Youghiogheny River Lake spans 2,840 acres across the Pennsylvania-Maryland border at an elevation of 1,470 feet. The lake features multiple recreation areas with varying levels of camping access, from primitive sites to full-service RV hookups. Winter camping options remain limited despite the lake's year-round accessibility, with most campgrounds closing between October and March due to the region's average 30 inches of annual snowfall.
What to do
Lake fishing access: Several campgrounds provide direct lake access for fishing. At Yough Lake Campground at Tub Run, one camper noted, "Yough lake is small, but fun to explore. Good fishing. The boat ramp, slips and trailer storage made it an easy boating/camping vacation spot."
Nearby attractions: The surrounding Laurel Highlands area offers numerous day trip options within 20-30 minutes of most campgrounds. A visitor at Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground shared, "We stayed for 2 nights while we visited Fallingwater and the Flight 93 Memorial. We should have stayed another night so we could visit Fort Necessity NP just down the road but ran out of time."
Water recreation: Several campgrounds maintain their own swimming areas separate from the main lake. One reviewer mentioned, "The swimming lake was perfect and they had canoes and kayak rentals on site. We are avid tent campers and loved that we had a very private and secluded spot."
What campers like
Family-friendly amenities: Many RV parks near Youghiogheny River Lake prioritize family activities. A camper at Pioneer Lakes RV Park reported, "Extremely family friendly, lots to do for kiddos on weekend, stocked ponds, bathhouses very close to all sites."
Pool facilities: Some campgrounds maintain swimming pools as alternatives to lake swimming. At Pine Cove Beach Club RV Resort, a visitor appreciated "The pool & concession stand, beautifully maintained lawns and gravel campsites, modern hookups, good shower/laundry facilities, nice fire rings with built in grills, trash pickup service."
Helpful staff: Campground personnel can significantly enhance the camping experience. One camper shared, "Camp site was very nice sitting on raised mounds so you would stay fairly dry if it rained. It looks like it may have been a state park at one time, judging by the layout and bathrooms."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain that may require additional equipment. A camper at Pioneer Lakes reported, "We ended up on a grassy hill in the back. The spot was so unlevel there were 19 inches between my bottom step and the ground. This site was the same price as level ones closer to activities."
Bathroom maintenance: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds, with older sites facing maintenance issues. At Pioneer Lakes, a reviewer noted, "Bathrooms were outdated. They had older residential toilets that plugged constantly. The day we left 2 of the 3 in our nearest bathroom were out of order."
Noise levels: Campground atmosphere varies from quiet to bustling. A camper at The Blue Canoe RV Resort observed, "This is a former KOA campground, but still has the same management. The good: pretty campground, clean and nice amenities. Bad: the management is rude and unfriendly."
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly options: For those traveling with pets, dedicated facilities make a difference. A visitor to Pioneer Lakes appreciated their pet amenities: "The Dog Park is awesome. It's the size of a real, normal dog park."
Playground safety: Check playground conditions before letting children play. One visitor warned, "The playground area is unsafe. The wood on the playsets are falling apart and splintering. I had to pull a lot of splinters out of my child's hands and feet."
Swimming alternatives: When lake levels are low, look for campgrounds with pools. At Double G Campground, a camper recommended, "Location is great, very close to the lake and the ski resort. If you want to camp while at the lake this is a great choice."
Tips from RVers
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging approach roads. A Tub Run visitor mentioned, "Tub Run Road is a rough (but pretty) ride to the campground. Once you hit the property, everything is well-maintained. Roads are easy to navigate and equipment all works well."
Site selection strategy: Waterfront sites may offer better spacing than interior locations. One camper observed, "Creekside sites felt smaller and more crowded than lakeside sites, which open onto the beach and lake."
Electrical service reliability: Most RV parks near Youghiogheny River Lake offer electrical hookups, but service levels vary. At The Blue Canoe RV Resort, a visitor reported, "Located on the Youghiogheny River. Many full hookups, great play ground for the kids. Staff make multiple rounds, picks up your trash and delivers your purchased firewood."
