Best Campgrounds near Zelienople, PA

Zelienople, Pennsylvania serves as a hub for diverse camping experiences, with several established campgrounds within a short drive of town. The area features a mix of private and public camping facilities including Indian Brave Campground, Bear Run Campground, and Breakneck Campground, all offering various accommodation types from tent sites to RV hookups and cabin rentals. Many campgrounds in the region provide amenities such as swimming pools, recreation halls, and access to nearby natural attractions. Moraine State Park, located just east of Zelienople, offers additional camping options with group sites and cabins, while McConnells Mill State Park provides hiking opportunities near several of the area's campgrounds.

Seasonal considerations affect camping availability throughout the region, with most campgrounds operating from mid-April through mid-October. Facilities like Bear Run Campground and Indian Brave Campground typically open around April 15th and close for the season by mid-October. One camper noted, "We have stayed here in 2019, 2021, 2023 and now 2024. The owners and staff are wonderful, right on top of things." Winter camping options are limited, though Raccoon Creek State Park Campground, about 30 miles southwest of Zelienople, remains open year-round. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity. Cell service varies throughout the area but is generally reliable at established campgrounds.

Campers consistently highlight the family-friendly atmosphere at many of the mixed-use campgrounds near Zelienople. The proximity to small towns and outdoor recreation areas makes these campgrounds popular bases for exploring western Pennsylvania. Several visitors mention the peaceful settings despite being relatively close to urban areas. A review of Breakneck Campground noted, "We wanted a secluded site and close to Pittsburgh. There are two really nice spots by the water which were taken, and we only saw one other in the woods." Developed campgrounds in the region typically offer amenities such as showers, flush toilets, and electric hookups, while some also provide recreational facilities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and access to hiking trails. Proximity to water features, including lakes and creeks, represents a common highlight in campground reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Zelienople, Pennsylvania (91)

    1. Breakneck Campground

    16 Reviews
    Portersville, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 368-3233

    $10 - $20 / night

    "We wanted a secluded site and close to Pittsburgh. 

    We arrived around 7pm and there was no check in, we drove around for a while trying to find a spot with a fire ring per some helpful campers."

    "My husband and I camped here on a whim, after our original location got rained out. We picked a nice big lot by the dirt road."

    2. Bear Run Campground

    15 Reviews
    Portersville, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 368-3564

    $30 - $300 / night

    "The nightly RV sites are close to the park entrance and are relatively flat. The campground hosts themed events, game nights and arts& crafts."

    "I always camp near the horses as i like a bit more privacy. The front of the campground is a bit too packed for my liking. They also have a primative area that is quite nice."

    3. Indian Brave Campground

    5 Reviews
    Harmony, PA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (724) 452-9204

    $30 - $55 / night

    "They have an Olympic sized swimming pool, nature trails, playground, basketball court, recreation hall and walking distance to harmony and all the live music and nightlife that Harmony and Zelienople have"

    "We live in Oregon and our son and family live in Zelienople. We have stayed here in 2019, 2021, 2023 and now 2024. The owners and staff are wonderful, right on top of things."

    4. Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Clinton, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 899-2200

    $18 - $128 / night

    "One tip: each loop does not have its own entrance from a main road. To get to C you drive through or past A and B. Same with E and F. Each loop has its own set of flush toilets and showers."

    "All and All great place to camp, good things; 1) lots of deer, turkeys, racoons, owls etc. 2) close to a farmer's market Jankowski's great place to get fresh food, 3) once you have level camp, all good"

    5. Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping

    9 Reviews
    Portersville, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 924-2415

    $32 - $60 / night

    "They have a nice heated large pool, hiking trails close to some great places like McConnells mill, Morane state park, Fishing the shenango river."

    "It is close to Moraine State Park."

    6. Group Camping and Cabins — Moraine State Park

    9 Reviews
    Prospect, PA
    13 miles
    Website

    "It is right next to the bike trail and has access to the lake. I have enjoyed my time at Moraine and will enjoy it every time I visit."

    "In fact my family used to own property near by. This park has an awesome trail system for walking or biking"

    7. Harts Content Campground

    3 Reviews
    Beaver Falls, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 846-0005

    8. Buttercup Woodlands Campground

    3 Reviews
    Homeacre-Lyndora, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 789-9340

    9. Cooper's Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Portersville, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (724) 368-8710

    $25 / night

    "Had a great time here, grounds were very nicely maintained and there was access to everything you needed."

