Camping near Verona, Pennsylvania provides access to both Appalachian foothills and riverfront recreation areas, with elevations ranging from 745 to 1,200 feet throughout the region. Most campgrounds in the area experience a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, resulting in peak camping from late April through October when daytime temperatures average 70-85°F. Several camping locations offer direct water access to local rivers and lakes.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Raccoon Creek State Park Campground offers over 40 miles of hiking trails. "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 is set in the woods. There are some very secluded sites," noted one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Bush Recreation Area provides shoreline fishing access along Loyalhanna Creek. "It's a great place to fish and swim and just relax," reports one camper. The campground is positioned alongside a large boat dock/launch area.
Water recreation: Crooked Creek Lake features kayaking and small boat opportunities. A reviewer mentioned, "The lake is great for kayaking or small boats. We fish and kayak the creek opposite the lake." The lake also includes a small beach area for swimming.
Trail biking access: Dravo's Landing Campground connects directly to the Allegheny Gap trail system. "Free bike-in camp site with water access along the Youghiogheny River. Access from the Allegheny Gap trail," writes one reviewer. The location serves as a convenient stopping point for cyclists.
What campers like
Hilltop views: Mountain Top Campground offers elevated perspectives from its location. "You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. It's cute. Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond," explains one visitor.
Proximity to Pittsburgh: The campground locations provide convenient access to urban amenities while maintaining natural settings. A Mountain Top camper noted, "20 minutes to Pittsburgh staff friendly and very helpful." This makes these sites practical for weekend getaways.
Family-friendly amenities: Fox Den Acres Campground provides activities for different age groups. "They provide activities almost every evening, making sure every age range is catered to throughout the week. There's a predictably overpriced store where you can buy some essentials, and a few luxuries," states one review.
Quiet surroundings: Several campgrounds maintain peaceful atmospheres despite their proximity to urban areas. As one Fox Den visitor described, "Although the campground is close to several large cities, it is very relaxed, wooded, and quiet."
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Keystone State Park Campground operates from "1st Friday in April to 3rd Sunday in October," making advance planning essential during shoulder seasons. Winter camping options are extremely limited throughout the region.
Site privacy varies: Campsites range from open fields to wooded settings. "Most sites are spacious! Only downside is you can hear the airport," notes one Raccoon Creek camper, while another at Fox Den observed, "Each site was very spacious and well shaded."
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. At Bush Recreation Area, "Reservations are required (recreation.gov)," and similar systems operate at other area campgrounds.
Transportation challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. A Mountain Top visitor warned, "The hardest part is finding it. The roads get narrow so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Bush Recreation Area has "a nice playground and green space" with one visitor recommending sites 16 and 17 because "Our kids were within easy eye and earshot of the playground."
Water activities: Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA offers both fishing and swimming options. "They have a pool, fishing pond and a cloud pillow with the playground next to it along with two small dog play areas," reports a visitor. This provides entertainment options during hot weather.
Tent site selection: For tent campers at Fox Den Acres, sites offer good spacing. "Each tent site was very spacious and well shaded. Fire ring and table at each site. Restroom were a short walk away," explains one camper, making logistics easier for families.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds have water hazards requiring supervision. At Crooked Creek Lake, campers note the beach area requires caution, as "other campers said they wouldn't dare get in the murky water" though others found it refreshing.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds present terrain difficulties. At Bush Recreation Area, "most of the sites are sloped," and at Madison KOA, a visitor noted, "I couldn't get it level with my Anderson levelers it was pretty slopped."
Hookup availability: Water and electric hookups are common but sewer connections are limited. At Mountain Top Campground, "grey water hookup so you don't have to unpack and use your own!" explains an RVer, while noting black water tanks require dump stations.
Access road navigation: Larger RVs should contact campgrounds for specific route guidance. As noted about Mountain Top: "Finding Mountain Top can be challenging as the roads get narrow, so if in an RV call them for the easiest way in."
Pull-through availability: Fox Den Acres offers easier access sites for larger rigs. "The pull through sites are very ample. Gravel roads and level sites," notes one camper, making this location better for larger vehicles.
