Tent camping opportunities near Stoystown, Pennsylvania extend beyond the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail. The region sits at approximately 2,300 feet above sea level in the Laurel Highlands, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping season. Winter camping is limited with several campgrounds closing between October and May due to snowfall that can reach 60+ inches annually.
What to do
Fishing in nearby streams: Big Run State Park Campground offers excellent trout fishing access. One camper noted, "Stream was incredible and lively with trout and crayfish. So quiet and very little traffic. Tons of space between sites."
Visit the Maple Festival: Maple Festival Park hosts the annual March tradition celebrating maple syrup production. A visitor shared, "This small homestead, right in the middle of a residential block, hosts the annual March tradition of the Maple festival, and has been crowning 'Maple Queens' for 75 years!"
Kayaking on nearby waterways: Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground provides water access for boating enthusiasts. A camper mentioned, "These campsites are accessible by boat ONLY! They are in an area of the lake that has a lot of boat traffic, the waterfront spots usually book a few weeks in advance."
Hiking the Laurel Highlands Trail: The trail system offers various difficulty levels with eight designated camping areas along the route. Access the trailheads from Johnstown for an easier day hike to camping areas.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Big Run State Park Campground receives high marks for its water-adjacent sites. One camper stated, "The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds."
Free camping options: Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground offers no-cost tent camping. According to a reviewer, "This is one of the only free hiker-biker campgrounds along the GAP trail (mile 99.6), and it is laid out similarly to the Dravo Campground, with lean-tos, picnic tables, firepits and lots of spaces for tents."
Historical camping locations: Paw Paw Tunnel Campground provides access to the historic tunnel. As one camper explained, "Only a mile from the historic paw paw tunnel. Tunnel is very fun to travel through. Kids and adults alike enjoy the tunnel."
Privacy between sites: Many tent campers appreciate the spacing at primitive sites. A Big Run visitor commented, "Nice wide open site. Unfortunately, someone moved our picnic table to the next site. Too lazy to move it. Pit toilets were pretty clean."
What you should know
Water availability varies: At many tent sites, potable water is limited or requires treatment. At Roundbottom, "the well for the campground stated that it was no longer potable. My guess is that this is simply because the volunteer organization which maintains this campground lacks the funds for testing."
Train noise disrupts sleep: Railroad tracks near many campsites create noise issues. According to one camper at Dravo's Landing Campground, "One thing to consider with these campgrounds next to the trail is the number of trains that pass by in the night. It's not the train horn but the number of turns in the track and the squealing breaks that keep you up."
First-come, first-served: Most primitive tent sites don't take reservations. Arrive early during peak season (May-September), especially on weekends.
Wildlife protection measures: Food storage is essential at the best tent camping near Stoystown. A Dravo's Landing camper warned, "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: Laurel Ridge State Park Campground offers more amenities for families with children. A visitor noted, "It is a beautiful wooded park offering lots of trees for privacy. I wish I had more time to explore the park before moving on."
Bring flashlights for tunnel exploration: When visiting the Paw Paw Tunnel, proper lighting is essential. A camper advised, "Make sure to bring some flashlights for inside the tunnel as it is a mile long and gets very dark! Amazing to see the work that the canal builders accomplished."
Consider mosquito protection: Bug activity varies by location and season. One camper at Big Run State Park mentioned, "There was a lot of space between each site and it was very peaceful, but the mosquitos sucked."
Plan for bathroom limitations: Most primitive tent sites have basic facilities. A visitor to Paw Paw noted, "The Portapotties were in bad shape, but it was winter so hopefully they get serviced more often in season."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping near Stoystown is primitive with few RV accommodations. Indian Creek Camplands Inc accommodates smaller RVs. A visitor commented, "Good spot, just beyond owners side yard. Not the most level areas but good clean and quiet campsites."
Site leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as many sites aren't perfectly flat. At Big Run State Park, one RVer shared, "Used lot 73 for a 26ft hybrid camper. Fit perfectly! It was flat, large, clean and right by the creek. The kids loved playing in the water."
Water and dump station locations: Plan for water fill-ups before arrival. A Big Run camper noted, "Water and dump station is 10 minutes up the road at New Germany State Park."
