Camping near West Newton, PA

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    Camping around West Newton, Pennsylvania centers on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail system with several campgrounds designed for hikers and bikers traveling this route. The region includes both established campgrounds like Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA and Fox Den Acres, as well as free primitive camping areas such as Dravo's Landing and Round Bottom Camping Area. Accommodation options range from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups, cabins, and even yurts. Most developed campgrounds are within a 30-minute drive of West Newton, positioned along the Youghiogheny River which parallels much of the GAP trail.

    Seasonal patterns strongly influence camping accessibility in this area, with many private campgrounds operating from April through October. Free hiker-biker campgrounds along the GAP trail remain open year-round but offer limited amenities during winter months. As one camper noted, "Free bike-in camp site with water access along the Youghiogheny River. Access from the Allegheny Gap trail. There were a few shelters, nice campsite." Water availability can be inconsistent at primitive sites, with several reviews mentioning uncertain potability at some wells. Train noise affects many of the riverside campgrounds, with multiple reviewers recommending earplugs for overnight stays due to frequent passing trains and squealing brakes on nearby tracks.

    Developed campgrounds in the region provide various amenities including swimming pools, fishing ponds, and organized activities. Several campgrounds feature riverside locations with easy water access. "The camp is the special project of a very industrious group of scouts, and they have done a nice job. There are about 4 lean-to's which can accommodate 4 sleepers, or one 2-person tent," noted a visitor about Dravo's Landing. Sites closer to Pittsburgh tend to have more RV-oriented facilities with full hookups, while the free hiker-biker campgrounds offer a more rustic experience with pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Several reviewers mentioned the availability of free firewood at some GAP trail camping areas, maintained by local volunteer groups. The proximity to the Great Allegheny Passage makes these campgrounds particularly popular with cyclists touring the trail.

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    Best Campgrounds near West Newton (99)

      1. Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA

      3.9(10)6mi from West NewtonRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      "The sites are pretty close together and we couldn’t use our fire ring because it ended up being very close to our rig."

      2. Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

      4.5(84)27mi from West Newton242 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Ohiopyle is located in a beautiful area of Pennsylvania we've camped there a couple of times and have been able to get last minute tent sites. Lots of outdoor activities nearby."

      "Very close to two Frank Lloyd Wright properties– Kentuck Knob and the more widely known Falling Waters."

      from $20 - $54 / night

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      3. Fox Den Acres Campground

      4.6(9)9mi from West NewtonRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "It’s very military positive, even includes a reserved place for the fallen soldiers. Some sites are a bit close, the pull through sites are very ample. Gravel roads and level sites."

      "Tent site was nice and conveniently located next to the bathhouse"

      from $50 / night

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      4. Dravo's Landing Campground

      4.7(3)5mi from West NewtonTents

      "Access from the Allegheny Gap trail. There were a few shelters, nice campsite. It’s close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghosts stories around the campfire"

      "This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!)"

      5. Keystone State Park Campground

      4.3(24)23mi from West Newton99 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Camped in the Lakeside Loop. This State Park is so Clean! The campground gives you easy access to anything you want to do. Fish, swim, hike, bike, kayak. It can all be done."

      "This is our second time staying here - once in Electric site on Lakeside and this time non electric site on Hillside. Love this side of Hillside - quiet and shaded."

      from $18 - $70 / night

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      6. The GAP Trail Campground - Bikers Only

      5.0(1)0mi from West NewtonTents

      "Had we not stopped for the previous night’s camp 8 miles sooner, this would have been our favorite camp along the trail. Glad we stopped to check it out, but next time we will include it for sure! "

      from $25 / night

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      7. The Blue Canoe RV Resort

      3.8(6)14mi from West Newton13 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. New pool, but not open when we stayed."

      "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground."

      from $25 - $999999 / night

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      8. Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort

      5.0(2)11mi from West NewtonRVs

      "Wonderful hosts, well maintained, large sites, close to the highway but no road noise. Giant pool opened in the summer. Highly recommended."

      9. Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm

      5.0(1)9mi from West Newton1 siteTents, Glamping

      "This is a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains. One yurt with a bed is offered. Please no alcohol."

      from $100 - $150 / night

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      10. Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run

      5.0(1)10mi from West NewtonTents

      "Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run is a free camping area directly on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail around Mile 99 (East of West Newton roughly 15 miles). "

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    Recent Reviews near West Newton, PA

    525 Reviews of 99 West Newton Campgrounds


    • Kindra W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 13, 2026

      Coopers Rock State Forest- McCollum Campground

      5 stars! Large lots, beautiful scenery, and nice campers

      Coopers Rock State Park is an absolute gem and easily deserves 5 stars. The RV lots are large and easy to navigate, making setup stress-free and comfortable. The staff was very friendly and helpful, which made the whole stay even better. The new washrooms were clean, modern, and well maintained, and the scenery is breathtaking everywhere you look. It’s the perfect place to relax, enjoy nature, and take in the beautiful views.

