RV sites near Rockwood, Pennsylvania offer varied camping experiences in the Laurel Highlands region, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,500 feet. The area receives approximately 45 inches of precipitation annually, creating seasonal challenges for campers on unpaved sites. Camping options range from full-service RV resorts to more rustic state park accommodations.
What to do
Fishing access: Pioneer Lakes RV Park maintains stocked fishing ponds for guests without requiring additional permits. "Been going to pioneer park since I was like 3. Extremely family friendly, lots to do for kiddos on weekend, stocked ponds, bathhouses very close to all sites. Laurel hill cricks/lake are 2 miles up the mountain!" reports one camper.
Creek exploration: At Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing, children can wade and float in the small creek running through the property. "Great place to stay! You will not find better campground owners, they are amazing... Alot of their sites are along a small creek which the kids play in and can float down. Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek."
Bike trails: The Great Allegheny Passage trail runs directly through some local campgrounds. "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground. The seasonal RVers and weekend warriors have long claimed their sites, but for through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp, close to the west-bound entrance."
What campers like
Stargazing spots: Campsites at Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground include a dedicated stargazing platform in the wooded section. "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!"
Private bathroom facilities: Newer campground restrooms feature individual bathroom units rather than communal facilities. "They have a new bath house which is personal bathroom style and very nice. The sites are very close together with little privacy. We stayed in site 435."
Weekend activities: Friendship Village Campground & RV Park organizes special weekend events including farmers markets and community yard sales. "They held a farmers market on Saturday and had a HUGE community yard sale which we thought was very cool! Overall Wi-Fi worked well and everything you need is here."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites in the region require significant effort to level RVs, especially on hillside locations. "The spot was so unlevel there were 19 inches between my bottom step and the ground. This site was the same price as level ones closer to activities."
Weather considerations: The Rockwood area experiences frequent rain events that can impact camping conditions. "It was very muddy after the ramp, so it was slick getting to the river and we sunk into the mud several inches; had been raining and rained on/off that weekend."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds near Rockwood experience significant highway noise. At Friendship Village Campground, "The only thing we didn't like was all of the road noise. This campground is located by 2 major highways and truck traffic and Jake brake are constant all night long. The road noise made it hard to hear when we were sitting around the fire."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection strategy: Choose campsites specifically designed for family use rather than based solely on price. "In my opinion, the best sites to stay at if you have kids are sites 145–171 as those are right beside the jumping pillow, playground and gaga ball pit."
Multiple playgrounds: Family-friendly campgrounds in the Rockwood region often feature several play areas throughout the property. At The Blue Canoe RV Resort, you'll find "multiple pools, playsets, cabins and river sites. So quiet cept for the occasional train pass by across the river. Food ice cream and biking access and sites."
Activity planning: Weekend camping near Rockwood requires timing activities around facility operating hours. "The pool hours or a little later than most campgrounds as they open at 11 through the week and 12 on Sunday. The campground does maintain a policy of having to wear a shirt or a cover-up when not in the pool vicinity."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many campsites in the region have unusual configurations that affect the camping experience. "All the pictures looked great! We ended up on a grassy hill in the back. The spot was so unlevel there were 19 inches between my bottom step and the ground. This site was the same price as level ones closer to activities."
Amenity access: RVers should carefully research site locations relative to campground facilities. "Bathhouses were outdated. They had older residential toilets that plugged constantly. The day we left 2 of the 3 in our nearest bathroom were out of order."
Staff assistance: Campground owners in the area often provide direct help with equipment issues. At Mirror Lake, "The owner and his son got right to work fixing it: One got up on the roof and the other worked from the bottom to set it right and wire the broken arm to the side of the trailer so we could drive home. They also folded up our chairs and put everything we had outside in a neat little pile."
