Family-oriented campgrounds near Scottdale, Pennsylvania offer camping experiences that extend beyond basic RV hookups. The Laurel Highlands region surrounding Scottdale sits at elevations between 1,000 and 2,800 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions with colorful fall foliage and moderate summer temperatures. Most campgrounds in this region remain operational from April through mid-October, with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Water recreation opportunities: At Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground, families can enjoy creek activities and a swimming pool. As one camper noted, "Kids had a great time playing in the creek. You will not find better campground owners, they are amazing. After office hours they can be commonly found hanging out with their campers. Pick up cornhole games, bonfires, are the norm at the community building."
Hiking and biking trails: The GAP Trail runs directly through several camping areas, including the former Uniontown KOA, now known as The Blue Canoe RV Resort. A reviewer explained, "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground. The seasonal RVers and weekend warriors have long claimed their sites, but for through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp, close to the west-bound entrance."
Historic site visits: The region offers access to notable landmarks like Fallingwater, Fort Necessity, and Flight 93 Memorial. "We stayed for 2 nights while we visited Fallingwater and the Flight 93 Memorial. We should have stayed another night so we could visit Fort Necessity NP just down the road but ran out of time," shared a visitor at Benner's Meadow Run.
What campers like
Family-friendly atmospheres: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run receives high marks for kid-friendly amenities. "Mill run by far the best yogi bear/campground we have been to. Second time we have been & they have upgraded the water slides 4 huge slides plus big splash pad with little slide for smaller kids & the original 2 big water slides in woods," wrote one camper.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain good hygiene standards, which guests appreciate. A camper at Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing reported, "The cabin was great, very clean and cozy. The campgrounds are very nice they have a pool as well as a community building and camp store."
Peaceful waterfront sites: Many rv sites near Scottdale, Pennsylvania offer creek or lake access. "Site 26 is our favorite. It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek," noted a regular visitor to Pioneer Lakes RV Park, while another mentioned, "We were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, everything you want on a spring trip."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most camping options around Scottdale close during winter months. "We went to Benner's meadow the end of September. Not many people were there and the seasonal campsites were mostly closed up for the winter," one camper observed, highlighting the seasonal nature of the region.
Navigation considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access routes. At Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort, a guest appreciated that it was "close to the highway but no road noise," providing convenient access without disturbance. This contrasts with some mountain-access campgrounds that require more careful route planning.
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak seasons and holidays. "Book early for holidays," advised a repeat visitor to Benner's Meadow Run, while another mentioned, "We had a reserved site but got moved by the campground to a much less desirable site without notice" at Jellystone Park, indicating the importance of confirming arrangements.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Pioneer Lakes RV Park offers numerous options for children. "Extremely family friendly, lots to do for kiddos on weekend, stocked ponds, bathhouses very close to all sites," noted a long-time visitor who had been camping there since childhood.
Playground safety: Inspect play areas before letting children use them. Some facilities require maintenance, as one visitor warned: "The playground area is unsafe. The wood on the playsets are falling apart and splintering. I had to pull a lot of splinters out of my child's hands and feet."
Pet accommodations: Most campgrounds welcome pets but have specific rules. One family camping at Jellystone Park appreciated that the "staff is the best. They will go out of their way to help guests. The cabin and sites are clean and the grounds are well maintained."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking rv sites near Scottdale, Pennsylvania, consider leveling needs. A camper at Pioneer Lakes noted, "We ended up on a grassy hill in the back. The spot was so unlevel there were 19 inches between my bottom step and the ground. This site was the same price as level ones closer to activities."
Utility reliability: Water pressure varies between campgrounds. The Blue Canoe RV Resort (formerly Uniontown KOA) received mixed reviews on utilities, with one recent visitor noting that "Some river sites were small and very un level but was doable," while appreciating the "pretty campground, clean and nice amenities."
Wi-Fi connectivity: Internet service is inconsistent throughout the region. "Wifi was good enough to work and stream Netflix," reported a camper at Benner's Meadow Run during a late-September visit, though this experience likely varies during busier periods when more campers share the connection.
