Glendale Lake and Crooked Run campgrounds offer premier glamping experiences within a 30-minute drive of Windber, Pennsylvania. Situated in the western foothills of the Allegheny Mountains at elevations averaging 1,300-1,800 feet, this region experiences cool nights even during summer months. While traditional tent sites remain popular, glamping accommodations have expanded dramatically since 2020, with canvas structures and wood-framed shelters becoming increasingly available at multiple locations.
What to do
Lake exploration at Glendale Lake: Prince Gallitzin State Park's 1,635-acre lake provides extensive water recreation with designated swimming areas separate from fishing zones. "Huge lake for water sports, scenic trails, small dirt bike oval track," notes one visitor to Crooked Run Campground. Rental options typically include kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards with rates starting at $15 per hour.
Visit historic sites: The Flight 93 National Memorial lies within reasonable driving distance of several campgrounds, offering historical context alongside outdoor recreation. "If you stay here, make sure to travel down the road to see the Flight 93 Memorial," recommends a camper who stayed at Shawnee State Park.
Trail hiking: Multiple trail systems interconnect throughout the region with varying difficulty levels. At Laurel Hill State Park, "there are many hiking trails through the park's wooded surroundings, providing glamping guests opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature photography. The park's large sandy beach offers swimming access during summer months," explains a recent visitor.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Hickory Hollow offers particularly generous site spacing compared to other glamping options near Windber. "Hickory Hollow's campsites were nicely spaced out, perched on a hillside, but with nice flat pads. The lake and farm country provided a welcoming and relaxing setting," reports one camper at Hickory Hollow Campground.
Modern bathhouses: Many glamping locations maintain exceptionally clean facilities. "The bathhouse was kept very clean, even though the campground was full," noted a guest at Rocky Gap State Park. This standard of cleanliness distinguishes premier glamping sites from more rustic alternatives.
Water recreation: Most successful glamping operations include water access. "The lake provides a great place to fish and the walking trail has some less used fishing spots if you are willing to walk. We enjoyed the easy walking lake trail with the kids because it was wide and flat," explained a visitor to Laurel Hill State Park.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Not all glamping sites offer equal accommodations or views. "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 were super accommodating!" reports a visitor to Shawnee State Park.
Seasonal availability varies: While some glamping operations maintain year-round availability, many close during winter months. Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing operates from April 21 to October 22, while Keystone State Park runs from "1st Friday in April to 3rd Sunday in October."
Highway noise impacts some locations: Road noise can detract from glamping experiences at certain sites. "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," notes a visitor to Friendship Village Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-focused amenities: Friendship Village Campground offers exceptional family programming. "Lots of fun for kids, live music on the weekend, this campground was full of activity. The campground was packed with everyone from seasonal full timers to overnighters," reports one visitor who selected this location specifically for family activities.
Beach access: Most families prioritize swimming areas when selecting glamping locations near Windber. "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. BMX track for kids," notes a visitor to Prince Gallitzin State Park.
Playground quality: Playground facilities vary significantly between glamping locations. At Pioneer Lakes, "The playground area is unsafe. The wood on the playsets are falling apart and splintering," according to a recent visitor, highlighting the importance of researching current playground conditions before booking family glamping trips.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many glamping locations near Windber feature sloped terrain requiring significant leveling equipment. "Okay campground. We met nice people staying there. However, the sites are REALLY not level because the RV sites are on a major slope, especially the pull-through sites," cautions a reviewer at Kentuck Campground.
Electrical hookup layout: RV-friendly glamping sites often have non-standard electrical connections. "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 visitor to Laurel Hill State Park.
Dump station access: When selecting glamping options with partial hookups, consider dump station positioning. "Easy access to the dump station as you exit," notes one Shawnee State Park visitor, highlighting a convenience factor that experienced RVers prioritize.
