Camping options near Windber, Pennsylvania range from rustic tent sites to full-hookup RV areas, all within a 45-mile radius. The region sits at elevations between 1,200 and 3,000 feet in the Laurel Highlands and Allegheny Mountains, creating temperature variations that can be 10-15°F cooler at higher elevations compared to Windber proper. Cell service can be limited or non-existent at several campgrounds, particularly those located in mountain valleys or state forest areas.
What to do
Trail hiking at Blue Knob State Park: Located 30 miles west of Windber, this park offers extensive hiking with trails extending into adjacent state forest lands. "Blue Knob State Park might be my favorite place to camp in Western PA. It sits on the flanks of the second highest peak in the state. The hiking here is really spectacular with lots of scenery, overlooks, and side trails that extend many miles out into state forest lands which are adjacent to the park," reports Brian S.
Mountain biking in Ohiopyle: About 45 miles southwest of Windber, Kentuck Campground provides direct access to biking trails. "Awesome campground right on the Great Allegheny Passage trail. 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!" shares a reviewer from Bounding Around.
Water recreation at Rocky Gap: Located 40 miles south of Windber in Maryland, this state park offers multiple water activities. "The campground beach is fun. There is a 5 mile trail that goes all around the lake. Lots of lake to paddle," writes one camper. Another adds, "Nice beach area with volley ball nets. Lots of paddle boards and canoes for rent."
What campers like
Privacy at Laurel Hill State Park: Sites are well-separated with natural buffers. "All sites are gravel; most appeared level, but some did not. All sites are wooded but some have more separation than others. Our site backed up to the creek but surprisingly, there was not a lot of water flowing in the spring," notes Lee D.
Family-friendly atmosphere at Mirror Lake Campground: Located about 30 miles northwest of Windber, this private campground offers creek access. "Great place to stay! You will not find better campground owners, they are amazing. After office hours they can be commonly found hanging out with their campers. Pick up cornhole games, bonfires, are the norm at the community building. Alot of their sites are along a small creek which the kids play in and can float down," writes Mathew H.
Spacious sites at Shawnee State Park: Approximately 35 miles southwest of Windber, this campground offers diverse site types. "There are a few sites that are a bit close together that you can't really know until you're there. Overall it was a great time!" shares Casey S. Another camper notes, "Many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them."
What you should know
Weather fluctuations: The higher elevation campgrounds experience unpredictable conditions. "Clouds blowing east from the Midwest tend to break on the mountains here at Blue Knob, so short little bursts of rainfall are frequent, and they don't always show up on weather apps. Come prepared for short rain showers, chilly air even in the summer, and great views," advises Brian S.
Noise levels: Some campgrounds experience unexpected noise. At Friendship Village Campground, "Nice campground, clean and plenty of activities for the kids. The only thing we didn't like was all of the road noise. This campground is located by 2 major highways and truck traffic and Jake brake are constant all night long."
Limited supplies: Many campgrounds are remote. "Bring everything you need, it's about 30 minutes to some supplies. Make sure you bring firewood and be prepared for extremely limited cell service (Verizon)," reports Olivia L. about Kooser State Park, 25 miles southwest of Windber.
Tips for camping with families
Kids' activities: Friendship Village Campground offers multiple recreation options. "Friendship Village Campground has mini golf, fishing, and special events on weekends. The office staff are very friendly and helpful," shares Heidi K. Another camper adds, "There are many playgrounds spread out across the property as well as a jumping pillow and a very well-built gaga ball pit."
Fishing spots: Quemahoning Family Recreation Area, just 12 miles from Windber, offers good angling. "Great place for fishing kayaking. Very family oriented," writes Kyle K. Another camper adds, "Quemahoning Family Recreation Area offers great fishing, some nice trails and generally wonderful weather during the summer season."
Swimming options: Consider water access when booking. "There is a camp store where wood, ice and fishing supplies are available. There is no trash service; campers are expected to carry out their trash," notes Thomas G. about Quemahoning. At Rocky Gap State Park, "We love that the campground has their own beach so it's not over crowded with the public. Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch."
Tips from RVers
Site selection challenges: Research campsite layouts carefully. At Shawnee State Park, "We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked. Luckily it was opening weekend and the rangers and super accommodating!"
Hookup variations: Electric service differs between campgrounds. At Kooser State Park, "Stayed in one of 4 full hookup sites. My complaints...WAY too close to the neighbors and VERY little shade. It's a small campground though. Would probably stay at again. There is road noise, which really didn't bother me. I liked the good cell coverage since my oldest kid was at home."
Leveling requirements: Many mountain campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Many of the sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level, and we did not have a problem finding one. Some sites have gravel pads that were level and vary in length from 20' to 115'," notes one camper about Shawnee State Park.
