Camping near Somerset, PA

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    The Laurel Highlands region surrounding Somerset, Pennsylvania features multiple state parks with established campgrounds, including Laurel Hill, Kooser, and Ohiopyle State Parks. These areas provide a mix of wooded tent sites, RV hookups, and rustic cabins within an hour's drive of town. Kooser State Park offers a small, shaded campground nestled in the highlands, while Laurel Hill provides a larger facility with four camping loops and various electrical hookup options. Private campgrounds like Hickory Hollow and Pioneer Park complement the state facilities with additional amenities for families and recreational vehicles. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from mid-April through October, though Ohiopyle and a few private facilities remain open year-round.

    Camping permits and reservations are typically required throughout the region, with most state park campgrounds filling quickly on summer weekends and holiday periods. Road access varies significantly between facilities, with some campgrounds requiring navigation of narrow, winding roads. Cell phone coverage can be limited in certain areas, particularly at Kooser State Park where reception is often nonexistent. Many campgrounds report occasional road noise from nearby highways. As one camper noted, "Most sites are not level, but very grassy. Firewood is available at the entrance for $5 per bundle supporting a local club." Poison ivy is common along trail edges and campsite boundaries, requiring awareness when setting up camp.

    Waterfront access represents a significant draw for many campers in the region, with several campgrounds offering proximity to lakes and streams for fishing, boating, and swimming. Laurel Hill State Park features a lake separate from the campground but within walking distance, while other facilities provide direct water access. Bathhouses and amenities receive mixed reviews, with some visitors noting dated facilities while others praise cleanliness and maintenance. Site privacy varies considerably, with some campgrounds offering well-spaced, wooded sites and others placing campers in closer proximity. Winter camping options are limited, with most facilities closing after mid-October. The region's proximity to attractions like Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater and the Great Allegheny Passage trail makes it popular with outdoor enthusiasts seeking both recreation and cultural experiences.

    Best Campgrounds near Somerset (138)

      1. Laurel Hill State Park Campground

      4.3(29)8mi from Somerset272 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $20 - $64 / night

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      2. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

      4.5(87)24mi from Somerset242 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      from $20 - $54 / night

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      3. Kooser State Park Campground

      4.1(15)9mi from Somerset42 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $22 - $70 / night

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      4. Hickory Hollow Campground

      4.8(6)7mi from SomersetRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Beautiful scenery, quiet location, spacious campsites, full RV hookups, well-placed fire rings, dog park, nice large bathhouses, polite staff, and Wi-Fi that works. "

      "The lake and farm country provided a welcoming and relaxing setting.  The trail around the lake was perfect for running or walking. "

      5. Pioneer Park Campground

      4.0(6)8mi from SomersetRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      6. Quemahoning Family Recreation Area

      4.8(8)13mi from SomersetRVs, Tents, Cabins

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

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

      from $20 - $50 / night

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      7. Pioneer Lakes RV Park

      3.3(6)8mi from SomersetRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Extremely family friendly, lots to do for kiddos on weekend, stocked ponds, bathhouses very close to all sites. Laurel hill cricks/lake are 2 miles up the mountain!"

      "The roads around the camp ground could use some maintenance, especially on the hill side by the pool! All in all, a wonderful place to take your family camping!"

      8. Shawnee State Park Campground

      4.1(28)24mi from Somerset205 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Was pleased by the quiet despite size of campground and proximity to highway. Sites not overly large or private. Has wood vending machine at entrance for firewood."

      "The morning drive started early, had several stops and starts, and I was once again glad that my big dog was along for the ride."

      from $20 - $110 / night

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      9. Rocky Gap State Park Campground

      4.5(56)30mi from SomersetRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "Our friends were in the site next to us (17) which was also nice and there was a wide walking path between them. Family also stayed in one of the rental cabins (21)."

      from $23 - $29 / night

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      10. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run

      4.1(16)21mi from SomersetRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We ended with a very private tent site with no amenities but around the corner from a pavilion with an outside washing station and flush toilets."

