State parks and campgrounds surround Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, providing camping opportunities within a 45-minute drive. The region features elevations ranging from 745 to 1,300 feet, creating varied terrain across the nearby Laurel Highlands. Seasonal camping generally runs April through October, with limited year-round options at selected campgrounds.
What to do
Creek exploration: 30-minute drive to Breakneck Campground where walk-in tent sites allow direct stream access. "From our campsite we walked along the creek into McConnells Mill State Park and joined the covered bridge trail. Approx. 30min walk along the creek down into McConnells Mill State Park," notes one camper at Breakneck Campground.
Fishing opportunities: 40-minute drive to Tomlinson Run State Park which offers both lake and stream fishing. A visitor mentioned, "Nice simple, small campground sites are for everyone, RV to tent, older bathhouses but clean. Swimming pool and lake for fishing and boating!"
Biking access: 50-minute drive to the Great Allegheny Passage trail from Uniontown. "We loved being able to access the GAP trail right from the campground. We were there in November with plans to visit Fallingwater. This campground was the perfect location for both activities!" reports a cyclist at Ohiopyle State Park.
Historic sites: 35-minute drive to Fort Ligonier from Keystone State Park. A regular visitor notes, "The lake is great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails. There's plenty to do in surrounding areas from Ft Ligonier to the shops in the town."
What campers like
Platform camping: $30/night at Breakneck Campground offers elevated timber platforms overlooking a gorge. "They offer RV sites, tent camping and cabins. The tent camping is either grassy, flat sites or on an elevated timber platform overlooking a gorge. They also offer walk-in tent sites down by the creek which are beautiful."
Yurt camping Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania: 60-minute drive to Ohiopyle State Park for yurts and cabins with nearby attractions. "The campground was the perfect location for both activities! Our Sprint hotspot didn't work well (unboosted), but our Verizon did," notes a camper who stayed at Kentuck Campground.
Winter camping options: Year-round access at Madison-Pittsburgh KOA despite seasonal limitations elsewhere. "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."
Spacious sites: Well-spaced options at several campgrounds provide privacy for tent campers. At Fox Den Acres Campground, one visitor reported, "Each site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each sight. Restroom were a short walk away. Firewood available for purchase."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies across the region with some campgrounds having partial coverage. "Our Sprint hotspot didn't work well (unboosted), but our Verizon did. The water hookups weren't working at the time, but we were able to connect in Cherry Loop and fill our tank."
Seasonal limitations: Most facilities operate April-October with reduced services in shoulder seasons. "The water spigots are still shut off" during early spring at some locations, requiring campers to plan accordingly.
Noise considerations: Weekend volume increases at many campgrounds. At Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA, a visitor noted, "I think the weekends would be too full for my taste but mid week was very quiet."
Terrain challenges: Many sites not level requiring leveling equipment. "Site was right on the water and listened to the bubbly brook all day," which sounds idyllic but several reviews mention the terrain difficulty.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Multiple options for cooling off during summer months. At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "They have a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it along with two small dog play areas. Every week they organizes different themes for bingo, and other games."
Playground access: Consider proximity when booking sites with children. "If you HAVE KIDS young enough to have to keep an eye on, the kabins and spots facing the pillow ARE PRIME (kids wait for it to blow up every morning)."
Budget-friendly alternatives: State parks offer lower-cost options with good amenities. "This park and campground is nature at it's best," notes a visitor to Tomlinson Run State Park Campground, highlighting the simple but effective facilities.
Advance planning: Book early for summer weekends and holiday periods when family-friendly campgrounds fill quickly. "It is a great launching pad if you would like to do things in the area."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request level sites as many campgrounds have significant slopes. A camper noted, "We had a wonderful, big electric and water site," but cautioned about site variations at Ohiopyle State Park.
Off-season value: Consider spring/fall visits for fewer crowds and often better site availability. "The campground was really nice and really empty in November when we were there. In the summer I bet this place is packed."
Hookup limitations: Research water access as seasonal restrictions may apply. "The water hookups weren't working at the time, but we were able to connect in Cherry Loop and fill our tank," demonstrates the importance of checking current conditions.
Laundry facilities: Available at select locations for extended stays. "Laundry facilities are the best we have encountered. Big machines and dryers making life easier and less time spent doing laundry."
