Glamping options near Stoystown, Pennsylvania extend beyond the upscale accommodations at Shawnee and Ohiopyle. The Laurel Highlands region sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the year. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, making heated accommodations essential from November through March, while summer camping benefits from cooler mountain air compared to surrounding lowlands.
What to do
Fishing at local lakes: Laurel Hill State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities within walking distance of campsites. According to one camper, "The lake provides a great place to fish and the walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk. We enjoyed the easy walking lake trail with the kids because it was wide and flat." Kayak rentals cost $15 per hour—notably cheaper than most regional parks.
Boulder climbing for beginners: Laurel Hill State Park Campground features accessible rock formations perfect for novice climbers. As one visitor noted, "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 with a close location to the seven springs ski resort."
Visit the Flight 93 Memorial: Located just a short drive from Shawnee State Park, this significant historical site provides a moving experience. A visitor mentioned, "If you stay here, make sure to travel down the road to see the Flight 93 Memorial," making it an important side trip for those glamping near Stoystown.
Trail exploration: Rocky Gap State Park offers a comprehensive trail system circling its namesake lake. A camper shared their experience: "The 5 mile hike around Lake Habeeb is enjoyable. Great way to see all sides of the park. Across the lake from the campground is a casino and resort." The complete loop typically takes 2-3 hours at a moderate pace.
What campers like
Wide, level campsites: Hickory Hollow Campground receives consistent praise for site spacing and quality. One reviewer noted, "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." The campground maintains a pastoral setting with views of cattle on nearby hillsides.
Clean, modern facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. A visitor to Rocky Gap stated, "The bath house was kept very clean, even though the campground was full." At Hickory Hollow, a camper mentioned the "brand new bath house which was spotless and a well kept dog park for the furs."
Pet-friendly accommodations: Rocky Gap State Park Campground accommodates pets in designated areas. One reviewer highlighted, "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." The park includes a dedicated dog beach area where pets can swim.
Winter accessibility: Several glamping options remain open year-round. Shawnee State Park Campground operates throughout winter with heated facilities. A camper noted, "We stayed at Shawnee for 2 nights Memorial Day weekend just after Covid19 restrictions had been partially lifted. Site 258 on loop D is quiet, but may have been noisy if the yurt and 2 cabins had been rented out."
What you should know
Site selection matters: At many parks, not all sites offer equal quality or privacy. A visitor to Shawnee State Park Campground advised, "We 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."
Road noise at some locations: Despite wilderness settings, highway proximity affects certain campgrounds. At Friendship Village, a camper noted, "Nice campground, clean and plenty of activities for the kids. The only thing we didn't like was all of the road noise. This campground is located by 2 major highways and truck traffic and Jake brake are constant all night long."
Limited grocery options: Preparation is key when glamping in this region. A reviewer at Hickory Hollow pointed out, "Not a lot of restaurants or stores nearby, so keep that in mind if you'll be there awhile." Most campers recommend bringing supplies from larger towns before arrival.
Seasonal considerations: Facilities may operate differently based on season. At Laurel Hill, one camper observed, "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." Call ahead during shoulder seasons to confirm available amenities.
Tips for camping with families
Look for multiple playgrounds: Friendship Village Campground offers extensive child-friendly facilities. One parent shared, "There is 3 play grounds all different and all well kept." Another mentioned additional attractions: "The kids played mini golf, jumped on the pillow, played on multiple playgrounds, enjoyed ice cream and went fishing."
Creek access for water play: Several campgrounds feature accessible water features. At Mirror Lake, a family noted, "We had 8 kids and 8 adults who all had a blast playing on the playground, floating down the creek, swimming in the pool, riding bicycles etc." These natural water features provide hours of entertainment without additional cost.
Swimming beaches with amenities: Dedicated swimming areas enhance family experiences. A visitor to Rocky Gap mentioned, "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." Separate campground beaches typically offer more controlled environments than public beaches.
Consider glamping cabins for first-timers: For families new to outdoor experiences, Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing provides comfortable alternatives. A visitor shared, "The cabin was great, very clean and cozy. The campgrounds are very nice they have a pool as well as a community building and camp store." These accommodations typically include electricity and basic furnishings.
Tips from RVers
Extension cords recommended: Power hookup placement varies between campgrounds. At Shawnee State Park, a camper advised, "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."
Check site dimensions before booking: Many campgrounds have varied site sizes that may not accommodate larger rigs. A visitor to Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park shared, "We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating!"
Look for level sites: Topography creates challenges at some campgrounds. At Keystone, a reviewer noted, "Site was very private and relatively flat," but at Shawnee another camper warned about "many sites that sit on a hill and are difficult to place a tent, equipment or gear."
