The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Gray, PA

666 Reviews

The Laurel Highlands region surrounding Gray, Pennsylvania offers several tent-only camping options, particularly along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail. Laurel Ridge State Park Campground provides primitive tent camping along its 70-mile hiking trail with eight designated camping areas. Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run, located at mile 99 of the GAP Trail, offers free walk-in tent sites accessible only by foot or bicycle. Maple Festival Park near Meyersdale provides tent campers with amenities including drinking water, showers, and toilets. Big Run State Park Campground in nearby Maryland maintains year-round tent sites with varying levels of amenities, some positioned directly alongside streams.

Most tent campsites in the region feature basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Laurel Ridge State Park's backcountry tent sites require advance reservations and cost approximately $12 per night. Water sources at many primitive tent camping areas may be unreliable or require treatment before drinking. Campers should bring earplugs when staying at sites along the GAP Trail, as passing trains create significant noise, particularly at night. Vault toilets are standard at most primitive sites, while developed campgrounds like Maple Festival Park offer flush toilets and showers. Sites typically operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though some allow reservations.

In early fall, tent campers experience fewer crowds and cooler temperatures throughout the region's campgrounds. According to reviews, Big Run State Park offers "lots of space between each site" with some campsites positioned "in the woods adjacent to the stream" where visitors can "enjoy the creek sounds." At Round Bottom Camping Area, one camper noted that "bicycle traffic was fairly light during the week" making the camping areas "either sparsely filled or empty." The wooded sites at Laurel Ridge State Park provide natural privacy between tent campsites. Dravo's Landing Campground, another walk-in tent site along the GAP Trail, features lean-tos that can accommodate small tents during inclement weather, with one visitor reporting "plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars."

Map showing campgrounds near Gray, PennsylvaniaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Gray, Pennsylvania (15)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Gray Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Gray, PA

20 Photos of 15 Gray Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Gray, PA

666 Reviews of 15 Gray Campgrounds

  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Kooser State Park Campground

    Small Shaded Park

    Kooser State Park is a small campground nestled in the Laurel Highlands, close to Hidden Valley and Seven Springs ski resorts. The park has great amenities just a short walk from all sites. All sites have fire rings, with grills, however note they are double walled so do not expel a lot of heat outward. Great for cooking however. 

    Most sites are not level, but very grassy. Firewood is available at the entrance for$5 bundle supporting a local club. A beautiful walk through the park leads you to the Kooser Lake, great for fishing. It is also close to the Laurel Hill State Park which is great for hiking and water activities. The park is close to the road so you will experience some road noise. 

    The park is 15min from Somerset. No phone reception at this one! They welcome all furry friends!

  • K
    Jul. 27, 2022

    Swallow Falls State Park Campground

    Great camping near falls

    Clean, beautiful and quiet (occasional barking dog or children playing loudly). The basic tent sites each have a picnic table, fire pit w/ grill, and lantern post. The trails to the beautiful falls are a short walk from the campgrounds.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2022

    Pioneer Park Campground

    Close to Flight 93 Memorial

    PROS 

    Able to reserve 129 days prior to arriving 

    Melissa at check-in was very friendly and helpful 

    Good overnight stop to visit Flight 93 Memorial 22 miles from campground 

    Site #391 level 

    Gravel site surrounded by grass 

    Moveable wooden picnic table 

    Large concrete fire ring 

    Clean toilet-shower building that are heavily used 

    Mostly quiet except for road noise 

    Firewood for sale in Park

    CONS 

    No discount 

    Site #391 no shade 

    Park cable connection failed 

    Sewer connection“up hill” 

    Never found trash dumpster and wasn’t marked on campground map 

    Very loud radio station blaring in the toilet/shower building that could be heard outside the building 

    2 bars Verizon 

    No WIFI

  • Evan C.
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Robert W. Craig - Jennings Randolph Lake

    Great Tenting, Little Busy

    8/14/2025

    USACE-managed campground with hosts who are on-site all season. Nice sites (easy staking) with picnic tables and fire pits, plus a camp store for firewood and other supplies (got there too late to check it out though). A little crowded with what seemed like folks who stay there for a hefty chunk of the season, and the sites are pretty close together, but there weren't any issues with rowdy folks - it seems like the hosts keep things in order/enforce quiet hours if necessary. 

