staying at sites without potable water. At Roundbottom, Shari G. reports they "grabbed water at the last town before the campground."
Accessibility considerations: Some campgrounds require significant hiking. Brian S. recommends for Laurel Ridge State Park Campground: "I highly recommend hiking in from the northern end of the trail near Johnstown to the first camping area along the trail."
Pack food properly: Wildlife-proof food storage prevents nighttime visits. Sarah Q. learned this at Dravo's Landing: "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
Weekend planning: Weekdays offer quieter experiences. Brian S. advises about Laurel Ridge: "This trail is especially popular in October and on long weekends, so if you're coming to the woods for solitude or silence, avoid those times."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping in the Plum area cannot accommodate RVs due to access restrictions. The GAP Trail's crushed limestone surface prevents most RV access to riverside camping.
Site levelness challenges: Where RVs are permitted, bring leveling blocks. Christopher M. notes Indian Creek Camplands has "Not the most level areas but good clean and quiet campsites."
Nearby amenities: Most tent camping areas lack RV hookups, but Lake Eron Park offers tent sites and cabins with access to showers, drinking water, and picnic tables, providing a compromise for mixed camping groups.