    • Dani P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 10, 2026

      Coopers Rock State Forest- McCollum Campground

      Beautiful and lush campground

      This place is gorgeous and very quiet. The shower house and bathrooms were well maintained, and even had a laundry room and large sink around the back for dishes. Laundry costs $2 in quarters per load, 4 quarters for the washer and 4 quarters for the dryer. They are quick as well, took maybe an hour and 15 minutes all together. Campsites are spaced apart so you're not directly on top of eachother, but you can still see most of the other campers. Lots of trails in the area. We had electrical hook up and a lantern pole, and the is a dump and water station on the way in/out. Highly recommend this site.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 10, 2026

      Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA

      OK place to stay, work in progress

      We've stayed here annually for 7 years. Getting into the RV sites is a steep climb, then you head down from the top of the hill to the RV sites.

      The older portion has back in and pull through sites. They are medium to small in size, and due to their height and proximity to Interstates you hear trucks engine breaking. The newer section is lower (and quieter) and the sites are larger, but the gravel is not compacted so it sinks in when you drive, park or try to level your RV on it.

      There were dog walking trails in the woods but they are so overgrown you need a machete to use them. The pool is nice and is clean. The camp store is not small but carries a very limited amount of supplies.

      The staff are friendly. We've had RV issues and birds nesting under our slide room covers that they have helped us deal with.

    • T
      Jun. 9, 2026

      Coopers Rock State Forest- McCollum Campground

      Cooper’s Rock Rocks

      We are here a couple days . Staff and facilities are great. Lots of hiking trails of various types and lengths. June 9 and only 2 other RVs on our loop. The “new” loop has great single occupancy bath facilities.

    • N A.
      Jun. 8, 2026

      Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

      Fantastic wooded campground

      We LOVED our visit to Kentuck campground and Ohiopyle. We went mid-week in early June and had very few neighbors Tuesday and Wednesday, with more rolling in toward the end of the week. 

      We stayed on Hickory Loop with our dog and saw quite a few other dogs while we were there. Not all sites are equal at this campground - ours was huge and lovely with adequate flattish area and a stream running along two sides of it. Others were quite small and not very level. I think we had one of the best sites on the loop, with great trees for hammocks and big rocks nearby, as well as good privacy from other sites. 

      The campground is very shaded and was regularly several degrees cooler than elsewhere in the park, which was great to home 'home' to. There's a lot of poison ivy in the area, so be watchful.

      Firewood is available for purchase on entrance to the campground.

      The bathhouse was relatively clean, with a large kitchen sink for washing dishes, three toilet stalls, and two shower stalls. We never had to wait for any of it.

    • R
      Jun. 4, 2026

      Buttercup Woodlands Campground

      Very well maintained! 🛀🫧🧹

      I’m really impressed with this campground. Everything is very well maintained—clean, tidy, and organized. The staff and other campers are friendly, and there’s a welcoming atmosphere overall. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, a great pool, and the sites are spacious and comfortable. They even have what I’d consider professional-grade cornhole boards that look like they’re made from concrete or a similar solid material—really well built and a nice touch. It’s been a very enjoyable and relaxing place to stay.

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 4, 2026

      Keystone State Park Campground

      Classic campground in the woods of Pennsylvania

      This campground's foliage is interesting, I saw fernes growing and trees that looked older than me. I also noticed the campground has some history shown by the rust of the firepits. There is Billy's Pizza and general store which sells firewood if you go a little further down the road that maps takes you and take the second left instead of taking the first left. I think the campground also sells firewood on site. You can order Billy's Pizza and I saw them deliver to the campsites, which is amazing, havent seen that before. I'm a light sleeper and could hear truck engine braking sounds echo through the forest from the nearby highway, so the proximity to the road ruins the feeling of seclusion and the quiet. There's a restroom with a large sink outside which is nice.

    • Maura R.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 31, 2026

      Mt. Davis Division Campsite — Forbes State Forest

      Peaceful and private

      This is one of six campsites that can be reserved through PA's DCNR website. The six campsites are spread throughout the Laurel Highlands. This is the only one at Mt. Davis. We camp with three dogs, so we really appreciated the privacy. There were occasionally the sounds of distant ATVs or farm equipment, but, overall, this is a peaceful site. The campsite does not connect to the trails at Mt. Davis and there is no vault toilet here, but both vault toilets and a trailhead are just a few minutes away at the Mt. Davis picnic area. There is only one obvious tent site, so, if you need more than one tent site, you will have to get creative. The site is along a gravel road that leads to a field which you can use to walk your dogs. There are no water features here which our dogs enjoy, so that is the only reason for the 4 out of 5 stars. We will be reserving this site again!

