Youghiogheny River Lake sits at approximately 1,470 feet above sea level in Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands region, creating 16 miles of lake with over 100 miles of shoreline. Camping options around the lake range from primitive tent sites with no amenities to full-hookup RV spots with Wi-Fi access. Winter temperatures often drop below 20°F, making most camping seasonal from April through October.
What to do
Fishing in the outflow area: The area below Youghiogheny Dam offers excellent fishing opportunities with regulated water flow. At Outflow Camping, campers can access prime fishing spots directly from their sites. "The campground is located along the Great Allegheny Passage, and the Yough river and lake. It is a great place if you like to bike, paddle, or fish," notes a camper.
Hiking nearby trails: Multiple hiking paths surround Youghiogheny River Lake campsites, ranging from easy lakeside walks to more challenging forest routes. At Kooser State Park Campground, "There's only one hiking trail within the park's 250 acres. But it's a decent trail with sharp elevation gain." The campground connects to larger trail systems in Forbes State Forest.
Water recreation: Beyond fishing, the lake offers swimming, boating, and paddling options. At Tub Run Recreation Area, "The swimming lake was perfect and they had canoes and kayak rentals on site." Boat rentals typically cost $15-25 per hour depending on watercraft type, with most rental services operating from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Many campers appreciate the private sites available at Scarlett Knob Campground near Ohiopyle. "All time favorite campsite yet. Each site is far away from other sites you feel alone," writes one reviewer. The campground offers both primitive tent sites and RV spots with electric hookups.
Accessibility to outdoor activities: Kentuck Campground in Ohiopyle State Park provides easy access to multiple outdoor pursuits. "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground," notes a visitor. The campground serves as a central base for exploring the region's rafting, hiking, and biking opportunities.
Clean facilities: Despite varying ages of infrastructure, many Youghiogheny River Lake campsites maintain clean amenities. At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, "The sites are gravel; most appeared level, but some did not. All sites are wooded but some have more separation than others." Campers regularly mention the park's well-maintained bathhouses and common areas.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds around Youghiogheny River Lake operate from mid-April through mid-October, with limited winter camping options. Laurel Hill State Park Campground runs "mid April to 3rd Sun October," while others like Hickory Hollow Campground operate "April 15 to October 31."
Bathroom quality varies significantly: While some campgrounds feature modern facilities, others have basic amenities. A Scarlett Knob camper noted, "Facilities are not kept up so they are dirty and need some love. There is one spot with a flushable toilet and it's a bit of a walk. The pit toilets are actually pretty ok."
Limited grocery options: The area has few stores for supplies. As one Hickory Hollow visitor mentioned, "Not a lot of restaurants or stores nearby, so keep that in mind if you'll be there awhile." Most campgrounds sell basic items and firewood but stock limited food options.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with activities: Family-friendly options include Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground with organized events and recreational facilities. "They offer a game room, pool, mini golf, a full camp store, firewood, etc.," reports a visitor. The campground schedules family-oriented activities during summer weekends.
Book early for holiday weekends: Popular family camping periods fill quickly. One Laurel Hill visitor advises, "We were surprised that just a few days before Memorial Day, only a handful of sites were occupied." However, most note that major holidays require reservations 6-9 months in advance.
Consider lake access options: For families with children, lakefront sites provide easier water access. At Tub Run Recreation Area, "If you go and are ok with a rustic site, I would suggest the lakefront sites overlooking the field and beach." These sites eliminate the need to transport gear between camping and swimming areas.
Tips from RVers
Check site levelness: Many campgrounds around Youghiogheny River Lake feature sloped sites challenging for RVs. A Kooser State Park camper warned, "My only complaint is that many of the sites are not level at all and take some serious work to get your rig level." Sites along the eastern shore tend to have more level options.
Limited full-hookup sites: Campgrounds typically offer electric-only sites with communal water access and dump stations. Outflow Camping has "3-4 full hookup and a few 50 amp" sites, requiring early reservations for complete service connections. Most other campgrounds provide electric hookups with communal water spigots.
Electric hookup placement: Power connections may require extension cords. One Laurel Hill State Park visitor noted, "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."