    "Camping down by the lake near the flushing toilets and showers is my favorite spot. Shady and great views of the birds of prey catching fish in the lake."

    10. Fombell Landing

    1 Review
    Zelienople, PA
    4 miles
    +1 (724) 971-6580

    $45 - $65 / night

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Recent Reviews near Zelienople, PA

414 Reviews of 91 Zelienople Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Redbank Valley Municipal Park

    Mid September No one around

    We came here after finding this campsite on the dirt app. When we arrived, there was no one around. There are no rules or payment stations. There are a lot of RVs that seem to be set up in a permanent location. We camped on a field and haven’t seen anyone. There are bathrooms and showers and they are open. It looks like this is the site of the fairgrounds and maybe it is a hopping place in the summer? I will update this review if anyone comes by.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Whispering Pines Family Campground

    Lake Wateree

    Lovely GEM in the heart of Carolina. Nestled in a quiet area full of smiling faces. And the staff were extremely accommodating.

  • Bettina A.
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Bear Run Campground

    Options.

    This is an amazing campground with reasonable prices, an array of camping options to suit different camping needs as well as budget range. I am unsure if I just happen to have gotten lucky and decided to go camping during a special weekend, but it’s Labor Day weekend and I am loving that there is a calendar of events for campers to participate in if they choose to. Activities include wagon rides to the lake, talent show, karaoke…etc, as well as church! This was an unexpected gem as we are from Florida and were blessed enough to stumble upon the right person in a parking lot when my husband asked if they knew of any places that we could possibly camp at nearby and that gentleman told us about Moraine Park. Upon making our way out to here, we found Bear Run and have loved our experience so far. Love it!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Whispering Pines Family Campground

    Nee Meadow Creek campground

    Beautifully set in midst of a 360* view of mountains. Site are nicely spaced and are blessed with constant gentle breeze. Lovely wild flowers surrounded during my brief visit.

    However I was deceived seeing post and electrical hookup. Pretty sure none of them function.

  • Don H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Shenango Campground

    Great camping

    Great place to camp. Beautiful lake and wonderful people.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Mountain Top Campground

    Solitude peace and quiet

    You come up a winding road and emerge atop the mountain. It’s cute. Wide open grass land with sites around the perimeter. Half a dozen of them (premium) are at the edge and have a nice view to the hills beyond. Basic amenities. Some ice and fire wood that are self serve. We’re just here for the night and are hoping to catch an uber into the city for a pirates game. Place is full - ish but is super quiet. If you’re looking for a place to hang a hammock and read a book. This is it. Nice fire holes with a view.

  • S
    Jul. 24, 2025

    Chestnut Ridge Park and Campground

    Great community

    When I first got here the 2 owners went above and beyond in so many ways. Unfortunately they didn’t have a 50 amp site available so the owner gave me 30 amp converter at no cost and also helped me hook up my gray water and black water connections. They keep the area pristine and welcome everyone as if they are family.

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Salem-Lisbon Ohio KOA

    Nice All Year Around Camping

    This was an awesome place for a winter trip! The tent sites were big and right on the lake. Everyone was so kind!

  • Sienna L.
    Jul. 22, 2025

    Raccoon Creek State Park Campground

    Great Outdoor Spot in Beaver County

    This campground is great for a little getaway. Most sites are spacious! Only downside is you can hear the airport. Not a huge deal though! We loved it


Guide to Zelienople

Camping options near Zelienople, Pennsylvania range across wooded hillsides and creek valleys approximately 30 miles north of Pittsburgh. The area's terrain features elevations between 900-1,300 feet with clay soils that can become muddy during western Pennsylvania's frequent rainfall periods. Most campgrounds in this region offer mixed accommodation styles on partially wooded lots with varying degrees of privacy depending on site selection.

What to do

Creek exploration: Breakneck Campground sits adjacent to McConnells Mill State Park with direct creek access. "From our campsite we walked along the creek into McConnells Mill State Park and joined the covered bridge trail. Approx. 30min walk along the creek down into McConnells Mill State Park," notes Britt B., who stayed at one of the walk-in tent sites by the stream.

Fishing opportunities: During summer months, several creeks and Lake Arthur provide fishing access points. "Moraine state park is close by for canoeing and fishing," mentions Joan K. who prefers camping at Bear Run Campground for its balance of amenities and natural access.

