Tent camping options near Zelienople, Pennsylvania include several established campgrounds with varying amenities and accessibility. Danner Primitive Campground offers hike-in tent sites along the Allegheny River, while Mountain View Camps provides tent sites with basic amenities. Quiet and Secluded property features seven reservable tent sites with more developed facilities including electric hookups and drinking water.
Most tent sites in the Zelienople area require some preparation as amenities vary significantly between locations. Danner Primitive Campground features eight level tent sites spread along the riverbank, each equipped with picnic tables and fire rings with adjustable grates. Access requires approximately a two-mile hike from the Kennerdell bridge trailhead. Vault toilets with hand sanitizer are available, and there is a spring for water that requires boiling before consumption. At Quiet and Secluded, campers have access to electricity, drinking water, and toilet facilities. The property accommodates standard vehicles without requiring high-clearance.
The camping experience varies considerably across these locations. Tent sites at Danner Primitive Campground offer a more remote feeling despite cabins visible across the river. One camper noted the campground is "in better shape than some of the regular bigger campgrounds" they had visited. For cyclists exploring the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail, Dravo's Landing Campground provides free tent camping with picnic tables, fire pits, and lean-to shelters. This walk-in campground attracts bikers and hikers with its riverside location. Visitors should secure food properly overnight, as wildlife activity has been reported. The Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground offers a unique setting among trees, though availability may be limited. Most tent sites throughout the region provide fire rings and picnic tables, making them suitable for traditional tent camping experiences.
"We're so happy to welcome this new property to our platform. Bill and Nancy offer a safe place to set up camp. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love! 💕"
Available next weekend
from $22 - $75 / night
"My first camping location and review. Camping in a tree farm has been cool! I called the number listed and left a message. See the friendly manager walking the farm."
from $35 / night
"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."
"This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail (it's the last one before Pittsburgh!)"
"This is a hike in or paddle in only campground. The shortest distance is about 2 miles from the trailhead at the Kennerdell bridge, but there are other trailheads throughout the tract also."
"Great place to stay close to hiking trails and fishing spots. Hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn."
from $20 - $70 / night
"The spacious and lush lawn has lots of space for tents, but the winner is the covered seating, dining, and cooking area. Everything is clean as a whistle…pun intended. "
from $25 / night
ScoutThis is our second time staying here. Each time in October. We love it. Unlike most RV resorts this place is small and wooded. Has free Wi-Fi, clean bathrooms and an awesome community hub room for work from home or playing games. The weekends are busy but during the week it’s so quiet and peaceful. Close to so many attractions and parks that are part of the PA Wilds. Would definitely recommend.
ScoutPLEASE DONT GO HERE ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE KIDS AND IF YOUR NOT WHITE..THE OWNER IS A RACIST HYPOCRITE AND SO ARE ALL OF HER CREW AT THIS LOWLIFE CAMPGROUND. JUST BECAUSE SHE DONT DRINK AND LIKE TO HAVE FUN, SHE RUINS IT FOR ALL THE OTHER CAMPERS..YOU HAVE TO BE IN BED AT 10PM..WHAT A FRIGGING JOKE..SHE SNEAKES AROUND IN HER GOLF CART AT NIGHT AND CREEPS IN YOUR WINDOWS TO SEE WHAT YOUR DOING. THATS WHY YOUR NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE CURTAINS CLOSED .SO HER AND HER SO CALLED HYPOCRITE FRIENDS CAN SEE WHAT YOUR DOING..WE USED TO BE UP THERE UNTIL WE SAW HOW SHE TREATED AND TALKED ABOUT THE POOR LITTLE BLACK KIDS..ESPECIALLY ON CHRISTMAS IN JULY, SHE BOUGHT TOYS FOR EVERY WHITE KID UP THERE WHILE SHE WATCHED THE LITTLE BLACK KIDS CRY THEIR EYES OUT BECAUSE THEY WERE 10 MINUTES LATE TO GET THEIR GIFTS..SHE IS A WHICH IN DISQUISE..EVERY KID GOT TO RIDE THE WAGON WITH SANTA AND WHEN SHE SAW YHE BLACK KIDS ,THEY JUST PASSED THEM UP LIKE THEY DIDNT EVEN SEE THEM...HOW CRUEL CAN SOMEONE BE🤬🤬BUT THEN AGAIN, ITS HER ,SHE HATES PEOPLE HAVING FUN UP THERE.DONT DRINK AFTER HER HRS .DONT PLAY MUSIC AFTER HER HRS..DONT DO SHIT UP THERE UNLESS YOU WANT KICKED OUT THE NEXT DAY...I NEVER SEEN ANYONE SO CRUEL AND HEARTLESS
....THERES A FEW OTHER CAMPGROUNDS AROUND THE BEND .PLEASE GO THERE IF YOU DONT WANT TO CAMP IN A PRISON CAMPGROUND....SHE'LL NEVER CHANGE..MAYBE UF YOYR WHITE, SHELL BE NICE 🤣🤣🤣AND YOU WOLNT GET KICKED OUT..
