Best Campgrounds near Ligonier, PA

Camping throughout the Ligonier area of Pennsylvania encompasses a range of established campgrounds across the Laurel Highlands region. Keystone State Park Campground offers tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options about 5 miles southwest of Ligonier, with amenities including electric hookups, picnic tables, and showers. Nearby Linn Run State Park provides cabin-only accommodations in a forested setting. The region supports multiple state parks with developed campgrounds, including Laurel Hill State Park and Kooser State Park, which both offer varied camping experiences within 20 miles of Ligonier.

Most campgrounds in the Laurel Highlands operate seasonally from April through October with specific opening and closing dates varying by location. Many visitors highlight the area's natural beauty and recreational opportunities. As one camper noted, "We've stayed here multiple times throughout several summers. The lake is great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails. There's plenty to do in surrounding areas from Ft Ligonier to the shops in the town." Road access to most established campgrounds accommodates standard vehicles and RVs, though some sites have limitations for larger rigs. Cell service varies throughout the region, with some campgrounds offering better connectivity than others. Reservations are recommended, particularly for summer weekends and holiday periods when campgrounds reach capacity.

Campers frequently mention the variety of outdoor activities available near camping areas. The extensive trail systems provide hiking opportunities, while lakes at several state parks offer fishing, boating, and swimming. Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and organized activities, making them suitable for families. A review mentioned that Mirror Lake RV Camping "has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek. Close by is Ligonier, Idlewild, and St. Vincent." Noise levels vary by location, with some campgrounds reporting highway sounds from nearby interstates. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities including showers, restrooms, and fire rings, while some offer additional services such as firewood sales and camp stores. The proximity to Ligonier's historic attractions and small-town amenities allows campers to combine outdoor recreation with cultural experiences.

Best Camping Sites Near Ligonier, Pennsylvania (105)

    1. Keystone State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    Latrobe, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 668-2939

    $18 - $70 / night

    "The lake is great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails. There's plenty to do in surrounding areas from Ft Ligonier to the shops in the town. Great place to spend the weekend"

    "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."

    2. Laurel Hill State Park Campground

    28 Reviews
    Rockwood, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 445-7725

    $20 - $64 / night

    "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."

    3. Kooser State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Jones Mills, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 445-8673

    $22 - $70 / night

    ". -$5 firewood bundles at the entrance. -Cleanest bathrooms/showers -Crystal clear stream with beautiful trail to the lake. Both stocked with fish. -Lots of picnic tables at the lake."

    "Kooser State Park sits on the border of Forbes State Forest in the Laurel Highlands. It has a mix of camper & tent sites around a central clearing, and offers a few cabins."

    4. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    80 Reviews
    Ohiopyle, PA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 329-8591

    $20 - $54 / night

    "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."

    5. Donegal Campground

    7 Reviews
    Jones Mills, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 593-7717

    "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"

    6. Laurel Highlands Campland

    7 Reviews
    Jones Mills, PA
    12 miles
    Website

    $45 / night

    "Nearby all the local attractions that laurel highlands has to offer....Youghiogheny River,  Frank Loyd Wright house, Living Treasures Animal Park,  Seven Springs,  Hidden Valley,  etc.."

    "Laurel Highlands campland is in a terrific location for all the local attractions."

    7. Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing

    4 Reviews
    New Florence, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 235-2115

    "It has a huge back yard and easy access to the creek. Close by is Ligonier, Idlewild, and St. Vincent (where the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp takes place.)"

    "Not only were the staff super friendly and helpful, but we were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, everything you want on a spring trip."

    8. Quemahoning Family Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Hollsopple, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 233-9512

    $20 - $50 / night

    "Easy walk to beach area and boat launch. Very clean."

    "The location on the water adds for a great view. Electric only."

    9. Linn Run State Park Cabins — Linn Run State Park

    1 Review
    Rector, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 238-6623

    $33 - $75 / night

    "There are charming rustic cabins, toilets and showers nearby. Outdoor spigots for water. They’re all right next to a shady crick, near a sliding rock, and some nice hikes. Great spot for kids."

    10. Pioneer Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Somerset, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 445-6348

    "Next to sewer tank pump station, though. Not a problem but a few truck visits throughout the day so some people might not like that. Lots to do for kids."

    "Big fishing lakes. Pool could use a heater."

