Best RV Parks & Resorts near Sandy Lake, PA

RV Village Camping Resort near Mercer provides full hookup RV sites with 50-amp electric service from April through October. Goddard Park Vacationland Campground in Sandy Lake offers water and electric hookups with a mix of back-in and pull-through RV pads accommodating larger rigs. Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest features 312 sites with full hookups and big-rig friendly access. Most campgrounds in the region maintain gravel pads with picnic tables and fire rings, though site spacing varies considerably between parks. "Our site was level. No issues with any of the hookups. We have a 38 ft trailer and had plenty of room."

Dump stations are available at most parks, with Rustic Acres RV Resort offering year-round access for seasonal travelers. Cell service varies throughout the region, with reviews noting spotty coverage in more wooded areas. Verizon typically provides 2-4 bars at most locations, while T-Mobile service can be limited. Many campgrounds require advance reservations during summer weekends and fall foliage season. Pet-friendly options are common, though some parks restrict certain breeds or charge additional fees. Propane refill stations can be found at several campgrounds including Presque Isle Passage RV Park. Several reviews mention the proximity of Walmart and other shopping in nearby Warren, providing convenient access to supplies.

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Mercer-Grove City KOA

Mercer-Grove City KOA

16 min away

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Best RV Sites Near Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania (97)

    1. RV Village Camping Resort

    2 Reviews
    Mercer, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 662-4560

    "The pool and playground are awesome for the kiddos. There are a ton of permanent sites which the folks are all very friendly. The resort is golf cart friendly and that’s how most get around."

    "I highly recommend this campground to anyone that loves to be around a lot of friendly people. We are going to make this our most favorite spot in western Pa."

    2. Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground

    8 Reviews
    Sharpsville, OH
    28 miles
    Website

    $45 - $55 / night

    "Despite the fact that it’s not our normal kind of camping, in the woods, it was very comfortable. It does not feel crowded, sites were grassy and all utilities worked well."

    "Unfortunately they didn’t have a 50 amp site available so the owner gave me 30 amp converter at no cost and also helped me hook up my gray water and black water connections."

    3. Rustic Acres

    8 Reviews
    Shippenville, PA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 226-9850

    $39 - $69 / night

    "This campground is easy access to I80, Less than 10 minutes. It is very clean, amazingly helpful staff, mix of seasonal, weekly, and overnight. Nice playground for the kids."

    "Apparently lots of other folks agree, many seasonal campers here. Quiet tonight with only 4 or 5 empty spots. We arrived after closing but host drove me hind us."

    4. RV Resort Village

    2 Reviews
    Mercer, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 662-4560

    5. West haven rv park and campground

    5 Reviews
    Girard, PA
    46 miles
    +1 (814) 403-3243

    "The site was kept nice & loved the brick pavers patio. Very clean & quiet. Fishing pond & pool are so nice too. Owner Jodie is so nice! Would definitely camp here again."

    "The site was nice, kinda secluded but could still see RVs and people driving around. Was pretty quiet though. A little walk to the restroom and water, but not bad."

    6. Presque Isle Passage RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Girard, PA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 833-3272

    "Room for big rigs, and tents. Yurts and cabins available."

    "Clean facilities, friendly, wooded, and many rentals including 2 yurts."

    7. Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake

    3 Reviews
    Jefferson, OH
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Kenisee Lake RV Resort Thousand Trails in Jefferson, Ohio is a another great Thousand Trails park! This park is very large and has a park-like setting with 2 lakes."

    "Kenisee Lake RV Campground is a wonderful place to work from remotely if you have an external antenna to cellular internet. The campground is clean with plenty of open space and trails."

    8. Goddard Park Vacationland Campground

    9 Reviews
    Petersburg, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 253-4645

    $35 - $175 / night

    "Our site was level. No issues with any of the hookups. We have a 38 ft trailer and had plenty of room. All the seasonal residents we came in contact with were kind."

    "2 pools great food at the snack sack min golf live bands nice little camp store and so much more you need to try this place"

    9. Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest

    13 Reviews
    Boyers, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 735-2417

    "It is very family friendly. Restrooms are nice and clean."

    "We were there back in May 2017, which was our first time camping. Based on our first time, I thought this place was five stars."

    10. Kalyumet Campground

    14 Reviews
    Lucinda, PA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 744-9622

    "We've stayed at Kalyumet on our travel trailer at least a dozen times over the last several years. We love it because it's not huge but has all the amenities that we like."

    "We enjoyed the pool the walking/hiking trails, a trip into Cooks Forest, and even spent some time at the arcade (costs money)."