    Drinking water right next to the site (37) as well as a trail to a restroom - I think there's a shower on the other loop/section. 

    $22 for a basic (non-electric) tent site.

  • Johanna B.
    May. 31, 2021

    Duman Lake County Park

    Nice local park

    Duman lake review notes.

    • Well-maintained small park, stocked lake, popular with local fisherman. Kayaking/small boat fishing. I’ve seen bald eagle and osprey.
    • Six campsites, w/mature trees, level, w/paved drive & gravel area, large enough for mid-sized RVs. They state 40 ft., but all are back in. All have (lighted)30 amp & water. We did not see the tent sites. Not sure if they are developed, ask.
    • Number one is closest to the bathhouse, number five was less shaded. Number six is closest to the road.
    • Newer restroom, w/two stalls each. Push-button, hot showers. Men’s worked best.
    • Campsite number one is closest to restroom, but also behind picnic shelter number 12, so if the shelter is booked for a party could be noisy? Day use people bugged out quickly at dusk.
    • We were in #1 in May & had the entire campground & upper park to ourselves.
    • They have a kids’ train in summer.
    • Nice playground.
    • The only real downside of this campground is that the local road is close by and you do get some traffic noise before dark. It is not a high traffic road however. Dumpsters were overflowing with weekend trash & bathrooms needed a bug sweep-out. Sportsmen were target shooting nearby before dark FYI.
  • Benjamin S.
    Dec. 7, 2023

    Swallow Falls State Park Campground

    Peaceful and Serene

    Campground was well maintained. Tent pads were great. It rained on us but tent pads were elevated enough that we stayed dry. It is so peaceful and serene there. Hiked the trails to the waterfalls and had a great time. Firewood was cheap. Bathrooms were good and clean.

  • Dave V.
    Aug. 1, 2020

    Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run

    Great Hike/Bike Camping Area on the Great Allegheny Passage Trail

    Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run is a free camping area directly on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail around Mile 99 (East of West Newton roughly 15 miles).  For those not familiar with the GAP Trail, it is a Rails-to-Trails initiative that travels from Pittsburgh, PA to Cumberland, MD…meandering through numerous Trail Towns that were former thriving railroad towns at the end of the 1800's.

    Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run can only be accessed by the GAP Trail, which means on foot or bicycle…or paddlers on the Youghioheny River. Being positioned directly off the GAP Trail grants easy access to those traveling the trail. 

    Amenities:

    • Raised Tent pads (4)
    • Vault Toilet
    • Adirondack Shelters (2)
    • Firepits
    • Picnic tables

    No potable water…there is hand pump but the water was discolored.  It is a short walk down a trail to the river's edge, where I filtered water for drinking.

    There is plenty of grassy area for scores of tents in this area.   So if you are not fortunate enough to secure one of the two Shelters or tent pads, you can still set up a tent in the nicely mowed areas, which are still level.

    We were bikepacking the GAP Trail east from Pittsburgh and arrived on a Sunday evening mid-June. We secured the only open Adirondack Shelter and were able to set up our tent inside, along with keeping our bicycles inside and out of the elements. Which made it wonderfully convenient when it started to rain. Sites and shelters are first come, first served.

    Usually the vault toilets along this trail are clean, maintained and stocked…but on this visit, piles of trash were inside likely from an overly busy weekend.

    The only negative was the train traffic on the opposite side of the River…it is loud when they rumble through. If you don't sleep with ear-plugs, you will wish you had.

    Bicycle traffic was fairly light during the week, so not only did you have the GAP Trail mostly to oneself, the camping areas were either sparsely filled or empty. Although, things just did start opening up from the Covid-19 shutdown.

    Apart from the train noise during sleeping hours, Round Bottom Camping Area is very peaceful and though you can still visually see the GAP Trail, you are not disturbed by passing cyclists.

