Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Somerset, PA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Pennsylvania camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Somerset. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Known as the “Gateway to the Laurel Highlands,” Pennsylvania’s Ohiopyle State Park consists of approximately 20,500 acres of the state’s finest and most rugged natural beauty. A quick drive from Pittsburgh and Morgantown, WV, this park can get you back to nature conveniently. The million annual visitors the park gets act as proof of just how convenient this state park is. Camping at Ohiopyle State Park offers campers 200 campsites at the Kentuck campground, with flush toilets, warm showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and some electric hook-ups. Yurts and cottages are available as well for those looking for a more comfortable stay in the great Allegheny passage. When visiting this state park, campers and adventurers will both notice the mighty Youghiogheny [yawki-gay-nee] River flowing through the center of the park. Capitalizing on this, the park offers whitewater boating opportunities for all experience levels. For those looking to stay on dry land, however, hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting and rock climbing are all available in the summer months. In the colder months, cross-country skiing and snowmobile riding are available across the park.
Of the 262 campsites, 149 have electric hook-ups. Some sites have full-service hook up, which includes sewer, water, and electricity. The campground has:
Flush toilets Warm showers Sanitary dumping stations Drinking water Pets are permitted in designated sites. Please follow all pet camping rules.
The campground is open from mid-April and closes the third Sunday in October.
Site occupancy is limited to one family unit (persons living under one household) or one non-family unit limited to five persons, including one responsible individual 18 years of age or older.
The maximum camping period is 14 consecutive nights.
$29 / night
Rocky Gap State Park is located in Western Maryland’s Allegany County. The park encompasses over 3,000 acres of public land for visitors to enjoy. Rugged mountains surround the park. The 243-acre Lake Habeeb is known for having the "bluest water in the state." The lake is fed by Rocky Gap Run, which winds its way through an impressive mile-long gorge, displaying sheer cliffs, overlooks and a hemlock forest dense with rhododendron and mountain laurel. Overlooking the lake is Evitts Mountain, named for one of the first European settlers in Allegany County.
Rocky Gap Campground offers 278 individual campsites (including 30 equipped with 30 amp electric hook-ups, mini cabin and yurt Options), a family group site and two youth group camping areas. The campground also features a dump station, bathhouses with hot water in each loop, the Scales & Tales Aviary, canoe/kayak/SUP board rentals (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day), a nature center, a private swimming beach, a playground, trail access, Snack Shack and a camp store. Pets are allowed in Camp Loops Ash, Birch, Chestnut, Dogwood and Elm (Sites 1- 143). Alcohol is only permitted inside personal motor homes. Check-in for campsites is 3 p.m. and check-out is 1 p.m.
The family group site offers space for up to 40 people to camp together. The group site includes a two-story mini cabin with electric, as well as six 30 amp electric hookups and a group fire ring. Bathhouses are located in the adjacent camp loops.
The two youth group areas are for use by valid youth groups only. Please see http://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/youthgroup.aspx for more information.
RockyGap_Yurt.pngMini Cabins and Yurts There are 15 mini cabins located throughout the campground. They sleep either four or six people. The yurt accommodates 8 people and has an adjoining camp pad to increase the total site capacity to 15 people. Each has electricity (no water) and beds. Users must provide their own linens. Air conditioning and heat are not available. Check-in for mini cabins and the yurt is 3 p.m. and check-out is 12 p.m.
Easter Hill Chalet Exterior of the Easter Hill ChaletThe Easter Hill Chalet accommodates up to eight people. A completely furnished kitchen, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, wrap-around deck, gas fireplaces, outdoor campfire area and grill make this an enjoyable vacation spot. Chalet guests must provide their own linens, towels, bedding, pillows and soaps. The chalet is located in a forested, private area of the park, overlooking the lake. The Chalet requires a 2-night minimum stay. Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend require a 3-night holiday stay (Friday/Saturday/Sunday). Check-in is 3 p.m. and check-out is 10 a.m. The address for the Chalet is 13300 Pleasant Valley Road, Flintstone MD 21530. Reservations are available April-December. Make reservations online at https://parkreservations.maryland.gov or call the reservation center at 1-888-432-2267. TTY users call 1-866-804-7846.
$23 - $29 / night
Yogi Bear Campground PA is a large family campground near Pittsburgh. The resort has many amenities and facilities. Facilities: -full hookups -restrooms -showers -laundry -camp store -cable tv -wireless internet -dog park -restaurant -pools -waterslides -minigold
$115 - $750 / night
The Outflow Camping Area is located on Youghiogheny River Lake in the heart of the Laurel Highlands. The lake spans the Mason-Dixon Line between Pennsylvania and Maryland. Clean waters, forested mountains and steep-sided valleys provide an unsurpassed setting for recreational opportunities.