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RV Park Reviews near Sandy Lake, PA

437 Reviews of 97 Sandy Lake Campgrounds


  • Jeff & Steff’s Excellent Adventure
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake

    Great spacious park with 2 lakes!

    Kenisee Lake RV Resort Thousand Trails in Jefferson, Ohio is a another great Thousand Trails park! This park is very large and has a park-like setting with 2 lakes. There is fishing on the lakes and the campground has rowboats available to use. They have all the amenities a family could want such as swimming pool, playground, mini-golf, and more! The staff is friendly and very accommodating. Kenisee Lake has 30 and 50 amp FHU back-in and pull-through sites. The only downside is the internet which is lacking in this area. We have really enjoyed our stay here and will be returning! 👍🏻😬

    For videos on this campground and others, check out our YouTube channel: Jeff & Steff’s Excellent Adventure.

  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Bear Run Campground

    Loads to do...!

    This campground is deceptively big! The nightly RV sites are close to the park entrance and are relatively flat. The campground hosts themed events, game nights and arts& crafts. There is a swimming pool and playground for the kids. It also has a small café that sells baked goods and coffee. On Saturdays they sell amazing Armish Donuts! 

    Further into the campground the sites turn to more permanent sites. Further up the hill are more cottages and camping. This campground is steep in parts and too large to walk efficiently. There is a fenced dog run area and a beautiful lake. All sites have fire rings. There is an onsite laundry, WIFI, onsite dump station and propane refill station. 

    You can also buy ice and firewood. The campground is gated. Lots to do at the campground and lots to do in the surrounding area. They welcome all furry friends!

  • M
    Jul. 22, 2022

    Hearts Content Recreation Area

    Quiet, Fairly Remote, Pleasant National Forest Campground

    Allegheny National Forest is Pennsylvania's only National Forest and a gem of a location for outdoor recreation. Hearts Content itself is a well-maintained, very quiet campground with some of the most private sites we've experienced in 15 years of regular car camping.

    Site A02 is very nice for privacy, one of the three front sites which means a bit of road traffic for other arriving campers, but covered by dense old-growth forest on all three sides and well set off the road. Ample tree coverage means an excellent shade canopy, but not-so-great if you're powering your rig with solar.

    Clean, good-tasting drinking water at several community water spigots are available, and the central grassy area even contains a clean and well-maintained playground.

    The campground itself is actually across the road from the Recreation Area. The Recreation Area is home to 3 nice hiking trails, including one all-season trail that converts to a cross-country skiing trail in the snowy months, as well as some picnic tables and a restroom.

    The campground has a couple pit toilets that have been very well maintained by campground hosts each year we've been there. Zero smell or problems here, they appear to be looked after daily. They are still pit toilets so this is not exactly a luxury affair, but as pit toilets go, these definitely suffice.

    ---

    INTERNET: One bar of usable Verizon 4G LTE and T-Mobile 4G LTE suitable for slow web browsing and e-mail, but little else. Because of the very dense tree cover here, Starlink is not really a viable option. The most southern facing sites have more of a clearing which may work for Starlink, but are smaller, less private, and also face the group campsite which is well trafficked by Boy Scout troops and other summer camp gatherings, so you're upping your noise quite a bit.

    ---

    MAJOR PROS: This is a great campground to just enjoy camping. Set some 15 miles back in old growth forest, the most private of the campsites provide a very pleasant wilderness experience but still some well-maintained amenities like fresh drinking water and good pit toilets. In our experience camping here several times over several years, weekdays are very quiet at this location, perhaps the quietest of any campground of this size and caliber we've experienced anywhere. It's only really Friday evenings and Saturdays where you'll see more than 3-4 other campers in this place.

    ---

    The closest nearby town is Warren, PA a small but service-rich town set on the Allegheny River that provides all the necessary stuff - a Wal Mart,  a Lowes, and plenty of restaurants and little shops. Warren is the longtime home of a refinery of some sort and on days when the downwind is blowing especially strong, you can catch the faint whiff of a funky but ambiguous smell of…something?

    Cell service kicks up to 5G on T-Mobile in Warren itself, but you're still stuck on 4G with Verizon, as of summer 2022.

    Back to the campground, I would highly recommend this place for people who can get out there on weekdays and enjoy peace and quiet. Firewood is available for sale at the Camp Host campsite, but there's so much downed wood behind just about every site that purchasing wood really isn't necessary: you can keep a hot fire going all night, for free, just by cleaning out the underbrush.