Winter recreation: Unlike most seasonal campgrounds, Raccoon Creek State Park remains operational through winter months. "Got out for a couple hours hiking in the snow. It was great. Just what we needed to stretch the legs and enjoy some family time. We did the Palomino Loop," shares Jay R. about winter activities at the park, located southwest of Zelienople.

What campers like

Platform camping: Elevated camping platforms provide unique vantage points at some local campgrounds. "The tent camping is either grassy, flat sites or on an elevated timber platform overlooking a gorge," explains Britt B. about the distinctive options at Breakneck Campground, providing campers with views over the surrounding landscape.

Primitive stream sites: Secluded creek-side camping spots rate highly among those seeking nature immersion. "We were right next to the creek, it was super spacious and super private. There's rough terrain so typically these sites are walk in," shares Taylor S. about her experience at Breakneck Campground's primitive area.

Seasonal community: Many campgrounds host long-term seasonal campers who return year after year. "We loved camping at Bear Run so much we bought an old trailer and we now park it there year around. Every weekend there are activities," explains Amy S., highlighting the community aspect that draws repeat visitors to Bear Run Campground.

What you should know

Tent site privacy varies significantly: Open field camping dominates many campgrounds with limited visual separation between sites. "The area is not wooded at all and most sites look right into the sites next to them. If you are like me and crave privacy, avoid," warns Matt R. about certain sections at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground.

Weather considerations: Low-lying campsites face flooding risks during heavy rain periods. "The campground is entirely in a flood zone. It gets so deep the locals cars have floated away," cautions Jacqueline K. about Fombell Landing during wet weather conditions.

Limited winter facilities: While year-round camping exists at Raccoon Creek, amenities decrease in winter months. "You drive up a long, steep, windy road to the campgrounds, not to mention the drive to get to the town was very out of the way," notes Julia & Ellison T. about access challenges that intensify during colder months.

Tips for camping with families

Specialized group camping: Moraine State Park offers dedicated group tent areas rather than individual sites. "We stayed at a group tent camping site. It was very quiet and secluded feeling, yet not far from the restrooms, bike trail, water/fishing area," shares Alice M. about her experience at Moraine State Park.

Weekend activities: Several campgrounds schedule regular family events throughout camping season. "Great Place for adults and children to enjoy themselves! Plenty of activities. Welcoming Staff! Halloween weekends are a great time to visit!" notes Terra B. about family programming at Rose Point Park.

Campground layouts: Review site maps when booking with children to identify playground proximity. "This campground is great if you want activities for the kids (Has a pool, arcade, etc) but if you want some privacy in the great outdoors this definitely isn't the place," advises Nicole M. about Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping.

Tips from RVers

First-time considerations: Some campgrounds specialize in assisting new RVers. "As first time travel trailer owners, they helped us accomplish our first trip away! Upon calling to book a site, we mentioned this was our first trip, they made the utmost effort to accommodate us with all of our needs," explains Jon H. about his positive experience at Indian Brave Campground.

Site positioning: Request sites away from main roads for decreased traffic noise. "We picked a nice big lot by the dirt road. Though we had neighbors next to us, you could hardly tell they were there," shares Natalie P. about her site selection strategy at Breakneck Campground.

Extended stays: Many local campgrounds offer monthly rates for longer-term camping. "Very helpful when backing in! Very quiet, well kept camping area," reports Jim & Amy L. about their holiday weekend stay at Buttercup Woodlands Campground, where sites accommodate various RV sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Garings Campground in Zelienople, PA?

While specific reviews for Garings Campground aren't available, the Zelienople area offers several well-equipped campgrounds with similar amenities. Indian Brave Campground near Zelienople features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, nature trails, playground, basketball court, and recreation hall. Many campers choose this area for its family-friendly facilities and proximity to town. Typical campground amenities in the region include water and electric hookups, shower facilities, and picnic areas. For specific details about Garings Campground, it's recommended to contact them directly for the most current information.

How do I access Fombell Landing Campground from Zelienople?

From Zelienople, access Fombell Landing Campground by heading northeast on Route 68 toward Evans City, then connecting to Route 288 East toward Ellwood City. Follow signs for Fombell/Daugherty Township and continue onto Route 65 North. The campground is approximately 10-15 miles from Zelienople, making it a convenient option for local camping. The roads are generally well-maintained and accessible by most vehicles. For an alternative camping option in the area, Breakneck Campground offers spacious lots and a quiet atmosphere with respectful neighbors.

Which is the most popular campground near Zelienople, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Zelienople, PA is Breakneck Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 16 reviews.