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Recent Reviews near Ligonier, PA

573 Reviews of 105 Ligonier Campgrounds


  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Laurel Hill State Park Campground

    Okay campground

    Okay campground. We met nice people staying there. However, the sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites. Large open grassy area. The camp host saw me walking my pups, and as I walked toward the trash can(near the bathroom) to throw away a pooped that I had picked up, she yelled across the green area from her site“no dogs in the bathrooms!” Kinda rude, but later she was friendly. Some okay hiking trails off the campground in a meadow.

  • Ronnie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Hidden Springs Campground

    Labor Day Weekend

    It was packed-all went smoothly. From check in, wood delivery, and parking.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Mountain Top Campground

    Solitude peace and quiet

    You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. It’s cute. Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond. Basic amenities. Some ice and fire wood that are self serve. We’re just here for the night and are hoping to catch an uber into the city for a pirates game. Place is full - ish but is super quiet. If you’re looking for a place to hang a hammock and read a book. This is it. Nice fire holes with a view.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Sand Springs Campground

    Remote wilderness

    Was a nice campground. Wish I would have picked a better spot. Was tricky backing in. Lots of tress. Was off season so felt like I had the place to myself. Gets some crazy fog but lot of parks and trails close by.

  • Sue J.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Rocky Gap State Park Campground

    Willing to give it another try

    I just returned from a 2-night tent camping solo trip with my dog.  This was my first time at Rocky Gap and I found some strong pros and cons.

    Pros

    Large camp sites, with decent space for tents. The descriptions on the State Park site seem very accurate. Mid week (Sunday and Monday nights) the campground was less than a third full, and the folks who were there were spread out so it felt more spacious than it was. There are some great trails for hiking, and the dog beach was perfect. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and SUPs, or bring your own for no launch fee.

    Cons

    It was very noisy at night due to traffic on I-68 and even the campground road, which despite a 15 mph posting has no speed bumps and seems to have a poplar straightaway for cars with loud mufflers who like to open it up. I don't know if the I68 traffic just sounds louder at night because everything else is quiet, or if the sound carries farther at night. But sleeping my tent, I was woken up many times by the sound of trucks down shifting and braking.

    Another noise -- during the day I heard what sounded like the world's largest circular saw, only to discover that there is a large saw mill about 2 miles north. Fortunately that noise stopped by about 6 pm.

    And finally, although there were only a few occupied sites in Dogwood loop, some were with very large groups with either no self awareness or no consideration for others. No fault of the park, and people did basically follow quiet hours, but 8:30am blasting music, and hooping and hollering into the night. Just. know that it is a popular park for large groups.

    Based on other reviews here saying that it was quiet, I'm willing to give it another try in a different loop. Or, not in a tent but in a camper van which is my other option.

  • B
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Pioneer Lakes RV Park

    Don't waste your money

    This was the worst experience I have ever had camping. We always do a huge family aging trip which we end up booking multiple sites. Every site was paid in full before arrival. One family checked in and had to pay extra when they checked in while the others did not. Camp sites where not mowed and unpresentable. Picnic tables where falling apart and one was not even usable because the bolt rusted on the bench seats and the boards where falling off. The roads are full of potholes going back to the sites. The staff are extremely rude and ignorant. When I was on the gulf cart going up to pick up my family from the pool, the one staff member stepped out in front of me blockkng me from going to pick up my family who was standing by the office steps. Told me I had to go park in the grass. Anytime you left the camp ground we where one, they watched us like Hawks. We had visitors that came and went to get a visitors pass and was treated like crap in the office and they actually told our visitors they where being dishonest. The playground area is unsafe. The wood on the playsets are falling apart and splintering. I had to pull alot of splinters out of my childs hands and feet. In the guys and girls restrooms, toilets where make closed and some of the knobs where broken off in the shower rooms. The wifi is terrible. You can't even use your cellphone on the wifi, let alone trying to stream TV. The pool water is terrible. Its so filled with salt that when you get out your skin is extremely dry and your lips shrivel up. You have to pay to go fishing but yet their ponds are scummy. Driving around we noticed that one Campsite was completely under water and it hasn't rain enough for a site to be flooded, another site the freshwater connection was held down by raquet straps to keep it together, another site there was a pile of shale and a mini excavator sitting in the lot with campers there. There was a band at the pavillion and there was a moonshine tent and staff was at it doing taste testing. I feel that drinking on the job is inappropriate. We use to go once a year here for the last 25 years and since the new owners took over, we will no longer camper there. Overall our trip was more frustrating than enjoyable. They need to find new staff that are customer friendly and not tyrants.

