Best Tent Camping near Rochester, PA

Several tent camping options surround Rochester, Pennsylvania, with Quiet and Secluded and Dravo's Landing Campground offering contrasting experiences for tent campers. Quiet and Secluded provides seven tent sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and potable water access, while Dravo's Landing offers free primitive tent camping along the Youghiogheny River with hike-in or walk-in access only. Both locations accommodate traditional tent setups with varying levels of amenities.

Tent sites at Dravo's Landing feature picnic tables, fire rings with adjustable grates, and vault toilets maintained by local volunteers. The campground provides spring water that requires boiling before consumption. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted. Toilet facilities include pit toilets with hand sanitizer. Campers should note the proximity to active train tracks, which can create noise disturbances throughout the night. At Quiet and Secluded, tent campers have access to more amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and toilet facilities in a more developed setting.

Tent camping experiences vary significantly between these locations. Dravo's Landing offers a more rustic, natural experience with sites spread along the riverbank. The campground serves as a popular stop for hikers and bikers along the Great Allegheny Passage trail. The primitive tent setup attracts those seeking a more traditional camping experience with minimal facilities. According to one visitor, "There were a few shelters, nice campsite. It's close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghost stories around the campfire." At Quiet and Secluded, tent campers praise the property's cleanliness and quiet setting, with one review noting, "Beautiful place. Host was very accommodating."

Best Tent Sites Near Rochester, Pennsylvania (8)

    1. Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground

    2 Reviews
    Struthers, OH
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 330-1901

    $35 / night

    "My first camping location and review. Camping in a tree farm has been cool! I called the number listed and left a message. See the friendly manager walking the farm."

    2. Quiet and Secluded

    3 Reviews
    Mercer, PA
    35 miles
    +1 (724) 301-6949

    $22 - $75 / night

    "We're so happy to welcome this new property to our platform. Bill and Nancy offer a safe place to set up camp. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love! 💕"

    3. Dravo's Landing Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sutersville, PA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 872-5586

    "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."

    "This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!)"

    4. The GAP Trail Campground - Bikers Only

    1 Review
    West Newton, PA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 244-5859

    $25 / night

    "The spacious and lush lawn has lots of space for tents, but the winner is the covered seating, dining, and cooking area.  Everything is clean as a whistle…pun intended.  "

    5. Mountain View Camps

    1 Review
    Kittanning, PA
    46 miles
    +1 (814) 952-1488

    $20 - $70 / night

    "Great place to stay close to hiking trails and fishing spots. Hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn."

    6. Danner Primitive Campground

    1 Review
    Kennerdell, PA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 226-1901

    "This is a hike in or paddle in only campground. The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge, but there are other trailheads throughout the tract also."

    7. Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm

    1 Review
    Belle Vernon, PA
    48 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."

    8. Cozy Ridge Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Dellroy, OH
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (330) 735-2553
Show More
Showing results 1-8 of 8 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Rochester, PA

353 Reviews of 8 Rochester Campgrounds


  • Kathleen B.
    May. 25, 2021

    Breakneck Campground

    Nice little campground

    Our first visit to this campground and we actually found from using this website! We wanted a secluded site and close to Pittsburgh. 

    We arrived around 7pm and there was no check in, we drove around for a while trying to find a spot with a fire ring per some helpful campers. There are two really nice spots by the water which were taken, and we only saw one other in the woods (the other 2 were hidden by a large group of people).

    We ended up finding a flat spot with some tree cover what was far enough from our neighbors but about as close as a bigger campground. Would be good for larger groups. Ton of flat land for tents but saw some people with smaller campers. Firewood is $5 a bucket and clean and dry. Bring a table cloth for the tables. 

    Portapot close by but full bath rooms and showers by main lodge. Lots of tent platforms that overlooked into the woods which would be fun, for a smaller 4 person tent though. 

    As another reviewer stated, there was a super loud group Friday night but Saturday was very peaceful and quiet and we met the owner who checked us in and apologized for the loud group and said he was still getting the campground ready for the season. The price is the same for either spots. 

    Short walk down cheeseman road to trail entrances to McConnells Mills State Park. Short drive to hells hallow or the covered bridge. 

    Overall we had a great time and will be back!

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2022

    Tomlinson Run State Park Campground

    Camping in the trees

    Electric Site 37 - pad is pretty level, plenty for our small camper and truck, on a slight hill to get to fire ring but lots of space to spread out. You could tent but not really a flat spot. We were near the non-electric cul de sac and a neighbor right across but not on top of each other. Trees are everywhere and wonderful during the fall season. We had a big night of rain and with the wind it dried up pretty quickly.

    Camp store - small, not a lot in it but may be end of the season items only. Mostly shirts and mugs and very little snack food. The camp store staff were all very friendly and helpful and the store has limited WiFi if you stood in the right spot. There is a laundry room available there as well.