      "ask for with 2 swimming pools. 4 water slides ,tractor rides ,fire truck rides and a train ride alongside the free activities for the kids there is allways something fun to do and only a few minute drive"

      from $115 - $750 / night

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    Recent Reviews near Somerset, PA

    791 Reviews of 138 Somerset Campgrounds

    • E
      Oct. 26, 2026

      Swallow Falls State Park Campground

      Beautiful area with a waterfall hike

      Lovely little campground in a beautiful forest, with a great waterfall hike walkable to the campground. I stayed in Garrett in October and it was still packed full of people, which for me was nice because I like feeling like I'm in a community of campers. But the sites were super close together, basically right now the main drag, not very private, especially without leaf cover, and a little smaller than I expected. But well kept, in more forest than I was expecting, and I enjoyed myself. The canyon trail was mobbed, but it was a stunning weekend so that's not surprising. Bathrooms in the offseason could have used a bit more attention, but they weren't too bad.

    • C
      Oct. 22, 2026

      Lazy Acres Campground

      RACIEST SNEAKY OWNER

      PLEASE DONT GO HERE  ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE KIDS AND IF YOUR NOT WHITE..THE OWNER IS A RACIST HYPOCRITE AND SO ARE ALL OF HER CREW AT THIS LOWLIFE CAMPGROUND.  JUST BECAUSE SHE DONT DRINK AND LIKE TO HAVE FUN, SHE RUINS IT FOR ALL THE OTHER CAMPERS..YOU HAVE TO BE IN BED AT 10PM..WHAT A FRIGGING JOKE..SHE SNEAKES AROUND IN HER GOLF CART AT NIGHT AND CREEPS IN YOUR WINDOWS TO SEE WHAT YOUR DOING. THATS WHY YOUR NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE CURTAINS CLOSED .SO HER AND HER SO CALLED HYPOCRITE FRIENDS CAN SEE WHAT YOUR DOING..WE USED TO BE UP THERE UNTIL WE SAW HOW SHE TREATED AND TALKED ABOUT THE POOR LITTLE BLACK KIDS..ESPECIALLY ON CHRISTMAS IN JULY, SHE BOUGHT TOYS FOR EVERY WHITE KID UP THERE WHILE SHE WATCHED THE LITTLE BLACK KIDS CRY THEIR EYES OUT BECAUSE THEY WERE 10 MINUTES LATE TO GET THEIR GIFTS..SHE IS A WHICH IN DISQUISE..EVERY KID GOT TO RIDE THE WAGON WITH SANTA AND WHEN SHE SAW YHE BLACK KIDS ,THEY JUST PASSED THEM UP LIKE THEY DIDNT EVEN SEE THEM...HOW CRUEL CAN SOMEONE BE🤬🤬BUT THEN AGAIN, ITS HER ,SHE HATES PEOPLE HAVING FUN UP THERE.DONT DRINK AFTER HER HRS .DONT PLAY MUSIC  AFTER HER HRS..DONT DO SHIT UP THERE UNLESS YOU WANT KICKED OUT THE NEXT DAY...I NEVER SEEN ANYONE SO CRUEL AND HEARTLESS 

      ....THERES A FEW OTHER CAMPGROUNDS AROUND THE BEND .PLEASE GO THERE IF YOU DONT WANT TO CAMP IN A PRISON CAMPGROUND....SHE'LL NEVER CHANGE..MAYBE UF YOYR WHITE, SHELL BE NICE 🤣🤣🤣AND YOU WOLNT GET KICKED OUT..

    • BThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 15, 2026

      Keystone State Park Campground

      Decent place

      Stayed the weekend for the first time and it wasn’t bad! There were kids playing at sites nearby but that was all the noise, highway noise at all! I like how they have a spot for your tent with a picnic table and fire ring. I was in my rooftop tent on my truck so I wish the parking spot went back a little deeper for a little more privacy. But it was nice that there was bathrooms and showers within a 1 minute walk from the site! Also it says on here there is no AT&T signal, that’s not true…it’s not great but there is a bar or 2 at times!

    • Charlie Y.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 14, 2026

      Savage River State Forest

      Savage River Road State Campsites

      There are numerous Md. State DNR Campsites along Savage River Road.. No hookups but water may be available at Big Run State Park. These campsites are remote and very private for the most part. Some may be able to accomodate trailers and RV's for dry camping. Check MD DNR WEBSITE for more info

    • Crystal M.
      Sep. 30, 2026

      Green Ridge State Forest

      Great primitive camping

      Beautiful area. Very primitive, which is great. Roads were fairly decent to the campsite. Didn't stay near the water and no mountain view but still nice. Had a nice trail into the woods.