Camping, fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, biking, picnicking and sightseeing are the area's most popular activities. Boaters consider Youghiogheny River Lake, with its 16-mile length and channels up to one-half mile wide, the best powerboating and water skiing lake in southwestern Pennsylvania. Youghiogheny Lake's outflow area is renowned for its excellent trout fishing and is stocked from April to September each year. A fishing pier is located in the campground.
The country surrounding the lake is made up of narrow valleys and high rounded hills with steep slopes. Much of the land is covered with northern hardwoods including Beech, Sugar Maple, White Ash, Yellow Poplar and Basswood. A variety of wildlife makes its home around Youghiogheny River Lake, including deer, bear, turkey, grouse, rabbit and squirrel.
Some of Pennsylvania and Maryland's finest state parks surround Youghiogheny Lake. Ohiopyle State Park is known for some of the best whitewater in the East and is often the location of national kayaking competitions. Cyclists enjoy the many miles of bike trails in the area. For the history buff, the area boasts many historical sites and parks. For sheer natural beauty, Youghiogheny Lake can't be beat.
$155 / night
The 1,200-acre Keystone State Park is great for day-trips and family vacations year round. Camping, modern cabins, many trails, and a lake are all within walking distance, providing an ideal setting for wildlife watching or outdoor adventures.
The park is within easy driving distance from the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, the Laurel Highlands, and their many attractions.
About 100 tent and trailer sites are available from the first Friday in April to the third Sunday of October.
Lakeside Campground is adjacent to the lake. Hillside Campground is in a more remote area of the park and accommodates those camping with pets.
Both campgrounds have a modern bathhouse. A sanitary dump station is available. Shower facilities may not be available after October 1.
The 11 modern cabins are available year round. They are located near the breast of the dam between the two campgrounds.
Three cottages, located in Lakeside Campground, sleep five people in bunk beds.
Two yurts are located in Lakeside Campground.
These round, canvas, and wood-walled tents have a wooden deck and sleep five people in bunk beds.
$15 - $166 / night
Legend
General: 300+ site campground with a mix of FHU, 30 and 50-amp electric, and non-electric tent sites, yurts, and cabins. Select loops allow pets but not all do.
Site Quality: Varies by type and location within the park. I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time. A Monday in mid-October had many open sites. Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level, and we did not have a problem finding one. Some sites have gravel pads that were level and vary in length from 20’ to 115’ Most of the non-electric sites had no definable pads at all and as mentioned, were not level. Some roads in the campground were paved but a few were not.
Bath/Shower House: was clean. Did not use the shower.
Activities: A somewhat dated playground was located in the A Loop. A lake and beach are a short distance from the campground. We did see a boat launch and what appeared to be kayak rentals, but we were there out of season.
As remote as the campground feels, there was a surprising amount of road noise. This was just an overnight stay for us. We’ve been to many stellar Pennsylvania state park campgrounds, but this one was not as good as many others.
Legend
General: Smallish (68 sites) campground near Jennings Randolph Lake, which is not directly accessible from the campground (you need to drive there). Roads and camper pads are all paved, and the sites are in two loops– the Front Loop (Sites 1-30) and the Back Loop (Sites 31-68). All sites have electric hookups, and have a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern ring. There are multiple hosts in each loop.
Site Quality: All camper pads are paved, and most appeared to be level. They are of varying lengths with 53, 55, and 64-68 having the longest pads. The sites are generous in size and are spaced a reasonable distance apart; there are varying degrees of foliage to provide privacy between sites. You would be hard-pressed to pick a “bad” site; perhaps Site 31 would be the least desirable as it is near the intersection of the two loops.
Bath/Shower: There is a bathhouse in each loop; although the building itself appeared somewhat dated, the toilets and sinks have been updated to be automatic. The showers looked a bit sketchy, but I didn’t use them.
Activities/Amenities: There are several short-distance hiking trails; the trail heads are very well marked and, once on the trail, the blazes are very easy to spot. I hiked the Sunset Trail, and it was shorter than advertised but the bench swing at the overlook was a very nice surprise. There is also archery, basketball, fishing, and a boat launch for the small lake. There is a playground in each loop. There is also a camper store in the Front loop that sells ice, firewood, and basic sundries; it is run by volunteers, so the hours are different each day based on availability. Kalbaugh Pond is ADA-accessible for catch-and-release fishing. Shaw Beach has swimming access. There was movie night on Saturday night and a ranger talk on Saturday morning.