    Dump station- 2 way and potable water on the other side of it. The only place to drop your trash too.

    Trails - lots of trails to choose from. Some were pretty easy some were a little hilly. My favorite was the fern trail - lots of ferns and a very pretty stream. Hiking poles are recommended especially if it rains.

    Playground - is available for kids and a huge shelter house too.

    Firewood is $6 a bundle and burns well, no slab cut.

    Water - have to go up to entrance as the water spouts are still shut off.

    Showers - in womens the shower on the left never got warm, other two were fine. There are 4 flush toilets.

  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Breakneck Campground

    Perfect Spot to Explore McConnell's Mill

    Breakneck is a private campground on the edge of the McConnell’s Mill State Park. They offer RV sites, tent camping and cabins. The tent camping is either grassy, flat sites or on an elevated timber platform overlooking a gorge. They also offer walk-in tent sites down by the creek which are beautiful. 

    We were lucky enough to be able to to camp down by the stream. There are designated fireplaces. It is quite a walk up the hill to the campground amenities, but worth it to feel secluded down by the creek. From our campsite we walked along the creek into McConnells Mill State Park and joined the covered bridge trail. Approx. 30min walk along the creek down into McConnells Mill State Park. 

    The campground sells firewood and has great amenities. Note: there is no phone reception at the tent sites by the creek. They welcome fury friends!

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2022

    Mill Creek Camping — Berlin Lake Wildlife Area

    Beautiful but no peace and quiet

    Camp hosts were amazing and our spot was large and pretty. Our neighbors however were absolutely obnoxious. Just screaming obscenities nearly the whole time and were definitely drinking even though no alcohol is allowed in the park. Rangers drive by very frequently yet do absolutely nothing even after quiet hours start. Maybe it's not always like this but I may never return because of it. I want a nice quiet and relaxing time not put up with screaming drunks and kids. Also there was so much traffic constantly!

  • Danielle S.
    Apr. 16, 2021

    Hidden Hollow Campground — Fernwood State Forest

    Can't beat free, but caveats abound.

    This tiny gem of a campground is actually quite decent. Each site is furnished with a small fire ring and picnic table. The fire rings do not have a grill grate. The pit toilets in the restroom are "fragrant" when you enter the women's side of the building but not so terribly that they can't be used. My friend did gag upon entering the men's room. There are designated wastewater areas to dump grey water, but you'll have to bring your own water for drinking, washing, etc. There are no electric hookups.

    As others have mentioned, there is a gun range nearby and you can hear occasional firing. Helicopter traffic at night was a slight distraction from the otherwise quiet night I spent here.

    There is an easy orange-blazed trail behind site 10 but as of this writing, a there are several downed trees blocking the trail a good distance in.

    I'd definitely stay again.

    5/3/2021 Edited to add:. Well, our second stay here is decidedly less positive. We are at site 9 this time. No fire ring here. The women's bathroom is filthy and it made me gag (there is feces all over one toilet seat and the other smells so bad that I just peed in the woods). It's turkey season so lots of noise in the woods.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2022

    Shenango Campground

    Huge COE

    After getting off I80, our RV GPS wanted to take us on a wonky route, so we followed Waze and the campground’s(CG) web instructions that took us across the causeway on N. Hermitage Rd, then a right turn off on Birchwood Rd, which led us to take a left turn back across N. Hermitage Rd to get back to the Shenango Rec Area turn. Once we got to the CG, check in was quick and very easy. Just happened, our next door neighbor/camp host checked us in and told us we could get water off their site so we proceeded straight to site 199 that’s a back in with electric(50/30 AMP) only plus one of the better spaced sites in the CG. We had to maneuver a couple of times to get into the 90 degree site but the road was wide with no obstacles to prevent swinging into the site. We quickly found out that our 50 AMP connection had issues and after reporting it, a maintenance crew came within 20 minutes and fixed a bad breaker. We got 3 bars on Verizon and a handful of OTA channels. Due to the amount of mature trees, satellite would be iffy depending on your site. There are no FHU sites(camp host sites have electric& water). Electric sites are centrally grouped within the loops and spaced closer together than most COEs. The majority of the sites within this CG are dry camping and they too are fairly close together. The sites right on the lake were all dry camping. With all the dry camping sites in this CG, its nice that they allow generator use during non quiet hours. Quiet hours here are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. There are water spigots periodically located within the loops and the CG map identifies where they are. There’s also a two-lane dump station located near the entrance but there is no potable water. There are signs stating no alcohol in the park, but people were openly drinking. We also noted that the contractors who clean the restroom/shower facilities start early in the morning and close the facility while cleaning, which was inconvenient for the dry campers just waking up. If we were to stay at this CG again, we’d come during the week and get a dry camping site on the water.

  • Emily S.
    Jun. 1, 2017

    Hidden Hollow Campground — Fernwood State Forest

    Free!