    This is such a pretty, quiet campsite that during weekdays the area deer will often approach from the woods behind the campsites to feast on low hanging leaves. We've seen dozens of them who will get within 10-20 yards of you for a snack later into the night. While never getting too close, it does make for a pleasant wildlife viewing opportunity.

    We really like this place. No showers or other running-water facilities and limited internet service prevent this place from being a perfect 5. It is also a bit of a drive into town for provisions or daily ingress if you need these amenities. That aside, tent, trailer or RV, you are likely to enjoy your experience here if you enjoy camping at all.

  • Gypsy G.
    Jun. 22, 2021

    Mercer-Grove City KOA

    Really nice!

    Very well maintained campground with lots of amenities, esp for kids (pool, playground). Generous sized sites, not too close together. Looks like quite a few long-term RVers here. Cute chickens wandering around. Hiking trail accessible from the campsite. Heavily wooded and quiet, but not too far off interstate.

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 22, 2022

    Tionesta Rec. Area Campground

    Nice COE

    There was not a real address to set our RV GPS. Waze and Google maps will pull up directions by entering Tionesta Recreation Area. We came in from the west on US-6 to PA-66, and up PA-36. From I-80, take the exit for PA-36 then follow the signs to Tionesta and once you get near you'll see the Tionesta Recreation Area Signs. There are signs to the boat launch area so pay attention and follow the camping signs; the campground(CG) is on the right. If you come in from Tionesta, once you clear the town the CG area is to the left. We arrived on a Sunday afternoon around 3:00 PM and the COE entrance building was not manned, so we took a picture of the CG map and proceeded to back-in site 100 with 50 AMP FHUs. There were no obstacles so our back-in was one and done. The site was just long enough for our 39’ fifth wheel(recreation.gov stated max length 48 ft RV) and we had to park our F450 diagonally in front. We noticed that the site post already had our names and dates of stay. The utilities were about 3/4 the way to the back of the site so no problems with sewer, water, or electric cord lengths. The water pressure was okay at about 42 psi. We did not receive any OTA channels but this site and several others back up to a huge berm so you can get satellite. Most of the sites in the CG have mature trees so the satellite is iffy. We got 2 bars on Verizon. The site lengths vary in the CG and the lengths from the reservation site seemed to be fairly correct. There were quite a few larger rigs here. Most if not all of the sites in this CG are full hookups. We noticed that some were 30/20 AMP. Sites closer to the front of the CG, especially along the river, tend to be close to each other. We found that the 90s- 100s area has the best site spacing with site 100 being one of the most spacious sites. After watching a 40’ 5th wheel struggle to back into site 113, we decided this site is not a good choice for rigs over 35 feet or for someone with below-average backing abilities due to the obstacles getting into the site. The pad angles at 90 degrees, there’s a ditch across the road from the site making it difficult to swing the tow vehicle, and there are trees to avoid. We enjoyed walking our dogs through the CG and watching the groundhogs in the rocks behind our site. We noted during our 4-day stay towards the end of June that restaurants and other sights such as museums may be closed Monday, Tuesday, and/or Wednesday. Get out and explore PA Route 666, which includes the Nebraska bridge, Tall Oaks Gift Shop, and Frog rock.

  • 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.

  • S
    Mar. 28, 2022

    Uncle Johns Elk Creek Campground

    Elk Creek Trailers Beautiful Campground

    We stayed the night after picking up our new fifth wheel trailer in Boise. The staff at Elk Creek Trailers was helpful and the shuttle to the stores were convenient. Easy access for the trailers as well. Quiet and convenient. We found it to be the perfect stop on our way south so stayed again two weeks later. We camped at the river but still love Elk Creek Trailers when traveling in our travel trailer. We camped at Elk Creek Campground in a Travel Trailer.

  • Bill  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2020

    Hearts Content Recreation Area

    Simple and serene

    Hearts Content is best described as a way station. The sites are nestled within a grove of immense pines. Some are large enough for large RV’s . There are no showers. Bathrooms are vault toilets. Two of the sites include Adirondack type shelters. A picnic table and fire ring are within each site. I used this site as a staging area to explore Allegheny National Forest for a week. Used a camp shower. The closest town is Warren, PA. Firewood is available at the camp host site. Across the road is an hiking area with picnic tables and the like.