We generally shy away from campgrounds on weekends, especially in the summer months but surprisingly, the campground was only about ¾ full on a Friday in June. The volunteers make this park shine. We were greeted by Alma, who was very welcoming and said all of the volunteers are proud of “their” little campground. Of note: We approached the campground from the southeast through the town of Keyser. DO NOT do this if you have a large RV. There are multiple signs saying that the road was not safe for large trucks; although our 18-foot camper van had no problems, the road was narrow, hilly, and winding.
Legend
General: Large campground in four loops with a variety of sites ranging from tent-only, 30-amp electric, 50-amp electric, and 30/50-amp electric, along with eight camper cabins.
Site Quality: All sites are gravel; most appeared level, but some did not. All sites are wooded but some have more separation than others. Our site backed up to the creek but surprisingly, there was not a lot of water flowing in the spring,
Bath/Shower house: Basic and dated, but reasonably clean. Did not use the shower.
Activities/Amenities: Many include fishing, swimming, boating, bicycling, hiking, geocaching, and hunting. The lake is separate from the campground, but it is less than a mile away and a reasonable distance walk. There is also a playground, volleyball, shuffleboard, and a large picnic area at the end of one of the loops. Bike and boat rentals are available in the summer season; the season was set to open the day after we left so aside from hiking, we could not avail ourselves of any of the activities (and my husband had a foot injury so even hiking was out for us). There are also laundry facilities, but I did not check these out.
We were surprised that just a few days before Memorial Day, only a handful of sites were occupied. We’ve been very impressed by the pristine conditions of many Pennsylvania state parks, but this one had a more rustic feel and had not been modernized. Fleeting cell at best on Verizon.
Guide
My family and I have gone camping all over Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, but had never visited Green Ridge before this weekend. My son's and I decided to do some cold weather tent camping and to explore the Pawpaw tunnel while doing some hiking. Greenridge Forest didn't disappoint. I've added it onto my go to spots for Maryland but not one that I'll bring my wife to (true primitive camping).
The Pros:
The forest is beautiful, the campsites are large and very spaced out, firewood is bountiful, the area feels very remote. From our campsite, we could not see or hear the next closest campsite, in fact, I'm not exactly sure where it even was. All of the sites are primitive sites with only a fire circle and a picknick table. Many of the back sites require high clearance, 4 wheel drive vehicles to get to. (These can be a cons too).
The Cons:
The area is beautiful, but it is a working forest so don't expect a ton of old growth trees and some areas will have been freshly logged. All of the campsites are primitive sites, and some require high clearance and 4 wheel drive in order to get to the site. You can't make a reservation in advance, you have to take a chance that there will be a site available. There are no latrines, bathrooms or showers anywhere to be found and the closest store is 30 minutes away.
My boys and I all loved it there even though it was only 14 degrees at night. We will definingly return.
Guide
This was my first experience camping with no hookups. The park is very large, with interesting trails to explore. I had not been aware of the abandoned PA turnpike that runs through the park; very interesting and haunting. It’s extremely quiet, with not a whole lot to do, but very peaceful. A terrific place to see the stars. And while it’s not free, it’s only $10/night.
Ranger
Tented a cabin for two nights to hide from bad weather. Cabin had electric service, a microwave, electric heater, refrigerator and lights. The campground had no other guests during our stay.
The campground is long and narrow bordering on Abrams Creek. We took daily walks to the end of the campground and enjoyed the scenic views.
The campsite has port-a-potties for each cabin and for groups of campsites. Water was clean and had no oder.
The only concern noted was the bath house. It was poorly lighted and made of what looked like left over materials.
The gentleman that checked us in was a wealth of knowledge. He told us all about the campground and told us they offer an outdoor shower. Their were two outdoor shower stalls which were shower curtains next to the shower house.
Traveler
This park has many trails but mostly there more rapids to enjoy. The trails however are of a higher class of terrain though they aren’t necessarily difficult. There is much to see. The most unique part about this place is the small town in the middle of it. The shops are all mom and pop made from scratch food and hand made jewelry and clothing. There is a small pub right up the street and the entire town has an amazing view of the river just across the parking lot, which you can swim in up to a point. Ohiopyle is an amazing place, I have visited it many times and I plan to visit many times in the future.
