Campgrounds near Scottdale, Pennsylvania offer camping experiences across the Laurel Highlands, a region with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 feet. The area's moderate climate provides comfortable summer camping conditions with average temperatures between 70-85°F during peak season. Most campgrounds in this region sit on partially wooded terrain with a mix of open meadows and forested sites providing varied levels of shade and privacy.
What to do
Explore mountain biking trails: Seven Springs mountain resort is accessible from several nearby campgrounds. "Great campground with play grounds, well maintained pool and grounds, fishing, party pavilions, and store. The staff is nice and helpful. It's very military positive, even includes a reserved place for the fallen soldiers," notes a visitor to Fox Den Acres Campground.
Visit architectural landmarks: Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater house is within driving distance of most campsites near Scottdale. "We stayed for 2 nights while we visited Fallingwater and the Flight 93 Memorial. We should have stayed another night so we could visit Fort Necessity NP just down the road but ran out of time," shares a camper who stayed at Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground.
Star-gazing opportunities: Many campgrounds offer open fields for night sky viewing. "We got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had a amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform. Kids had a great time and lots of activities for them to do!" notes a visitor to Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground.
What campers like
River and waterway access: Sites along the Youghiogheny River are popular among paddlers. "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. New pool, but not open when we stayed. Staff make multiple rounds, picks up your trash and delivers your purchased firewood," notes a camper at The Blue Canoe RV Resort.
Swimming facilities: Multiple pools help campers cool off during summer months. "Indoor and outdoor pools are great. Bingo is taken seriously here...DO NOT talk at ALL. Lol," warns a visitor to Laurel Highlands Campland.
Wooded camping sites: Private, shaded spots are highly valued. "First stay at Benner's and had a great weekend. Great campsite, clean grounds and facilities. We will be back," reports a camper who enjoyed the more secluded options available.
What you should know
Winter camping limitations: While some sites operate year-round, facilities may be restricted. "We're staying in the winter for a few nights to visit friends who live outside Pittsburgh. Friendly and cozy spot. They've done a great job in the winter despite the frigid weather by using heat tape on the spigots," notes a winter visitor to the Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Site levelness varies significantly: Some campsites require additional equipment. "Okay campground. We met nice people staying there. However, the sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites," advises a camper at Laurel Hill State Park Campground.
Highway noise impacts: Campsites near major roads experience traffic sounds. "Just got back from a weekend stay here and it was great. If you like camping to be quiet, peaceful and simple, then you'll love this little campground. The only thing I can say about this campground that made me not give it 5 stars is, the highway noise," notes a camper at Donegal Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for kids: Multiple swimming options keep children entertained. "Very nice and newer campground. Some river sites were small and very un level but was doable," notes a camper at The Blue Canoe RV Resort, formerly Uniontown KOA.
Scheduled activities: Check campground calendars for family events. "Great place for kids! Family friendly atmosphere, cordial staff, well run campground. Lots of activities. Tree shaded sites!" shares an enthusiastic visitor to Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground.
Playground accessibility: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. "It had plenty of stuff for the kids to do but had a horrible smell. The site wasnt great either. It was a steep drop on the pull out. Twisted my stabilizer jack," warns a camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Not all sites accommodate larger vehicles equally. "A very nice campground that I'll go back to if I'm ever in the area. I could get around with my huge fifth wheel but it was still very thickly treed the way I like them," notes an RVer who stayed at Donegal Campground.
Power hookup placement: Position matters for electrical connections. "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable," advises a camper at Laurel Hill State Park Campground.
Seasonal RV site options: For longer stays, some campgrounds offer dedicated areas. "This is a large campground with play grounds, well maintained pool and grounds, fishing, party pavilions, and store. The staff is nice and helpful. Some sites are a bit close, the pull through sites are very ample," reports a visitor to Fox Den Acres Campground.
