Camping spots near Indiana, Pennsylvania offer a mix of lakeside and wooded terrain across the Allegheny Plateau region. The area sits at elevations between 1,000 and 1,300 feet, creating moderate temperature swings between day and night even during summer months. Most campgrounds in the area remain open from mid-April through mid-October with limited winterized options available.
What to do
Kayaking on tranquil waters: Keystone State Park Campground provides rentals for exploring their 78-acre lake. "Small lake where you can fish, paddle boat, and swim. Quiet hours and parking are strictly enforced," notes Joseph S., who appreciated the affordable water activities.
Disc golf and playground time: Crooked Creek Lake offers recreational options beyond water activities. "Disc golf, corn hole at campground with kid playground," Keith shares about the amenities, making it ideal for families wanting land-based activities.
Amish cultural experiences: Silver Canoe Campground provides unique cultural opportunities. According to Dee A., "You may hear the horse drawn buggies of the Amish who keep their boats here. Short drive to Smicksburg to shop," offering visitors a glimpse into local Amish communities.
BMX riding for kids: Prince Gallitzin State Park features specialized facilities for young cyclists. "Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. BMX track for kids," explains Jackie W., highlighting this unique recreational option not found at many other area campgrounds.
What campers like
Private island camping: Yellow Creek Campground offers unique camping experiences. Abigail shares, "The private island is a beautiful campsite and has enough room for several tents. There's plenty of trees on the island so there are plenty of sticks to find for fires."
Clean, spacious tent sites: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing provides well-maintained grounds that campers appreciate. Rae H. noted, "My 9 year old and myself got a tent site with electric for two nights and had a great time. The sites were all level and were well-shaded."
Dog-friendly policies: Several campgrounds welcome pets, but Silver Canoe Campground stands out for its inclusivity. "The main reason we started going there is because they are dog friendly and they don't hold breed restrictions against bully breeds," explains Indy A.
Secluded wooded sites: Keystone State Park offers varied camping environments. Matt R. recommends, "The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods. There are some very secluded sites," contrasting with the busier lakeside camping area.
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Bush Recreation Area, site numbers correlate with privacy levels. Kassie F. advises, "We noticed the higher the site number (starting at about #25), the further back in the wooded area it was, where there's more privacy."
Camp store conveniences: Several campgrounds offer on-site stores for forgotten essentials. "The camp store was a great asset for small items left behind, plus prices were great for ice and firewood," notes Rae H. about Silver Canoe Campground.
Pricing inconsistencies: Some campgrounds have variable pricing structures. At Yellow Creek Campground, marcell E. warns, "If you like to pay a different price each time you get there, then have fun. I had 3 different prices when I went there last."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, particularly for weekends and holidays. Mark S. suggests about Prince Gallitzin State Park, "Weekends are always busier than the weekdays, but that is true everywhere," highlighting the importance of planning ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Lake-adjacent options: Crooked Creek Lake provides affordable family-friendly activities. "Nice small, quiet campground near Crooked Creek. Affordable as well. Love the lake, there is even a little beach for the family," recommends Amanda.
Playground accessibility: When camping with children, site location matters. Tim J. shares about Bush Recreation Area: "We rented space 16 late August 2020... on the inner circle, right next to us with the playground right behind us. Great spots! Our kids were within easy eye and earshot of the playground."
Cabins for family gatherings: Yellow Creek State Park offers comfortable cabin options. Laura reports, "We stayed in 3 of the cabins for 4 days at Yellow Creek State Park. It was beautiful. Right on the water, clean, and private access to the lake. Dog friendly cabins were available."
Creek-based fun: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing provides water play opportunities. Austin B. mentions, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site levelness considerations: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Bush Recreation Area, imane notes, "If you have a large trailer may run to some problems most of the sites are sloped and the water is not filtered."
Dump station availability: Check for waste disposal options when booking. Keith advises about Crooked Creek Lake, "Dump station is out the exit by ranger building. Pull out and make a left and its about 500' down road on left by pavilion. Pull into the second drive to be on the correct side."
Electric hookup locations: At Crooked Creek Lake, hookups may require planning. Keith recommends, "Bring two hoses to reach your camper. Flush toilets with one water bib by restrooms to fill camper."
RV size limitations: Consider trailer length when selecting sites. At Duman Lake County Park, Johanna B. explains, "Six campsites, w/mature trees, level, w/paved drive & gravel area, large enough for mid-sized RVs. They state 40 ft., but all are back in."
