105 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Irwin, Pennsylvania range from fully-developed facilities with modern amenities to rustic sites along river corridors. The region includes several established campgrounds like Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA in Ruffs Dale and Fox Den Acres Campground in New Stanton, both within 15 miles of Irwin. These developed campgrounds support various accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and even glamping options. Many facilities in the area maintain seasonal operations, with most campgrounds open from spring through fall, though some like Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA remain open year-round.
Reservations are strongly recommended at most developed campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. The terrain varies considerably throughout the area, with some campgrounds situated in valleys with sloped sites that can present leveling challenges for RVs. Several campgrounds feature water access along the Youghiogheny River, particularly along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail which provides hike-in and bike-in camping opportunities. Most developed campgrounds maintain shower facilities, electric hookups, and drinking water, though amenities vary significantly between locations. A camper noted, "Although the campground is close to several large cities, it is very relaxed, wooded, and quiet."
Families camping in the area frequently mention the child-friendly amenities at locations like Fox Den Acres, which features playgrounds, fishing ponds, and swimming pools. Campers seeking more rustic experiences can find free camping at places like Dravo's Landing, a popular stop for cyclists on the GAP trail that offers lean-to shelters, fire pits, and river access. Train noise is commonly reported at campsites near the GAP trail, with several reviews recommending earplugs for light sleepers. RV campers should be aware that site conditions vary widely, with some locations reporting challenging terrain. As one visitor shared, "The sites in the lower field were roomy and level and all pull-throughs," while others noted steep slopes at certain campgrounds that required careful positioning of stabilizers and leveling equipment.
"They have a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it along with two small dog play areas.Every week they organizes different themes for bingo, and other games."
"The sites are pretty close together and we couldn’t use our fire ring because it ended up being very close to our rig."
"Camped in the Lakeside Loop. This State Park is so Clean! The campground gives you easy access to anything you want to do. Fish, swim, hike, bike, kayak. It can all be done."
"This is our second time staying here - once in Electric site on Lakeside and this time non electric site on Hillside. Love this side of Hillside - quiet and shaded."
from $18 - $79 / night
Check Availability"It’s very military positive, even includes a reserved place for the fallen soldiers. Some sites are a bit close, the pull through sites are very ample. Gravel roads and level sites."
"Tent site was nice and conveniently located next to the bathhouse"
from $50 / night
Check Availability"Ohiopyle is located in a beautiful area of Pennsylvania we've camped there a couple of times and have been able to get last minute tent sites. Lots of outdoor activities nearby."
"Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."
from $20 - $54 / night
Check Availability"Access from the Allegheny Gap trail. There were a few shelters, nice campsite. It’s close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire"
"This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!)"
"Had we not stopped for the previous night’s camp 8 miles sooner, this would have been our favorite camp along the trail. Glad we stopped to check it out, but next time we will include it for sure! "
from $25 / night
Check Availability"We rented space 16 late August 2020 and our friends (and their kids) rented #17 on the inner circle, right next to us with the playground right behind us. Great spots!"
"This is a nice, quiet small campground with a small lake. Our grandchildren loved it. The boat launch is a nice size to fit 2 boats at a time. The only problem is the beach is not that great."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. New pool, but not open when we stayed."
"The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground."
from $25 - $999999 / night
Check Availability"The lake is separate from the campground, but it is less than a mile away and a reasonable distance walk."
"The site numbering is a bit wonky on the door loop so make sure you look at your map before you start driving the loops."
from $20 - $64 / night
Check Availability"The only thing I can say about this campground that made me not give it 5 stars is, the highway noise."
"Peaceful despite being by the highway. The owners were very friendly and helpful. Will definitely be back. Dogs loved it as well"
Travelercheck in was easy. there’s lots to do for families kids- there’s ponds to fish, swimming pool, mini golf. golf cart rentals. playground. they also have events like family olympics and outdoor movies. site was also very nice and spacious
GuideStayed one night while visiting friends. The campground was nice but could use some updating. It was definitely geared more towards families with small children. The showers were interesting. In the men’s they had a pull cord and a button in the women’s. Hot water was more of a mild suggestion rather than an actual thing you got. Luke warm was a generous way of describing it. Not a bad campground if you have a reason to be in the area for a night, but I would recommend it for long stayed unless your camper is very self contained.
GuideCoopers Rock State Park is an absolute gem and easily deserves 5 stars. The RV lots are large and easy to navigate, making setup stress-free and comfortable. The staff was very friendly and helpful, which made the whole stay even better. The new washrooms were clean, modern, and well maintained, and the scenery is breathtaking everywhere you look. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy nature, and take in the beautiful views.
GuideThis place is gorgeous and very quiet. The shower house and bathrooms were well maintained, and even had a laundry room and large sink around the back for dishes. Laundry costs $2 in quarters per load, 4 quarters for the washer and 4 quarters for the dryer. They are quick as well, took maybe an hour and 15 minutes all together. Campsites are spaced apart so you're not directly on top of eachother, but you can still see most of the other campers. Lots of trails in the area. We had electrical hook up and a lantern pole, and the is a dump and water station on the way in/out. Highly recommend this site.
