Camping near Saxonburg, Pennsylvania offers access to the region's mixed hardwood forests situated within the Appalachian Plateau, with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,400 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with warm summers averaging 80-85°F and cooler spring and fall temperatures in the 50-70°F range. Most campgrounds near Saxonburg remain open from April through October, with limited winter camping options available at select locations.
What to do
Hiking at McConnells Mill State Park: Breakneck Campground provides direct access to approximately 30 miles of trails including part of the North Country Trail. "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," notes Britt B. from Breakneck Campground.
Water recreation options: Multiple water activities available at Keystone State Park, located 45 minutes from Saxonburg. "Small lake where you can fish, paddle boat, and swim. Quiet hours and parking are strictly enforced," explains Joseph S. at Keystone State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Fox Den Acres Campground maintains stocked fishing ponds for campers. A reviewer observed, "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them." The campground is located approximately 30 minutes south of Saxonburg.
What campers like
Private creek-side camping: Creek-side sites at Breakneck Campground offer seclusion and water access. "We were lucky enough to be able to 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," shares Britt B.
Laundry facilities: Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA features industrial-sized laundry equipment. "Laundry facilities are the best we have encountered. Big machines and dryers making life easier and less time spent doing laundry," according to Mary Elisabeth D. at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Wooded camping areas: Many sites at Mercer-Grove City KOA feature mature tree coverage. "Level, wooded sites and clean bathrooms. No area to wash dishes. Lots of space for each sites and trees for shade," notes Kelly F. from Mercer-Grove City KOA.
What you should know
Site accessibility issues: At some campgrounds, utility hookups can be problematic. At Kalyumet Campground, a camper noted: "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 in order to get a connection."
Noise levels vary by campground: Some campgrounds strictly enforce quiet hours while others don't. At Breakneck Campground, one camper reported: "I got about 2 hours of sleep Saturday night total, and the last time I was woken up my watch said 3:48 am. Clearly there is absolutely no enforcement of the quiet hours whatsoever."
Weather considerations: Many campgrounds in the Saxonburg area have limited drainage during heavy rains. "We had a big night of rain and with the wind it dried up pretty quickly," noted Shannon G. about Tomlinson Run State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Yurt camping options for families: Beyond Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest, other campgrounds offer family-friendly yurt camping near Saxonburg, Pennsylvania. "We've stayed in cabins, yurts, tents, and our camper. Always up kept and very clean. Have to try out there Halloween production," recommends Jeremiah R.
Campground activities: Silver Canoe Campground offers boat rentals for family entertainment. "Family friendly and there's a little fishing lake. You can rent paddle boats or canoes to paddle around the lake," mentions Indy A. from Silver Canoe Campground.
Fall camping considerations: Autumn camping offers unique family experiences. "Trees are everywhere and wonderful during the fall season," notes Shannon G. regarding Tomlinson Run State Park, which remains open through October 31.
Tips from RVers
GPS cautions: Several campgrounds report GPS routing issues. When visiting Mercer-Grove City KOA, "Don't Follow GPS! We use both the RV Garmin 890 & RV Trip Wizard and both had us doing some crazy side roads to get into the KOA. Be sure to use the park's directions for an easier drive in," advises Jen O.
Site leveling challenges: RVers should prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped. On my way out I heard they were having someone come in to level the sites," reports Patience W. about Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Amenity access: Fox Den Acres provides pull-through sites with full hookups for easy overnight stops. "The sites in the lower field, where I was, were roomy and level and all pull-throughs," notes Judith R., while another camper pointed out: "Only downside is only one bathhouse/restroom, hampering the no #2 in camper."