ScoutThere’s no electricity and no where in walking distance and the internet isn’t great, and at night u hear raccoons in the trash cans. If you come here bring a portable phone charger. There’s really nothing here, and the bathrooms are disgusting
TravelerStayed the weekend for the first time and it wasn’t bad! There were kids playing at sites nearby but that was all the noise, highway noise at all! I like how they have a spot for your tent with a picnic table and fire ring. I was in my rooftop tent on my truck so I wish the parking spot went back a little deeper for a little more privacy. But it was nice that there was bathrooms and showers within a 1 minute walk from the site! Also it says on here there is no AT&T signal, that’s not true…it’s not great but there is a bar or 2 at times!
ScoutWe just bought our first RV and couldn’t ask for a better first time experience!!! Lori and Fred were absolutely awesome. Great clean facilities and pool. Lots of new upgrades and updates. Gorgeous creek and pond and an absolutely amazing set of neighbors! I loved it there and will absolutely be going back!
ScoutThe park is beautiful, unlevel shade sites; is challenging to get the trailer level. unfortunately, the bathhouses are neglected, dark and full of mildew inside the showers. The park really needs to upgrade the bathhouses. The park itself is very nice and offers a lot of opportunities for outdoor exploration and hiking.
GuideThis is more a campground for RVs then tents or even roof top tents. Place is clean and the sites 90% of them are in the open. Very little shade. Travis runs the place and very nice and accommodating. Fire wood is 20 dollars for a massive amount.
ScoutSpent three nights there in August Mid-week. Was pretty quiet but was clean and nicely taken care of. No mosquitos or bugs at night. Nice walking paths. Pool, hot tub, outdoor showers all very nice.
ScoutAdvertised as a family camp but very far from it. I’ve watched this camp progressively get worse as the years go on, over priced camp with zero efforts to make anything worthwhile, run down play grounds, broken toilet paper roll holders in the bathrooms of the shower house, roads that make you feel like your off road. Owner plans “events” and then wants campers to pay for overpriced food. The owner complains nobody comes to events anymore but barely comes to them herself. The owner is VERY money hungry! And most importantly it’s home to a sex offender who the owner cherishes dearly.
It’s a shame to see how many people realized how terrible this camp was and are selling their camps because of it. The owner should open her eyes and realize she’s the reason people don’t want to be there anymore !!!
Tent camping opportunities near Zelienople, Pennsylvania range from primitive riverfront sites to more developed campgrounds with basic amenities. The region sits within the Allegheny Plateau, characterized by rolling hills, mixed hardwood forests, and elevations between 900-1,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with moderate humidity and occasional thunderstorms.
Fishing access: The Youghiogheny River at Dravo's Landing Campground provides excellent water access for anglers. "This campsite is a nice reward for west-bound riders on the GAP trail, and a nice easy introduction to bikepacking camping for the east-bound," notes camper Shari G.
Mountain biking: Trails near Mountain View Camps offer varied terrain for cyclists. "Great place to stay close to hiking trails and fishing spots. Hit the mountain bike track, explore the ruins on the game lands, and might even see an albino fawn," according to Richard C.
Historical exploration: The area around some campgrounds contains interesting historical sites. Lauren C. mentions that Dravo's Landing is "close to an old cemetery which is useful in telling ghost stories around the campfire."
Cyclist-friendly facilities: The GAP Trail Campground receives high marks from bicycle tourists. "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," writes Shari G. about The GAP Trail Campground.
Generous spacing: Larger groups appreciate ample room at some campgrounds. "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," says Sarah Q. about Dravo's Landing.
Host hospitality: Campers frequently mention the welcoming atmosphere at private properties. "Rolled up on the later side but was welcomed kindly by the owner Bill. Beautiful spot. Clean amenities!" reports Clyde A. about staying at Quiet and Secluded.
Seasonal availability: Some of the best tent camping near Zelienople is only open part of the year. Colwells Campground operates from May 1 to September 30, making advance planning important during peak season.
Reservation requirements: While some campgrounds like Dravo's Landing operate on a first-come basis, others require booking. "I called the number listed and left a message. See the friendly manager walking the farm," reports Frederick B. about his experience at Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground.
Wildlife precautions: Proper food storage is essential at campgrounds in the area. "Just be sure to secure your food overnight - if you don't, the raccoons will make quick work of it!" warns Sarah Q. about camping at Dravo's Landing.
Tree farm environment: Children particularly enjoy the unique setting at some campgrounds. "My family and I had a great time. It was very easy and relaxing. The trees were quite the entertaining experience for the kids," shares Andrew O. about Pioneer Trails Tree Farm Campground.
Bathroom accessibility: When camping with children, consider bathroom proximity. Andrew O. notes about Pioneer Trails, "Only wish toilet access was a little closer for the women. Nevertheless, we definitely recommend staying here."
Train noise considerations: Multiple campgrounds along the GAP trail experience railroad noise. "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 if you hope to sleep!" advises Shari G. about The GAP Trail Campground.
Access limitations: Most primitive tent sites near Zelienople have restrictions for RVs. Several campgrounds like Danner Primitive Campground and Dravo's Landing require hiking in and cannot accommodate large vehicles.
Electric hookup options: For those seeking basic power access while tent camping, Quiet and Secluded provides electric hookups and thirty-amp service. Tom J. describes it as a "Beautiful place. Host was very accommodating. Great time."
Seasonal considerations: RV campers converting to tent camping should prepare for temperature variations. The region experiences significant day-to-night temperature drops in spring and fall, often 20-30 degrees from daytime highs to overnight lows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Zelienople, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Zelienople, PA is Quiet and Secluded with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Zelienople, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Zelienople, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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