Campsites around Presto, Pennsylvania range from high elevation spots with valley views to lowland riverside locations. Presto sits at approximately 1,100 feet above sea level in a region characterized by rolling hills and river valleys. Seasonal camping here extends beyond standard timeframes at several locations, with winter camping available at Mountain Top Campground which maintains year-round operations from its 1,500-foot elevation position.
What to do
Fishing at multiple stocked ponds: Fox Den Acres Campground offers fishing opportunities where success rates are notably high for younger anglers. As one visitor observed, "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them."
Hike the Fern Trail: Tomlinson Run State Park Campground features multiple trail options with varied difficulty levels. A camper recommended, "My favorite was the fern trail - lots of ferns and a very pretty stream. Hiking poles are recommended especially if it rains."
Mountain biking on the Great Allegheny Passage: Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park provides direct access to this major multi-use trail. "We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground," stated one visitor who combined biking with other activities during their stay.
Self-guided rafting: Ohiopyle offers equipment rental for water activities on the Youghiogheny River. A camper reported, "Time and finances limited us to a 'family friendly' float self-guided raft down the Middle Yough...laced with minimal Class 1 and 2 rapids, which I would classify as riffles. The float took three hours."
What campers like
Panoramic views: Mountain Top Campground delivers on its name with premium sites offering valley vistas. A visitor described, "I luckily got a spot overlooking a very dense tree-d valley with a beautiful sunset. Sites 41-48 are the best view at sunset."
Free facilities for bikepackers: Dravo's Landing Campground caters specifically to cyclists on the GAP trail. As one camper noted, "The local volunteer group also keeps the free wood pile stocked and ready to go. Bathrooms are the typical Forest Service pit toilet, and drinking water is also available."
Privacy levels at tent sites: Campgrounds in the region vary significantly in site spacing. At Fox Den Acres, "Each site was very spacious and well shaded," according to a tent camper, while another noted Tomlinson Run has sites that are "pretty private and ours was probably the most private and had a lot of space since we were on the very end of the road/cul-de-sac."
Reliable pool facilities: Several campgrounds maintain swimming pools as alternatives to natural water bodies. A visitor to Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort commented on their "Giant pool opened in the summer," while another camper at Fox Den Acres mentioned their "well maintained pool and grounds" as a highlight.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The region experiences distinct seasons with winter camping limited to specific locations. At Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA, campers advised, "Follow the signs to the campground NOT the GPS in order to avoid some narrow and sharp turn roads."
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds feature sloped terrain requiring equipment for leveling. At Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, a camper noted, "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty sloped. On my way out I heard they were having someone come in to level the sites."
Wildlife encounters: Secure food storage is essential at some locations. At Dravo's Landing, a camper warned, "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
Shower facilities: Shower availability and quality vary significantly. At Fox Den Acres, "Bring a quarter for a 10 minute shower!" while Tomlinson Run campers noted, "In womens the shower on the left never got warm, other two were fine."
Reservation timing: Peak season weekends require advance planning, particularly for premium sites. One Ohiopyle camper stated, "We would love to visit again in peak season! In the summer I bet this place is packed."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Raccoon Creek State Park Campground offers diverse recreation options. A visitor commented, "A great little beach area to lay out and enjoy the sun. The hiking trails are in excellent condition and the park keeps them clear of fallen debris."
Pet-friendly options: Many campgrounds accommodate pets but with varying restrictions. At Raccoon Creek, a camper noted, "Designated pet areas, flush toilets and shower house available. Plenty of trails."
First-time tent camping: For families new to camping, select campgrounds with adequate facilities. One Raccoon Creek camper shared their experience: "I had the most wonderful 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."
Playground access: Fox Den Acres features "playgrounds, well maintained pool and grounds, fishing, party pavilions, and store" according to a visitor, making it suitable for families seeking organized activities.
Noise considerations: Sound travels at some campgrounds due to their layout. One Fox Den visitor noted, "On Saturday it was incredibly loud with a site blasting music. Good music for sure but it was probably a 1/4 mile away and I could hear every word."
Tips from RVers
Access routes: Many campgrounds in the area require navigation of steep or narrow roads. At Mountain Top Campground, one RVer advised, "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest route."
Dump station logistics: Not all sites offer full hookups. A Mountain Top camper explained the setup: "Water and electric available (50 amps), grey sewer available. For the black you can dump here or have someone pump out on Wednesday morning."
Laundry facilities: Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA receives high marks specifically for its laundry facilities. One RVer remarked, "Laundry facilities are the best we have encountered. Big machines and dryers making life easier and less time spent doing laundry."
Hookup quality: The reliability of electrical and water connections varies. At Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA, an RVer experienced issues and noted, "We had some issues with our power, and Larry was at our site within minutes to fix it."
Site dimensions: Space constraints affect larger rigs at some locations. At Fox Den Acres, a camper mentioned, "The sites in the lower field, where I was, were roomy and level and all pull-throughs," indicating suitability for larger RVs.
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