Seasonal camping destinations near Connellsville, Pennsylvania range from rustic tent sites to full-service RV parks, with many offering direct access to outdoor activities. The region experiences temperature variations due to its position in the Laurel Highlands, with elevations between 870 and 2,700 feet. Nighttime temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees cooler than daytime highs, even during summer months.
What to do
Disc golf on site: At Tall Oaks Campground, you can enjoy their newly added disc golf course without leaving the property. "They just added a disc golf course to the campground as well," notes one camper who appreciated the convenient recreation option.
Kayaking on the Youghiogheny: The Blue Canoe RV Resort provides easy access to river activities from its location along the Youghiogheny. A visitor mentioned, "The sites are pretty close together with little privacy. We couldn't use our fire ring because it ended up being very close to our rig. Luckily we camped with friends who had more space in their spot (the end spot near the lake has to be the best spot in the place)."
Star gazing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. At Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground, "the star gazing platform leaves a lot to be desired and is in need of repair," but still provides dedicated space for astronomy enthusiasts.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate sites with natural separation. At Scarlett Knob Campground, "Each site is far away other sites you feel alone. Each check in and out. Same building you check in they have ice to buy and some snacks. Limited service at campsite. Small pond in middle of campground - great for fishing."
Convenient trail access: Outflow Camping offers direct connection to regional trails. A reviewer noted, "Great little campground for smaller groups/families/couples! Very good environment right next to the GAP. Right on the river and was nice and quiet! Bathrooms weren't bad, but could have been a little cleaner."
Clean facilities: At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, visitors consistently mention the maintenance standards. "Excellent clean park and easy to get to from Pittsburgh. The campsite and bathrooms were clean when we arrived and when we left. The site numbering is a bit wonky on the dog loop so make sure you look at your map before you start driving the loops."
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: Levelness can be an issue at many campgrounds in the region. One camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA reported, "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped. On my way out I heard they were having someone come in to level the sites so I imagine it was just the time of year we visited."
Firewood availability: Most campgrounds sell firewood on-site with delivery options. At Tall Oaks Campground, "For $7 you can get a huge pile of nice dry wood delivered right to your site, no complaints!!"
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds are affected by nearby highways. At Donegal Campground, a visitor noted, "The campground is located right off the highway so the traffic noise is a little loud, so it takes away from the great sounds of camping, like the crickets, frogs and fire crackling."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers extensive water features. A camper shared, "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."
Playground access: When selecting sites, consider proximity to play areas. At Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park, one family noted, "If you HAVE KIDS young enough to have to keep an eye on the kabins and spots facing the pillow ARE PRIME (kids wait for it to blow up every morning), play ground (basic-not toddler friendly, there's a sand pit that's not covered up at night where they HAD some toddler play stuff)."
Non-camping activities nearby: The best places to camp near Connellsville offer access to diverse recreation. Laurel Hill State Park Campground provides "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement challenges: At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, "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."
Site levelness issues: RVers often report challenges with unlevel sites. One visitor to Laurel Hill noted, "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."
Water fill locations: Not all campsites have water hookups. A camper at Outflow Camping mentioned, "The sites are gravel and level. Most only have 30 amp electric hookup but water can be filled at the 'gatehouse' (for lack of better description). There are 3-4 full hookup and a few 50 amp."
