Camping options near Sharpsville, Pennsylvania range from state park sites to private campgrounds within a 40-mile radius. Located in Mercer County at an elevation of 1,200 feet, the region experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers that make lake access camping particularly appealing from May through October. Overnight temperatures can dip below 55°F even in summer months, making proper preparation essential for yurt camping and tent stays.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: Mosquito Lake State Park offers excellent swimming with both a campground beach and a larger beach across the lake. "We stayed at site #96. Camp is near beach & marina. Also many shops and restaurants within a 10 minute drive," notes Heidi B.
Hiking and nature exploration: West Branch State Park provides multiple hiking trails through wooded areas. "There are many scenic hiking trails at West Branch. Bridal trails are located on Esworthy Rd," shares Alisa G. The park also features "a newer dog park near the intersection of Rock Spring and Esworthy roads."
Fishing opportunities: Berlin Lake Wildlife Area offers numerous fishing spots along its shoreline. "Great fishing and great family place," mentions Jim L. about the Army Corps camping area, which provides "nice boat dock" access points throughout the park.
Historic site exploration: Visit McConnell's Mill State Park near Breakneck Campground for covered bridges and historic structures. "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," explains Britt B.
Biking adventures: Pymatuning State Park has excellent biking potential. "Bringing our bikes was a blast as we were able to bike down to the beach for swimming and we took our bikes to Meadville to do the Ernst bike trail," says Leah L., describing it as "a paved, flat, easy 6.3 mile cycling trail through the woods and along the river."
What campers like
Large, private campsites: Mosquito Lake State Park Campground offers spacious sites, particularly appreciated by tent campers. "The sites are huge. The dog park is amazing. Theres so much to do here. Swimming, boating, fishing," shares Courtney C., though noting "no real bathrooms except at the front of the park. No place to wash dishes. Rough if you're tent camping."
Clean facilities: Pymatuning State Park's Jamestown Campground maintains excellent bathrooms. "All bath houses and restrooms are handicap available with each toilet and shower set up individually. Really nice," reports Robert H. The park also offers "nice shower and bathrooms for a state park."
Waterfront access: Mill Creek Camping provides affordable lakefront sites. "Low cost for staying ($18 for a waterside, spacious site for up to 8 people, 2 tents at no additional costs)," notes Katie. Another camper adds, "We booked a lakefront site and it is just gorgeous! We have our own private little beach which our dog loves."
Yurt camping options: For those seeking yurt camping near Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping offers climate-controlled yurt accommodations. "We stayed in a cabin with a few friends. It was a great area with a lot to do around it!" shares Sienna B. about the property that includes yurt options.
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds offer themed weekend events throughout the camping season. "Halloween weekends are a great time to visit!" mentions Terra B., with another visitor detailing events like "Pumpking Carving Contest, Voting On Pumpkins, Dance Party."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular campsites require advance booking, especially waterfront locations. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly!" advises Alisa G. about West Branch State Park.
GPS navigation issues: Some campgrounds require specific directions rather than GPS navigation. At Mercer-Grove City KOA, "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," warns Jen O.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven sites. "We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches. The jack was down as low as it would go and we were still off by 1.5 inches," reports Andrea F. about West Branch State Park.
Seasonal opening dates: Most campgrounds operate from May through mid-October. Pymatuning State Park runs "mid April to mid October" while Adventure Bound Shenango Valley operates "May 1 to Oct 15."
Noise levels vary: Some campgrounds enforce quiet hours more strictly than others. "We 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," reports Sara K. about one campground's party atmosphere.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas: Jellystone Park at Kozy Rest offers numerous activities for children. "Tons of activities to keep the kids busy all day!!" shares Pam O., with other reviews mentioning "bikes crafts, rides, super nice staff and the hey ride was a blast."
Consider water-based recreation options: Mill Creek Camping provides excellent swimming opportunities. "Very nice and clean campground with many access point to the the lake," reports Renee G., adding that "nearby to the campground, about one mile South there an animal sanctuary, Noah's Lost Ark."
Seek out campgrounds with weekend programs: Many local campgrounds run organized activities. "The park office loans games and sports equipment to campers... An ice cream social is held on Saturday evenings that my children always love to attend," mentions Alisa G.
Check bathroom proximity for tent camping families: When tent camping with children, bathroom location matters. One camper noted at Mosquito Lake, "No real bathrooms except at the front of the park," which can be challenging for families with small children during nighttime bathroom trips.
Evaluate pet policies if traveling with dogs: Policies vary significantly between parks. "I didn't like that pets are not allowed in the non-pet area as that was where the playground and swimming beach was. Made it difficult to swim and play as a family since you can't leave dogs alone at the campsite," shares Jeani B. about Pymatuning.
Tips from RVers
Check site specifications carefully: Many campgrounds have sites with various limitations. "The sites are large, private and some on the water. Clean restrooms and great staff," reports one visitor about a local campground.
Prepare for limited hookup options: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At West Branch State Park, "The water fill is on an incline so when our tank was 'full' pulling away from fill station it was really only 2/3 full," notes Andrea F., explaining this was "okay for a short weekend but not good planning from who ever designed the park."
Consider early arrival time: Some campgrounds charge for early check-in. At Lake Milton KOA, a camper reported their father-in-law "got there around 12:30 in the afternoon and they charged him $15 for early check in."
Look for campgrounds with dump stations: For those without sewer hookups, convenient dump stations are essential. "They permit non guests to utilize the dump site at a small fee $20 (during non peak times)," notes Donna M. about Lake Milton KOA.
Plan for varying site spacing: Site proximity differs widely between campgrounds. "Level, wooded sites and clean bathrooms. Lots of space for each sites and trees for shade," reports Kelly F. about one campground, while another mentions sites being "very close together" with "no privacy at all."
