Camping spots near Sarver, Pennsylvania cluster mainly in the western Pennsylvania region at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with warm, humid summers and cold winters that limit year-round camping options. Most campgrounds sit on rolling terrain with mixed hardwood forests dominating the landscape between agricultural fields.
What to do
Hiking at McConnell's Mill: Access numerous trails directly from Breakneck Campground, which borders the state park. "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," reports one camper.
Kayaking and boating: Lake Arthur at Moraine State Park offers extensive water recreation with multiple access points. "The lake is great for kayaking or small boats. We fish and kayak the creek opposite the lake," notes a visitor to Crooked Creek Lake.
Swimming in designated areas: Many local campgrounds maintain swimming facilities with varying regulations. "The lake is manmade and maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers. There is a small beach and picnic tables," explains a camper about Crooked Creek Lake.
Disc golf and outdoor games: Several campgrounds provide recreational facilities beyond standard hiking. At Crooked Creek Lake, visitors mention "disc golf, corn hole at campground with kid playground" as available activities.
What campers like
Mountain views: The elevated terrain provides scenic vistas at certain locations. "You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond," notes a visitor at Mountain Top Campground.
Creek access: Water features beyond lakes attract campers seeking quieter experiences. "We were lucky enough to be able 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," writes a Breakneck Campground visitor.
Proximity to Pittsburgh: The region's camping appeal includes accessibility to urban attractions. "This place was great. You are on top of a mountain with great views. The spots are well spaced out and it is family owned... Great scenic routes and close to the spot you want to see in Pittsburgh," explains a Mountain Top Campground review.
Quieter weekday camping: Visitor patterns show notable differences between weekday and weekend experiences. "My daughter and I came through here on our way from Michigan to Virginia. I think it was a Thursday night. It was quiet and beautiful," shares a Breakneck Campground visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Many campgrounds restrict operations to warmer months. Smith Grove remains operational year-round while Crooked Creek Lake runs only "Memorial Day to Labor Day," according to its listing information.
Site privacy variations: The campgrounds differ significantly in vegetation and spacing between sites. "The tent sites were small and crammed together. There was no bathroom (only a porta-potty)," writes one visitor about Breakneck Campground's main area, while noting the stream sites offer more seclusion.
Bathroom and shower facilities: Quality ranges considerably across campgrounds. At Crooked Creek Lake, "The govt obviously not putting money into the restrooms," while Smith Grove receives positive comments like "Bathrooms were very clean as well."
Water access considerations: Not all sites provide direct hookups, requiring planning. At Mountain Top Campground, visitors note, "Since they sit atop the mountain, the grey water hookup is a long hose that has an adapter which hooks up to your black and grey tank outlet and it runs down the hillside."
Tips for camping with families
Consider playgrounds: Only certain campgrounds offer dedicated children's facilities. "This is my go to spot for camping when I have to just get away from it all. A great little beach area to lay out and enjoy the sun. The hiking trails are in excellent condition," mentions a reviewer at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground.
Space for activities: Open areas for recreation vary between locations. At Mountain Top Campground, "They do have a very very large open field right smack dab in the middle of the campground for any kind of activities you can come up with if you brought those activities with you (i.e. soccer, kite flying, baseball, etc..)."
Event calendars: Some campgrounds organize regular activities. "Bear Run Campground offers pull through sites for larger RV's. The pool is smaller but still enjoyable. Tons of activities always planned on the weekend. Family Friendly Friendly!" notes one visitor.
Safety considerations: Terrain can pose challenges for younger children. At Raccoon Creek, a visitor mentions "There is a trail that leads down from the tent loop to the beach which is cool but very very steep (not for too young or old)."
Tips from RVers
Driving access challenges: Several campgrounds have difficult approach roads. At Mountain Top Campground, "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in."
Hookup variations: Water, electric and sewer connections differ substantially. "Water and electric available (50 amps), grey sewer available. For the black you can dump here or have someone pump out on Wednesday morning," explains a Mountain Top Campground reviewer.
Site leveling needs: Terrain affects site quality for larger vehicles. At Keystone State Park Campground, "our tent site was more like an RV site as we had a hill side but each site has a 30ft concrete pad to park on."
Size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate large rigs. "Tough to get our 36' fifth wheel in. Don't pass the drive coming in. We had to drive few miles to get looped back," cautions a Crooked Creek Lake visitor.