    Spent the first camping trip of the summer here on Memorial Day weekend and it was a beautiful spot. There are a number of sites set up in a circle, the initial sites are better suited for RVs while the sites along the back of the loop are flatter and can accommodate a tent. This was our first car camping in an actual campground experience in a while - our last few trips were all backcountry sites - and it felt very luxurious. The campground is situated near shooting ranges so the gunfire lasts late into the evening and begins early in the morning disrupting the serenity a bit.

    The best part - it's free! Just register at the box. There are vault toilets and each site has a fire ring, picnic table, garbage cans, and there are spots to dump waste water. It's very well-organized and well maintained.

  • K
    Jun. 25, 2021

    Jefferson Lake State Park Campground

    Quiet and Beautiful

    This smaller campground has a mix of equestrian sites and tent/RV sites. There are no showers, but the vault toilets were cleaned thoroughly ever morning. You need to be careful when booking, especially if you are trying to pitch a tent, as some sites are quite sloped. Our site was huge and right next to the water spigot.

  • Dena L.
    Apr. 26, 2022

    Fox Den Acres Campground

    Review for tent campers

    Mostly an RV campground, but several tent sites. Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away. Firewood available for purchase. I would stay again.


Guide to Rochester

Tent camping options near Rochester, Pennsylvania span multiple state forests and private lands within an hour's drive. The terrain ranges from riverfront areas along the Youghiogheny to forested sites in the Allegheny foothills. Late spring through early fall provides optimal camping weather with summer highs averaging 80-85°F and nighttime temperatures dropping to 55-65°F.

What to do

Trail access convenience: At The GAP Trail Campground, bikers have direct access to the Great Allegheny Passage. "Town is a short walk away, with a few restaurants and other options for necessities as well," notes camper Shari G., who appreciates the campground's proximity to local services.

Wildlife observation: Campers at Mountain View Camps report exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. According to Richard C., you might "explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn" during your stay, making this an excellent location for nature photographers.

Water activities: The Youghiogheny River provides paddling opportunities for tent campers. Primitive riverside sites at Danner Primitive Campground feature "stairs to the water for paddler access," according to Casey L., who notes the campground is designed as "a stop along a paddling or hiking trip."

What campers like

Unique amenities: Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm offers an unusual camping experience with events like "Toke With A Goat Yoga at 7 at the barn weather depending," according to Ashley F., providing a distinctive option for tent campers seeking something different.

Clean facilities: Tent campers consistently mention facility cleanliness as a highlight. Clyde A. notes about Quiet and Secluded: "Rolled up on the later side but was welcomed kindly by the owner Bill. Beautiful spot. Clean amenities!"

Fire amenities: Primitive campsites at Danner Primitive Campground offer "new picnic tables and nice fire rings with adjustable grates," according to Casey L., providing essential comforts for tent campers seeking best tent camping near Rochester, Pennsylvania.

What you should know

Train noise considerations: Tent camping along rivers near Rochester often means proximity to active rail lines. Shari G. notes about camping near the GAP trail: "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 if you hope to sleep!"

Water treatment needs: Several primitive tent camping areas near Rochester require water treatment. At Danner Primitive Campground, Casey L. reports "There is a spring for water which says to boil before drinking," so campers should pack water purification equipment.

Wildlife precautions: When tent camping near Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground, proper food storage is essential. At nearby campgrounds, Sarah Q. advises, "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"

Tips for camping with families

Cemetery explorations: For families seeking unusual activities while tent camping near Rochester, Lauren C. suggests exploring historical sites: "It's close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghost stories around the campfire," providing educational opportunities about local history.

Group accommodations: When camping with larger family groups, consider sites with ample space. Sarah Q. reports about her experience with 14 people: "There was plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars. We made friends with a few other folks who were stopping during their bike trips."

Tree farm adventures: Andrew O. from Pioneer Trails Tree Farm shares: "The trees were quite the entertaining experience for the kids," making this an educational option for families seeking tent camping near Rochester, Pennsylvania.

Tips from RVers

Accessibility considerations: While primarily known for tent camping, some areas near Rochester have limited RV options. Casey L. notes about Danner Primitive Campground: "The first 2 sites had wheelchair friendly picnic tables," though access requires investigation as "there is a gate locked at the trailhead that's only opened during hunting season."

Resource planning: RVers attempting tent camping at primitive sites should prepare accordingly. Frederick B. appreciates access to "Office to charge electronics and a campsite with firepit" at Pioneer Trails, noting these amenities enhance comfort for those accustomed to RV conveniences but wanting to try tent camping.

Seasonal considerations: Most tent camping near Rochester has limited seasonal availability. Cozy Ridge Campground operates from "Apr 15 to Oct 15," requiring advance planning for RVers seeking tent camping alternatives during shoulder seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Rochester, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rochester, PA is Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Rochester, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.