GuideWe've stayed here annually for 7 years. Getting into the RV sites is a steep climb, then you head down from the top of the hill to the RV sites.
The older portion has back in and pull through sites. They are medium to small in size, and due to their height and proximity to Interstates you hear trucks engine breaking. The newer section is lower (and quieter) and the sites are larger, but the gravel is not compacted so it sinks in when you drive, park or try to level your RV on it.
There were dog walking trails in the woods but they are so overgrown you need a machete to use them. The pool is nice and is clean. The camp store is not small but carries a very limited amount of supplies.
The staff are friendly. We've had RV issues and birds nesting under our slide room covers that they have helped us deal with.
TravelerWe are here a couple days . Staff and facilities are great. Lots of hiking trails of various types and lengths. June 9 and only 2 other RVs on our loop. The “new” loop has great single occupancy bath facilities.
TravelerWe LOVED our visit to Kentuck campground and Ohiopyle. We went mid-week in early June and had very few neighbors Tuesday and Wednesday, with more rolling in toward the end of the week.
We stayed on Hickory Loop with our dog and saw quite a few other dogs while we were there. Not all sites are equal at this campground - ours was huge and lovely with adequate flattish area and a stream running along two sides of it. Others were quite small and not very level. I think we had one of the best sites on the loop, with great trees for hammocks and big rocks nearby, as well as good privacy from other sites.
The campground is very shaded and was regularly several degrees cooler than elsewhere in the park, which was great to home 'home' to. There's a lot of poison ivy in the area, so be watchful.
Firewood is available for purchase on entrance to the campground.
The bathhouse was relatively clean, with a large kitchen sink for washing dishes, three toilet stalls, and two shower stalls. We never had to wait for any of it.
TravelerI’m really impressed with this campground. Everything is very well maintained—clean, tidy, and organized. The staff and other campers are friendly, and there’s a welcoming atmosphere overall. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, a great pool, and the sites are spacious and comfortable. They even have what I’d consider professional-grade cornhole boards that look like they’re made from concrete or a similar solid material—really well built and a nice touch. It’s been a very enjoyable and relaxing place to stay.
GuideThis campground's foliage is interesting, I saw fernes growing and trees that looked older than me. I also noticed the campground has some history shown by the rust of the firepits. There is Billy's Pizza and general store which sells firewood if you go a little further down the road that maps takes you and take the second left instead of taking the first left. I think the campground also sells firewood on site. You can order Billy's Pizza and I saw them deliver to the campsites, which is amazing, havent seen that before. I'm a light sleeper and could hear truck engine braking sounds echo through the forest from the nearby highway, so the proximity to the road ruins the feeling of seclusion and the quiet. There's a restroom with a large sink outside which is nice.
Camping spots near Irwin, Pennsylvania range from rustic tent sites to developed RV facilities across rolling hills and valleys of western Pennsylvania. The area sits 975 feet above sea level in Westmoreland County, with typical summer temperatures averaging 82°F. Campers often note the proximity to urban areas while maintaining woodland settings with varying degrees of privacy.
Boating and fishing opportunities: At Bush Recreation Area in Saltsburg, campers can access Loyalhanna Creek where "the lake level was high because of the dam nearby" and "the boat launch is a nice size to fit 2 boats at a time." The recreation area provides shore fishing access, though conditions vary with water levels.
Explore hiking trails: The Laurel Highlands region offers numerous hiking options. At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, "trails looked nice" according to visitors, with one camper noting the "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."
Bicycle touring: The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail provides excellent cycling opportunities. The GAP Trail Campground serves as a convenient stop for cyclists, with one reviewer describing it as "More like a Spa than a Campground" with "the outdoor shower/toilet block is such a divine sight, it makes you crave one whether you're stinky or not."
Private woodland sites: At Fox Den Acres Campground in New Stanton, tent campers appreciate that "each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away." The campground maintains a peaceful atmosphere despite proximity to urban areas.
Swimming facilities: Keystone State Park Campground offers water-based recreation with "clean beaches" that are "great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails." A visitor mentioned "a big beach on the lake and playground" that provides recreation options for all ages.
Quiet camping experiences: Smaller campgrounds like Donegal Campground provide peaceful settings. A camper noted, "If you like camping to be quiet, peaceful and simple, then you'll love this little campground. We stayed at a tent site, site #11. This campground isn't one of those busy, overcrowded, commercialized campgrounds."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from spring through fall. Some facilities like Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA remain open year-round, with winter campers reporting "they've done a great job in the winter despite the frigid weather by using heat tape on the spigots and leaving lots of information at the office."
Uneven terrain: Many campgrounds feature sloped sites that can present challenges. At Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, one camper reported "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped" while another mentioned "the monthly (which I have currently) man are those a nervous wreck! Very steep and awkward but we go it done."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds, particularly those convenient to interstate access, experience road noise. At Donegal Campground, a visitor observed "The campground is situated right off of the main road so the road noise can be an issue if it bothers you. We personally, didn't sleep well because of the road noise."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Irwin, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Irwin, PA is Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA with a 3.9-star rating from 10 reviews.
What parks are near Irwin, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Irwin, PA that allow camping, notably Crooked Creek Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake.
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