Youngwood, Pennsylvania camping options extend beyond the immediate area into the surrounding Laurel Highlands region, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,800 feet creating varied camping environments. The area experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows regularly reaching below freezing. Many campgrounds in this region offer year-round access, though amenities may be limited during winter months.
What to do
Hiking access from camp: Laurel Hill State Park Campground provides direct trail connections from campsites. "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," notes a camper who appreciated the accessible terrain.
Water activities in spring-fall: At Keystone State Park Campground, visitors find multiple water recreation options. "Small lake where you can fish, paddle boat, and swim. Quiet hours and parking are strictly enforced," explains a reviewer who found the rules created a peaceful environment.
Agricultural tourism: During growing season, explore the working hemp farm at Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm for a unique educational experience. "This is a cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains," states a reviewer noting the farm's distinctive setting.
Historical attractions: The region offers significant historical sites within short drives. "Check out Fort Necessity NP just down the road," recommends a camper from Benner's Meadow Run who found the National Park site worth exploring alongside other area attractions.
What campers like
Two distinct camping areas: Keystone State Park features different camping environments. "There are 2 campgrounds in the park, the hillside one and the one on the lake. The lakeside one is a glorified trailer park and is packed during the summer with no privacy. The hillside one doesn't get near the crowds and it set in the woods," explains a visitor who preferred the more secluded option.
Family-oriented activities: Benner's Meadow Run RV Campground earns praise for its entertainment options. "Saturday night was a fun DJ. The facilities are very clean. They offer a game room, pool, mini golf, a full camp store, firewood, etc.," shares a repeat visitor who appreciates the diverse offerings.
Trail access: Cyclists particularly value The Blue Canoe RV Resort for its integration with regional trails. "The GAP trail rolls right through the middle of this traditional KOA campground. The seasonal RVers and weekend warriors have long claimed their sites, but for through riders on the trail there is a special place to camp," notes a cyclist who appreciated the dedicated spaces.
Winter activities: For cold-weather yurt camping near Youngwood, Pennsylvania, Laurel Hill State Park maintains winter accessibility. "The campground was family and pet friendly on the hillside section. For the whole family enjoy," states a visitor who found the park welcoming year-round.
What you should know
Site selection matters: At Laurel Hill State Park Campground, choosing the right camping loop significantly impacts experience. "There are two main loops in this campground. One that is pet friendly and more of a pitch-your-tent-in-the-yard thing and another that is pet-free and wooded. Dogs were barking at all hours and there's no privacy. We drove through the other one and it looks so much nicer," advises a camper who learned this distinction firsthand.
Bathhouse limitations: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds. "The bathrooms and all the bathhouses badly need updating. The paint is peeling, they smell like mildew and the siding is rotting on them," reports a visitor to Ohiopyle State Park who found cleanliness adequate but structures aging.
Seasonal variations: Campground atmospheres change dramatically with seasons. "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," notes a summer visitor to Keystone, while spring campers report muddier conditions.
Limited groceries: Plan meal supplies carefully before arriving. "Plan your meals well, before arriving. There are a couple of restaurants in Ohiopyle, but they are not open late. There are no grocery stores real close," warns a camper who found food options limited.
Tips for camping with families
Yurt camping options: For families seeking yurt camping in Youngwood, Pennsylvania area, Ohiopyle State Park offers spacious options. "Very clean and quiet. We recommend checking out cucumber falls, which isn't terribly far away," suggests a recent visitor who found the nearby waterfall ideal for family exploration.
Playground access: Consider proximity to play areas when booking sites. "Got a nice secluded spot to camp in the wooded area that had a amazing mountain views and the star gazing platform. Kids had a great time and lots of activities for them to do," shares a family who stayed at Benner's Meadow Run.
Swimming options: Multiple swimming locations provide water recreation for different age groups. "The lake is great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails. There's plenty to do in surrounding areas from Ft Ligonier to the shops in the town," reports a Keystone State Park visitor who found varied activities for family members.
Budget-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer free or low-cost entertainment. "We've stayed here multiple times throughout several summers. The lake is great for fishing with plenty of hiking trails," notes a regular Keystone visitor who appreciates the economical recreation options.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: At Fox Den Acres Campground, RVers note practical considerations. "The sites in the lower field, where I was, were roomy and level and all pull-throughs," shares a satisfied RVer who found the layout accommodating for larger vehicles.
Electrical hookup access: Position is important for utility 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 camper at Laurel Hill State Park who needed additional equipment.
Year-round accessibility: Some campgrounds maintain winter operations. "We're staying in the winter for a few nights to visit friends who live outside Pittsburgh. Friendly and cozy spot. They've done a great job in the winter despite the frigid weather by using heat tape on the spigots," reports a Madison-Pittsburgh S.E. KOA visitor who appreciated the cold-weather preparations.
Campsite privacy variations: Site selection significantly impacts experience. "Our site was very private and relatively flat. Site was very private and relatively flat. We did not use the bathroom facilities but they seemed nice," notes an RVer at Keystone State Park who found their Hillside Loop site offered good separation.