    • Jill S.
      Sep. 20, 2026

      Fifteen Mile Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

      Safe, clean, and beautiful!

      The campground is a nice size with enough space between sites to feel as though you have some privacy.

      We reserved site 4 online but someone had set up there when we arrived. Site 6 was open and it had a better view anyway and was farther away from the toilets, so we didn’t mind.

      The boat launch is right there which we planned to paddle board in the morning, but got rained out. The river looks really nice and clean though.

      Tables and fire pits are a great size. We saw some gorgeous stars as there isn’t any light pollution.

      It’s only half hour from Berkeley Springs, so fill up your spring water for free there and then come enjoy the campsite!

      Will definitely return.

    • JThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 19, 2026

      Green Ridge State Forest

      Secluded Site

      This was my second time staying at Greenridge in my twenty foot Dodge Ram RV van. This was a convenient first stop on my trip to Yellowstone NP. I arrived mid afternoon on a Saturday in August and there were plenty of sites available.

      The sites are spaced apart and while I could see other sites were occupied as I drove to mine, I did not see or hear other people the entire length of my stay.

      The dirt road leading to the site was well maintained and in good shape despite recent heavy rain.

      The site was just few miles from the highway, making it easy for me to continue my journey the next morning.

    • Ari A.The Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 12, 2026

      Rocky Gap State Park Campground

      Quiet campground with private sites

      This quiet campground has plenty of wooded campsites that offer privacy to campers. We were in the electric loop and it can be a bit tight if your rig is larger, and also you need to be prepared to level your rig in several different directions. But all in all, it was a great spot for an overnight day and we even got to check out some of the trails. Very nice park overall.

    Guide to Somerset

    Somerset offers a gateway to the Laurel Highlands region with many camping opportunities situated at elevations between 2,000-3,000 feet. This higher elevation creates distinctly cooler summer temperatures, typically 5-10 degrees lower than surrounding lowlands. Camping sites in the area vary from densely wooded to open grassy areas, with many facilities closing after mid-October due to harsh winter conditions.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: Quemahoning Family Recreation Area provides excellent access to fishing in its large reservoir. "Great place for fishing kayaking. Very family oriented," notes Kyle K. The area allows electric-only powered boats or paddle craft.

    Bouldering and climbing: Near Laurel Hill State Park Campground, you'll find natural rock formations perfect for beginners. "This was a very fun place! There was easy little rocks to boulder and climb! And even a few smaller caves to explore! It was an adventure paradise," reports Jill R.

    Water activities: Multiple parks offer swimming and boating between May and September. "Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake," says Erik E. about Laurel Hill State Park.

    Trail exploration: The 5-mile Lake Habeeb trail at Rocky Gap State Park Campground provides a comprehensive tour. "There is a 5 mile trail that goes all around the lake. Lots of lake to paddle. Easy to get to from I-70," notes Marcandpatti B.

    What campers like

    Spacious, private sites: Hickory Hollow Campground offers well-separated camping areas. "Hickory Hollow's campsites were nicely spaced out, perched on a hillside, but with nice flat pads. The lake and farm country provided a welcoming and relaxing setting," writes Brandy Q.

    Quality firewood: Several campgrounds offer reasonably priced firewood. "Firewood is available at the entrance for $5 per bundle supporting a local club," reports Britt B. about Kooser State Park.

    Clean facilities: Campground bathhouses receive regular maintenance. "The bathhouse was kept very clean, even though the campground was full," says Kimberly H. about Rocky Gap State Park.

    Cooler temperatures: The higher elevation of camps like Kooser State Park (nearly 3,000 feet) provides relief from summer heat. "We camped here in July to escape the head down in Pittsburgh. Sits up high in the mountains close to 3000ft elevation," notes Matt R.

    What you should know

    Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require significant effort to level equipment. "The RV sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites," warns Kathy L. about Laurel Hill State Park.

