The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail corridor offers the most accessible tent camping options near Youngwood, Pennsylvania. Located within the Allegheny Mountains region at elevations ranging from 800-2,000 feet, these sites experience cool summer nights with temperatures often dropping into the 50s. Most primitive campsites in this area follow the historical railroad route, placing campers within earshot of active train lines that run parallel to many camping areas.
What to do
River swimming access: At Roundbottom Hiker-Biker Campground, campers can cool off in the Youghiogheny River after a long day of hiking or biking. "The river is very easy to access for a quick dip after a long day on the trail," notes one reviewer who appreciated this natural amenity.
Early morning photography: Wake up before dawn to capture scenic vistas at overlook points. A camper at Rhododendron Camping Area recommends, "Wake up early and watch the sunrise at the overlook I'm telling ya!" The same camper noted that "the bathrooms at the overlook are better maintained than the campground bathrooms."
Nighttime storytelling: The historical setting of some campgrounds provides perfect backdrop for evening stories. One camper at Dravo's Landing mentioned it's "close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghost stories around the campfire."
Bike day trips: Plan short cycling excursions from camp bases. A reviewer described Dravo's Landing as "26 miles from Three Rivers Park, this makes a great place to get your head around what it might be like to ride and camp the whole way to Washington D.C."
What campers like
Well-maintained shelter options: Many trail campgrounds feature Adirondack-style lean-tos. At Dravo's Landing Campground, "There are about 4 lean-to's which can accommodate 4 sleepers, or one 2-person tent. Additional picnic shelters and free-range tables means that the whole troop could pitch their tents and still not be on top of each other."
Community atmosphere: Fellow travelers create welcoming environments. One camper reported, "We camped out overnight with a group of 14 people, and there was plenty of room for everyone to pitch their tents and spend a relaxing night under the stars. We made friends with a few other folks who were stopping at Dravo during their bike trips along the GAP."
Unique camping locations: Some sites offer unconventional spots to pitch tents. At Maple Festival Park, a reviewer noted, "Set your tent up on the lawn, up on the stage, or under the long lean-to, if you want to get out of the weather. It's all up for grabs for the night."
Cannabis-friendly options: For those seeking specialized camping environments, Laurel Highlands Hemp Cannabis Farm offers a "cannabis friendly campground that overlooks the Laurel Highlands Hemp field, and surrounding mountains."
What you should know
Train noise considerations: Nearly all campsites along the GAP Trail experience railroad noise. As one camper at Maple Festival Park noted, "There are quite a few trains thru town," while another mentioned that at higher elevation sites "the train line, and the trail, are a steep hike up the hill from the rest of town, so the noise is much less bothersome during the night."
Wildlife precautions: Food storage matters at these sites. A camper at Dravo's Landing warned, "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!"
Water availability challenges: Potable water isn't guaranteed at all locations. A Roundbottom camper observed "the well for the campground stated that it was no longer potable. My guess is that this is simply because the volunteer organization which maintains this campground lacks the funds for testing."
Weather preparation: Seasonal conditions can change rapidly in this region. For the best tent camping near Youngwood, Pennsylvania, pack earplugs as multiple reviewers mentioned train noise, with one noting, "It's not the train horn but the number of turns in the track and the squealing breaks that keep you up -- so bring good earplugs!"
Tips for camping with families
Multi-generational camping spaces: Look for sites with varied accommodation options. At Laurel Ridge State Park Campground, campers can select from "eight campgrounds and shelter sites for backpackers and anyone who wants a 'pack-it-in-pack-it-out' camping experience."
Educational opportunities: Incorporate local history into family trips. A reviewer experienced the unique history of Maple Festival Park, noting it "hosts the annual March tradition of the Maple festival, and has been crowning 'Maple Queens' for 75 years! (Check out the regal photo display in the office for a quick scan of a fashion timeline.)"
Child-friendly wildlife encounters: Some campgrounds feature friendly animal interactions. A camper at Maple Festival Park mentioned, "The neighborhood cat will come to greet you, maybe even curl up on your sleeping bag! She's a sweetheart!"
Family bathroom considerations: Bathroom facilities vary widely between sites. At Rhododendron Camping Area, one camper warned "the camp bathroom light didn't work while we were visiting so it got a littttttle creepy after sunset."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most sites near Youngwood lack traditional RV amenities. At Indian Creek Camplands, a reviewer noted it's a "Good spot, just beyond owners side yard. Not the most level areas but good clean and quiet campsites."
Specialized camping services: Some sites cater to specific user types rather than general RV needs. The GAP Trail Campground was described as "more like a Spa than a Campground! Imagine if a luxury AirBnB and a Hobbit Camp had a baby – this place would be it. The outdoor shower/toilet block is such a divine sight, it makes you crave one whether you're stinky or not."