Guide
A nice campground in a beautiful area. Currently, McCollum has 25 campsites, but a new section is under construction. The sites are relatively level for such a hilly area, but we did need to do a little extra positioning of our camper. Site 22 is a pull through site and feels extra large compared to others. No water at this site but is does have 30 and 15 amp service.
There is a small camp store with the basics and a larger outpost just down the road where many of the trail heads are located. There is a bit of a Wi-Fi signal but is only accessible when you're at the camp store.
Fantastic hiking in the area! Lots of interesting scenery and rock formations to explore.
Bath house was clean and the water was hot.
Definitely recommend staying here.
Traveler
I came back for the second time in as many months. The owner reached out on the day I was arriving to let me know she was heading out for the weekend and ask if I needed any firework delivered before she left.
Campground was quiet just like last time. Really only saw one other person the entire weekend.
Ranger
Nice little park& campground. Very Clean, cozy and quiet, except for the road noise. Right off Route 31, minutes from I-76 makes it a very convenient place to stop along your travels. Bathrooms are clean, grounds very well kept. The park area is lovely, but the lake is currently very low. Trout stocked but I wouldn’t count on fishing here right now. Short walking trail along a creek. Very lovely cabins and cabin areas and tent sites. RV sites are small but adequate and most are pull though. Honestly some of the best attention and details we’ve seen at a state park. We would stay again. We stayed at site 12E and site 1E. Be aware that site 1E is not very level on pull through gravel surface.
Scout
Sites are very large. Water pressure was good. Bath house was clean. The grounds were very clean and well kept. Staff was friendly. Quiet and peaceful. Pet friendly. Dump station on grounds and easy access.
Ranger
Very nice campground with multiple pools,playsets,cabins and river sites. So quiet cept for the occasional train pass by across the river. Food ice cream and biking access and sites.
TravelerWe just got back from a few days at Middle ridge campground and it is now one of my favorite campgrounds. The owners are attentive, stopping by each day to check on us and see if we needed anything. The pool is well maintained, as are the restrooms. We were at site 14 which is right across from the pool. The site was a great size and well laid out.
I camp a few times a month, different places each time, and this is one of a few that I will return to.
Traveler
I left a review but Dyrt keeps wanting to give another one. We stayed 2 weeks. I'm originally from the area but live in Florida. I was back for a family reunion and to visit friends and former classmates. I had no idea this gem was here, but after finding it, when I come to visit, which is once a year or every other year, if I bring the motorhome, I will definitely stay here.
Guide
I have stayed at this campground MANY times and it has been TERRIBLE every time with kids screaming and music blasting at 1 in the morning the staff don't care they just care about the bottom line by selling 13 dollar milkshakes and serving you 20 dollar salads! This Campground Is Poorly Maintained And It is evident that they just want to take your money this campground is frequently at capacity and is oversold frequently! The Pools Are Dirty And Were Closed On 2 Of The 3 Days staff would not tell us what happened and would not give us our money back. While you were swimming you were touching hair every other time you moved and their were many leaves in the pools that staff did not care and were super rude
Traveler
We stayed during Bigfoot weekend. It was super fun as our family likes bigfoot fun. We started out Friday night getting the offered $12 bbq plate that included pork burnt ends, beans and potato salad that were "oh it's so good". On Saturday was rock painting and then bingo and ended the night with a DJ dance party. The pavilion where all those activities happened were right next to our site (22 with the doggie den). Then Sunday we had pancakes and later a visit from RayCEP which is an education program that PA DNCR provides talking about various outdoorsy type things. This is primarily for kids, but we sat and listened too and our 17 year old helped out with the craft.
After the weekend though, all the activity slows down. There are seasonal campers that stay around, and they're constantly working on improving and fixing up sites during the week. Expect lots of quiet time just relaxing during the week. There's the pool, dog park, bounce pillow, playground, but not tons to do which if you're looking for is great. Raystown Lake has multiple access areas that are probably 15-20 minutes away - we fished at Tautman Run and Aitch - both were accessible and had lots of bluegill to steal our worms.
Now to the site description: Site 22 is a deluxe patio back in site with a patio, 4 nice Adirondack chairs, a double glider, a weber propane grill and built in fire pit AND a dog fence just for that site that was maybe 6 ft x 6ft. it was big enough for our 2 labs to fit into when we fed them. The site wasn't hard to level our RV but overall the sites are hilly and in fact the whole park is on a hill.
The owners and workers were friendly and great hosts! We love what they're doing there.