    • Charles S.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 17, 2026

      Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

      My favorite place to camp

      I come here at least twice a year for the wonder campground. The hiking trails, water falls and white water rafting. The town is small but filled with tons of great shops and outfitters. Campground is clean, every sight is nice and spacious, not all are private. Get gas on your way here, once here their are no gas stations for 40 minutes in every direction. Ice and wood at campground suck. Go into town for ice or see Butch out rt 381 on the left just outside the park boundary. Highly recommended.


    Guide to West Newton

    Camping opportunities near West Newton, Pennsylvania range from well-established campgrounds to quieter, primitive sites along the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail. The region includes several developed facilities like Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA and Fox Den Acres Campground, which accommodate RVs, tent campers, and those seeking cabin or glamping experiences. Several smaller camping areas cater specifically to hikers and bikers traveling the GAP trail, including Dravo's Landing and The GAP Trail Campground, which offer primitive tent sites with basic amenities for travelers exploring the Youghiogheny River corridor.

    The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with most campgrounds fully operational from May through October. Several sites remain open year-round, though winter camping requires additional preparation. "Free bike-in camp sites with water access along the Youghiogheny River make great stopping points for GAP trail riders," noted one visitor. Road access varies significantly between the developed campgrounds, which typically offer paved or well-maintained gravel roads suitable for large RVs, and the more primitive sites that may require hiking or biking in. Cell coverage can be spotty in valley areas, particularly at sites like Roundbottom and Dravo's Landing. Travelers should be aware that train noise affects several campgrounds near the GAP trail, with multiple reviewers mentioning the need for earplugs.

    Water access stands out as a prominent feature in the area's camping options, with many sites positioned along the Youghiogheny River. A camper remarked, "The river is very easy to access for a quick dip after a long day on the trail." Free primitive camping areas like Dravo's Landing provide amenities such as picnic tables, lean-to shelters, and fire rings, though they lack hookups for RVs. Developed campgrounds typically offer swimming pools, fishing ponds, and full hookup sites, with some providing laundry facilities and camp stores. Family-friendly activities are common at the larger establishments, while the hiker-biker camps along the GAP trail offer a more rustic experience with pit toilets and non-potable or limited water access. Weekends tend to be busier across all camping areas, with mid-week visits offering a quieter experience.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I access the West Newton trailhead on the Great Allegheny Passage?

    The West Newton trailhead on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is located in downtown West Newton, along the Youghiogheny River. The trailhead features parking areas, making it accessible for day users. For cyclists planning multi-day trips, Round Bottom Camping Area at Slush Run is located approximately 15 miles east of West Newton directly on the GAP Trail around Mile 99, providing convenient trail access. The West Newton access point serves as a popular starting location for both eastbound and westbound journeys along the trail, with clear signage marking the trailhead.

    Are there bicycle rental options in West Newton for the Great Allegheny Passage?

    Yes, West Newton offers bicycle rental services through Yough River Trail Council's bike rental shop located near the trailhead, providing hourly and daily rentals with various bike types available. The shop typically operates seasonally from spring through fall with weekend hours extending during peak summer months. For cyclists planning longer trips, Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park is within riding distance and serves as another hub for bike rentals and trail information. Make sure to call ahead to verify current rental hours and availability, especially during off-season periods.

    What are the best restaurants and dining options in West Newton for trail users?

    West Newton offers several dining options conveniently located near the GAP Trail. The Trailside Restaurant serves American classics and is a popular stop for cyclists. Gary's Chuck Wagon offers quick bites with outdoor seating that's bike-friendly. The Bright Morning Bed & Breakfast also houses a café that's perfect for breakfast and lunch with trail-ready takeout options. For those camping in the area, Raccoon Creek State Park Campground is within reasonable driving distance and makes a good base for exploring regional dining. Tomlinson Run State Park Campground visitors also frequently venture to West Newton for its dining variety that caters to hungry trail users.

    What amenities are available at the West Newton camping area?

    The West Newton camping area offers basic trail amenities including water access, restrooms, and picnic areas. For those seeking more developed facilities nearby, Bush Recreation Area provides electric hookups, fresh water, picnic tables, and playgrounds, making it family-friendly. Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run is another option with amenities catering to both tent campers and RVs, featuring creek-side sites and boat access for those wanting to explore the river. Both locations offer convenient facilities for GAP Trail users looking to camp near West Newton.