Best Tent Camping near Point Marion, PA

The Laurel Highlands region surrounding Point Marion, Pennsylvania offers several tent-only camping options along the Youghiogheny River and Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail. Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground, located at mile 99.6 of the GAP Trail, provides free walk-in tent sites with basic amenities. Rhododendron Camping Area in nearby West Virginia features tent campsites with fire rings and picnic tables, situated within walking distance of scenic overlooks. Laurel Ridge State Park Campground, approximately 30 miles east of Point Marion, maintains eight separate primitive tent camping areas along the 70-mile Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, offering backcountry tent camping experiences with minimal facilities.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with vault toilets available at most locations. Potable water is limited at primitive tent sites, particularly at Roundbottom Campground where campers report the well water is not potable and recommend filtering water from the nearby Youghiogheny River. Train noise affects several tent camping areas along the GAP Trail, with campers advising earplugs for overnight stays. Seasonal considerations include higher occupancy during fall foliage season and summer weekends, when tent campsites fill quickly on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tent campers frequently mention the peaceful settings and natural surroundings as highlights of camping in this region. According to reviews, Big Run State Park Campground offers "lots of space between each site" with tent sites positioned along streams providing natural white noise. At Roundbottom Campground, one camper noted that "bicycle traffic was fairly light during the week, so not only did you have the GAP Trail mostly to yourself, the camping areas were either sparsely filled or empty." Indian Creek Camplands provides "good clean and quiet campsites" for tent campers seeking seclusion. The walk-in tent sites throughout the region offer a more authentic outdoor experience than developed campgrounds, with direct access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Best Tent Sites Near Point Marion, Pennsylvania (21)

    1. Rhododendron Camping Area

    3 Reviews
    Dellslow, WV
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (304) 594-1561

    $25 - $35 / night

    "There is a bathhouse located closest to site 5 with trails from other sites to get there. The facilities are always clean- no shower available."

    "There was a fire place and a picnic table and an area to park your car. It was walking distance to the beautiful overlook and a great price for what you get."

    2. Camp Ara

    2 Reviews
    Grafton, WV
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (757) 652-4777

    $20 - $150 / night

    "Beautiful lake for canoeing and fishing and the hiking and mountain bike trails are amazing! Cant wait to go back!"

    3. Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run

    1 Review
    Perryopolis, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 872-5586

    "Being positioned directly off the GAP Trail grants easy access to those traveling the trail. "

    4. Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm

    1 Review
    Belle Vernon, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 989-6004

    $100 - $150 / night

    "We're happy to welcome your host, Laurel, to our platform. This is a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains."

    5. Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground (GAP Trail)

    1 Review
    Perryopolis, PA
    25 miles
    Website

    "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"

    6. Possum Tail Farm Camp

    1 Review
    Terra Alta, WV
    27 miles
    +1 (304) 857-2608

    $55 / night

    "We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. Camp in the heart of this farm close to a pond. Book your stay and come back here to leave them some love."

    7. Indian Creek Camplands Inc

    1 Review
    Normalville, PA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 455-7900

    8. Oakdale Village

    Be the first to review!
    Fairmont, WV
    21 miles
    +1 (304) 534-1162

    9. Laurel Ridge State Park Campground

    2 Reviews
    Normalville, PA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 455-3744

    "Laurel Ridge State Park is the greenway that protects the legendary Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail from the busy world around it."

    "It is a beautiful wooded park offering lots of trees for privacy. I wish I had more time to explore the park before moving on. The bathhouse could use a renovation. It felt old and kind of dirty."

    10. Big Run State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Bloomington, MD
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 895-5453

    $10 - $55 / night

    "The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."

    "Unfortunately, someone moved our picnic table to the next site. Too lazy to move it. Pit toilets were pretty clean. Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Point Marion, PA

610 Reviews of 21 Point Marion Campgrounds


  • Jean C.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2021

    Horseshoe Recreation Area

    Fish, hike, relax or seek river adventures

    This is a remote riverside campground with great fishing opportunities for catch and release(check the requirements for license/stamps; I included a picture of a sign). One loop comes with water/electic hookups($7 more) the others are primitive. If you use solar, ironically, the sites around the loop/with electric, are your best bet as there is a large open field in the middle; a second loop contains more primitive sites and some walk-in sites with parking near the bathroom. Parking pads are large and generally level. There are vault toilets and some flush toilets. No cell service(Verizon). Sites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring with grate, and lantern post. The prices for firewood are among the highest I’ve seen at$10/bundle. Camp store has limited hours, but ice and firewood are available. 

    You may have day visitors here to fish, swim, or picnic at one of the two pavilions. In addition to fishing, you may find it refreshing to swim/wade in the river, but I would definitely want water shoes to protect my feet. Interested in more adventure on the river? Head about 15 minutes down the road to St George where outfitters can set you up for both flatwater and whitewater activities on the Cheat River, depending on your preference, age, and water level.

  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Kooser State Park Campground

    Small Shaded Park

    Kooser State Park is a small campground nestled in the Laurel Highlands, close to Hidden Valley and Seven Springs ski resorts. The park has great amenities just a short walk from all sites. All sites have fire rings, with grills, however note they are double walled so do not expel a lot of heat outward. Great for cooking however. 

    Most sites are not level, but very grassy. Firewood is available at the entrance for$5 bundle supporting a local club. A beautiful walk through the park leads you to the Kooser Lake, great for fishing. It is also close to the Laurel Hill State Park which is great for hiking and water activities. The park is close to the road so you will experience some road noise. 

    The park is 15min from Somerset. No phone reception at this one! They welcome all furry friends!

  • K
    Jul. 27, 2022

    Swallow Falls State Park Campground

    Great camping near falls

    Clean, beautiful and quiet (occasional barking dog or children playing loudly). The basic tent sites each have a picnic table, fire pit w/ grill, and lantern post. The trails to the beautiful falls are a short walk from the campgrounds.

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake

    Great Tenting, Little Busy

    8/14/2025

    USACE-managed campground with hosts who are on-site all season. Nice sites (easy staking) with picnic tables and fire pits, plus a camp store for firewood and other supplies (got there too late to check it out though). A little crowded with what seemed like folks who stay there for a hefty chunk of the season, and the sites are pretty close together, but there weren't any issues with rowdy folks - it seems like the hosts keep things in order/enforce quiet hours if necessary. 

    Drinking water right next to the site (37) as well as a trail to a restroom - I think there's a shower on the other loop/section. 

    $22 for a basic (non-electric) tent site.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2022

    Pioneer Park Campground

    Close to Flight 93 Memorial

    PROS 

    Able to reserve 129 days prior to arriving 

    Melissa at check-in was very friendly and helpful 

    Good overnight stop to visit Flight 93 Memorial 22 miles from campground 

    Site #391 level 

    Gravel site surrounded by grass 

    Moveable wooden picnic table 

    Large concrete fire ring 

    Clean toilet-shower building that are heavily used 

    Mostly quiet except for road noise 

    Firewood for sale in Park

    CONS 

    No discount 

    Site #391 no shade 

    Park cable connection failed 

    Sewer connection“up hill” 

    Never found trash dumpster and wasn’t marked on campground map 

    Very loud radio station blaring in the toilet/shower building that could be heard outside the building 

    2 bars Verizon 

    No WIFI

  • Olivia M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2019

    Coopers Rock State Forest

    Beautiful Mountains

    We often do dispersed, leave no trace, primitive camping throughout the state forest. There are wonderful, well maintained trails throughout. If you want to dive into nature within a 30 minute drive from Morgantown, this is your place to go. Take the scenic hike to raven’s rock for views that will not disappoint.

  • Danielle S.
    Apr. 16, 2019

    Coopers Rock State Forest

    Go all the way up the hill

    We stayed here 9/2018 at site #10 and can't wait to return. There is a small campground just by the entrance that has a small store and electric sites with RV hookups. Site 10 was at the campground at the top of the hill, sparsely populated, and had beautiful views beyond the trees. There were toilets and drinking water, but no electricity.  The bathrooms do not have lighting so bring a headlamp or flashlight. Each site had a fire ring and a picnic table. Trails were well maintained, but be warned that the overlook is crowded.

  • Dave V.
    Aug. 26, 2017

    Five River Campground

    Hidden Oasis at the edge of town

    Five River Campground, Parsons WV...a hidden oasis!

    John and Joyce, are wonderful owners, caretakers and hosts (and have travelled to many an interesting and exciting destination themselves if you can get them to sharing).

    Interestingly, they bought this parcel of land 14 years ago purely to host Bluegrass festivals...(which, by the way, they do quite successfully... nominated this year of "2017" as one of the five finalists as the best Bluegrass Festivals in the world, not yet decided at the time of this review).

    If you are a BG fan, you can join thousands of attendees here at Five River Campground from over ten countries (seriously! Like Tahiti, Sweden, Germany, Holland and such), if not, choose a different week to visit...because they jam 24/7. Over 3500 festival attendees, 1500 camped at this campground.

    We visited two weeks after said festival and were one of two tent campers along Shavers Fork River (one of the feeders that comprise the Cheat River).

    The Five River Campground is not huge, nor comprised of vast acreage but appears visually large. If you are a tent camper, it's perfect on slow days and weekends. My thought is, with so many big name sensational campgrounds in WV to chose from and absent advertising, Five River Campground rarely gets a second look.

    It sets at the end of a side street (Walnut St) at the edge of town (Parsons). A small, quaint mountain town. As we made the turn off 219, a group of townsfolk were involved in a cakewalk outside a historic community building. Gotta love close, small town community.

    There are no actual designated tent sites which is part of its beauty. You simply locate a spot of your choosing along a half mile grassy stretch of river and set up camp, give Joyce a call and they come to you. At this writing, tent sites are $15 nightly. They drop off a fire ring and grate...and firewood ($5 a bundle) should you desire).

    with our tent sitting five feet off a gurgling river with mountains as your backdrop, well...it just doesn't get much better or tranquil.

    The RV/Camper section is separate and two rolling knolls away so you neither see nor hear them if you are camped on the river.

    A meticulously clean showerhouse/restroom/laundry building is centrally located and closer to the RV/Camper sites. RV/Camper sites have power and water. Tent sites do not. In fact, tent sites might be considered primitive, possessing no picnic table...perfect for me! Water spigot and outside dish washing sink are also located by the shower house.

    We chose a small cluster of trees beside the river so I could string a tarp and hammocks (it does seem to shower quite a bit in WV).

    It should be noted, the tent sites along the river do not offer much privacy from each other in the way of foliage or natural visual barriers...distance is your privacy.

    We visited on a weekend and there was only one other tent camper, quite a distance away in the other cluster of trees.

    The river melody is loud enough to drown out most other distant noises. Our stay was peaceful and serene.

    Fishing on the river is popular (and successful) with a WV license. The Shavers Fork river (a Cheat River tributary) is also ideal for rafting, tubing and paddling. Most will take out 11 miles downriver before class 3 rapids (and higher) begin.

    Five River Campground was the ideal choice for a weekend stay before venturing to Dolly Sods Wilderness for a long backpacking trip. Plus it is one of the only campgrounds in all of WV where you have cell service...and wifi!

    A campground I will definitely look forward to returning to.

  • Lauren R.
    Jun. 16, 2020

    Five River Campground

    Family Friendly & Base for Outdoor Adventures

    This was our first trip to Five River Campground, and we loved it! Beautiful spot on the river— only tent camping in a huge field separated us from the water. The interior was more crowded and didn’t have a view; but Joyce helped us pick a beautiful spot when we called for reservation. 

    Everyone was super friendly and helpful as we learn to set up our new teardrop to the full hook ups. John delivered firewood right to our site, and they texted the hours of the trading post store. Lots of happy, courteous kids and well-behaved dogs on leashes. Our pups loved it, especially swimming! We appreciated the poop bags and trash cans convos fly located around the campground. There are a ton of hikes within 30 minutes, and we checked out Douglas Falls. Next time, we’ll visit Lindy Observation deck and more of Blackwater Falls State Park. Grocery store, gas station and a family dollar all within a 5 min drive or walk.


Guide to Point Marion

Tent camping near Point Marion, Pennsylvania offers a variety of scenic spots where nature enthusiasts can set up camp and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from private to public campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Camp Ara, campers can enjoy drinking water, electric hookups, and hot showers, making for a comfortable stay.
  • Rhododendron Camping Area provides picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars.
  • For a more rustic experience, Possum Tail Farm Camp offers a peaceful setting with firewood available and a welcoming atmosphere for pets.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $50

Tips for tent camping near Point Marion

  • Be prepared for a variety of terrains; Indian Creek Camplands Inc features secluded sites that may not be perfectly level but offer a clean and quiet environment.
  • If you're looking for a unique experience, consider Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm, where you can enjoy a cannabis-friendly atmosphere and participate in activities like goat yoga.
  • Always check for water availability; while Rhododendron Camping Area has water hookups, other sites may require you to bring your own.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Point Marion, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Point Marion, PA is Rhododendron Camping Area with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Point Marion, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Point Marion, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.