    Cell phone coverage: Connectivity varies dramatically between locations. "No phone reception at this one!" mentions Britt B. about Kooser State Park, while others report better coverage at campgrounds closer to towns.

    Loop selection: Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park has distinct camping areas with different features. "There are two main loops in this campground. One that is pet friendly and more of a pitch-your-tent-in-the-yard thing and another that is pet-free and wooded. We didn't realize and stayed in the first one. Dogs were barking at all hours and there's no privacy," cautions Casey L.

    Road noise: Several campgrounds experience highway sounds. "The park is close to the road so you will experience some road noise," mentions Britt B. about Kooser State Park.

    Tips for camping with families

    Water parks and activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers extensive recreation options. "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," shares Erik W.

    Dedicated swim areas: Many parks maintain swimming beaches separate from fishing areas. "We have a wonderful beach area with volley ball nets. Nice paddle boards and canoes for rent," Jeff H. mentions about Rocky Gap State Park.

    Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "There is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch," notes Katie H. about Rocky Gap State Park.

    Nature programs: Several parks offer guided nature walks and junior ranger activities during summer months. "They have activities for the kids and the pool is great," Kevin H. says about Jellystone Park.

    Tips from RVers

    Extension cord needs: Be prepared with extra electrical cords at some parks. "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," advises Erik E. about Laurel Hill State Park.

    Site selection: Research your specific site before booking. "We have 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," explains Lee D. about Laurel Hill State Park.

    Seasonal facilities: Most campgrounds with full hookups operate seasonally. "The campground offers a few sites with electrical and others with varying primitive services," explains Thomas G. about Quemahoning Family Recreation Area.

    Full hookup availability: Pioneer Park Campground offers complete services. "Very well maintained large sights all pull through. Great camp store, fire wood, fire rings, very clean facilities," notes Denny S.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What tent camping options are available near Somerset, PA?

    Tent campers have several excellent options near Somerset. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park offers beautiful tent sites with last-minute availability and numerous nearby outdoor activities. Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run features walk-to tent sites in an open grass field with shade trees, with site 9A offering more privacy along the creek. For those willing to drive a bit further, Deep Creek Lake State Park provides tent sites in a beautiful forest setting where campers can enjoy spectacular firefly displays during summer evenings. The Somerset area's natural beauty makes it perfect for tent camping, with many sites offering fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails.

    What are the best campgrounds in Somerset, PA?

    Somerset offers several outstanding campgrounds for outdoor enthusiasts. Kooser State Park Campground is a hidden gem nestled in the Laurel Highlands, conveniently located near popular ski resorts with great amenities within walking distance of all sites. For those seeking more recreational options, Pioneer Park Campground provides excellent facilities with multiple access options including drive-in and walk-in sites. Other notable options include Hickory Hollow Campground near Rockwood and the nearby Ohiopyle State Park, which offers beautiful surroundings and plenty of outdoor activities. The Somerset area's campgrounds benefit from their proximity to the Laurel Highlands region, providing access to hiking, fishing, and other recreational activities.

    How much does camping cost in Somerset, PA?

    Camping costs in Somerset vary by facility type and amenities. At Friendship Village Campground & RV Park, rates are competitive with easy check-in processes and good value for the amenities provided. For budget-conscious campers, Green Ridge State Forest offers dispersed camping at just $10 per night with registration at the main office. State parks in the region typically charge $15-30 per night for standard tent sites, while RV sites with hookups generally range from $30-50 depending on the season and utilities provided. Cabin rentals are more expensive, typically starting around $60-80 for basic units and ranging up to $150+ for larger or more amenity-rich options. Many campgrounds offer discounts for extended stays or off-season camping.

    Are there cabin rentals available at Somerset campgrounds?

    Rocky Gap State Park Campground offers excellent cabin options, including spacious units in the Fir loop. Cabin 170 is particularly well-positioned, heavily shaded, close to bath houses and beach access paths. Hidden Springs Campground also provides cabin accommodations with access to their clean, well-maintained facilities. Other options in the region include Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Mill Run, which features family-friendly cabin rentals with additional amenities. Most cabins in the Somerset area provide basic furnishings, though amenities vary by location. It's advisable to book cabins well in advance, especially during peak summer and fall foliage seasons, as they tend to reserve quickly.