One last tip: if traveling from the Altoona area, go out through Martinsburg over Cove Mountain Rd - it saves you 30 minutes to an hour.
Scout
Stayed with family over the weekend. Very quiet, secluded and peaceful. The bathrooms are a bit of a walk if you're tent camping but they were clean and well stocked. The shower is a little tricky washing all your bits because the shower head doesn't tilt enough and the water is a bit warm (not adjustable) but when you're camping in August clean water and soap is all that matters lol.
TravelerWhen we arrived, Donnelly showed us a few sites that we may like. He does ride a mower because he had a double knee surgery. I'm from this area and didn't realize this campground gem was here until recently. Our stay is 2 weeks.
I always read the recent reviews before coming and wasn't sure what to expect and truthfully was a bit nervous. Now that I know those horrible reviews are not true, I feel better. It's a shame people would give such horrible reviews on such a cute place and super nice owner.
Scout
If your looking for cleanliness find another campground. The bathrooms and Showers in the campground and the beach house are Gross all the time. The swim area leaves a brown residual stain in your swimwear and on your person. A simple shower won't get the stuff off your skin you will have to scrub multiple times to get clean. Forget getting a peaceful night's sleep because you won't due to dogs barking and the amount of traffic traveling through the area or by the campground. The Lack of rangers presence and lack of cleanliness has made this place go from a nice place to spend time to a absolute last resort when it comes to camping for my family.
Traveler
Close to Cheat Lake and restaurants in Morgantown.
TravelerThe campground offers full hook ups, a nice clean pool & facilities. Spacious campsites & the owners are super sweet. Will camp there again!
Scout
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. Very clean park and shower house does not have the timed showers of Lakeside. Both times very much appreciated the presense of DCNR - on foot this time. Very nice park to hike, swim, walk, bike, and kayak. The little store has drinks and snacks. Because the beach was closed we had considered going to Deery Community Pool 7 miles away - another option in the area.
Guidejust pulled in and 1st spot looks great except it says on the sign THAT YOU NEED A PERMIT , DYRT So F'ing glad I paid for pro to show me the free campsites OH WAIT I JUST PAID $51.50 FOR 3 NIGHTS TO STAY AT THIS "FREE" SITE. Greed Is Killing America. Dyrt should give refunds.
ScoutDonelly decided that we were Muslims and told us to get off his property. I'm not making this up - it really happened.
Guide
This is one of our favorite campground that we visit often. We love that the campground has their own beach so it’s not over crowded with the public. Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch. I really like that there are trails from the camp loops to the beach. The bathhouses are always clean and well stocked. The camp sites are tucked into the woods with plenty of room for camping.
Guide
We love this park! We have camped and stayed in a camper cabin. We love camping in the trees that provide some privacy. At night time, the owls hoot away. The bathhouses are pretty good, not the best but are always clean. I like that the campground is dog friendly, but didn’t realize the park is not. The waterfall trails are beautiful and a sight to explore. Definitely recommend this park!
ScoutWhen we arrived at the campground we were greeted by a grumpy and very rude old man named Don. Don rolled up on his sputtering riding lawn mower, driving right past us and took a cruze around our fifth wheel. Upon his inspection and without introducing he said "why do you people buy such large RVs. "Why can't you buy something smaller like normal people." Then he went on a rant indicating how the construction workers there who were staying were tearing everything up. I look around and could not figure out what he was talking about. The place had a few trailers and operated a small lawnmower business as well. After a few moments Don said follow me and I'll show you where you can park and abruptly tore off on his riding lawnmower. I walk behind him for approximately 100 yards to the spot. Don indicated I need you to park exactly like this and that is how it needs to be and don't tear up my grass, you know driving around backing up turning your wheels. The whole area is grass are you kidding me! After shoring up the area I was able to back up into my spot approx 75 yards. After several attempts and due to the soft ground, grass and uneven ground I was unable and to properly level my rig. Believe, I had been driving all day and was ready for a cold one. However, and without hesitation I looked at My wife and we made the call to exfil the campground. We were both throughly were upset and disgusted at the lack of professionalism of Don and the operation Hillcrest. Never to return and will steer others away. I think Don needs to change his operation to a turf company wheee he can enjoy his days feeding and cutting the grass!
Camping near Somerset, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Somerset, PA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Somerset, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Somerset, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 123 campgrounds and RV parks near Somerset, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Somerset, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Somerset, PA is Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 80 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Somerset, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Somerset, PA.
What parks are near Somerset, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 parks near Somerset, PA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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