Campgrounds near Masontown offer diverse camping experiences across West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The region features elevations ranging from 1,100 to 2,500 feet with moderate summer temperatures typically in the 70-85°F range. Many sites drain well after rainfall due to the area's natural clay and limestone geology that helps prevent excessive mud even during wet camping seasons.
What to do
Explore the overlooks: Rhododendron Camping Area provides easy trail access to scenic views. "Wake up early and watch the sunrise at the overlook I'm telling ya!" shares Emily M., who recommends taking advantage of the nearby viewpoints.
Visit historical attractions: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Mill Run serves as a convenient base for regional exploration. Robert C. notes about the Ohiopyle area, "There are a multitude of fun activities to do in the area. I feel fortunate to live only about 2 hours from this beautiful place, with the Montour biking/hiking trail running right through it."
Water activities: The region offers multiple swimming options at various campgrounds. A reviewer at Chestnut Ridge Regional Park mentions, "There is a pond you can swim and or fish at," with Wes O. noting the popular "sandy beach where kids are often found collecting newts and fishing."
What campers like
Large, private campsites: Tall Oaks Campground receives praise for its spacious sites. Candy shares, "Very large tent site and surrounded by woods. Not close to your neighbor like most campgrounds. Peaceful! Van Life sites are tucked away in the woods for privacy."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Cleanliness is frequently highlighted in reviews. According to a camper at Sand Springs Campground, "If you're looking for an old campground with new hookups in the middle of the woods this will be one of your favorite spots on Earth." Laura H. adds, "The sites were very easy to get into even with the giant beautiful trees everywhere."
Nearby recreation options: Proximity to outdoor activities enhances the camping experience. Philip T. notes about Mylan Park, "While the park itself is essentially a big parking lot, it is smack in the middle of plenty to do! The lot is level and the spots are pretty large, with different types of hookups."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Football season impacts availability at several campgrounds. Molly F. mentions that Sand Springs "gets booked up for holiday & football weekends because of limited full h/u in area."
Bathroom facilities vary: Quality and maintenance of bathrooms differs between campgrounds. At Rhododendron Camping Area, Emily M. advises, "The bathrooms at the overlook are better maintained than the campground bathrooms plus the camp bathroom light didn't work while we were visiting so it got a littttttle creepy after sunset."
Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. Jeffrey L. notes about Sand Springs Campground, "Was tricky backing in. Lots of tress." Tony C. adds, "About 3 miles from the interstate, narrow roads. Big rigs probably hard to back in."
Tips for camping with families
Look for built-in activities: Some campgrounds offer family-specific amenities. Rich E. shares about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, "with 2 swimming pools, 4 water slides, tractor rides, fire truck rides and a train ride alongside the free activities for the kids there is always something fun to do."
Consider campgrounds with playground areas: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Masontown include dedicated play spaces. Laura H. notes about Sand Springs, "There is an awesome kids playground towards the office, with a pool."
Choose sites with exploration potential: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground earns praise for its family-friendly layout. Tom C. explains, "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform. Kids had a great time and lots of activities for them to do!"
Tips from RVers
Site spacing and privacy: Pet-friendly campgrounds around Masontown often provide good spacing between RV sites. Mike G. reports about Coopers Rock State Forest, "The spots were well spaced out and pretty spacious, the site we were in had electric hookup for 50a/30a/20a but no water at the site but there was water near the bathroom area."
Level sites are valuable: Finding level spots can be challenging in this hilly region. Joni P. cautions about Benner's Meadow Run, "The site was sloped pretty bad side to side and there is a drop off on the one side of the fire ring so we could not sit completely around the fire."
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying hookup options. Josh W. notes about Coopers Rock, "The new section is open and ready. Water and Electric Only. Dump station on the way out. 50amp - No issues." Karen adds about Sand Springs, "This is a peaceful and overall well maintained campground...it was challenging to level because the big gravel rocks on the site."
