Saltsburg sits at the confluence of the Conemauga and Kiskiminetas Rivers in western Pennsylvania's Allegheny foothills, with elevations around 900-1,200 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer camping temperatures typically ranging from 60°F nights to 85°F days. Winter camping options are limited, with many campgrounds closing between October and April.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Crooked Creek Lake provides excellent fishing with creek access directly from the campground. "The lake is great for kayaking or small boats. We fish and kayak the creek opposite the lake," notes one visitor to Crooked Creek Lake.
White water rafting: The Youghiogheny River offers rafting experiences for different skill levels. "Great place to go white water rafting!!!" shares a camper who visited Ohiopyle State Park Campground.
Creek wading and floating: Many local campgrounds feature creek access for cooling off in summer. At Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing, "Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek which the kids play in and can float down."
Disc golf: Some area campgrounds offer additional recreational activities beyond hiking. Crooked Creek Lake campground provides "disc golf, corn hole at campground with kid playground" according to a recent visitor.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Saltsburg offer affordable rates. "The campground was grassy, quiet, and cheap," reports one camper about their stay at Laurel Hill State Park.
Campfire gatherings: Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA creates community opportunities: "The campground hosted a gigantic bonfire the night we were there which was a sight!"
Mountain views: For campers seeking elevation, Mountain Top Campground delivers on its name. "You are on top of a mountain with great views. The spots are well spaced out and it is family owned," reports a camper who stayed for a month.
Easy lake access: Many pet-friendly campgrounds around Saltsburg feature water activities. "There is a small beach and picnic tables. The lake is great for kayaking or small boats," explains a Crooked Creek Lake visitor.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between campgrounds. At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, expect "fleeting cell at best on Verizon" according to a recent visitor.
Water levels fluctuate: Water access can change seasonally. "The lake level was high because of the dam nearby so fishing was non-existent, but it was peaceful and pleasant," notes a camper at Bush Recreation Area.
Shower facilities vary: Some campgrounds have limited shower options. "Bring a quarter for a 10 minute shower! There's one 1950's bathhouse with a few stalls for hundreds of RV sites," reports a Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA visitor.
Limited groceries: Stock up before arrival as campground stores have minimal supplies. "Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late. There are no grocery stores real close," advises a visitor to Ohiopyle State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds position play areas strategically. At Bush Recreation Area, one family appreciated that "our kids were within easy eye and earshot of the playground" from their campsite.
Kayak rentals: Laurel Hill State Park Campground offers affordable water equipment: "Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake."
Flat walking trails: Family-friendly hiking options exist around Saltsburg. Laurel Hill "walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk. We enjoyed the easy walking lake trail with the kids because it was wide and flat."
Campsites near water: For families with pets and children, select sites strategically. "Most of the primitive sites were graveled at some point in the past, but they've done a good job of fixing that. There's a swimming pool, fishing pond, and boating pond," explains a Fox Den Acres visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose RV sites based on your specific needs. At Bush Recreation Area, a camper advises: "Higher the site number (starting at about #25), the further back in the wooded area it was, where there's more privacy."
Expect uneven sites: Many campgrounds in this region have sloping terrain. At Laurel Hill State Park, "the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites" according to one RVer.
Power connections: Electrical hookups sometimes require planning. "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 an RVer who stayed at Laurel Hill.
Pet-friendly loop selection: For dog-friendly campgrounds near Saltsburg, investigate specific loop options. At Laurel Hill, campers note there are "two main loops in this campground. One that is pet friendly and more of a pitch-your-tent-in-the-yard thing and another that is pet-free and wooded."
Scout
