Petersburg area campsites vary in terrain from low-lying waterfront spots to higher-elevation wooded sites with different drainage characteristics. Cell service remains spotty throughout the region, with Verizon offering the most reliable coverage across most campgrounds. Tent campers will find specific challenges regarding site selection due to the clay soil composition that can hold water after heavy rains.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Near Mosquito Lake State Park Campground, anglers target multiple species throughout the seasons. The large lake supports various fishing techniques, though summer algae can create challenges. "If you fish or boat, there isn't a lot to do. Very little, if any cell service," notes camper Mary S., highlighting the park's fishing-focused nature.
**Wildlife viewing: Wildlife observation remains popular beyond the Pymatuning spillway. At Jamestown Campground, campers report "bald eagles sit in the trees not at all bothered by us. Amazing," according to visitor Mary M., making this a prime location for birders who bring binoculars.
**Archery practice: For campers with archery equipment, Mosquito Lake provides dedicated facilities. "We like to bring our bows and use the archery range," shares Karen D., making this one of the few camping areas with this specialized recreational option.
Biking opportunities: The campgrounds offer varying biking experiences based on terrain. At Jamestown Campground, campers can "bike down to the beach for swimming" and connect to longer regional trails. As Leah L. notes, "we took our bikes to Meadville to do the Ernst bike trail, a paved, flat, easy 6.3 mile cycling trail through the woods and along the river."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds feature generously sized sites, particularly at Rocky Springs Campground. According to Judy B., "Large sites" are standard, with "mostly seasonal, and about 20 others, including pull-through" options available. This provides more privacy than many public campgrounds in the region.
Clean facilities: Shower and restroom quality varies significantly between parks, but some maintain high standards. At Mercer-Grove City KOA, "Bathrooms were nice and clean" according to Nicole W., while Shenango Campground receives mixed reviews on facility maintenance.
Lake proximity: Many campers prioritize water access directly from their sites. At Linesville Campground, site selection determines water views. "The Linesville Campground is a mid-sized state park campground with level, wooded sites, right on the Pymantuning Lake," explains Britt B., noting the "short walk to the marina which hires boats and sells snacks and fuel."
Seasonal community: For campers seeking established relationships, certain campgrounds foster long-term communities. Rocky Spring Campgrounds visitor Tadd and Justin notes, "Most of the campground is made up of seasonal campers. In fact, we liked it so much after a week long visit, we signed up for a seasonal site for the 2021 season."
What you should know
Site drainage issues: Heavy rains can impact camping conditions, particularly in low-lying areas. At Mosquito Lake State Park, one camper reported, "Unfortunately our campsite was under water due to the extensive rains recently this past week and spring overall." Sites on higher ground typically drain better.
Water quality varies: Water clarity and condition fluctuate seasonally in the lakes. "The algae was kind of thick, which made fishing impossible, so we stopped bringing the kayak," notes Rose S. regarding Mosquito Lake during summer months.
Reservation timing matters: Holiday and summer weekends fill quickly, especially for lakefront sites. At RV Village Camping Resort, marcell E. notes they were fortunate when "They took us in at last minute on Memorial Day weekend and then we got the greatest spot available for a very reasonable price."
Site descriptions can be misleading: What appears as "waterfront" may have limitations. At Jamestown Campground, Casey L. discovered: "We booked a waterfront site and were disappointed to learn that was not actually the case. There was a little bit of a swampy area behind us but the lake was further away."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: For families with young children, site selection near play areas makes supervision easier. At Goddard Park Vacationland, "The pool and playground are awesome for the kiddos," according to Zachariah W., though he notes "daily sites are a bit tight which lends to noisy evenings past quiet hours."
Bike-friendly loops: Families with children benefit from flat campground loops. Mosquito Lake camper Heidi B. observes, "Campground is flat and great for bike riding. Nice playground for kids," making this suitable for families with varied cycling abilities.
Dog restrictions: Pet policies vary significantly between parks and within specific areas. At Jamestown Campground, Jeani B. notes: "I didn't like that pets are not allowed in the non-pet area as that was where the playground and swimming beach was. Made it difficult to swim and play as a family since you can't leave dogs alone at the campsite."
Activity schedules: Weekend programming varies by season and campground. Goddard Park Vacationland "has lots of planned activities on the weekends," reports Zachariah W., while other campgrounds offer more limited structured programming.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for uneven terrain at many parks. At Mosquito Lake, Joe F. observed "some of lots are pretty uneven," requiring leveling equipment for comfortable setup.
Water and power reliability: Service interruptions can occur, especially during peak usage periods. One Goddard Park Vacationland camper reported significant issues: "I told my wife that this was the rotten place that we stayed at before... Good luck if you're there and the electric cuts out."
Site positioning matters: At several campgrounds, site orientation affects utility connections. Chuck E. at Goddard Park notes: "No issues with any of the hookups. We have a 38 ft trailer and had plenty of room," showing that proper site selection avoids complications.
Route planning considerations: Several campgrounds recommend specific access routes. At Mercer-Grove City KOA, Jen O. advises: "We have a 40' class A and flat tow a Jeep. We use both the RV Garmin 890 & RV Trip Wizard and both had us doing some crazy side roads to get into the KOA. Be sure to use the park's directions for an easier drive in."