  • not S.
    Aug. 5, 2022

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run

    Kid Heaven

    We stayed in a Ranger Smith Cabin in the upper campground. I give this 3 stars because I'm a state park camper at heart: I prefer more room between sites,  more relaxation and nature when camping. But your kids will love it here: two pools, splashgrounds, fire truck rides, arcades, meeting Yogi and friends, nightly movies...the list goes on. Be prepared for an endless parade of golf carts during your stay. We were underwhelmed by the expensive cabin as it had dorm room furniture and uncomfortable beds. The walk-in tent sites were in a hilly area without pavilions, but reservable tent sites in the lower campground had pavilions and more level ground. This is a great base camp for exploring area attractions in the Laurel Highlands such as Idlewild,  Fort Necessity and the beautiful Ohiopyle State Park. If you go to Idlewild, then stop by Gino's pizza in Ligonier; order the sampler pizza (includes pierogi,  taco, white and margherita)--you won't be disappointed.

  • Joni P.
    May. 28, 2024

    Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground

    Commercialized campground

    The entry is strange as we had to block the gated entrance to get to the office to check in.  Once past that,  the staff was nice and the buildings and properties are well maintained.  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.  The site was sloped pretty bad side to side and there is a drop off on the one side of the fire ring so we could not sit completely around the fire.  We did not take part in the planned events they had set up but did use the pool which was nice.  The star gazing platform leaves a lot to be desired and is in need of repair.  Roads are all gravel so no bikes or scooters for kids.

Guide to Gray

Tent camping options around Gray, Pennsylvania cluster primarily along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail corridor with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,500 feet. The region experiences significant seasonal temperature fluctuations, with summer highs regularly reaching 80°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. Waterproof tents are recommended even in summer months due to the area's average 45 inches of annual rainfall.

What to do

Fishing access from camp sites: At Big Run State Park Campground, trout fishing opportunities exist right from your campsite. "The stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish," reports camper Nathan S., who appreciated the direct water access from his site.

Historic cemetery exploration: Dravo's Landing Campground offers unique historical exploration options. Lauren C. notes the campground is "close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghost stories around the campfire."

Quick river cooling: Summer campers appreciate water proximity for temperature management. At Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground, Shari G. found "the river is very easy to access for a quick dip after a long day on the trail."

What campers like

Natural sound benefits: Stream-adjacent sites provide natural white noise at Big Run State Park Campground. Katie H. recommends specific locations: "The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."

Spacious site layouts: Many campers value the separation between sites. Nathan S. praised Big Run State Park for having "tons of space between sites," while another camper found Maple Festival Park ideal for group camping where "you can set up your tent on the lawn, up on the stage, or under the long lean-to."

Train-watching opportunities: Despite nighttime noise concerns, daytime train viewing appeals to some visitors. Mark G. at Maple Festival Park observed "quite a few trains thru town" but still found it "a very peaceful place."

What you should know

Potable water limitations: Water sources require planning at most GAP trail campgrounds. At Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground, Shari G. found "the well for the campground stated that it was no longer potable" and recommends "grabbing water at the last town before the campground."

Train noise preparation: Bring quality earplugs for overnight stays. Shari G. warns about railway proximity: "It's not the train horn but the number of turns in the track and the squealing breaks that keep you up."

Wildlife food safety: Secure food items properly overnight. Sarah Q. at Dravo's Landing advises: "Be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"

Tips for camping with families

Animal sightings: Children often enjoy the local wildlife encounters. At Laurel Ridge State Park Campground, Brian S. reports: "I've heard a barred owl at night both times I camped here," creating memorable experiences for young campers.

Safe water play areas: Several campgrounds offer shallow stream access ideal for children. Andy C. found Big Run State Park perfect where "the kids loved playing in the water. Very quiet and relaxing!"

Weather shelter options: During unexpected rain, covered structures provide family comfort. At Dravo's Landing, Sarah Q. found "the abundance of picnic tables, fire pits, lean-tos" helpful for group camping with varying weather conditions.

Tips from RVers

Small camper accessibility: While most campgrounds primarily accommodate tents, some accept small RVs. Andy C. successfully used The GAP Trail Campground "for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek."

Limited hookup planning: RVers should prepare for minimal services. Mark K. emphasizes knowing "what you're getting here - there ARE campsites with amenities, near water and bathrooms, but not all of them have the amenities."

Electrical access options: Most primitive sites lack hookups, but some exceptions exist. Nanty Glo Municipal Park offers sites with electrical and water hookups for small campers, though bathroom facilities are limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gray, PA is Laurel Ridge State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Gray, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring