Campgrounds near Trafford, Pennsylvania sit within the rolling hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with elevations ranging from 900 to 1,200 feet above sea level. The area experiences distinct seasons with hot, humid summers averaging 80-85°F and winters that frequently dip below freezing. Most sites open from April through October, though several campgrounds maintain winter operations with heated facilities and specialized water systems.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: Keystone State Park offers a large designated swimming area on its lake where families cool off during summer months. "Nice simple, small campground sites are for everyone, RV to tent, older bathhouses but clean. Swimming pool and lake for fishing and boating!" notes a visitor to Tomlinson Run State Park about their water amenities.
Hiking through varied terrain: The region features numerous well-maintained trails through forested hills. One visitor to Ohiopyle State Park mentioned, "The trails looked nice and we hope to be back soon," while another camper observed that "hiking poles are recommended especially if it rains" when traversing trails at Tomlinson Run.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple stocked lakes and streams provide year-round fishing. "It's a great launching pad if you would like to do things in the area," explains one camper at Madison-Pittsburgh KOA, while at Fox Den Acres, a visitor observed, "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them."
What campers like
Privacy levels vary dramatically: Some sites offer seclusion while others prioritize social camping. A guest at Fox Den Acres Campground appreciated that "Although the campground is close to several large cities, it is very relaxed, wooded, and quiet." At Ohiopyle's Kentuck Campground, a camper noted "the sites are plentiful, and though there are many...there is enough foliage that separate campsites that it feels somewhat private."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms rate consistently high. "The bathhouses and all the bathhouses were clean when we arrived and when we left," reported a visitor to Laurel Hill State Park, while another camper at Benner's Meadow Run mentioned, "They have a new bath house which is personal bathroom style and very nice."
Seasonal activities: Many campgrounds schedule special weekend events. "Tomlinson Run is a great state park with trails for hiking and biking. The campground is nice with clean bathrooms and showers," shares one visitor, while a Fox Den Acres camper commented, "They provide activities almost every evening, making sure every age range is catered to throughout the week."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Terrain varies significantly across campgrounds. At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, "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." A different camper noted, "Some sites are on an incline or in the middle of a field—which is good for some. Just make sure you check the pictures."
Limited amenities at state parks: Commercial campgrounds offer more services than state facilities. "There is no wash tub/sink to wash your dishes which made clean up a little more of a chore," mentioned a Tomlinson Run camper, while at Ohiopyle, a visitor reported, "The campground itself was buggy, not well maintained, and covered in poison ivy."
Electrical hookup placement: Electric site layouts can be challenging. "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," advised a Laurel Hill camper.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly attractions: Waterparks and playground facilities provide entertainment beyond natural features. "Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run offers a large waterpark area, large pool, monster truck rides and many activities. You don't have to leave to find something to do," explains one visitor. Another family noted, "They have 4 huge slides plus big splash pad with little slide for smaller kids."
Engage with scheduled activities: Many campgrounds offer organized entertainment. "The Madison KOA hosted a gigantic bonfire the night we were there which was a sight!" shared one visitor, while a Benner's Meadow Run camper commented, "We did not take part in the planned events they had set up but did use the pool which was nice."
Reserve prime sites early: Family-friendly sites book quickly, especially during peak season. "Book early for holidays," advises a Benner's Meadow Run visitor, explaining further, "Lots of activities. Clean and very friendly."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Bring adequate leveling equipment for hilly terrain. "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped," noted a Madison-Pittsburgh KOA visitor, while a Laurel Hill camper warned, "All sites are gravel; most appeared level, but some did not."
Hookup variations: Water and electric access differs across parks. "The water hookups weren't working at the time, but we were able to connect in Cherry Loop and fill our tank," shared an RV camper at The Blue Canoe RV Resort, formerly Uniontown KOA. Another RVer mentioned, "Quiet in the camp but lots of highway noise at night if the breeze is just right. Nice pull-thrus with full hookups for overnights."
Weekend crowds: Commercial RV parks can get busy and noisy. "The weekends would be too full for my taste but mid-week was very quiet," observed a Fox Den Acres visitor, while a Madison-Pittsburgh camper noted, "Sites are pretty close together and we couldn't use our fire ring because it ended up being very close to our rig."