  • Kimberly H.
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Rocky Gap State Park Campground

    Such a treasure of a state park!

    We stayed in cabin 170 in Fir loop and the site was incredibly spacious, heavily shaded, close to the bath house, path to the beach, and well distanced from other sites. There are only 2 cabins on this loop and this one is the best positioned. The bath house was kept very clean, even though the campground was full. We brought paddle boards and the lake was perfect for paddle boarding. Note that you cannot swim anywhere outside of the roped swim areas. It was a hot day and we found a great shallow area and decided to take a dip and the lifeguards came out on boat and kindly told us we could not swim. We will definitely be back here to camp again soon.


Guide to Ligonier

Camping near Ligonier, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Ohiopyle State Park. One visitor mentioned, "There is a lot of hiking nearby, most of which you need to drive to within the state park."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy kayaking or canoeing at Rocky Gap State Park Campground. A camper shared, "The campground has their own swim beach with a great playground, nature center, and camp store."
  • Fishing: Cast a line at Laurel Hill State Park Campground. One reviewer noted, "The lake provides a great place to fish and the walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Green Ridge State Forest, have fewer facilities. A camper noted, "No showers, no toilets, trash."
  • Crowded Weekends: Expect busier crowds on weekends at places like Swallow Falls State Park Campground. One visitor remarked, "On Friday night… tons of families rolled in with loud kids running around."
  • Site Accessibility: Some sites can be tricky to access, as mentioned by a camper at Coopers Rock State Forest: "Backing into some of the sites can be tricky with the angles and the ditches along the road."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Rocky Gap State Park Campground that offer playgrounds and swimming areas. A parent shared, "We love that the campground has their own beach so it’s not overcrowded with the public."
  • Plan Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids engaged. One family at Laurel Hill State Park Campground enjoyed, "The easy walking lake trail with the kids because it was wide and flat."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A camper at Prince Gallitzin State Park - Crooked Run Campground mentioned, "Camp store with ice cream, snacks, clothes, everything you need and more."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites at campgrounds like Seven Points. One RVer noted, "The sites are mostly well kept, but only electric at site."
  • Be Prepared for Walks: Some campgrounds, like Ohiopyle State Park, have bathhouses that require a bit of a trek. A visitor said, "Bath house is up at the top of the hill. Be prepared for that walk."
  • Book Early: Popular spots can fill up fast, especially during peak season. A camper at Rocky Gap State Park Campground advised, "Make sure to check out Lincoln Caverns!"

Camping near Ligonier, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds near Ligonier, PA?

The Ligonier area offers several excellent camping options. Keystone State Park Campground is a popular choice with a beautiful lake for fishing and numerous hiking trails. It's conveniently located near Fort Ligonier and local shops. Another great option is Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park, which provides beautiful surroundings and last-minute tent site availability. For those seeking more amenities, Linn Run State Park offers cabin rentals, while Hidden Springs Campground provides a quiet retreat with clean facilities. The region's natural beauty makes any of these campgrounds an excellent base for exploring the Laurel Highlands area.

What is the typical cost for camping near Ligonier, PA?

Camping costs near Ligonier vary based on amenities and accommodation type. At Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing, prices are reasonable for sites, many of which run along a small creek. Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run offers both tent and RV sites with competitive pricing. State parks like Kooser and Prince Gallitzin typically charge $15-30 per night for tent sites and $30-45 for sites with electric hookups. Private campgrounds generally range from $35-60 per night for basic sites, while cabins at various campgrounds start around $60-100 per night, depending on amenities and season.

Are there any family-friendly camping amenities available at Ligonier campgrounds?

Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run is exceptionally family-oriented with two pools, splash grounds, fire truck rides, arcades, and character meet-and-greets with Yogi Bear. Rocky Gap State Park Campground offers spacious sites, clean bathhouses, and a beach area perfect for families. Many campgrounds in the region provide kid-friendly amenities like playgrounds, fishing opportunities, and organized activities. Friendship Village Campground features family recreation areas, while Pioneer Park Campground offers planned activities during peak season. Several campgrounds also provide easy access to hiking trails, lakes, and rivers where families can enjoy outdoor adventures together.