  • Tim J.
    May. 29, 2021

    Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins

    Open Campground

    We don’t live far from this campground, so it was a quick weekend trip in early April. Early April in western Pennsylvania means overnight temperatures in the 40’s and highs in the 50/60’s. The campground sits at the top of a ridge, with an uphill climb if coming from the south. We stayed in site #50, which was in the middle of the loop. Once there, backing in the site was easy, although the narrow road on the loop can be a little challenging, especially if you have a big rig. Once parked, leveling was easy and we were set up in no time. Our site was a little short, so the back door to our camper was near the fire ring, which resulted in smoke blowing through our camper, but nothing a can of Fabreze didn’t fix when we got home. The campground has a nice playground, volleyball court and open grass area for tossing a football or playing soccer. There are a couple of fresh water stations around the loop, so plan accordingly before arriving or be prepared to block traffic on the narrow road while you fill up with fresh water. The dump station was very open and convenient, so departure was quick. We will definitely visit this campground again, but will probably pick something with more shade, especially if visiting in the summer. We have a Winegard Air 360*, but Verizon 4G LTE was non-existent. OTA TV signal picked up a couple of TV stations.


Guide to Sandy Lake

Campgrounds near Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania provide a range of seasonal camping experiences from April through October, with many parks located within 30 miles of town. The region features primarily wooded sites with pine and maple forest coverage offering natural shade. Summertime temperatures typically range from 65-85°F during camping season, with higher humidity in July and August.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: 10-acre private lake at Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground offers catch-and-release fishing with rowboats available for guest use. "Our family really enjoyed staying here, and our kids especially loved swimming and fishing in the lake," reports Sabrina D.

Family activities: Halloween weekend events are popular at area campgrounds from September through October. At Goddard Park Vacationland, "It was Halloween themed weekend and the extent of planning they do for the patrons was outstanding," notes Suzan R. who stayed in a teepee.

Children's programs: Structured activities are available at select campgrounds. Rustic Acres offers "a Saturday kids program, crafts, snacks and games with other children," according to Misty L., making it popular for families seeking organized entertainment.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Bathroom maintenance varies significantly between campgrounds. Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest receives consistent praise for sanitation standards. "Probably the cleanest shower house I have ever seen at a campground," states John M., while multiple reviewers note the park's attention to cleanliness.

Pool amenities: Swimming options are available at several parks. Kalyumet Campground features "probably one of the cleanest" pools according to Tiffany V., who adds: "The kids loved the arcade and the candy scavenger hunt. Gorgeous night skies."

Community atmosphere: Seasonal campers create a distinct social environment at many parks. At Rustic Acres, Misty L. reports, "I can't remember when we were at a campground where everyone said hi and waved to each other. Loved it and will return!"

What you should know

Site spacing concerns: Proximity to neighbors is a common issue. At Goddard Park Vacationland Campground, Jim L. reports "The spaces are so tight that one can barely fit between the next RV. So now you have to turn up your music just to listen to what you're into."

Utility placement: Hookup distances can require extra equipment at some parks. At Kalyumet Campground, one camper notes: "Our only complaint would be the site we were in (11) and others next to it were quite far from the water and cable hookups. I ended up having to run 60ft of water hose and 50ft of cable."

Seasonal population: Permanent residents make up the majority at several parks. "Most of the sites are taken up by full timers. The ones that aren't are close together or the spot is very un-level," reports Becky C. about RV Resort Village, noting the prevalence of golf carts.

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: Weekend scheduling is important for maximum enjoyment. At RV Village Camping Resort, "The resort has lots of planned activities on the weekends," explains Zachariah W., who recommends creating "white noise for our toddler to sleep" due to crowded sites.

Playground access: Recreation areas vary significantly between campgrounds. "The pool and playground are awesome for the kiddos," notes Zachariah W. about RV Village Camping Resort, while Chestnut Ridge offers "a large playground" according to Jaron P.

Noise considerations: Evening quiet hours enforcement differs between parks. "The daily sites are a bit tight which lends to noisy evenings past quiet hours," reports Zachariah W., suggesting families with young children consider site location carefully when booking.

Tips from RVers

Access routes: Navigation challenges exist for larger rigs. "It's also really easy to get to from Interstate 80," says Jaron P. about Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground, which is "big rig accessible" according to Sue B.

Site leveling: Terrain preparation varies significantly between parks. "They keep up on the gravel and leveling which is always appreciated," notes Clean Slate D. about Chestnut Ridge, adding it features "Level gravel sites with really great grassy areas."

Remote work capabilities: Internet access is limited at most parks. Brian G. reports that Thousand Trails Kenisee Lake "is a wonderful place to work from remotely if you have an external antenna to cellular internet," highlighting the need for additional equipment when RV camping near Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular RV campsite near Sandy Lake, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Sandy Lake, PA is RV Village Camping Resort with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find RV camping near Sandy Lake, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 97 RV camping locations near Sandy Lake, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.