Camping near Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania provides access to the Laurel Highlands region where elevations range from 1,200 to over 2,800 feet. The area experiences all four seasons with vibrant fall foliage typically peaking in mid-October. Wooded campsites throughout the region offer natural shade during summer months when daytime temperatures average 75-85°F.
What to do
Hiking trails for all levels: Keystone State Park connects to multiple trail systems for day hikes. "We hiked with my son all the trails in the park and cut through and did not like what I saw. The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods. There are some very secluded sites," notes a visitor to Keystone State Park Campground.
Mountain biking access: The Great Allegheny Passage trail runs directly through several campgrounds. At The Blue Canoe RV Resort, "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground. The seasonal RVers and weekend warriors have long claimed their sites, but for through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp, close to the west-bound entrance."
Kayak rentals: Several parks offer affordable water equipment rentals. "Kayak rental of $15 for an hour was the cheapest we have seen and allowed us to explore more of the lake. We enjoyed the easy walking lake trail with the kids because it was wide and flat," reports a camper who stayed at Laurel Hill State Park Campground.
Cannabis-friendly experiences: For adults seeking unique glamping near Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania, some sites offer cannabis-oriented activities. At Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm, visitors can stay in a mountaintop yurt and participate in Friday evening yoga sessions.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Sites along the Youghiogheny River provide direct water access. "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. Staff make multiple rounds, picks up your trash and delivers your purchased firewood," mentions a reviewer at The Blue Canoe RV Resort.
Quiet, wooded settings: Many campers appreciate the more secluded options. "Although the campground is close to several large cities, it is very relaxed, wooded, and quiet. We weren't to sure what to expect as we usually camp in much more remote areas, but we enjoyed the park very much," explains a visitor to Fox Den Acres Campground.
Pet-friendly accommodations: Several campgrounds welcome four-legged family members. "We stayed at site 43 in the Hillside Loop because we brought our 2 large dogs. Site was very private and relatively flat. We did not use the bathroom facilities but they seemed nice," shares a camper from Keystone State Park.
Large on-site laundry facilities: "Laundry facilities are the best we have encountered. Big machines and dryers making life easier and less time spent doing laundry," notes a camper at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, highlighting an amenity particularly valuable during extended stays.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region have sloped sites. "The sites are pretty close together and we couldn't use our fire ring because it ended up being very close to our rig. I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped," reports a Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA visitor.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely across the region. "Fleeting cell at best on Verizon," notes a camper at Laurel Hill State Park Campground regarding connectivity limitations common throughout the area's more remote glamping locations.
Winter accessibility: While most glamping operations close seasonally, some remain open. "We're staying in the winter for a few nights to visit friends who live outside Pittsburgh. Friendly and cozy spot. They've done a great job in the winter despite the frigid weather by using heat tape on the spigots," shares a guest at Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA.
Bathroom facility variations: Quality and availability differ between campgrounds. "Showers - in womens the shower on the left never got warm, other two were fine. There are 4 flush toilets," explains a visitor to Tomlinson Run State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for sites near playgrounds: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "They provide activities almost every evening, making sure everything age range is catered to throughout the week. There's a predictably overpriced store where you can buy since essentials, and a few luxuries," notes a visitor to Fox Den Acres Campground.
Consider water activities: Swimming options range from natural settings to pools. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run, one camper explains, "They have HUGE INDUSTRIAL SIZE washers & dryers. This Yogi Bear campground offers a large waterpark area, large pool, monster truck rides and many activities. You don't have to leave to find something to do."
Check fishing accessibility: Many campgrounds have stocked ponds. "Small lake where you can fish, paddle boat, and swim. Quiet hours and parking are strictly enforced," shares a visitor to Keystone State Park Campground.
Plan meals carefully: Some locations have limited nearby food options. "Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late. There are no grocery stores real close," advises a camper from the Kentuck Campground area.
Tips from RVers
Request site photos: Many campsites have unique layouts. "Looking around the rest of the campground, the loop up near the cabins was a typical RV area with sites lined up with little privacy in between. I would look at the other loops for our next tent-camping visit," suggests a camper at Laurel Hill State Park Campground.
Check hookup configurations: Some sites have unusual electrical setups. "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," advises a recent visitor to Laurel Hill.
Consider site drainage: Weather can impact campsite conditions. "We had a big night of rain and with the wind it dried up pretty quickly," notes a Tomlinson Run State Park Campground visitor, highlighting the importance of selecting sites with good drainage for RV camping near Turtle Creek.
Verify seasonal availability: Many glamping facilities have limited operating seasons. "We stayed for 1 night. We chose site 102 because it looked decent in the picture and seemed a little apart and more private than other areas. Unfortunately, it was not great for tent camping as there wasn't really a spot to set up our 4-person tent," shares a Laurel Hill State Park visitor.
